IMS2026 Schedule

The Boot camp runs ½ day (4 hours) including 20-minute break. Four modules will be presented.
The broad theme of the bootcamp is to educate, the high frequency (RF,MW and mm wave) engineers, the processing in the digital world where the analog RF waveforms from array antenna and electronics are available in digitized form. Popular techniques for beam shaping, beam spoiling, null steering, beam optimization, interference mitigation will be explained, targeting applications like massive MIMO, Reflective intelligent surfaces (RIS), direction of arrival estimation etc. The goal is not to delve deep into mathematics, but to provide an intuitive understanding of the techniques. Even though the algorithms are analytically sound, they often lose their efficacy due to the impairments in the electronics and antenna array. Hence treatment of all important RF impairments, how they can be captured accurately, and modeled accurately, will be discussed. The impact of RF impairments on the algorithms will be presented as well. Calibration techniques will be discussed to show recovery of the desired functionality by increasing the efficacy of the processing algorithms.
The expected audience will be a mix of experienced phased array designers and engineers new to this field.

The exponential demands for higher power densities, broader frequency coverage, and enhanced reliability in microwave systems have exposed fundamental limitations in conventional thermal design approaches. As next-generation applications push beyond traditional thermal boundaries — from 5G/6G infrastructure to automotive radar and space-based communications — the industry faces a critical inflection point where incremental improvements in thermal management are essential to meet performance requirements. This workshop addresses these challenges through a comprehensive exploration of advanced thermal characterization, materials innovation, and holistic design methodologies that span from fundamental materials science to industrial-scale implementation. The program brings together leading researchers, and industry practitioners to present breakthrough approaches that are reshaping thermal management across the RF and microwave ecosystem. The technical foundation begins with the innovations in wide-bandgap materials presented by Prof. Srabanti Chowdhury of Stanford University, whose pioneering work on ultra-wide bandgap materials demonstrates how diamond integration with Beta-Gallium Oxide enables unprecedented reduction in thermal boundary resistance while maintaining RF performance. These materials advances provide the essential building blocks for next-generation thermal management solutions, particularly in high-power RF applications where conventional thermal interface materials reach fundamental limitations. Oscar D. Restrepo offers industrial thermal modeling and characterization perspectives from GlobalFoundries, where a unique combination of theoretical expertise in phonon transport and practical TCAD thermal simulation experience bridges fundamental physics with manufacturing-scale implementation. His work spans from first-principles calculations of defect formation energies to real-world thermal assessments across advanced technology nodes, including 22FDX and 12LP platforms. Building upon materials foundations, the workshop explores state-of-the-art thermal characterization techniques through both academic research and commercial implementation. Advanced thermoreflectance imaging, POSH-TDTR technology, and emerging measurement approaches demonstrate how nanosecond temporal resolution combined with submicron spatial accuracy reveals previously inaccessible thermal phenomena in operating RF devices. These characterization advances enable predictive thermal design that was previously impossible with conventional measurement techniques. Standards and validation methodologies receive dedicated attention through participation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which presents traceable thermal measurement techniques and validation protocols essential for industry adoption. NIST’s gate resistance thermometry methods and RF power metering standards provide the measurement foundation necessary for reliable thermal characterization across different technology platforms. The workshop culminates in a holistic design philosophy that integrates materials innovation, advanced characterization, and system-level optimization. Live demonstrations showcase how this integrated approach enables thermal-electromagnetic co-design, abandoning traditional component-level optimization in favor of system-wide performance optimization. Real-world case studies span from mm-wave antenna-in-package modules to high-power GaN amplifiers, illustrating a direct correlation between materials properties, thermal imaging data, and system performance. Interactive sessions throughout the workshop foster direct dialogue between materials researchers, device designers, and manufacturing engineers. These discussions address practical implementation challenges while exploring emerging opportunities that could reshape thermal management approaches over the next decade. The format emphasizes knowledge transfer and collaborative problem-solving rather than traditional presentation-only formats.

