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Paul Tasker  BSc, PhD, FIET, FIEEE FLSW

Professor Paul Tasker

BSc, PhD, FIET, FIEEE FLSW

Professor

School of Engineering

Overview

Prof. Paul J Tasker joined Cardiff University in 1995. His research addresses the problems encountered in the field of non-linear RF and microwave circuit design. These activities have, to date, focused mainly on the design, modelling and characterisation of non-linear RF and microwave transistors and power amplifier circuits.

Linear and efficient power amplifiers are a critical component in present and future communication, satellite and wireless systems. The group has unique facilities for performing, high frequency (up to 40 GHz) and high power level (up to 100 Watts) time domain based I-V waveform measurements, non-linear vector network analyser concept, on transistors and circuits into user defined source and load impedances, active harmonic load-pull concept. This experimental work is supported by a number of CAD based software tools.

This research has been performed with the support and collaboration of a number of leading international companies, for example, Nokia, Filtronics, Agilent, Motorola, Celeritek and Marconi.

After completing his secondary education in Castletown, Isle of Man in 1976, Paul Tasker went to study Physics and Electronics at the University of Leeds, obtaining a Combined Studies BSc Degree with First Class Honours in 1979.  He remained at Leeds University, obtaining a PhD from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in December 1983.  Prior to his present appointment he was a Senior Research Associate at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA and then a project manager at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF), Freiburg, Germany.  At Cornell University he managed a world-leading research programme in the area of fabrication, design, characterisation (DC and microwave) and modelling (analytical and numerical) of compound semiconductor devices.  Key outcomes of this work were (i) the demonstration of low noise operation in MODFETs at cryogenic temperatures; (ii) the development of very high performance (fT > 150 GHz) pseudomorphic transistors; and (iii) the demonstration of a laser diode that was “on-wafer” testable with microwave probes.  At the IAF he established and managed research programs responsible for (i) the development, characterisation and optimisation of short gate length compound semiconductor devices and (ii) the development, design and characterisation of high power microwave MMICs and low noise millimeter-wave MMICs.  An outcome of this work was the development of a comprehensive millimeter-wave characterisation facility, the realisation of state-of-the-art millimeter-wave MMICs having 20 dB Gain @ 115 GHz and laser diodes with a 40 GHz 3dB modulation bandwidth.

Paul Tasker has expertise in the area of fabrication, design and characterisation of high frequency (microwave and millimeter wave) compound semiconductor electronic and optoelectronic devices and circuits.  He has developed a number of microwave and millimeter wave, s-parameters, noise parameters and non-linear parameter, measurement systems along with the associated analysis and extraction techniques for characterising transistors and developing CAD models.  As a consequence of this work he has contributed to over 100 technical papers and publications including two book chapters.

He has lectured at a number of short courses and workshops both in Europe and the USA on transistor design, optimisation and characterisation. He has acted as a consultant to various major USA industries, GE, MSC, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Alpha, Martin Marietta, Siemens, NESI, EG&G Princeton Applied Research and Hewlett Packard.

