New Phase Shifter Technology for Adaptive Mobile Communication Systems
International Relations, Research, School |
While the field of “magnonics” generally focuses on the generation, control and processing of spin waves – also known as magnons – in magnetic materials, combining it with MEMS technologies enables particularly low‑power, chip‑integrable and reconfigurable systems for high‑frequency applications. At the center of the current work is the realization of a multi‑channel phase shifter based on propagating spin waves that can be influenced via the actuation of micromechanical cantilevers.
Phase shifters enable active control of the direction, shape and superposition of electromagnetic waves in modern mobile communication and radar systems. To date, these tasks have typically required numerous discrete electronic components with significant space and power demands; the new approach, by contrast, promises compact, energy‑efficient systems.
From Research to Reality: Presentation of the New Phase Shifter
With the multi‑channel phase shifter, the researchers are developing a key functional building block for adaptive mobile communication systems. By precisely influencing the radiation characteristics of mobile communication antennas (beamforming), transmission power can be optimized, and signal stability within the coverage area can be maximized.
A highlight of the workshop “Microscopic Magnetic Systems for RF Applications” on May 4 and 5, 2026, was the live demonstration of the phase shifter developed and fabricated within the project. The micromagnetic device impressively demonstrated the potential of the new technology: By applying voltage signals with minimal current flow, the phase of radio frequency (RF) signals can be shifted by more than 360° – within an extremely small footprint and across four parallel, individually controllable channels.
The demonstration thus clearly showed the successful transfer of scientific insights into a functional device. Concrete application prospects lie in adaptive beamforming: In 5G and 6G networks, this enables precise targeting of signals toward individual devices, while in satellite communications and radar systems, antennas can be steered quickly and energy‑efficiently without mechanical movement.
European Network Strengthens Development of Micromagnetic Systems
The “M&MEMS” consortium, led by Philipp Pirro (RPTU Kaiserslautern‑Landau), brings together nine partner institutions from academia and industry across six European countries. At TUM, Markus Becherer and Johannes Greil from the Professorship of Chip‑Based Magnetic Sensor Technology are involved. The project is funded under the EU’s Horizon Europe program with a budget of approximately €3.3 million for the period from 2022 to 2026.
In addition to project partners, the meeting at TUM brought together numerous renowned members from the European research community. Representatives from leading technology companies – including Rohde & Schwarz, Infineon Technologies and Huawei – also participated.
Alongside presenting research results, professional exchange was a central focus of the meeting. Several discussion sessions explored strategies to advance the development of micromagnetic devices for high‑frequency applications. Participants addressed technological challenges such as scaling devices to achieve smaller footprints and lower losses, and enabling industrial‑scale manufacturing. They also highlighted opportunities to further strengthen collaboration between research and industry.
With the “M&MEMS” project, TUM and its partners are making an important contribution to strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity in the fields of high‑frequency technology and microsystems engineering.
Contact
Technical University of Munich
Professorship of Chip-Based Magnetic Sensor Technology
Markus Becherer
markus.becherer@tum.de | +4989 289 51060
Johannes Greil
johannes.greil@tum.de | +4989 289 51057
Spin Waves for Next-Generation High-Frequency Components?
YouTube clip: Markus Becherer on “Science for Everyone”: In the Deutsches Museum’s “Wissenschaft für jedermann” series, Markus Becherer talks about magnetic components for spin-based signal processing and sensor technology. He explains how the methods developed can be used to precisely tune material properties and how they can be applied in signal processing.
