Design, Challenges and Developments for 5G Massive MIMO Antenna Systems at Sub 6-GHz Band: A Review

Abstract

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) is a wireless access technique that has been studied and investigated in response to the worldwide bandwidth demand in the wireless communication sector (MIMO). Massive MIMO, which brings together antennas at the transmitter and receiver to deliver excellent spectral and energy efficiency with comparatively simple processing, is one of the main enabling technologies for the upcoming generation of networks. To actualize diverse applications of the intelligent sensing system, it is essential for the successful deployment of 5G—and beyond—networks to gain a better understanding of the massive MIMO system and address its underlying problems. The recent huge MIMO systems are highlighted in this paper’s thorough analysis of the essential enabling technologies needed for sub-6 GHz 5G networks. This article covers most of the critical issues with mMIMO antenna systems including pilot realized gain, isolation, ECC, efficiency, and bandwidth. In this study, two types of massive 5G MIMO antennas are presented. These types are used depending on the applications at sub-6 GHz bands. The first type of massive MIMO antennas is designed for base station applications, whereas the most recent structures of 5G base station antennas that support massive MIMO are introduced. The second type is constructed for smartphone applications, where several compact antennas designed in literature that can support massive MIMO technology are studied and summarized. As a result, mMIMO antennas are considered as good candidates for 5G systems.