Study of techniques to improve performance of patch antennas for 5G applications at millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies

Abstract

Abstract Millimeter wave (mmW) frequency signals of 28 GHz and 38 GHz that are being explored for implementing next generation cellular communication network (i.e. 5G) suffer from severe attenuation in the outdoor environment. Therefore, efficient and intelligent antenna design techniques are needed for proper transmission and reception of signals at mmW frequencies. Beamforming, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and space division multiple access (SDMA) are important requirements of mmW 5G network, and these technologies are heavily dependent upon antenna design and implementation. This paper presents various contemporary techniques for improving performance parameters of patch antennas for 5G implementation at mmW frequencies. These performance parameters include gain, bandwidth, directivity, suppression of surface waves, ease of design, compactness, and mutual coupling between antenna elements for MIMO system. This study also highlights the benefits and drawbacks of each of these techniques discussed in the paper.