Wireless networks consume tremendous amounts of energy. UCF’s Kenle Chen is working with researchers at Purdue University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, to enhance the energy efficiency of these systems. “Every industry is expected be carbon neutral by 2050, so we need to move progressively toward that target over time,” says Chen.

Chen’s group plans to incorporate advanced semiconductor technologies and artificial intelligence into a millimeter-wave radio system. This system widens bandwidth for each user, but also increases energy consumption. To address this, they will develop advanced millimeter-wave power amplification circuits using highly efficient wide-bandgap semiconductors. The team will also collaborate on AI to allow for autonomous control of advanced power amplification circuits for faster processing.

• Kenle Chen