Publication

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Articles

Conferences

Research

Research theme: Health, Technology and the Digital World

Contracts

TitlePeopleSponsorValueDuration
KTC Green Communication (Convergence)McCann DJ, Benedikt J, Tasker PJNational Assembly for Wales (A4B)13555001/08/2009 - 31/07/2012
Nonlinear modelling from nonlinear dataTasker PAgilent Technologies1914501/10/2013 - 30/09/2016
Advancing the Design of Millimeter-Wave Technology and MMICsTasker PUnited States Army - Research Laboratories4423601/09/2014 - 31/03/2015
Semiconductor device noise characterisationTasker PAstrium1050014/10/2011 - 13/12/2011
Advance uptake of the ''Cardiff Model''Tasker P, Bendikt JEPSRC4427601/07/2013 - 30/06/2014
Research into GeN solid state RF power sources for seekers.Tasker P, Benedikt JUnited Monolithic Semiconductors8726024/03/2011 - 23/03/2012
Ultra-high efficiency x-band device modelling for Sat commsTasker P, Casbon MCobham CTS Ltd4000001/07/2012 - 31/01/2013
Characterisation of semiconductor devices fabricated at WIN semiconductors using fan diagram techniquesTasker P, Casbon MWIN SEMICONDUCTOR CORP1760001/01/2013 - 30/04/2014
Characterisation of GaN devices using continuous-wave fan-diagram techniquesTasker P, Casbon MWIN Semiconductors Corp600001/08/2012 - 31/01/2013
High frequency properties of GaN switchesTasker P, Casbon MBALFOUR BEATTY RAIL LTD803501/07/2012 - 31/12/2012
Development of robust broadband Power amplifiers based on high voltage HBT'sTasker P, Cripps STriQuint WJ Inc2750001/10/2012 - 30/09/2015
RF Power Amplifiers based upon Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS technology (studentship)Tasker P, Lees JSiGe Semiconductor (Europe) Ltd3000001/10/2010 - 31/03/2014
Baseband linearisation schemes for high efficiency power amplifiersTasker P, Lees JInfinion Technologies North America Corp3500001/01/2015 - 31/12/2017
High performance buffers for RF GaN electronicsTasker P, Lees JEPSRC24999901/10/2016 - 31/03/2020
NRN advanced engineering and materialsBowen P, Porch A, Tasker PJSer Cymru NRN AEM Swansea500001/09/2013 - 31/08/2018
Noise and s-parameter measurement of hittite HMC442 and HMC449 devicesDr J Benedikt, Mr J Lees, Prof PJ TaskerEADS Astrium Limited1602817/07/2006 - 17/12/2006
Noise and s-parameter measurement of hittite HMC442 and HMC449 devicesDr J Benedikt, Mr J Lees, Prof PJ TaskerEADS Astrium Limited 351217/07/2006 - 17/12/2006
Novel development methodology for highly-efficient and ultra-broadband remote sensing applicationsDr J Benedikt, Prof PJ TaskerSelex Sensors and Airborne Systems Ltd27757301/04/2007 - 30/09/2010
MMIC Interconnect and packagingDr J Benedikt, Prof PJ TaskerLabtech Ltd2100001/10/2004 - 01/10/2007
Diagnostic Rhyme TestingDr J Benedikt, Prof PJ TaskerEADS Defence and Security Systems Ltd4070412/12/2005 - 11/02/2006
Capital equipment addressing new markets and leveraging in extra funding to WalesDr J Benedikt, Prof PJ Tasker, Dr A PorchNational Assembly for Wales (KEF)24770015/11/2006 - 01/04/2007
Speech intelligibility testingDr J Benedikt, Prof PJ Tasker, Mr J LeesEADS Astrium Limited 8795001/11/2006 - 28/02/2007
KTC Green Communication (Non-Convergence)McCann DJ, Tasker PJ, Benedikt JNational Assembly for Wales (A4B)23536801/08/2009 - 01/08/2012
Microphone evaluation and correctionProf JA Chambers, Prof RA Belcher, Prof PJ TaskerQinetiQ Ltd 7387301/11/2006 - 30/06/2008
Microphone evaluation and correctionProf JA Chambers, Prof RA Belcher, Prof PJ TaskerQinetiQ Ltd 200001/11/2006 - 30/06/2008
MNT 2004 Training for the futureProf PJ Tasker, Mr GJ Sparey-TaylorColeg Sir Gar 853301/05/2004 - 30/09/2004
Micro nano education and training consortium (MNTec)Mr G Sparey-Taylor, Prof PJ TaskerWelsh Development Agency 3500001/07/2004 - 01/04/2005
Power transistor and amplifier characterization and modelling using modulated waveforms in non 50 ohm environmentsBenedikt J, Tasker PJAgilent Technologies1458809/06/2008 - 08/06/2009
Micro nano education and training consortium (MNTec)Barrow DA, Mr GJ Sparey-Taylor, Tasker PJWelsh Development Agency 30600001/04/2005 - 31/03/2006