In recent years tremendous advances have been made in electronics and photonics device technologies for the generation, modulation, radiation, and detection of THz signals and the time is now right to exploit these advances to build and deploy THz systems. IEEE defines the THz band as frequencies ranging from 300 to 3000GHz, however, for most use cases frequencies extending from about 100GHz to 10THz is considered as the sub-THz and THz bands. The focus of this workshop is on the research and development of components and systems for THz wireless communications and sensing. In the THz band, the available bandwidth is very vast, and this feature can be leveraged for multi-Gbps wireless communications leading to terabits per second throughput in a multi-channel system. Besides communications, THz waves can be used for sensing the reflection, transmission, absorption, and scattering of materials which in turn can be exploited for detecting, imaging, and analyzing materials with high spectral resolution. Furthermore, the wavelength of THz waves is small and on the order of 30 microns to 3.0mm, which along with polarization of the signal can be exploited for precise position and orientation of objects, within a specific location. All the above features are crucial for 6G communications, self-driving vehicles, and industrial Internet-of-Things. Accordingly, the workshop includes presentations from individuals and organizations across the globe highlighting the THz components and systems that they have developed and their application to communications and sensing.

In RF device characterization, understanding and utilizing phase information is crucial for achieving accurate measurements. This workshop is designed for engineers, technicians, and researchers who seek to deepen their knowledge of phase references and their applications in vector network analyzers (VNAs) and vector signal analyzers/generators (VSAs/VSGs). The primary goal of this workshop is to emphasize the significance of phase information in RF measurements. We introduce the concept of a “signal comb” as a phase reference and a tool for enhancing measurement accuracy. Participants will gain insights into how a comb generator works and how phase references can improve the reliability of amplitude and phase measurements across various RF applications. Key Topic #1 — Understanding Phase Information: • Introduction to phase information and its relevance in RF measurements; • Discussion of the limitations of traditional amplitude measurements and the often-overlooked phase references. Key Topic #2 — The Role of Signal Comb: • Explanation of what a signal comb is and its function in RF testing; • How a signal comb acts as a “Swiss army knife” for calibration and broadband verification; • Design overview of a comb generator and its traceability. Key Topic #3 — Benefits of Phase References: • Detailed exploration of how aligning VNAs and VSAs/VSGs to a known phase reference enhances measurement accuracy; • The importance of traceable calibration for establishing transfer standards in amplitude and phase uncertainties. Key Topic #4 — Practical Applications: • Hands-on examples demonstrating the application of phase calibration in real-world scenarios; • Case studies including time domain transformation and frequency-converting circuit measurements. Key Topic #5 — Advanced Measurement Techniques: • Techniques for aligning multi-port VSAs in amplitude, phase, and time using phase references; • Over-the-air measurement of group delay in low-noise block downconverters (LNBs) and pulse response determination of amplifiers at optimized operating points. Who Should Attend — This workshop is ideal for RF engineers, measurement technicians, and researchers involved in RF device characterization and testing. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your measurement capabilities. Format — The workshop will feature a combination of presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and collaborate with peers to solve measurement challenges. Join us for this comprehensive workshop to unlock the full potential of phase information in your RF measurements. By the end of the session, you will have a solid understanding of phase references, the utility of signal combs, and advanced measurement techniques that can save you time and improve the accuracy of your RF testing endeavors. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your measurement skills and ensure precision in your RF applications.

RF Bootcamp is an interactive based learning which teaches the fundamentals of RFMW theory as it applies to the elements of transmit/receive communication and radar signal chains. Sessions focus on RFMW basics, explaining real-world design, requirements, measurement techniques and applications.
The intended audience includes technicians, new engineers, engineers who may be changing their career path, marketing, sales and business professionals seeking a better understanding of microwave technology, as well as current college students looking to learn more about the practical aspects of RF and Microwave technology.

