Elements and Feed Network

Chapter 6

Abstract

1. Introduction

109

Design of Reconfigurable

Mikhail E. Belkin, Dmitriy A. Fofanov,

beams formation in a particular 5G pico-cell.

Multiple-Beam Array Feed

Tatiana N. Bakhvalova and Alexander S. Sigov

Network Based on Millimeter-

Wave Photonics Beamformers

In this chapter, elaborating the direction of designing photonics-based beamforming networks (BFN) for millimeter-wave (mmWave) antenna arrays, we review the worldwide progress referred to designing multiple-beam photonics BFN and highlight our last simulation results on design and optimization of millimeterphotonics-based matrix beamformers. In particular, we review the specialties of mmWave photonics technique in 5G mobile networks of Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) technology based on fiber-wireless architecture. In addition, the theoretical background of array antenna multiple-beam steering using ideal models of matrix-based phase shifters and time delay lines is presented including a general analysis of radiation pattern sensitivity to compare updated photonics beamforming networks produced on phase shifter or true-time delay approach. The principles and ways to optimized photonics BFN design are discussed based on the study of photonics BFN scheme including integrated 88 optical Butler matrix (OBM). All schemes are modeled using VPIphotonics Design Suite and MATLAB software tools. In the result of simulation experiments, the outcome is obtained that both the integrated optical Butler matrix itself and the BFN based on it possess an acceptable quality of

Keywords: 5G mobile communication network, small cell, wideband millimeterwave antenna array, photonics-based beamforming network, computer-aided design

Generally, antenna unit is a requisite of any on-air radio frequency system forming its service area and bandwidth capability. At present, implementing an active phased array antenna (PAA) [1] results in remarkably increased footprint and operation flexibility thanks to electronic beam steering function, which is realized by a beamforming network (BFN). Today, the global telecommunications industry is experiencing a stage of violent development associated with the becoming of the fifth-generation mobile communication networks (5G NR) [2–6], and it is planned that one of the milestones for 5G NR compared to available 4G LTE networks should be millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication with mobile radio