Investigation and design of HTB power amplifiers for WuMax ApplicationsBenedikt J, Tasker PJMimex Europe Ltd971225/09/2006 - 24/02/2010
Noise and s-parameter measurement of hittite HMC442 and HMC449 devicesBenedikt J, Tasker PJ, Lees JEADS Astrium Limited351217/07/2006 - 17/12/2006
Waveform Engineering in ManufacturingBenedikt J, Tasker PEPSRC6016701/01/2014 - 31/12/2014
Rapid identification of Broadband and efficient PA modesBenedikt J, Tasker PFutureWei Technologies Inc3086301/01/2015 - 31/12/2015
Development of linear HBT power amplifiersBenedikt J, Tasker PJMimex Europe Ltd2100025/09/2006 - 24/02/2010
Novel development methodology for highly-efficient and ultra-broadband remote sensing applications (with extension)Benedikt J, Tasker PJSelex Sensors and Airborne Systems Ltd27757301/04/2007 - 30/09/2010
Broadband doherty PA key techniquesBenedikt J, Tasker PJHuawei13800018/09/2014 - 30/09/2016
Characterization of nonlinearities of the high power devices under multi signal exitationBenedikt J, Tasker PJNokia Corporation 4680001/10/2004 - 30/09/2007
Research on wide band gap semiconductor structures and devices.Dr R Perks, Prof P Blood, Prof PJ TaskerEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council19260801/01/2001 - 31/12/2003
III-V Epitaxial Layer Optimization for High Frequency Electronic Devices Based on RF CharacterizationHirshy H, Tasker P, Perks R, Benedikt JSer Cymru NRN AEM Swansea19000001/09/2015 - 31/08/2018
Development and Realisation of Novel, Broadband, High-Efficiency Power Amplifiers (studentship)Lees J, Tasker PFreescale Semiconductor France SAS5000001/01/2012 - 31/12/2014
High Performance power amplifiers for phased array radar and point to point communication applicationsLees J, Tasker PM/A COM Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd4500001/10/2011 - 30/09/2014
Integrating High-Performance Power Amplifier with Miniturized Wideband Antenna for Highly-Efficient Future Communication DevicesLees J, Tasker P, Cripps SSer Cymru NRN AEM Swansea5935001/10/2014 - 30/09/2017
Development and realisation of novel broadband high efficiency power amplifiersTasker P, Lees JFreescale Semiconductors France SAS5000001/10/2012 - 30/09/2015
GaN electronics: RF reliability and detradation mechanismsTasker P, Lees JEPSRC22239201/01/2013 - 31/12/2015
Integration of RF Circuits with High Speed GaN Switching on Silicon SubstratesTasker P, Lees J, Benedikt JEPSRC83507401/04/2016 - 31/03/2019
Characterization and design of power amplifiers for mobile communicationsTasker PJCeleritek Uk Ltd 2100001/10/2002 - 16/01/2004
Travel grantTasker PJWelsh Development Agency 350015/11/2002 - 20/11/2002
EMRS DTC high efficiency amplifier projectTasker PJQinetiq6900001/09/2009 - 31/08/2010
Exploit the unique complementary activities of RF characterization and GaN fabrication to demonstrate higher performance (power/efficiacy/robustness) RF power and low noise GaN microwave devicesTasker PJ, Benedikt JQinetiq Ltd2126301/10/2008 - 31/03/2012
Holistic design of power amplifiers for future wireless systemsTasker PJ, Benedikt JEPSRC115791901/04/2008 - 30/09/2013
Top amplifier research groups in a European team (TARGET)Tasker PJ, Benedikt JCommission of European Communities 31680001/01/2004 - 30/06/2005
RF measurement on GaN transistors and passivesTasker PJ, Benedikt JQinetiQ Ltd 4103113/09/2004 - 13/06/2006
Characterisation and comparison of packaged GaN devisesTasker PJ, Benedikt J, Lees J,Cree Inc1693101/05/2008 - 01/09/2008
Dynamic Characterisation and modelling of RF GaN HEMTsTasker PJ, Lees JSer Cymru NRN AEM Swansea8130001/10/2014 - 30/09/2017
Study of ADC linearisation methods for improving dynamic rangeTasker PJ, Prof RA Belcher Belcher RA, Tasker PJRoke Manor Research Ltd1850001/07/2007 - 31/12/2007
Institute for Compound SemiconductorsThomas HR, Tasker P, Griffin M, Smowton P, Buckle P (PHYSX),Welsh Government600000001/04/2015 - 31/03/2018
Characterization, analysis and recommendations for drain efficiency of the VHV8 platform above 1GHzCripps S, Tasker PFreescale Semiconductor3371023/04/2014 - 22/10/2014

