The expansion of 5G wireless networks has transformed mobile connectivity for over two billion users worldwide, offering faster upload and download speeds, reduced latency, and more reliable service. However, this advancement comes at a significant energy cost. Unlike earlier network generations, 5G base stations consume a considerable amount of power, equal to the energy usage of 73 average U.S. households per station.
At the University of Notre Dame, a team of researchers has embarked on an exciting mission to tackle the energy challenges of 5G networks. Funded by the U.S. Army and backed by industry partners, they aim to create antennas that deliver the same high-speed performance of 5G but use only ten percent of the energy. It’s an ambitious plan, but the groundwork has already been laid through prior research at the University on low-power antenna technology.
The team has developed a special artificial dielectric material in their lab, which holds the secret to this breakthrough. The material is the foundation for their new, energy-efficient antenna design.
According to researchers, this project could change the way 5G technology works, offering a powerful and sustainable solution.
The existing cell tower uses different antennas for each band and relies on active, powered chips. The team’s initial idea was simple: design similar capabilities in just one very wideband antenna by letting the physics of materials do the work usually done by many power-hungry chips.
Once considered an impossible concept, the new low-power antenna is a remarkable breakthrough in wireless technology. It’s a millimeter-wave gradient index (GRIN) lens antenna, a design rooted in over a century of history. However, until recently, most researchers dismissed the idea of adapting this technology for 5G networks.
That changed when Jonathan Chisum and his lab spent eight years unlocking the science behind wideband beam steering. Their discoveries have enabled them to develop a single GRIN lens antenna that works across all 5G frequency bands—a feat no one thought achievable.
This innovation is especially valuable to the U.S. Army, which relies heavily on 5G for secure communication, tracking equipment, and monitoring soldiers’ health. The antenna’s wideband and energy-efficient capabilities are ideal for Army operations, as current 5G systems are expensive and challenging to deploy in the field.
Imagine a world where 5G isn’t just static—it’s “on the move,” offering better efficiency, safety, and flexibility wherever it’s needed. Researchers are bringing that vision to life.
Their journey began with a groundbreaking prototype, painstakingly crafted layer by layer over a meticulous 100-hour process in the lab. This early design showcases the potential of their energy-efficient antenna technology. But the team isn’t stopping there. Using advanced 3D printing techniques, they’re working on a faster and more cost-effective way to produce these antennas for widespread use.
Once manufacturing is streamlined, the team plans to test the technology in real-world settings.
Source: Tech Explorist