By Erin Fennessy
On Wednesday (August 6), the doors of the new Wideband Test Facility at the University of Notre Dame (South Bend, Indiana, USA) were officially opened to researchers and industry partners. The test facility is the latest addition to the University’s existing facilities for microelectronics development and testing, which include state-of-the-art nanofabrication and integrated imaging facilities.
“The addition of this unique antenna characterization and testing facility for microelectronics here on Notre Dame’s campus allows us to extend the impact of our faculty, staff, and student researchers,” said Jeffrey F. Rhoads, the John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research and professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. “There is no doubt in my mind that this will have a direct and tangible impact in microelectronics development, which is so critical here in the Midwest and in the nation writ large.”
The Wideband Test Facility houses specialized equipment for testing electronic devices such as ultra-fast transistors as well as antennas that operate at high frequencies. It was established to address critical gaps in prototyping, as well as characterization capabilities for high-frequency wireless and sensing systems. A full-time engineer will staff the facility to assist users in testing their technology.
Notre Dame is one of four university members of the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons (SCMC) Hub, a three-state coalition formed to accelerate the expansion of America’s microelectronics base. This group of four institutions coordinates to align university resources and dedicated personnel with technical projects and the needs of the high-tech industry. The new Wideband Test Facility leverages supplemental funding from the SCMC Hub, as well as Notre Dame’s existing expertise in high-performance, high-frequency electronics and antennas, to host collaborative research and development among academic, industry, and government entities.
Read the full story at research.nd.edu
SpectrumX researcher partners at Notre Dame, including Jonathan Chisum, will be able to access the resources and capabilities of this new Wideband Test Facility to support and accelerate their research.
Originally published by Erin Fennessy at research.nd.edu on August 6, 2025.
