XJet Ltd. announced at RAPID + TCT that the University of Delaware (UDEL) has installed an XJet Carmel 1400 AM System and is using it to develop cutting-edge antenna technology called ‘Passive Beam Steering,’ for several applications, including the 5G network.

The XJet Carmel 1400 AM System, using NanoParticle Jetting (NPJ) technology, solves a crucial problem in the roll-out of the 5G network. In comparison to 4G/3G, 5G signals deliver data 10-20 times faster, however they are more sensitive to objects and inference, requiring an increase in the number of antennas to solve the issue. Existing antenna technology is too expensive to enable the successful scaling up of infrastructure required by 5G.

According to Mark Mirotznik, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Delaware, their research team has developed special software and algorithms to enable the design of small, lightweight, cost-effective 5G antennas. The issue facing the university was that, seemingly, no manufacturing process existed to produce the lens with the complex structure, small channels and material properties required. The university then discovered XJet.

“Discovering XJet NanoParticle Jetting was a real light-bulb moment for us. In one stroke, it solved our previous frustration in achieving both the material characteristics combined with the geometric properties essential to our solution. NPJ produces the inner walls of each channel with the accuracy and smoothness required to retain wave direction – but in ceramic. XJet’s ceramic is an isotropic, 100% density ceramic with the right dielectric constant, which does not ‘absorb’ and weaken signal. Quite literally, any tiny variation in tolerance could lead to diversion of the signal to the wrong place, and that couldn’t be afforded,” affirms Mirotznik.

Research conducted at Youngstown State University (YSU), using the XJet Carmel 1400 system, supports the results of the University of Delaware with regards to density, isotropic properties, dielectric constant and the use of XJet for the development of devices such as the 5G antenna.

“We carried out research to establish the nature and properties of XJet printed Zirconia. This suggested the crystal structure of the prints are nearly even; the dielectric constant is high while the loss tangent is low and are both similar to the value expected from a non-printed crystal. This high dielectric constant with low loss opens the potential for 3D printing of a variety of microwave devices including antennas, lenses, and filters. Two simple dielectric resonator antennas were demonstrated with the material, showing that the measured material properties can indeed be used for accurate design of such devices with electromagnetic simulation tools,” says Professor Eric MacDonald, Friedman Chair for Manufacturing, YSU.

“The University of Delaware’s application of NanoParticle Jetting technology for antennas is pioneering. 5G is expected to bring connectivity to support everything from autonomous vehicles and smart cities, to long-distance surgery, live-streaming virtual reality and the prospect of a limitless ‘Internet of Things’,” says XJet CEO Hanan Gothait.

“5G antennas will need to be produced in the millions to deploy a successful, fully functioning 5G global network – and millions is exactly the kind of productivity this system has been designed for,” concludes Gothait.

XJet
www.xjet3d.com