Antenna Design
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5G mmWave antenna design
Antenna and RF design for products that use mmWave 5G
The latest cellular network technology, 5G NR, is developed in two stages: FR1, which utilizes lower frequencies covered by traditional cellular antennas, and FR2, which necessitates specialized 5G mmWave antenna design.
mmWave antennas
FR2 for 5G communication introduces a set of new frequencies critical for mmWave antenna design:
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n257 at 28GHz (26.50-29.50GHz)
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n258 at 26GHz (24.25-27.50GHz)
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n260 at 39GHz (37.00-40.00GHz)
These frequencies differ significantly from the sub-6GHz bands used in earlier cellular systems, presenting new challenges for mmWave antenna design.
Testing limitations
Higher frequencies such as those used in 5G mmWave limit what you can do once you have a prototype in your hands. Dimension tolerances are too small for hand modifications and cables cannot be soldered onto boards. In practice you need to develop dedicated prototypes for testing each section of your RF path. Therefore design iterations cannot rely on using prototypes.
Prototyping costs
When you develop antenna solution using mmWave frequencies you need to be prepared for higher than usual prototyping costs due to 3 main reasons: 1. materials are going to be more expensive, 2. manufacturing tolarances has to be smaller and 3. dedicted prototypes designs are needed for testing specific part of RF chain including the antenna.
Reliance on simulations
Due to the testing limitations and prototyping costs it is highly recommended to rely on simulations for actual design work. Testing with prototypes should have only two purposes. First, establish correlation between simulations and measurements early in the development after materials have been selected. Secondly, confirm system performance using active measurements.
Solving complex mmwave antenna/RF challenges
Radientum offers comprehensive 5G mmWave and other antenna design services for full product development projects from feasibility studies through different design stages to consultancy at mass production phase.
Our antenna simulations are critical at reaching accurate performance forecast in early stages of development enabling informed decisions before manufacturing of prototypes. Simulation enable us to use our extensive know how in product integration to find new innovative antenna solutions.
Transmission Path loss
In mmWave antenna design, transmission path loss becomes more pronounced as frequency increases. As the radiated signal weakens over distance, more antenna gain is required, unlike earlier omnidirectional cellular systems. However, omnidirectional capabilities are still necessary. The solution is an antenna array capable of controlling its main beam direction, allowing it to point maximum gain toward the base station.
Losses in materials
Path loss also occurs within the materials of your device. When a signal passes through materials such as plastics or potting compounds, its strength can drop significantly. In mmWave antenna design, material placement is crucial as it affects both tuning and signal attenuation.
Reflections from materials
When multiple materials are in the transmission path, signal reflections may occur. Reflected signals can lose power or, worse, disrupt the radiation pattern and gain, potentially causing blind spots in your device. Proper material selection and placement are vital in mmWave antenna design to minimize such issues.
Transmission-line losses
At higher frequencies, mmWave antenna design requires minimizing transmission-line lengths on PCBs due to increased material losses. Special PCB materials may be necessary, and reducing transmission-line length to the absolute minimum is essential for maintaining performance.
Now, LEt’s look at your business?
Are you planning on developing a product that would utilise 5G mmWave for communication? Reach out to our account managers for free call to discuss your specificit situation and how to succeed with antennas!
Reference project
Round Solutions – Internationally certified industrial solutions
Discover how Round Solutions and Radientum collaborate to create internationally certified industrial IoT devices, enhancing reliability and customer satisfaction in the market.
Relevant Articles
More about relevant services
Radientum offers various services to support your R&D work. Here are few examples especially relevant to 5G mmWave products.
Antenna & RF Design Consultants
On-demand antenna and RF experts strengthening your team exactly when needed
Antenna Simulation
Simulation-driven design predicting RF performance early to reduce prototypes, risks, and cost.
Signal & Power Integrity (SI/PI) Simulation
Signal and power integrity simulations ensuring clean interfaces, lower latency, and reliability under constraints.
More about relevant technologies
Check out these other technology pages that are typically usefull for those developing a product with 5G mmWave antennas.
Cellular Antennas (2G–5G Sub-6)
Multiband cellular antennas meeting strict operator requirements for global connected products
PCB Antennas
Custom PCB antennas engineered for performance, manufacturability, and low system cost
Radar Antenna Design
Custom radar antenna arrays for 24/60/77 GHz sensing, resolution, and compact integration.
Wi‑Fi Antennas
High-efficiency Wi‑Fi antennas optimized for throughput, range, and challenging layouts