Circular Polarization in mmWave Applications. Enhances Connectivity in 3 Aspects
The rise of mmWave (millimeter-wave) technology in communication systems has sparked significant interest due to its ultra-high-speed wireless connectivity. From 5G to emerging 6G networks, mmWave applications are shaping the future of telecommunications. In this context, circular polarization (CP) is vital in enhancing signal quality and overcoming challenges unique to mmWave communication.
Introduction of mmWave Communication
mmWave operates in the 30 to 300 GHz frequency range and is a crucial enabler of advanced communication systems. Its high-frequency nature allows for data rates of several gigabits per second, reshaping many application scenarios.
5G and 6G networks: These next-gen networks leverage mmWave to meet growing demands for data and low-latency services in urban and industrial environments. mmWave provides a high-quality network for immersive virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR) applications, cloud gaming, remote education and instant conferencing, and virtual workspaces (Metaverse).
Autonomous vehicles: mmWave technology enables fast, real-time data exchange between vehicles, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and the cloud, ensuring safe and reliable autonomous driving.
Satellite communication: In space-based networks, mmWave provides high-throughput communication channels for satellite-to-ground and inter-satellite links.
Challenges Faced by mmWave Communication and How Circular Polarization Overcomes Them
mmWave offers a promising solution for many applications requiring high-quality networks, but it also comes with several challenges.
Propagation loss: mmWave signals face higher propagation losses, particularly in urban environments where buildings and other obstacles block or reflect signals. Circular polarization can help maintain signal quality in environments with significant signal reflections and polarization mismatches.
Multipath interference: In urban or indoor settings, mmWave signals often encounter reflections from walls, windows, and other surfaces, leading to multipath interference. Circular polarization significantly reduces the impact of multipath reflections, as its signal pattern minimizes destructive interference caused by these reflections.
Polarization sensitivity: Currently, 5G mmWave communication systems use linear polarization, which can suffer from polarization mismatch if the transmitting and receiving devices are not perfectly aligned. Circular polarization mitigates this by allowing signals to be received regardless of device orientation, providing more consistent communication quality.
YTTEK’s Support in Circular Polarization R&D
Y.BEAM is a 28GHz detachable FEM (Front-End Module) designed to drive innovation in circular polarization. It features two independent 4×8 32-element antenna arrays, which can be configured for LHCP (Left-Hand Circular Polarization), RHCP (Right-Hand Circular Polarization), or horizontal/vertical linear polarization through GUI. Additionally, the detachable antenna design allows engineers to switch out antennas and experiment with different substrate materials easily.
Key Features of Y.BEAM
- Detachable antenna array design for easy customization
- 26.5 – 29.5 GHz operating frequency for LEO satellite and 5G mmWave R&D
- Dual 4×8 antenna arrays with independently configurable polarizations
- Supports TDD half-duplexing and FDD
- IF frequency range of 2.6 – 5.8 GHz
- 48dBm high EIRP
Y.BEAM enables 5G mmWave and LEO satellite communication researchers to efficiently validate communication algorithms, such as beamforming, beam management, and beam tracking. It can also serve as a signal source for OTA (Over-the-Air) testing, particularly in high-frequency applications where precise signal path and loss measurements are critical.
