MIMO antenna array for 5G handset applications

Antennas for 5G smartphones, tablet PCs require multiple-bands operation for efficient spectrum utilization and robust links. Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) arrays meet the demand on multiple functions and superior performance like high gain.

In addition, other characteristics like the low profile and dual-polarisation are also desired. Mutual coupling degradation arises significantly from the compact size of portable devices as well. In mm-wave band operation, the integrated antenna designs with RF circuits are being studied.

In this project, diverse designs for 5G handset devices will be designed and verified by experiments. The promising antennas and cutting-edge design methods will be accordingly proposed.

The successful candidate should hold an Honours Degree or a Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering (e.g., microwave engineering, electromagnetics, antenna theory), communications or another relevant subject area. The candidates with knowledge or research experience on antenna/array design, electromagnetics or RF devices are preferred. You should have strong experience with Ansys HFSS, CST Studio Suite, Altair FEKO or PathWave ADS.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you woold be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Nila Nilavalan - Dr. R. Nilavalan obtained the B.Sc. Eng. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (First Class) from University of Peradeniya, SriLanka in 1995 and his PhD in Near-field microwave imaging from University of Bristol, UK in 2001. From 1999 to 2005 he was a researcher at Centre for Communications Research (CCR), Bristol University working in the field of Radio Frequency Engineering.  He was member of the European commission, Network of Excellence on Antennas from 2002 - 2005. He joined Brunel University London in September 2005 as a lecturer in wireless communications. Professional Memberships and Services

• Senior member of the IEEE
• Member of the IET
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Shaoqing Hu - Dr Shaoqing Hu joined the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering as a Lecturer from 2021. Prior to this appointment, he was a teaching associate, teaching fellow with the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London. He is the member of IET, IEEE, SPIE (The international society for optics and photonics), working committee in UK of China Institute of Communications, and Electromagnetic Systems Interest Group: The UK Radar Society.  Dr Hu received the B.Eng and M.Eng degrees at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in 2013 and 2016, and the PhD degree at Queen Mary University of London in 2020. His research interests include millimeter wave/THz security detection, sparse imaging, antennas, arrays, engineering optimisation and wireless communication. He was a Session Chair of APS/URSI 2020, TPC member of CNIS2023, ICVIP2021, ISAI 2017, ITA 2017, key member of local organizing committee of 2014 7th and 2019 12th UK/Europe-China Workshop on Millimetre-Waves and Terahertz Technologies (UCMMT). Dr Hu was also a recipient of Student Paper Award with IEEE Asia-Pacific Conference on Antennas and Propagation in 2015, and First Prize of Best Student Paper Award with UK-Europe-China Workshop on Millimeter Waves and THz Technologies in 2020. He serves as a referee for 2022 UK Doctoral Research Award and many peer-reviewed journals. I am open to PhD applications and welcome postdoctors and visiting scholars who have the ambition to deliver cutting-edge research output. There are a number of highly competitive international exchange grants, postdoctoral or early career fellowship schemes: The Royal Society Internationl Exchanges, EPSRC Postdoctroal Fellowship, Lverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship, Lverhulme Trust Research Fellowship, Newton International Fellowships, Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship, Marie Sklodowska-Curie ActionsPostdoctoral Fellowship. You need to obtain the support from Brunel University London as your Host Institution for these applications, along with a very competitive research proposal. I have experience in supporting RAEng Research Fellwoship and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship. Feel free to drop me an email with your CV and a research proposal.

Related Research Group(s)

Electronic Systems - Investigating processes and mechanisms found in nature to inspire alternative approaches to the design and implementation of intelligent electronic systems.