The University of Huddersfield is buying a single piece of equipment—a Vector Network Analyser (VNA) that works from 70 kHz up to 110 GHz—to close a critical gap in its ability to test high-frequency electronics. Currently, the university cannot test devices operating above 24 GHz. This matters because next-generation technologies—5G/6G mobile networks, driverless vehicle communications, and satellite internet—all rely on millimetre-wave and sub-THz frequencies between 30 and 110 GHz. Without a VNA that reaches those bands, researchers cannot accurately measure antennas, amplifiers, filters, or metamaterials designed for those systems. If the VNA succeeds, it will enable precise characterisation of components for 5G/6G base stations, vehicle-to-vehicle antennas for autonomous cars, and deployable reflector antennas for Low Earth Orbit satellites that could bring connectivity to unserved regions. It will also support medical applications, such as wideband antennas for early breast cancer detection. The instrument will train early-career researchers and strengthen collaborations with industrial partners. The project is primarily an equipment purchase to enable applied research in telecommunications and sensing, not fundamental science.
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Funding is sought to purchase a broadband 110GHz Vector Network Analyser (VNA) to improve the University of Huddersfield's research capacity. To assist research on higher frequency radio frequency (RF) systems, which are directly related to next-generation technologies, including 5G/6G communications, metamaterials, and advanced sensor technologies, the proposed VNA will support several research disciplines within our institution, and more specifically, within the STAR (Systems, Telecommunications, and Antennas Research) group. Context In order to analyse complicated RF and microwave components, modern breakthroughs in telecommunications, wireless technologies, and electronics require accurate and trustworthy measurement instruments and techniques. We do not currently have the ability to test devices operating at frequencies above 24GHz. This capacity gap will be filled by the purchase of the VNA, which will enable testing over a wide frequency range (70 kHz to 110 GHz). Challenges Addressed Global efforts to develop 5G/6G and beyond technology, millimetre-wave (30-90GHz) and sub-THz (90-110GHz), and metamaterial research require sophisticated measuring technologies that deliver high-frequency stability, dynamic range, and precise S-parameter measurements. By providing best-in-class performance for both active and passive device testing, including antennas, amplifiers, filters, etc., the proposed VNA will help our research teams overcome these challenges. Aims and Objectives The overarching objective for this investment is to improve our University's testing and measurement capabilities by obtaining a broadband VNA that can be used for various research projects in the millimetre-wave, microwave, and sub-THz domains. As a result, we will be able to: Characterise high-frequency components with high precision. Encourage the study of telecommunication hardware such as antennas, metasurfaces, and advanced metamaterials for radiofrequency applications. Permit thorough testing of millimetre-wave and sub-THz communication systems, particularly those related to 5G/6G and beyond. Encourage cooperation within and across University departments, as well as with external industrial and academic partners. Advance the training of early-career researchers (ECRs) in cutting-edge technology domains through access to the VNA. Potential Applications and Benefits The scientific research and innovations that will be enabled by the proposed VNA include: Millimetre-wave and sub-THz band (30-110 GHz) applications: measurements of novel amplifier and antenna designs to be used in beyond 5G/6G mobile communication in the 30 to 110 GHz frequency range (mm wave band). It will be used in the measurement base station and integrated handset multiband antennas for 5G/6G, Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antennas, and wideband Vivaldi antenna arrays. Measurements of antennas installed on vehicles related to vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V) for driverless vehicles are also foreseen. It will also be used in the design and measurement of innovative reconfigurable reflective surfaces using metamaterials to have specifically designed frequency response and to be tuneable with a variable controlled phase-shift for improved coverage in 6G and beyond. Super High Frequency (SHF; 3-30 GHz) applications: a new generation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems will provide coverage and enhanced connectivity for unserved areas of the globe. Measurements of GaN amplifiers, diplexers, circulators, filters, novel satellite deployable reflector antennas, wrapped rib, offset antennas, and log-periodic antennas will be enabled by the VNA as well as characterisation of double polarization antennas for terrestrial and space use, radar antennas, wideband Vivaldi antennas, antennas for body-centric and medical communications, Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) propagation studies, microwave imaging antennas, wideband metamaterial-based antennas for early breast cancer detection and treatment.
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