The Microwave Engineering Group covers a variety of research areas from basic to applied research. A state-of-the-art microwave laboratory as well as a variety of circuit-, system-, and electromagnetic field simulators make this possible. In the microwave laboratory, almost all types of measurements can be performed ranging from on-wafer to whole systems.

A special feature of the group is the broad knowledge of the researchers, which goes far beyond the microwave technology. This is particularly evident in the implementation of research projects with FPGA-based real-time signal processing, the design of complex microwave systems and the use of strong signal processing algorithms.

Much of the group´s activity is focused on communication applications. In particular, the group is working on efficient, linear, and robust transceivers. On the transmission side, this includes, for example, switched mode power amplifiers; on the receiver side, the group is investigating interference-proof receivers. Basic research is currently focused on improving polyharmonic distortion (PHD) based nonlinear models.

In the field of UHF RFID, the group has extensive knowledge in the field of reader design and tag localization. As the newest research area, the Microwave Engineering Group investigates the description, modeling and emulation of interference in shared frequency bands (as part of the EFRE Interreg project InterOP).

Research Activities Overview

Research Capabilities

  • Linear Vector Network Analysis (VNA): 50 GHz⁄4-port
  • Nonlinear VNA: 67 GHz/4port-X-parameters/mixer/pulsed
Picture of a vector network analyzer next to a wafer prober. Two radio frequency cables make a connection from the analyzer’s port to the probes of the wafer prober.

© Holger Arthaber

VNA connected to wafer prober

  • Low frequency component characterization: 10-500 MHz
  • Signalsources (CW up to 40 GHz, modulated 120 MHz RF BW)
  • Spectrum analyzers and signal analysis: up to 44 GHz
  • Pulsed measurements (RF and/or bias)
  • Nonlinear measurements
    • LSNA (Large Signal Network Analyzer): 20 GHz
    • PNA-X (4port/X-Parameter/mixer/pulsed...): 50 GHz
    • Harmonic Load Pull (active/passive; Maury ATS): 18 GHz
    • Low Impedance test-fixtures
  • Oscilloscopes/TDR/Eye-analysis: 20 GHz+
  • Noise figure measurement: 18 GHz
  • RF wafer-prober with thermo-chuck
  • Others
    • Microwave simulation tools (AWR)
    • 2.5/3D field simulation (AWR, CST, HFSS, Comsol)
    • System simulation (AWR)
    • Rapid prototyping PCB milling machine
Picture of a printed circuit board processed with a prototyping PCB mill. Picture of the rapid prototyping PCB mill with PCB mounted on the machine bed.

© Holger Arthaber

Milled RF PCB and rapid prototyping PCB mill

  • Additional equipment (on shared basis with in-house groups)
  • Bit/Pattern-generators: 40 GHz+
  • Oscilloscopes/Eye-analysis: 70 GHz+
  • EMC tests with GTEM-cell
  • Anechoic chamber, antenna measurements: 40 GHz
Picture of the inside of an anechoic room with pyramidally shaped wave absorbers. In the center of the room, an antenna is mounted on top of a rotary stage.

© Holger Arthaber

Antenna measurement system in anechoic chamber

European Union

Image of the European Flag