Evolved antenna

Abstract: With the demanding system requirements for the fifth-generation (5G) wireless communications and the severe spectrum shortage at conventional cellular frequencies, multibeam antenna systems operating in the millimeter-wave frequency bands have attracted a lot of research interest and have been actively investigated. They represent the key antenna technology for supporting a high data transmission rate, an improved signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, an increased spectral and energy efficiency, and versatile beam shaping, thereby holding a great promise in serving as the critical infrastructure for enabling beamforming and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) that boost the 5G. This paper provides an overview of the existing multibeam antenna technologies which include the passive multibeam antennas (MBAs) based on quasi-optical components and beamforming circuits, multibeam phased-array antennas enabled by various phase-shifting methods, and digital MBAs with different system architectures. Specifically, their principles of operation, design, and implementation, as well as a number of illustrative application examples are reviewed. Finally, the suitability of these MBAs for the future 5G massive MIMO wireless systems as well as the associated challenges is discussed.

Abstract: This paper features some of the advances in dielectric-resonator antenna technology at the Communications Research Centre. Several novel elements are presented that offer significant enhancements to parameters such as impedance bandwidth, circular-polarization bandwidth, gain, or coupling to various feed structures. Several linear and planar arrays are also presented, to illustrate the performance of dielectric-resonator antenna elements in the array environment.

Abstract: As there has been an explosive increase in wireless data traffic, mmw communication has become one of the most attractive techniques in the 5G mobile communications systems. Although mmw communication systems have been successfully applied to indoor scenarios, various external factors in an outdoor environment limit the applications of mobile communication systems working at the mmw bands. In this article, we discuss the issues involved in the design of antenna array architecture for future 5G mmw systems, in which the antenna elements can be deployed in the shapes of a cross, circle, or hexagon, in addition to the conventional rectangle. The simulation results indicate that while there always exists a non-trivial gain fluctuation in other regular antenna arrays, the circular antenna array has a flat gain in the main lobe of the radiation pattern with varying angles. This makes the circular antenna array more robust to angle variations that frequently occur due to antenna vibration in an outdoor environment. In addition, in order to guarantee effective coverage of mmw communication systems, possible solutions such as distributed antenna systems and cooperative multi-hop relaying are discussed, together with the design of mmw antenna arrays. Furthermore, other challenges for the implementation of mmw cellular networks, for example, blockage, communication security, hardware development, and so on, are discussed, as are potential solutions.

Abstract: A comprehensive tutorial on the design and practical applications of antenna arrays An antenna array is an assembly of antenna elements that maximizes a received or transmitted signal in a desired direction. This practical book covers a wide range of antenna array topics that are becoming increasingly important in wireless applications, with emphasis on array design, applications, and computer modeling. Each chapter in Antenna Arrays builds upon the previous chapter, progressively addressing more difficult material. Beginning with basic electromagnetics/antennas/antenna systems information, the book then deals with the analysis and synthesis of arrays of point sources and their associated array factors. It presents a sampling of different antenna elements that replace these point sources, then presents element configurations that do not have to lie along a line or in a plane. The complex and difficult-to-predict interactions of elements and electromagnetic waves are introduced, along with computer modeling and experiments that are necessary for predicting the performance of arrays where mutual coupling is important. Then, various approaches to getting signals to and from the array elements to a computer where the signal detection takes place are explored, as are the numerical techniques behind smart antennas. The book emphasizes the computational methods used in the design and analysis of array antennas. Also featured are signal processing and numerical modeling algorithms, as well as pictures of antenna arrays and components provided by industry and government sources, with explanations of how they operate. Fully course-tested, Antenna Arrays serves as a complete text in phased array design and theory for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in electronics and communications, as well as a reference for practicing engineers and scientists in wireless communications, radar, and remote sensing.