Russian Scientists Develop Next-Generation Signal Shapers for 5G Networks
These components are critical to ensuring stable, high-quality data transmission.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future
Russian researchers continue to build the technical foundation needed to deploy next-generation mobile communications nationwide. These developments are directly tied to strengthening Russia’s technological sovereignty. Notably, the research also lays the groundwork for future sixth-generation (6G) communication technologies.
Scientists at the Murom Institute, a branch of Vladimir State University (MI VLSU), plan to develop signal shapers for 5G and 6G communication systems within the next two years. The technology is designed to protect transmissions from interference while maintaining stable data rates.
“A signal shaper is the heart of any radio system. It generates the signal fed to antennas, embedding the user’s requested information – video, images, and other data. The lower the intrinsic noise of the shaper, the higher the interference resistance of the communication system and the greater the data throughput. Our project focuses on developing and scientifically validating low-noise signal shaper architectures for fifth-generation base stations,” said project co-author Kirill Yakimenko, PhD, associate professor at the MI VLSU Department of Radio Engineering.
Funding Secured
The importance of the research has already been recognized by the Russian Science Foundation, which has awarded the team a two-year research grant.
“During the first year, we plan to conduct theoretical studies and publish academic papers. In the second year, we will move on to prototyping and assembling a laboratory sample. The work will be carried out by a four-member research team at the Murom Institute, including two master’s students. We consistently involve young researchers in our projects,” Yakimenko explained.
Research into low-noise signal shapers is underway worldwide. Scientists in China and Western countries are actively working in this field. These components are used in digital antenna arrays, including Massive MIMO systems that form the backbone of fifth-generation (5G) networks. The development roadmap for sixth-generation (6G) systems also assumes extensive use of Massive MIMO. The quality of these hardware components directly determines network stability and achievable data speeds.
One Can't Copy Foreign Experience
According to Yakimenko, the team builds on the most advanced global research while avoiding simple replication. Russian scientists are proposing a new signal-shaping approach based on the use of spectral components in higher Nyquist zones. This method is expected to reduce signal shaper noise levels and improve energy efficiency, a key requirement for modern telecom infrastructure.
It is also important to note that signal shapers are used beyond telecommunications. They play a role in radar systems, measurement equipment, remote sensing of the Earth, and other high-precision electronic applications.
A Universal Project
In essence, this is a fundamental research initiative in the field of communications engineering.
“In this respect, our project is quite universal. We hope that all the scientific results obtained will be applied by engineering teams when designing next-generation radio systems,” Yakimenko concluded.
If the project succeeds, Russia will once again demonstrate its position as a leading technological power capable of offering proprietary solutions to global markets. The participation of young specialists is particularly important, as it helps build a long-term scientific talent pipeline. If the prototype advances to mass production and meets international certification requirements, Russian-made signal shapers could become an export-ready product.
To fully assess the project’s long-term prospects, further results from the research team will be needed. For now, the key priority is ensuring that development milestones are met and that funding remains uninterrupted.
