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Delivering high-speed networks through advanced semiconductor technology

Date: 12.05.2026

Topics: RF and Microwave

Communications RF Telecoms
Modern two-story office building with large glass windows and a small entrance area. - CSA Catapult

Future Telecoms Hub

Outlined in The UK’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy in 2023, the UK aims to deliver high-speed 5G connectivity by 2030.  

The strategy highlights Future Telecoms as a key area of growth alongside AI and semiconductors. It outlines the importance for faster adoption and advanced semiconductor technology to support next-generation networks such as 5G and 6G.  

To help address this challenge, the Future Telecoms Hub (FTH) was funded by Innovate UK for a total of £6.5 million and was delivered by CSA Catapult.  

The challenge

The energy efficiency and security of telecoms hardware are factors which have become critical in developing future networks. These networks need to be secure, robust, resilient and less impactful on the environment. 

One of the biggest energy inefficiencies in telecoms networks is the performance of power amplifiers and their design optimisation. Today, telecoms networks require high frequencies and wider bandwidth to deal with modern data demands.  

A key focus for the FTH was to improve the performance of power amplifiers through load pull testing and design optimisation.  

The approach

Based at Bristol and Bath Science Park, the FTH delivers transitional research and provides customers access to commercial testbeds improving the speed, energy and efficiency of networks.  

A dedicated area of the FTH was created to improve the performance of power amplifiers thought its load pull testing and design optimisation capabilities.  

Working with CSA Catapult’s wide capabilities in radio frequency, photonics and quantum technologies, equipment such as the EXFO tuneable laser at the FTH allows for precise optical characterisation. This enables accurate measurements and supports faster design iterations for photonic devices accelerating development of future telecoms hardware. 

The outcome

Since its opening, the FTH has delivered multiple collaborative projects such as AURA, ORaNGaN and Secure 5G, supported by expertise at CSA Catapult’s headquarters in Newport and regional centres of excellence in Scotland and the Northeast.  

In addition, the FTH has enabled the testing and development of telecoms hardware using compound semiconductors, which offer superior speed, power efficiency, and signal quality compared to traditional silicon.  

The FTH continues to support the development of quantum-secure communications and high-speed optical systems, vital for the UK achieving secure future networks. 

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