Executive summary
RF Sampo focuses on solving the complexity problem in modern radio solutions related to their design and manufacturing. The evolution of wireless systems and the large variety of support applications will lead to a highly diverse set of requirements for radios and their RF parts. They operate at very different frequencies and environmental conditions. The project looks specifically at aspects of hierarchical design and new core technologies from RF hardware, software and system integration aspects for future industrial and other vertical 5G solutions. Challenges include increased customization and co-existence of various radios from the user perspective. RF and antenna technologies being studied cover aspects of the modelling of RF systems and designing new technologies, approaches, and solutions for 5G radios and beyond.
Project positioning
RF Sampo project will enhance future radio platform design with modelling concept. It supports complex and customized wireless solutions for various application verticals and paves the way toward 6G. New RF solutions for 5G and 6G will include new antenna structures, new integrated circuits and RF related architectures, concepts, and algorithms. Future competitiveness requires both technical and development excellence. RF Sampo addresses both to realize the business potential in industrial 5G so that various verticals can leverage advanced solutions and renewed competencies.
Project content and partner roles
Each project partner brings their specific expertise for different areas in the RF design process. Partners collaborate in several work packages focusing on one or many areas included in the project. The figure below depicts the centre of gravity of each partner in the activities of this project.
RF Ecosystem
In the 5G value chain, RF technology addresses areas of infrastructure and devices. It facilitates 5G ecosystem cycle growth – with access to a spectrum that needs to be as efficient as possible in terms of resource and energy use and pace of product creation. A national ecosystem with leading ten companies and three research partners will be a strong source of innovation for economic growth in this field.
Growth potential
Growth potential for RF technology companies in 5G arises from the generic need for different types of wireless devices but also from innovations linked to technology disruption (mmWave, applying AI, mMIMO, requirement for wide bandwidths) and from business disruption as the tailored networks are sold directly to the end customers – not only operators.
