Development of Flat Panel Active Phased Array Antennas Using 5G Silicon RFICs at Ku- and Ka-Bands

Jia-Chi Samuel Chieh,Emmanuel J. Merulla,Everly Yeo,Randall B. Olsen,Raif Farkouh,Maxwell Kerber,Alejandro Castro,Satish Kumar Sharma

doi:10.1109/access.2020.3032841

Abstract

This article presents the design and development of two all flat panel phased array antennas (PAA) by using emerging 5G Silicon radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) at Ku- and Ka-bands. First, an X-/Ku-band wideband dual circular polarized Transmit (Tx)/Receive (Rx) phased array antenna with the capability of scanning (±45°) is presented. The frequency of operation is centered around 12.5 GHz within the X/Ku-Bands (3dB Axial Ratio (AR) bandwidth at broadside = 32%). The array has 16-elements with a 4 x 4 lattice arrangement. This array utilizes a nested sequential rotation architecture, which enhances the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. Secondly, a dual slant linear polarized (±45°) transmit and receive (T/R) phased array antenna, that operates in the Ka-Band and covers the millimeter-wave 5G band (27.5 - 28.35 GHz) is discussed. Beam scanning range is up to ±60° in both polarizations. In both cases, the array apertures have been integrated with an active beamforming networks (BFN) utilizing 5G silicon Tx/Rx beamformer RFIC chips. Measured and simulated performance results agree reasonably well in both cases. These arrays are scalable to larger size arrays to provide higher gain for applications like satellite communications (SATCOM) and 5G communications.

Highlights

Phased array antennas for line of sight communications are preferable as they support agile beam steering
We present performance results of the all flat panel phased array antenna (PAAs) designs using commercial 5G Silicon radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) which do not need an external heatsink
A dual slant linear polarized Tx/Rx phased array antennas (PAA), that operates in the KaBand and covers the millimeter-wave 5G band (27.5 – 28.35 GHz)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Phased array antennas for line of sight communications are preferable as they support agile beam steering. In [2] and [3] the researchers demonstrate high level of integration with a single silicon die beamformer that supports 16-antennas that operates in the W-Band. We present performance results of the all flat panel phased array antenna (PAAs) designs using commercial 5G Silicon RFICs which do not need an external heatsink. A dual slant linear polarized Tx/Rx PAA, that operates in the KaBand and covers the millimeter-wave 5G band (27.5 – 28.35 GHz). Using this array, we demonstrate over-the-air reception of digitally modulated signals (300 Mbps) up to 30° scan angles. We include brief description of commercial RFICs, important design guidelines, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, fabrication and other challenges in designing such arrays

COMMERCIAL SILICON RFIC BEAMFORMERS

CONCLUSION