Millimeter Wave Transceiver

• 11 Nov 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) for the development of a “Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G rural connectivity”.

Key Points

• Millimeter Wave Backhaul Technology Project:
  • It aims to develop millimeter wave backhaul technology for improved 5G connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
    • A limited number of small cell-based stations (SBSs) will be connected to the network gateway through fiber, reducing infrastructure needs.
  • The transceiver development will use a combined optical and millimeter wave approach.
    • It is expected to reduce the overall size and cost of the technology, making it more efficient and affordable.
  • It aims to reduce India's reliance on international semiconductor fabrication industries, bolstering self-reliance.
  • It will contribute to generating Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and developing a skilled workforce in millimeter wave and Sub-THz technology, preparing for advancements in 5G and 6G.
• Support for Local Industry and Employment:
  • The project encourages small and medium-scale industries to establish manufacturing units in India, especially in polymer-based and metal-integrated structures.
  • Increased local manufacturing will create job opportunities for Indian engineering graduates.
• Funding Support under TTDF Scheme:
  • The agreement is signed under the Department of Telecommunications’ Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.
  • TTDF is designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, supporting the domestic development and commercialization of telecom products and solutions.

Millimeter Wave

• About:
  • It is a wireless communication technology that uses high-frequency radio waves to transmit data.
  • Millimeter waves have a frequency range of 30–300 GHz, and a wavelength range of 1–10 millimeters.
• Uses:
  • 5G: Millimeter waves are used in 5G to provide high-speed, increased bandwidth communications.
  • Explosive detection: Millimeter waves can pass through clothing and reflect off of the body, allowing imaging systems to detect concealed objects.
  • Other applications: Millimeter waves can be used for business and residential broadband access, campus area networks, outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots, and more.

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)

• It was established in 1984. It is an autonomous Telecom R&D (Research and Development) centre of DoT (Department of Telecom), Ministry of Communications.
• It is a registered society under the Societies Registration Act,1860.
• It is a registered public-funded research institution with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.