The transition to all-digital RF transceivers marks a transformative shift in wireless system design, promising unprecedented levels of flexibility, scalability, and integration. This workshop brings together leading researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to explore the current state, challenges, and future directions of all-digital transceivers, covering a broad spectrum of topics from foundational architectures to application-driven innovations. All-digital transceivers replace traditional analog-intensive RF front-ends with fully digital architectures, where signal generation, modulation, transmission, and reception are primarily handled in the digital domain. This approach leverages high-speed digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters (DACs/ADCs), direct digital synthesis, and reconfigurable digital logic to create highly adaptable, software-defined systems that support multi-standard and multi-band operation. The workshop will begin with an overview of the architectural principles of all-digital transceivers, highlighting key building blocks, including pulsed modulators, up/down conversion architectures, filters, amplifiers and other fundamental building blocks. A comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge advances in digital and RF front-end technologies for next-generation wireless systems is presented. The first sessions focus on Delta-Sigma Modulation (DSM) for high-performance All-Digital RF Transmitters (ADTs). After revisiting key principles, advanced techniques for high-speed operation, out-of-band noise management, and hybrid DSM architectures are discussed, alongside emerging concepts such as spatial DSM for massive MIMO. Building on this, the relevance of ADTs as digital replacements for conventional RF chains is examined, highlighting their advantages in frequency agility, scalability, and integration with programmable platforms. Subsequent talks review progress in agile and scalable ADT architectures, including FPGA-based implementations and single-bit transmitters for direct antenna array driving. The benefits and trade-offs of wideband, multi-band, and multi-element operation are analyzed, providing participants with a clear perspective on the opportunities and limitations compared to analog-intensive designs. Extending the all-digital paradigm to the complete transmission–reception chain, another session introduces a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) approach for receivers, demonstrating how the combination of DSM-based transmitters and PWM receivers supports low-power, high-performance wireless architectures. The workshop also addresses digital transmitters for 5G and 6G, focusing on GaN-based amplifiers up to 6GHz, their role in boosting efficiency, and prospects for scaling digital architectures beyond 100GHz. This is complemented by advances in RF/microwave filter design, where new approaches achieve quasi-flat group-delay responses beyond the 3dB transmission band, thereby improving signal integrity without sacrificing selectivity. Emerging system-level concepts are also presented. A Distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) testbed based on all-digital radio-over-fiber is showcased, demonstrating practical solutions for sub-6GHz and mm-wave implementations and addressing synchronization challenges inherent to distributed architectures. Finally, the role of LEO satellite communications in the Q/V band is explored through digital beamforming and compact RF front-ends leveraging high-order Nyquist zones, enabling flexible beam generation for next-generation constellations. This workshop provides a unique platform for attendees to engage in in-depth technical discussions, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations that advance the frontier of all-digital RF systems. Together, these seven talks provide an integrated perspective on the transition to fully digital RF front-ends, offering insights into architectures, components, and system-level innovations that will shape future 5G, 6G, and non-terrestrial networks.

RF Power Amplifiers (PAs) play a critical role in modern wireless and satellite communications, radar, and electronic systems, requiring a deep understanding of both fundamental principles and cutting-edge innovations. This advanced course is designed for PhD students and professional researchers seeking to expand their expertise in RF PAs design, analysis, and optimization. Starting from solid-state power amplifiers fundamentals, the course will cover theoretical concepts, including PA classes of operation, their Figures of Merit, stability considerations and efficiency enhancement techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on advanced PA architectures, including Doherty PA, Envelope Tracking and other PA architectures, which are critical for next-generation wireless and satellite communication systems. The course will also address broadband design challenges and emerging trends in integrated PAs for large-scale phased array applications. Linearization strategies, including digital predistortion (DPD), will be discussed as essential tools to mitigate distortion and improve spectral efficiency. Several design examples based on commonly used semiconductor technologies (eg GaN, GaAs etc) will be presented to highlight the link between theory and practical implementation. Through a combination of theoretical foundations, practical case studies, and research-driven discussions, attendees will gain the expertise needed to design, model, and optimize cutting-edge RF power amplifiers. By the end of the course, participants will be well-equipped to contribute to breakthrough innovations in PA technology, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications.

Low-noise receivers are crucial system components for Earth observation and satellite communication. The complexity of such systems is growing, where today’s spacecraft range from large satellite missions such as MetOp-SG, to smaller systems such as the Arctic Weather Satellite, to CubeSats such as TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats). One of the most important building blocks are low-noise amplifiers. Over the years, corresponding technologies have improved substantially and provided excellent noise temperatures. Furthermore, the linearity and robustness of receivers is also an important characteristic, which adds another level of complexity. This requires new technologies, such as GaN HEMTs, with the necessity of different system architectures. This workshop gives an overview of the design of low-noise amplifiers and corresponding technologies. Furthermore, several aspects of the design and performance of receiver architectures will be discussed. Rarely discussed topics, such as in-system calibration targets or the reliability testing of critical components, will also be presented. The workshop starts with aspects of low-noise receiver systems and gives examples of several satellite missions and a background to the topic. Subsequently, best practices for the design of low-noise amplifiers and receivers are presented. An overview of recent advances in low-noise transistor technologies and the reliability testing is included as well. The remaining talks focus on different possibilities of low-noise calibration approaches for satellite systems.

