Agile multi-beam front-end for 5G mm-wave measurements

Abstract The 5 th generation new radio (5G NR) standards create both enormous challenges and potential to address the spatio-spectral-temporal agility of wireless transmission. In framework a research unit at TU Ilmenau, various concepts were studied, including approaches toward integrated circuits distributed receiver front-ends (FEs). We report here on latter approach, aiming proof-of-principle constituting FEs suitable for later modular extension. A millimeter-wave agile multi-beam FE with an 4 by 1 antenna array 5G communications was designed, manufactured, verified measurements. polarization is continuously electronically adjustable directions signal reception are steerable setting digital phase shifters. On purpose, these functions realized analog circuits, processing not applied. created inside analog, real-time capable in novel manner any external circuitry omitted. microstrip patch into this module necessitated elaborate measurements within scope characterization, as circuit form single entity cannot be assessed separately. Link broadband signals successfully performed analyzed detail determine error vector magnitude contributions FE.