High Performance 5G FR-2 Millimeter-Wave Antenna Array for Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Operation: Design and OTA Measurements Using a Compact Antenna Test Range

TL;DR

This paper designs and measures high-performance 8-element and 32-element millimeter-wave antenna arrays for 5G applications, demonstrating high gain, directive patterns, and precise OTA characterization using advanced testing systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel compact 32-element planar array with high gain and detailed OTA measurement methodology for 5G mmWave systems.

Findings

Peak gain of 18.45 dBi at 28.5 GHz

Sidelobe levels below -10 dB

Good agreement between measurements and simulations

Abstract

This paper presents the design and comprehensive measurements of a high-performance 8-element linear array and a compact high-gain 32-element planar antenna array covering the n257 (26.5--29.5 GHz) FR-2 millimeter-wave (mmWave) band. First, an 8-element series-fed linear array is designed with a fan-shaped pattern for 5G point-to-multipoint connectivity. Then a 4-way corporate-series feed network is designed for a high-gain 32-element compact and directive array for point-to-point mmWave connectivity. Comprehensive over-the-air (OTA) measurements are conducted using a state-of-the-art compact antenna test range (CATR) system, enabling precise characterization of radiation patterns across a 180^\circ span in the azimuth and elevation planes. The planar array achieves a peak measured gain of 18.45 dBi at 28.5 GHz, with half-power beamwidths ranging from 11^\circ--13^\circ (wide axis) and 23^\circ--27^\circ (narrow axis) across the band of interest. The sidelobe levels are below -10 dB in the desired band of interest. The measured results match well with the simulation results. The designed antenna array is applicable to various emerging 5G and beyond mmWave applications such as high data rate mmWave wireless backhaul, mmWave near-field focusing, high-resolution indoor radar systems, 28 GHz Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), as well as the characterization of mmWave path loss and channel sounding in diverse indoor environments.