Innovative Research in Wireless Communication Earns National Science Foundation Recognition
VILLANOVA, Pa. (May 6, 2026)—In a remarkable achievement for Villanova University’s College of Engineering, Tommaso Cappello, PhD, has been honored with the National Science Foundation’s prestigious Early Career Development (CAREER) Award. This accolade comes with a significant five-year grant totaling $547,357, supporting Dr. Cappello’s project aimed at enhancing wireless communication systems through pioneering transmitter designs.
The CAREER Award is esteemed for recognizing teacher-scholars who excel in combining research and education, aligning with their institution’s mission. Dr. Cappello, an assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, also serves as director of the High-Performance RF Lab at Villanova. His innovative research addresses radio frequency (RF) engineering challenges, focusing on the inefficiencies of power amplifiers in transmitters, which are key components in wireless communication systems.
Dr. Cappello’s project, titled “Mixed-Domain Pre-Distortion of RF Non-Linear Components for High-Efficiency, Wide-Band, and Reconfigurable Transmitters,” seeks to enhance transmitter efficiency by integrating digital, analog, and RF electronics. “It is incredible what the integration of digital, analog and RF electronics can achieve together—while historically they have been designed by separate groups, the need for performance now requires an integrated approach,” Dr. Cappello remarked. “This is exactly the goal of this project: to develop new techniques to improve the relationship between efficiency and linearity by using mixed-domain electronics, ensuring signals are transmitted accurately while using less energy. I’m incredibly thankful for NSF’s support of this endeavor and to receive this distinguished award.”
This research not only promises advancements in technology but also holds significant environmental implications. With telecommunications infrastructure contributing to 1-2% of global energy consumption, improvements in transmitter efficiency could lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The project envisions smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective transmitters, operating at lower temperatures to enhance reliability, range, and functionality.
In addition to his work at Villanova, Dr. Cappello collaborates with experts from The Ohio State University and the University of Pennsylvania, reflecting the collaborative spirit and broad impact of his research efforts.
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