A flexible printed millimetre-wave beamforming network for WiGig and 5G wireless subsystems

Abstract

This paper presents a novel millimetre-wave (mm-wave) array beamforming network (BFN) design, analysis, and implementation based on the Rotman lens antenna array feeding, intended for operation in the unlicensed 60-GHz frequency band for the potential employment in the fifth-generation (5G) cellular communications and WiGig technology. The primary objective of the work is to thoroughly discuss the advanced cellular network, and to further develop a flexible radio frequency (RF) component based on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate using the in-house inkjet materials printing process, for the mm-wave beam steering concept verification. The RF evaluation modeling demonstrates the appropriateness to develop a high-performance and well-established design for the WiGig and 5G systems, along with the analysis of the RF characteristics. The CST Microwave Studio and MATLAB software are employed in order to conduct the modelling and full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations.