Tampere University Contributing to a More Sustainable 6G Future in the RF ECO3 Project
Tampere University is taking part in the RF ECO3 project, a major national initiative led by the University of Oulu and funded by Business Finland. The project focuses on developing energy-efficient and sustainable radio frequency solutions for future 6G networks, in close collaboration with key industry and research partners.
RF ECO3 is part of the Business Finland Veturi programme, aims to address challenges related to radio frequency (RF) design for ultra-fast communications and the potential for high-resolution sensing in forthcoming 6G radio systems. In particular, these will focus on driving ecological and economic benefits for both industry and society.
Advancing the Foundations of 6G
6G technology includes a vastly enhanced capacity for communications as well as the ability to sense objects and the surrounding environment simultaneously. Energy efficiency and resilience in different environmental conditions are core problems that the project seeks to address in 5G advanced and 6G radios.
" The solutions we will develop in this project already have large existing markets abroad. We are creating faster and more reliable data connections and devices that consume less energy. The energy load on data transmission is expected to increase by up to 20 times due to increased traffic in the networks. In 6G, the bit per joule ratio must be improved by 5-10 times compared to 5G technology. Hardware components and their efficient design for future application requirements are indisputable assets for the industrial success of extremely complex radios targeted for new applications in 6G,” says the project lead, Aarno Pärssinen, Professor of Radio Engineering from the University of Oulu.
Collaboration Driving Sustainable Innovation
According to Toni Hirvinen, VP, Head of RAN R&D RL1 at Nokia, RF design and energy efficiency are central to making 6G both sustainable and technically feasible. "Radio frequency design and energy efficiency are critical for the 6G era to meet the demands of new applications, address sustainability concerns, and overcome technical challenges. By optimising RF design, together with our strategic Veturi ecosystem partners, we can create and validate new technological enablers for the future sustainable 6G networks”, Hirvinen explains.
“Bittium researches in the RF ECO3 project modern RF simulation, modelling, design and testing methods. Effective methods and processes improve product development and product life cycle energy efficiency. Continuous competencies and operations improvement together with strategic Veturi ecosystem, research, and industry partners’ co-innovation play a key role in maintaining competitiveness in technology development”, says Petri Lämsä, Director Competencies, Bittium Engineering Services.
Tampere University’s Role
Tampere University contributes its strong expertise in wireless communications and energy-efficient radio systems. The university plays a key role in researching and developing methods to improve the energy-efficiency of 6G network base-stations.
“Our focus is on improving energy efficiency and radio hardware performance, with special focus on new and transformative digital predistortion (DPD) technology development for future 6G base-station transmitters,” says Professor Mikko Valkama, the lead representative for Tampere University in the project. “This collaboration provides a unique opportunity to drive long-term research impact while co-innovating with leading industry players.”
Strategic Ecosystem for Finland's Technological Future
RF ECO3 is the leading ecosystem project under the Business Finland Veturi programme. It brings together seven companies and four research organisations: Nokia, Bittium, CoreHW, SAAB, Optenni, Verkotan, Senfit, the University of Oulu, Aalto University, Tampere University, and VTT. The project will run until the end of 2027.
