IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🌟 The U.S. Army is developing a new low-power antenna that promises 5G speeds with only 10% of the current energy consumption.
  • 🔬 Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have created a millimeter-wave gradient index (GRIN) lens antenna for wideband beam steering.
  • 📡 This innovation could lead to a “5G-on-the-move” solution, offering improved efficiency, safety, and versatility in military and civilian applications.
  • 🛠️ Prototypes are constructed through a detailed 100-hour process using 3D-printed materials, paving the way for future advancements in wireless technology.

In an era where the demand for high-speed internet is surging, the U.S. Army is spearheading a technological revolution with the development of a groundbreaking antenna system. This innovation promises to deliver the speed of 5G networks while using a mere 10% of the energy compared to current systems. As the world grapples with the energy demands of advanced technology, this new solution offers a beacon of hope. At a time when each 5G base station consumes as much energy as 73 U.S. households, the implications of this energy-efficient technology could be transformative for both military and civilian applications.

Revolutionizing Wireless Technology: The New Low-Power Antenna

The new low-power antenna is a type of millimeter-wave gradient index (GRIN) lens antenna, marking a significant leap in wireless technology. Although GRIN lenses have been around for over a century, the idea of applying them to 5G networks was once considered far-fetched. Jonathan Chisum, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, has been at the forefront of this innovation. He observed that a substantial portion of the cost to operate cellular networks stems from electricity usage, primarily due to the multiple antennas required for different frequency bands.

This led to a simple yet revolutionary idea: What if one wideband antenna could replace many power-hungry chips? By leveraging the physics of materials, Chisum and his team have been able to design an antenna that performs the work traditionally done by numerous components. This advancement could drastically reduce operational costs and improve the efficiency of 5G networks, making it a viable option for widespread use.

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Breakthrough in Wideband Beam Steering

Over eight years of meticulous research, Chisum and his lab have made groundbreaking discoveries in wideband beam steering. These findings have enabled the creation of an antenna capable of operating across all 5G frequency bands, a feat previously deemed unattainable. The antenna’s wideband and low-power capabilities make it particularly valuable to the U.S. Army, which operates 5G networks globally across varying frequencies.

Chisum emphasized the importance of this capability, noting that it can be integrated into mobile platforms due to its small size and lightweight nature. For the Army, a wideband solution that consumes minimal power is not just beneficial but essential. The potential applications for this technology extend beyond military uses, promising enhancements in commercial and civilian mobile networks as well.

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5G-On-The-Move: A New Era of Connectivity

The introduction of this technology could usher in a new era of connectivity with its “5G-on-the-move” solution. This advancement promises improved efficiency, safety, and versatility once implemented. While the development of the new technology is a significant milestone, it represents only the first step in deploying it for civilian use. Researchers in Chisum’s lab are working diligently to refine digital models of the lens antenna using advanced computer-aided design software.

To transition from conceptualization to real-world application, Chisum’s lab has assembled a team of industry partners. This collaboration includes leading vendors with expertise in wireless networks, antennas, and additive manufacturing tailored to GRIN media. Together, they aim to bring this revolutionary technology from the lab into the broader field, potentially transforming how we perceive and utilize wireless networks.

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Crafting Innovation: The 100-Hour Prototype Process

The creation of this antenna isn’t just about advanced technology; it’s also a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Researchers have showcased an antenna prototype, constructed layer-by-layer through a painstaking 100-hour process. Each antenna utilizes a 3D-printed dielectric material with a repeating pattern of gyroid cells, highlighting the intricate design and attention to detail involved in its construction.

Nicolas Garcia, CEO of Cheshir Industries, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing its significance in advancing national wireless capabilities and marking a milestone in the commercialization of wideband GRIN antenna systems. As these prototypes evolve, they pave the way for future innovations in wireless technology, potentially reshaping industries and enhancing connectivity worldwide.

As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution in wireless communication, the potential impact of these innovations is vast. By drastically reducing energy consumption, this new antenna technology offers a sustainable path forward for 5G and beyond. Could this be the beginning of a new era where high-speed connectivity and energy efficiency go hand in hand, revolutionizing industries and changing lives globally?

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Rosemary Potter is a Chicago-based journalist for Sustainability Times, covering global sustainability challenges, environmental policy, science, business and climate resilience. A graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she blends investigative depth with a global perspective. Her reporting amplifies voices driving change across borders, industries, and ecosystems. Contact: [email protected]

12 Comments
  1. alexanderbravery8 on

    I’m interested in how this will impact cybersecurity. Will faster networks mean more vulnerabilities?

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