Supervised Students

TitleStudentStatusDegree
High Power Waveform EngineeringSHEIKH AamirGraduatePhD
A novel Approach For Wide Band High-Efficiency Power Amplifier DesignALMUHAISEN AbdullahGraduatePhD
Microwave Amplifier DesignALGHANIM AbdulrahmanGraduatePhD
Investigation of Novel Measurement Techniques for Microwave DevicesALDOUMANI AnoorCurrentPhD
MODULATION SCHEMES FOR FUTURE MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INTEGRATING THE NONLINEAR BEHAVIOUR OF RF FRONT ENDAL RAWACHY Azam Asamm DaoodCurrentPhD
Radio Frequency Power Amplifier Linearization TechniqueNOORI BasimCurrentPhD
Novel Multiple Antenna Techniques for Improved Diversity in Wireless Communications SystemsSHEN ChengGraduatePhD
Application of Waveform Engineering to GaN Characterisation and Class F DesignROFF Christopher JosephGraduatePhD
THE EXPERIMENTAL CHARACTERISATION AND MODELLING OF MICROWAVE FET'sMORGAN David GarethGraduatePhD
NON-LINEAR MEASUREMENT SYSTEM TECHNIQUES FOR RF POWER AMPLIFIERS DESIGNWILLIAMS David JamesGraduatePhD
DEVELOPMENT OF ROBUST BROADBAND POWER AMPLIFIERS BASED ON HIGH VOLTAGE HBTS.LOESCHER David JohnCurrentPhD
Novel MMIC Design Process Using Waveform EngineeringFITZPATRICK DominicGraduatePhD
NOVEL POWER AMPLIFIER DESIGN USING NON-LINEAR MICROWAVER CHARACTERISATION AND MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUESOGBOI Friday LawrenceGraduatePhD
BASEBAND LINEARISATION SCHEMES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY POWER AMPLIFIERS.WANG GuefengCurrentPhD
Comms and ITQI HaoGraduatePhD
On the Development of a Novel Enveloped Load Pull Measurement SystemWEE Hoe CherGraduateMPhil
Input Harmonic And Mixing Behavioural Model AnalysisBELL JamesGraduatePhD
Multi-Sines Stimulus Design For The Assessment Of Non-Linear DevicesSU JiangtaoGraduatePhD
Algorithms and Techniques for Polynominal Matrix DecompositionsFOSTER Joanne AlexandraGraduatePhD
Novel High Frequency Power Amplifier Design SystemBENEDIKT JohannesGraduatePhD
The investigation, Development and Implementation of RF-PA Structures Possessing High Efficiency over Wide Dynamic RangeLEES JonathanGraduatePhD
Wideband Active Envelope Load-Pull for Robust Power Amplifier and Transistor Characterisation.HASHIM khaliGraduatePhD
Digital Signal Processing for Future MIMO-OFDM Wireless Communication SystemsZHANG LiGraduatePhD
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMSCASBON MichaelCurrentPhD
High performance power amplifiers for phased array radar and point to point communication application.KOH MinghaoThesis SubmittedPhD
Analysis, Realization And Evaluation Of Envelope Load Pull System For Both CW And Multi-Tone ApplicationsHASHMI Mohammad ShabiGraduatePhD
An Enhanced Modulated Waveform Measurement SystemAKMAL MuhammadGraduatePhD
Development Of A High Power RF Measurement SystemRUSSAMEE NilapedGraduatePhD
