5G NR Optimized Heterogeneous Networks (ART/294CP) | ASTRI - Hong Kong Applied Science And Technology Research Institute Company Limited

Project Title:

5G NR Optimized Heterogeneous Networks (ART/294CP)

Project Reference:

ART/294CP

Project Type:

Platform

Project Period:

16 / 03 / 2020 - 15 / 03 / 2022

Funds Approved (HK$’000):

29989.1388

Project Coordinator:

Dr Eddy CHIU

Deputy Project Coordinator:

Deliverable:

Research Group:

Sponsor:

Ingacom Semiconductor Co., Limited (Sponsor)
Hon Lin Technology Co., Ltd (Sponsor)
Hon Lin Technology Co., Ltd (Licensing) (Sponsor)
Hon Lin Technology Co., Ltd (Contract Services) (Sponsor)

Description:

5G networks are being rapidly deployed internationally. The evolution from 4G to 5G will enable new eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) and URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) use cases. As these new use cases give rise to diverse requirements for coverage area and performance, it is envisioned that 5G networks will adopt a HetNet (heterogeneous network) architecture, where 4G/5G macro cells are used to provide coverage with 5G small cells providing enhanced services, whereas low-, mid-, and high-frequency spectrum bands are used together to achieve wide coverage and/or high throughput. This project will deliver new 5G NR (New Radio) HetNet base station reference design that supports (1) LTE-5G NR dual connectivity (EN-DC), (2) automatic neighbor relations (ANR), (3) supplementary uplink (SUL), (4) cross link Interference (CLI) handling, and (5) a mmWave (millimeter wave) RF (radio frequency) frontend prototype design and beam management. A number of companies have shown strong interests in collaborating with ASTRI and adopting our technologies to be developed from this project. Initially engaged customers include a network equipment vendor and a mmWave RFIC vendor.

Co-Applicant:

Keywords:

More about ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; Innovative Mind; and IoT Sensing and AI Technologies. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. As of 2023/24, ASTRI has transferred more than 1,500 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,100 patents in the Mainland, the US, and other countries.

As a Hong Kong R&D centre, one of ASTRI’s important goals is to help customers harness business opportunities from the thriving technology market and increase their competitive strengths. Customers and partners can improve their efficacy by drawing on ASTRI’s expertise and research achievements.