The next generations of wireless systems will deploy hundreds or even thousands of antenna modules, by pushing the paradigm of massive MIMO to new limits. This PhD project will develop new antenna array topologies that can offer extremely sharp directivity (a concept known as super-directivity) with satisfactory efficiency. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers at the Centre of Wireless Innovation at QUB led by Professor Michalis Matthaiou. This PhD position is part of the prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant BEATRICE whose aim is to amalgamate information theory and electromagnetism. The successful candidate should have solid experience in electromagnetic theory, numerical E/M simulations, antenna design and massive MIMO as evidenced by journal/conference publications.
Project Description:
Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MaMi) is now a core technology for 5G networks. With MaMi, we refer to systems with an unconventionally large number (e.g. hundreds or even thousands) of base station antennas simultaneously serving tens (or even hundreds) of users. To date, the development of MaMi has been exclusively based on information theory (IT) tailored towards cellular communications. While IT is undoubtedly a versatile mathematical tool, it is based on mathematical logic. This theoretical framework now needs to be extended and reshaped to: (i) account for the unique electromagnetic (EM) properties and (ii) incorporate the main feature of future MaMi-based communication systems, namely their capability of sensing the system’s response to the radio waves, and thereby informing its modification. The grand question that the proposed research will address is: Are the existing IT tools sufficient to understand the physical phenomena and develop the upcoming generation of MaMi-based systems in ten years from now? BEATRICE will address this fundamental question by unifying EM theory and IT and pave the way for an extended range of applications supported by massive antenna arrays after 2025.
The specific project objectives are to:
O1) Develop super-directive massive antenna arrays by harnessing knowledge about the EM properties of the transceivers and the propagation medium.
O2) Leverage the world-class test and measurement facilities at QUB, to design, fabricate and measure novel array topologies.
Funding Information:
Funding Body: European Research Council
This is a fully-funded 3-year PhD studentship (£15,589 per year with yearly increments) including tuition fees. It is open to all international students and funded through a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant led by Professor Michalis Matthaiou.
Academic Requirements (depending on studentships Local and/or International)
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualificationacceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School. International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. More details can be found here: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/electrical-electronic-engineering-phd.html#entry
Principal Supervisor (s): Professor Michalis Matthaiou
Contact Details: [Email Address Removed]
Second Supervisor: Dr Hien Quoc Ngo
Application Closing date: 30/03/2021
Start Date: 01/10/2021
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