The standardization of 5G by 3GPP is now well underway, with the release of releases 15 (2018) and 16 (2020). Release 17 is almost complete but has been delayed due to the pandemic and release 18 is in its very first phase. In this context, French R&D must remain involved and even become a major player for the continuation of 5G and the networks of the future (beyond 5G, 6G). The alliance of the Institut Mines-Télécom, CEA and CNRS within a research program will allow the acceleration of this strategy and will guarantee the national sovereignty in the digital domain.

One of the main evolutions of 5G is the introduction of new spectrum chunks in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands (20 to 52.6 GHz). While mmWave bands are traditionally considered for backhaul links, the 3GPP 5GNR has paved the way of the use of mmWave bands for access. This spectrum offers the potentiality of high-capacity wireless transmission of multi-gigabit-per-second (Gbps) data rates. The first deployments of 5G are primarily focused on the sub-6 GHz band and the use of mmWave technology is expected to be a key enabler for the evolution of 5G. Despite the large available bandwidth potential, mmWave signal transmissions suffer from fundamental technical challenges like severe path loss, sensitivity to blockage, cost and energy consumption of the Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers.

The objective of the project is to propose innovative solutions at all levels, from antenna systems to signal processing by integrating circuits on advanced technologies to mature the mmWave technology and make it compatible with tomorrow's technical and societal requirements. Special attention is given to the design of energy-optimized systems at circuit level, antenna system and signal processing. The project brings together 12 institutional partners and 30 technical contributions.