DFG research group seeks new possibilities for the spatial design of high-frequency products

Erlangen, December 20, 2024 - The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) is funding a new research group in which the HI ERN is also involved: The researchers of "3D-HF-MID" want to develop new methods for the production of high-frequency assemblies. The research group is expected to receive around 3.2 million euros in funding for five years. The spokesperson is Prof. Dr. Jörg Franke from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU). The DFG is establishing a total of eight new research groups, which will be funded with a total of around 30 million euros.

From the automotive and aerospace industries to telecommunications and information technology - many successful sectors in Germany are facing the challenge that conventional assembly and connection technology for high-frequency components will reach its technological limits in the near future. The search is therefore on for a design and production methodology that encompasses three-dimensional substrates, outstanding surface quality, a greater choice of materials and economical manufacturing processes.

The DFG research group "3D Functionalization for High Frequency Applications (3D-HF-MID)" focuses precisely on these previously unsolved challenges. The use of electronic assemblies - so-called mechatronic integrated devices (MID) - opens up completely new possibilities for the spatial design of high-frequency products.

The HI ERN is part of the interdisciplinary team with the departments "High Throughput Methods in Photovoltaics" (PIs Dr. Karen Forberich, Prof. Dr. Christoph Brabec) and "Dynamics of Complex Fluids and Interfaces" (PI Prof. Dr. Jens Harting). Together with their colleagues from FAU, the researchers will investigate the entire process chain, including material synthesis, geometric design and manufacturing processes, using both simulations and experiments. This will lay the foundations for a newly conceived design methodology and manufacturing process technology for spatial high-frequency systems. At HI ERN, the focus is on the development of highly conductive composites and novel dielectric materials for printed RF structures, as well as the simulation and optimization of the aerosol jet printing process.

DFG Research Units enable researchers to address current and pressing issues in their fields and to establish innovative research directions. The DFG currently funds a total of 199 Research Units, 12 Clinical Research Units and 17 Research Training Groups.