This workshop surveys a materials-to-systems roadmap for reconfigurable apertures spanning sub-6GHz, FR3 (≈7–24GHz), mm-wave, and THz. Highlights include dual-polarized RFSOI-switched reflectarrays at 3–6GHz and 13–15GHz with true-time-delay or ultra-short phase shifters, achieving ±60° all-plane scanning and <1.5% EVM with 64-QAM. A 28GHz origami “eggbox” phased array merges electronic beam steering with controlled shape morphing to deliver near-360° azimuth coverage, multibeam and quasi-isotropic patterns, and additively manufactured foldable interconnects with ∼0.02dB/mm insertion loss. At higher frequencies, phase-transition and phase-change materials (VO₂, W:VO₂, GeTe) enable optically addressable, nonvolatile metasurfaces for broadband modulation, beam control, and tunable lensing in the sub-THz/THz regime, while plasmonic-nanoantenna platforms yield compact, high-SNR THz spectroscopy and imaging for sensing and security. CMOS-integrated, tile-scalable programmable metasurfaces and RIS architectures support resilient links and massive MIMO; electromagnetically consistent models and optimization frameworks extend to holographic surfaces and near-field ISAC. New multi-beam transmissive/reflective surface architectures up to 140GHz, OTA calibration and range-reduction methods for large reconfigurable arrays, and binary-coded genetic optimization of pixelated multiband antennas complete the program. Collectively, the sessions chart a path to low-loss, wide-angle, and highly programmable apertures that unify communications, sensing, and localization while remaining manufacturable, scalable, and verifiable.

Superconducting qubits have emerged as a leading platform for scalable quantum computing, offering robustness, manufacturability, and seamless integration with microwave engineering techniques. This workshop presents a comprehensive journey from the foundational principles of superconducting quantum systems to advanced microwave design strategies that enable scalable architectures. We begin by exploring the physics of Josephson junctions — the non-linear inductive elements that form artificial atoms — and their integration into quantum circuits. Participants will gain insights into the design and simulation of qubit-resonator networks, quantum amplifiers, and cryogenic microwave systems operating within dilution refrigerators at millikelvin temperatures. Key engineering challenges will be addressed, including resonance frequency tuning, qubit-resonator coupling, and quantum parameter optimization (eg anharmonicities, cross-Kerr effects). The workshop will also examine the role of quantum amplifiers in enhancing readout fidelity and the importance of scalable microwave layouts for multi-qubit systems. Using real-world examples and simulation workflows, we will demonstrate how to accelerate development cycles and improve design accuracy. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how microwave engineering principles intersect with quantum hardware design, paving the way for scalable quantum computing architecture.

Digital manufacturing technologies are transforming RF design, packaging, and integration, leading to new capabilities and use cases for high-frequency RF components and systems. The potential to digitally manufacture RF components, alongside new materials and integration processes, offers unprecedented opportunities for improving performance, reducing size/weight, and enhancing sustainability across the lifecycle of microwave systems. However, significant challenges remain in design, the realization of digitally-processed materials and manufacturing methods, and the seamless integration of individual components to full RF systems. This workshop aims to bring together advanced RF component design methodologies, manufacturing techniques, and practical RF/microwave applications. It will provide a comprehensive overview of new design, integration, and packaging techniques for microwave, mm-wave, and THz RF systems. Specifically, the workshop will give a detailed overview of novel materials, sustainable manufacturing methods, and scalable integration schemes that facilitate the realization of high-performing, highly-functional, and highly-miniaturized RF components. The workshop will bring forward recent advances in these fields by presenting the research of leading researchers and industry experts in the fields of RF component development, digital additive manufacturing, multi-material integration, and microwave materials engineering. Discussions will include cross-disciplinary advances involving manufacturing technologies, material development, and new design methods (ie design-for-print), opening new directions for materials-enabled innovation in wireless communication, sensing, and high-frequency electronics.

Phase-Change Material (PCM) RF switches are emerging as a breakthrough technology for reconfigurable microwave and mm-wave circuits. With their non-volatile operation, low insertion loss, and high power-handling capability, PCM switches offer distinct advantages over conventional alternatives. These properties make them ideal for use in phase shifters, impedance tuners, reconfigurable filters and switchable antenna arrays. At mm-wave frequencies, their scalability and fast response unlock new possibilities in adaptive beamforming, dynamic spectrum access, and next-generation 5G/6G wireless, satellite, and radar systems. This workshop will bring together leading experts from industry and academia worldwide to present recent advances and future directions in PCM-based RF technologies including coverage of device concepts, circuit integration, and application case studies. It aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and broaden the community’s understanding of this promising technology for future mm-wave communication platforms.

