/Millimeter-Wave Wideband Hybrid Loadpull Measurement Technology

Millimeter-Wave Wideband Hybrid Loadpull Measurement Technology

Leuven | More than two weeks ago

push the limits of high-speed measurements

With the advent of mmWave 6G communications, it has become crucial to characterize devices and circuits under varying source- and load impedances at conditions that mimic these emerging applications. 

While still useful, it is no longer sufficient to perform such characterizations at single excitation frequencies or across a narrow bandwidth (<100 MHz). Instead, characterizations are to be performed over realistic signal bandwidths which are multi-GHz in emerging mmWave communication applications. Achieving a predefined impedance characteristic over a multi-GHz bandwidth cannot be achieved by passive loadpull, but requires active or hybrid loadpull. Some commercial solutions exist at microwave frequencies, but not reaching yet the mmWave band. The major reason is the need of a frequency multiplier (FreqX) in the signal generation path in order to reach W-band (and beyond), and this device strongly introduces unwanted distortion. The aim of this PhD research is synthesizing a predefined wideband load in the mmWave band by properly predistorting the load excitation as to compensate for the nonlinearity induced by the FreqX. The challenge is that such pre-distortions are to be achieved simultaneously at the source and load side, and therefore adding the complexity of synchronization and real-time monitoring of the realized wideband loads.

In this PhD, you will address these challenges and implement advanced innovative metrology techniques in our lab. You will apply these techniques to state of the art RF devices produced at imec. You will work together with experts in microwave techniques and in RF devices.

Required background: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Material science, Physics, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology or equivalent. Solid background in microwave techniques and semiconductor physics. Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Type of work: 20% literature, 20% theory, 60% measurements

Supervisor: Dominique Schreurs

Co-supervisor: Bertrand Parvais

Daily advisor: Rana ElKashlan

The reference code for this position is 2025-034. Mention this reference code on your application form.

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