Microelectronic – Front-End Module (FEM) -

Expected Outcome:

The main outcome of the work is a comprehensive Front End module design which:

• Covers the FR3 range as defined by the relevant Agenda Item of WRC 27 (7 to 15 GHz range) with possible extension up to 24 GHz if required by some regional implementations.
• Covers promising use cases with possibility to support both cellular (FR1 like) and FWA (FR2 like) scenarios.
• Makes possible progress towards ITU IMT 2030 specifications, notably for what concerns maximum data rate, user data rate, spectral efficiency, whilst targeting 50% mobile transmission system energy consumption.
• Is based on technologies, architectures and implementations feasibility leading to European product developments and mass markets.
• Enables integration of heterogeneous classes of technologies, namely i) computing (e.g. CMOS, FDSOI); ii) RF (e.g. RF CMOS, RF SOI, FD-SOI, GaN-on-SiC, GaN-on-Si, InP, InP on Si, SiGeBiCMOS, SiGebipolar); iii) power generation technologies (e.g. GaN-on-SiC, GaN-on-Si, BCD, LDMOS).
• Leverages European strongholds in the above domains and is compatible with downstream Transfer to Chip JU Pilot lines.
• Addresses packaging.
• Covers frequency sharing and co-existence with incumbent services, notably satellites at FR3 range.
• Enables integration of secure sensing technologies and ISAC use-cases.

Objective:

Please refer to the "Specific Challenges and Objectives" section for Stream B-05 in the Work Programme, available under ‘Topic Conditions and Documents - Additional Documents’.

Scope:

The scope of this topic focuses on the following areas:

• A FEM design that covers in priority the FR3 frequency range. Only in the case of integration breakthroughs for supporting various bands through a single system, FR1 and even FR2 may be considered. In principle, research focusing solely on FR1 or above 24 GHz (i.e., FR2 or above) are not in scope of this work.
• The characterisation and operational requirements of use cases that would most appropriately benefit from FR3 operations in the wireless domain, for both cellular use cases and FWA use cases, and their comparison with implementations at FR1 or FR2 respectively.
• The design of a complete FEM including a Digital Front End, a Radio Front End including antenna elements with the needed conversion stages and capable of handling at least 200 MHz channels. It enables high throughput/capacity fronthaul with performance capabilities close to those defined by the ITU 2030 Framework (ITU-R Recommendation M.2160-0) for peak data rates, user data rates and spectrum efficiency whilst enabling 50% energy savings of the transmission for a comparable bit rate conveyed by a 5G system.
• Smart integration of a multiplicity of heterogeneous technologies and modules with low loss characteristics at RF, digital, power levels and related packaging, leveraging Chip JU developments as appropriate notably for ultra-high transmit power/system Core technologies needed to develop high power/ high gain/low noise transceivers together with their coupling with CMOS/digital technology and enabling SoC implementation. Optical technologies may be in scope if compatible with an efficient FEM design and implementation, and further transfer towards Chip JU Pilot lines.
• Design supporting Integrated Communication and Sensing application and including secure ICAS specific functions at digital or RF level. It covers the implementation aspects of a combined Rx/Tx chain for JCAS with high node integration.
• Support of downstream high level of node integration for further transfer to Pilot Lines. A plan for development up to such transfer to the relevant Pilot Line(s) is expected.
• Evaluation of use of ML/AI for Tx/Rx for 6G performance and low cost, plus low energy consumption solutions. Analog neural networks processing technology may be considered for this domain, as appropriate.
• Minimisation of interferences and support of efficient interference control with incumbent users of the FR3 spectrum range, notably satellites. The work will address the needed control functions and their implementation. For this particular activity, related projects under the FEM Topic, the NTN Topic and the wireless R&I work are expected to closely cooperate.
• Implementation on SoC. Specific SoC architectures based on RISC V may be considered but should not be a mandatory requirement.

Note: To optimise the downstream implementation, the scope is open to several competing technologies and design. To that end, the work is expected to be backed with a very solid combination of European industrial leaders in the radio communication and microelectronic domains with adequate support from relevant academics and RTO’s. The work may also consider existing FEM initiatives in Member States which should hence be compatible with wider industrial exposure in an EU collaborative environment.

Applicants should clearly identify the areas/priorities they address in case they only cover a subset.

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