40-GHz band photodiode-integrated phased array antenna module for analog-radio over fiber toward Beyond 5G

In 5th generation (5G) and Beyond 5G mobile communication systems, it is expected that numerous antennas will be densely deployed to realize ultra-broadband uniform coverage. However, as the number of increases, total power consumption all also increase, which leads a negative impact on environment operating costs telecommunication operators. Thus, necessary simplify an antenna structure suppress each antenna. On other hand, way communication, millimeter waves utilized because they can transmit signals with broader bandwidth than lower frequencies. since have large propagation loss, distance shorter low Therefore, in order extend distance, increase equivalent isotropic radiated by beamforming phased array this paper, module combined analog radio over fiber (A-RoF) technology for 40-GHz wave developed evaluated first time. An 8×8 integrated photodiodes RF chains has been developed, end-to-end transmission experiment including 20 km A-RoF 3-m over-the-air from conducted. The results showed signal after satisfied criteria 3GPP quality requirements within ±50 degrees main beam direction.