Massive Multiple-Input And Multiple-Output Antenna Array For 5G

Massive MIMO(Massive Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output)antenna array technology is defined by 3GPP(3rd Generation Partnership Project)as one of the key technologies of 5G(The Fifth Generation)Mobile Communication System.How to apply Massive MIMO antenna arrays with tens or even hundreds of elements to 5G is facing many challenges,such as low profile,low weight,low cost.They are also the difficulties and hotspots in the application of Massive MIMO antenna array in the construction of 5G.To solve these problems,this thesis proposes a new solution.Firstly,the performances of the antenna element is simulated by HFSS(High Frequency Structure Simulator).Secondly,a simulation program for beamforming pattern of antenna array is compiled by software named MATLAB.Finally,an antenna array is fabricated and it's performances are tested.The major innovations and work are summarized as follows:(1)The multi-layer patch antenna made by plastic injection moulding and partial electroplating process is utilized to reduce the height,weight and cost of the antenna.Patch antenna is especially suitable for integration with RRU(Remote Radio Unit)to realize low profile AAU(Active Antenna Unit)in 5G equipment.To reduce the weight of the antenna element,the plastic injection moulding and partial electroplating process is adopted instead of the multi-layer printed circuit board(PCB)structure.The weight of the plastic antenna element made of PPS(Polyphenylenesulphide)is 35% less than that of the PCB antenna element.(2)A beamforming simulation algorithm is developed based on MATLAB.This algorithm can simulate the beamforming patterns based on several single-row radiation pattern data of simulation and actual test results.It is an auxiliary tool for designing Massive MIMO antenna array.It is also useful for network planning and optimization in 5G.(3)A set of Massive MIMO antenna array is fabricated.It works in the n41 band(2496~2690MHz)of the FR1 defined by 3GPP.The antenna elements and beamforming radiation patterns are tested in an indoor test system for near-field radiation pattern.With all the above innovations and work,the proposed antenna array set is suitable to use in 5G.