Beamwidth reduction of binomial array for 5G communications

Abstract

The world will witness the use of 5G wireless technologies by 2020. Wireless systems with higher power efficiency and lower interference level is required to increase the bit rate, and communication range. Millimeter wave systems require miniaturized array antenna with higher directivity, narrower spatial zone and reduced interferences. It is impractical to use enough space for antenna placement in some applications. For example antenna systems in air-borne and vehicular radars cannot use enough space due to design limitations. This paper describes a power efficient method of beamforming algorithm by using a novel concept of Fractional-Powered Binomial Array (FPBA). Main Beamwidth of FPBA is much narrower, which is power efficient, than that of popular Binomial array. Beamwidth and Side lobe levels of FPBA is controllable through a single parameter. Binomial array suffers from ‘non-linearity of amplifier problems’ at mmW systems. These problems can be minimized through FPBA algorithm.