Silicon-Based mm-Wave Phased-Arrays for 5G/6G and SATCOM
The rapid growth of data-intensive applications is creating unprecedented challenges and opportunities in telecommunications. With 5G already leveraging mmWave spectrum and 6G targeting peak data rates approaching 1 Tbps, future networks will demand even broader spectrum allocations across the mmWave and sub-THz bands. Affordable phased arrays have emerged as a cornerstone of this evolution, offering directive communication to overcome severe free-space path loss while enabling narrow beamwidths, high interference tolerance, and adaptive nulling.
Overview
This talk will explore the design challenges of mmWave ultra-wideband integrated circuits and phased-array systems capable of supporting terrestrial (5G/6G) and non-terrestrial (SATCOM) communications. Particular emphasis will be placed on silicon-based solutions that deliver low-cost scalability without compromising performance.
The discussion will conclude with future opportunities in phased-array research, highlighting the transformation from the Marconi era to a new era of directive communications where every antenna and sensor is electronically steerable. Lessons learned from prior research will also be shared, offering perspective on the path toward ubiquitous multi-Gbps connectivity.
Presenters
Brief Biography
Abdulrahman Alhamad is an assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at KAUST. He earned his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Before joining KAUST, Alhamad was a senior technical staff member in the Silicon Engineering Group at Apple Inc., where he contributed to the development of 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) cellular chipsets. He was also part of the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Group at Nokia Bell Labs, working on advanced mmWave communication circuits.
At KAUST, he leads the Integrated Telecommunication and Sensing Systems (ITASS) group, focusing on millimeter-wave and sub-terahertz (>90 GHz) technologies for telecommunications and sensing applications. His research spans transceivers, phased arrays, radars and hybrid beamforming systems for 5G/6G telecommunications, satellite communications (SATCOM) and advanced sensing.
Alhamad has been recognized for his contributions to wireless communication and circuit design, including the Outstanding Designer Award from Analog Devices for his work on 5G multiband phased-array systems. His research has been featured in leading IEEE journals, including the Journal of Solid-State Circuits and the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society.