Characterisation of Gallium Nitride HFTEs using Non-Linear Measurement SystemsMCGOVERN PeterGraduatePhD
Development of Novel Design Methodologies for the Efficiency Enhancement of RF Power Amplifiers in Wireless CommunicationsWRIGHT PeterGraduatePhD
GaInP/InGaAs MODFET Fabrication and CharacterisationLOMAX Peter AnthonyGraduatePhD
Intelligence Driven Load-Pull Measurement StrategiesSAINI RandeepGraduatePhD
DEVICE CHARACTERISATION FOR WIDEBAND, HIGH EFFICIENCY POWER AMPLIFIERSWILSON Richard JasonCurrentPhD
Broadband Microwave Push-Pull Power AmplifiersSMITH RobertGraduatePhD
On the Characterisation and Modelling of Silicon RF LDMOS TransistorsGADDI RobertoGraduatePhD
TELECOMMUNICATIONS WIDE AREA NETWORK PLANNING UTILISING MODERN HEURISTIC TECHNIQUESELHAGGAZ SalahGraduatePhD
On the Fractal Behaviour of Multimedia Network TrafficMIAN ShahidGraduatePhD
Behavioral Model Analysis Of Active Harminic Load-Pull MeasurementsWOODINGTON SimonGraduatePhD
THE USE OF CODED WAVEFORMS IN CONTINUOUS WAVE RADARSHARMAN Stephen AnthonyGraduatePhD
RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF BROADBAND AND EFFICIENT PA MODES.SYED ANERA Syed Muhammad Hilmi BinCurrentPhD
INVESTIGATIONS ON A MULTI-HARMONIC DPD SYSTEM FOR RF TRANSMITTERS IN MOBILE COMMUNICAITON SYSTEMS. SPECIALIZATION: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ( ELECTRONIC AND TELECOMMUNICATION).HUSSEINI Thoalfukar H AbdalridaCurrentPhD
Continuous Mode High Efficiency Power Amplifier Design For X BandCANNING TimothyGraduatePhD
A Large-Signal Multi-Tone Time Domain Waveform Measurement System With Broadband Active Load Impedance ControlWILLIAMS Tudor VyvyanGraduatePhD
Novel Highly Efficient Broadband Continuous Power Amplifier ModesCARRUBBA VincenzoGraduatePhD
RF IV Waveform Engineering Applied to VSWR Sweeps and RF Stress TestingMCGENN WilliamGraduatePhD
Thin film packagingABOUSH Zaid EmmanuelGraduatePhD
DEVELOPMENT OF A BROADBAND AND EFFICIENT LINEAR TRANSMITTERA MOKHTI Zulhazmi BinCurrentPhD

Biography

Professional memberships

  • Distinguished Microwave Lecturer for IEEE MTT Chapter (2008-2010)
  • 5 invited keynote papers associated with Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference, IEEE International Microwave Symposium and European Microwave Conference; invited industrial lectures at Freescale (USA)
  • Member of the IEEE MTT-14 Technical Sub-Committee (2003-) and IEEE MTT-20 IMS Technical Programme Sub-Committee (2007-)
  • External Reviewer for Finnish Academy of Sciences
  • Funded industrial collaborations: national (Filtronic, QinetiQ, LabTech, Milmega); international (Nokia, Freescale, Mimix Broadband, EADS Astrium)
  • Consultant to INPHI (USA) and Mimix Broadband (UK)

Contact Details

Email Tasker@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone +44 29208 74423
Campuses Queen's Buildings - South Building, Room S/2.10A, 5 The Parade, Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 3AA