High Frequency Technologies with µAM - mmWave/5G/THz components

Various microscale antenna structures 3D printed by Exaddon in pure copper

The need for unlimited communication and access to information has led to an ever-increasing demand for bandwidth, and the need to go beyond 5G. High bandwidth means high frequencies and short wavelengths. Short wavelengths mean tiny antennas and structures.

From radio astronomy research to THz wavelength communication, our CERES µAM system allows you to engineer high-frequency microelectronic components with sub-micrometer precision. For example, pictured is a microscale waveguide 3D printed in pure copper (gold also available) for use within Traveling Wave Tubes (TWT) . These TWTs are essential for maintaining signal strength, but are extremely difficult to manufacture. This is where Exaddon's technology comes in.

CERES works through local electroplating of ionic metal, allowing you to manufacture minute antennas in geometries impossible for any other technology. Through the incredible precision and control which CERES offers, access to the THz range can be fully realized via our metal 3D printing technology.

Learn about our collaboration with Goethe University to produce microscale TWTs for 5G applications:

Read the case study

Published Research - 3D Printed Micro Helices for mmWave 5G Networks

Exaddon's additive micromanufacturing (μAM) technology has been used to fabricate microscale helices for use in travelling-wave tubes (TWTs), a crucial component for 5G networks.

A research collaboration published in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, demonstrates the flexibility of μAM beyond standard methods, resulting in hard and dense metal properties with excellent conductivity and good surface quality. Published in October 2022, the project was a joint initiative involving Exaddon, Goethe University, and Ferdinand-Braun-Institut.

The unique 3D printing method used by Exaddon's CERES print system allows for the production of helices beyond the current limit of manufacturing, enabling operating frequencies at 66 GHz – ideal for use in telecommunication systems.

This study points towards μAM as a valid means of overcoming the limitations of standard manufacturing methods for microscale slow wave structures, offering an exciting avenue for use of Exaddon's μAM technology within the mmWave/5G arena.

Read the full report

Illustration showing how micrscale 3D printed helices can be used for boosting signal strength in mmWave devices.

Exaddon Customers Using CERES for High Frequency Research

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Purchases the Exaddon CERES PrintSystem for THz research

Karlsruhe Institute for Technology

Previously impossible THz free-form antennas as well as miniaturized and low-loss connection technology will be realized with the new CERES system.

Read the Blog Post

Ferdinand Braun Hochschule

The FBH microwave department and III-V electronic labs are involved in key research relating to millimeter waves and THz components for communications and radar.

Read the Blog Post

Explore more microscale 3D Printing use cases: Microcoils

3D Print microcoils and springs in microscale dimensions