Modern RF, mm-wave, and sub-THz systems stitch together multiple propagation media — microstrip, CPW/GCPW, SIW, ridge and rectangular waveguide, superconducting multilayers, and emerging flexible and additive platforms — because no single line technology satisfies bandwidth, loss, power, packaging, and cost targets simultaneously. This full-day workshop brings leading researchers and practitioners to present field-based design rules, validated topologies, and measurement workflows for high-performance transitions and interconnects across these media. Foundational talks cover the evolution of planar↔waveguide links and state-of-the-art SIW transitions (including compact, broadband launchers and thick–thin stackup integration). Practical sessions compare microstrip, GCPW, and SIW on a common process, detail ridge/ridge-gap waveguide connections, and treat transmission-line choices for high-speed/high-frequency ICs. Materials and manufacturing frontiers are addressed via MXenes for printable conductors, flexible hybrid electronics for ultra-low-cost modules, and multilayer superconducting devices for ultra-low-loss front-ends. A methodological block demonstrates AI/ML-assisted EM optimization (adjoint sensitivities, surrogates, active DOE) that reduces simulation burden while improving insertion/return loss and mode control. Throughout, speakers emphasize tolerance and variability, packaging and interposers, vertical/horizontal launches, and over-the-air and on-wafer verification. Attendees leave with implementable recipes and performance bounds that shorten development cycles and raise first-pass success for integrated communications, sensing/ISAC, and imaging hardware.

A quiz show battle for RFIC knowledge supremacy is brewing between students and experienced professionals. Will it be the experience of the career RFIC veterans or the students who have been in the classroom more recently? Come join this fun and interactive panel to find out!

The market for integrated active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems is rapidly growing for ground-based and satellite telecommunications, as well as for automotive and aerospace and defense applications. Engineers, accustomed to traditional conductive characterization of RF front-ends, are increasingly confronted with over-the-air (OTA) interfaces, which makes their jobs more difficult in designing the test setups and measurement techniques while keeping measurement uncertainties small. Besides the wide use of anechoic chambers, reverberation chambers have been researched and explored for the past years to characterize different aspects of AESA / MIMO systems OTA with the focus on their active or electronic behavior, ie separate from the antenna characteristics. The goal of the workshop is to inform engineers about the state-of-the-art in reverberation measurement techniques, how they differ from those of anechoic chambers and how one may gain certain insights into the electronic behavior behind the antenna, similar to what traditional conducted measurements provided. The concepts and some exciting results will be demonstrated to make it more tangible. Attendees will learn how to make better tradeoffs related to selecting the proper characterization and test methods in every stage of AESA / MIMO product development, ie from characterizing the first design, to design validation and production.

Integrated Sensing And Communication (ISAC) applications have become a key emerging area in the next-generation wireless evolution. The role of ISAC will vary, ranging from tasks such as radar coordination, context awareness for communication to enhanced security and improving the trustworthiness/resilience of future networks. ISAC has the potential to transform current technologies by introducing context awareness, enabling breakthroughs in applications such as connected driving and next-generation mobile communications. The investigation of hardware enablers and emerging techniques considering different signal processing aspects will play an important role in the near future to realize the full potential of ISAC, leading to faster deployments. This half-day workshop will highlight these technologies and enablers featuring both applied and academic researchers working in hardware, signal processing, and system integration/demonstration aspects of ISAC targeting various applications. RF hardware design approaches that enable sharing components between both sensing and communication functions will be the key to faster deployment. The workshop talks will cover opportunistic sensing using existing communication infrastructure as well as dedicated approaches for sharing resources while achieving ISAC. Two talks will focus on antenna arrays for ISAC and one exploring special electromagnetic beams carrying orbital angular momentum. The presentations will include results from hardware supporting the feasibility of the proposed concepts.

Power Amplifiers (PAs) are key elements in every communication link, and their performance strongly impacts a system’s data throughput, power consumption, size, and reliability. With the transition from a small number of GEO satellites to large-scale constellations in LEO and MEO, driven by commercial and defence applications, there is increasing pressure to rethink PA architectures. Efficiency, bandwidth, and linearity remain central figures of merit, but the trade-offs between them acquire new dimensions in the context of satellite communications, where cost per bit, scalability, and long-term reliability are critical. This workshop will bring together perspectives from MMIC designers and system engineers to explore how solid-state PAs are evolving to meet these demands. Presentations will cover advances in GaN technology, thermal and reliability challenges, efficiency enhancement techniques, and integration. Looking ahead, the workshop will also highlight areas where new approaches could shift the current landscape: highly integrated front-end modules, thermal management, and new characterisation methods for devices at mm-wave and sub-THz frequencies. The intended outcome is to provide participants with a snapshot of current best practices and a clear view of the open challenges that will define the next steps in SATCOM PA research.