FORMAT: A Reconfigurable Tile-Based Antenna Array System for 5G and 6G Millimeter-Wave Testbeds

This article introduces the FORMAT array, a reconfigurable millimeter-wave antenna array platform based on tiles. stands for Flexible Organization and Reconfiguration of Millimeter-wave Antenna Tiles, which is unique hardware solution aiming to implement demonstrate variety concepts, as well different architectures configurations from same basic module, providing even benchmark between solutions thus valuable insights into fifth-generation (5G) beyond-5G systems. The combination minimum-sized $2\times 2$ tile with 3D-printed frame parts enables arrays sizes, allows multiple beamforming architectures, range element positioning in array. implementation thoroughly described, few assemblies being manufactured measured, validating their performance over-the-air measurements. Finally, using both base station user equipment, 5-m wireless communication link was set up, achieving 4.8 Gbps downlink speed QAM64 modulation.