A Design Framework for Beamforming Integrated Circuits Operating at Mm-Wave Frequencies

Abstract

In order to cope with the needs of fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks and beyond, phasedarray antenna systems operating at millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies will be required. This makes the system design very complex. In order to create insight and agility in the design process, we propose a framework that visualises the requirements and trade-offs of 5G-and-beyond systems. Our literature survey uses this framework to compare state-of-the-art papers on Silicon-based beamforming integrated circuits (BFICs) operating in the mm-wave band. Three use-cases are analyzed: Base-stations (BSs), Gateways (GtWs) and User Terminals (UTs). Based on the framework, we explore which implementation fits best with each use-cases. In UT, space and power consumption are the main constraints. For BSs, the main constraint is in output power and noise figure (NF). Finally, in GtW applications there is more flexibility as it has a larger footprint than UT but doesn't necessarily need to cover the same link-budget constraints of BSs. One of the identified limitations throughout all the cases is the heat generation, which is seen as a major bottleneck in mm-wave phased arrays. Only a few of the references show proper modelling and simulations for heat transfer of the realized BFICs. Finally, a limitation in the BFICs is the output power. In order to realize a mm-wave link at least 13 dBm would be required at the input of each antenna element. Only few references meet this criterion, and only at saturation. Further, in order to achieve more than 13 dBm in back-off operation a higher power density would be required. This would imply a further increase of heat generation in the system.

Amplifier-Integrated Active Array Antennas for millimeter-Wave Radar

“…Thanks to advances in the development of millimeterwave electronics for the fifth generation mobile network (5G) and satellite communications, off-the-shelf BFICs operating at Ka-band are becoming more commonly available. These devices are silicon or SiGe-based, which limits their achievable power levels compared to III-V semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) [3]. However, the benefits of vastly lower costs and the onchip integration of digital control makes them attractive in AESAs for commercial satellite communication and mobile Fig.…”

Scan-Loss Compensation for Full-Azimuth Multi-Facet Phased Array Antennas

“…In order to minimize costs, mm-wave PAAs are to be expectedly configured for GWs and UTs using the minimal possible number of integrated circuits, BFICs in particular. Available radio-frequency (RF) power for such PAAs is typically limited also [10], [11], [12]. As a result, the scanned beams of triangular array configurations can feature characteristics that are below requirements, e.g., in terms of effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP).…”

A 34- to 36-GHz Active Transmitarray for Ka-Band Tracking Radar Using 5G Tx/Rx Beamforming ICs: Design and 64-Element Demonstrator

“…As a result, active electronically scanned phased arrays (AESAs) have been receiving notable attention for a wide range of mm-wave applications: with rapidly steerable high-gain beams they can enable low inter-user interference in 5G, uninterrupted links with fast-moving satellites, and tracking of multiple radar targets [6]- [8]. Recent advances in off-the-shelf silicon and silicon germanium (SiGe)-based beamforming integrated circuits (BFICs) has enabled the mass-production of low-cost mm-wave AESAs for commercial SATCOM systems and 5G base stations [9]. These advances are expected to benefit radar technology as well.…”