Printed Vector Modulator for 5G Communications Systems

Abstract

This paper presents the design and the experimental results of a 28 GHz vector modulator based on the concept of vector sum. Its compact printed structure uses a 90° hybrid coupler and a Wilkinson power combiner, and is controlled by two reflection-type attenuators, using four p-i-n diodes. The obtained results show that the proposed structure can control both phase and amplitude, simultaneously, with 360° phase shift range, making it suitable for applications using beamforming, in adaptive antennas, such as 5G systems.