Millimeter Waves Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G Networks

Abstract

5G (Fifth Generation) is the next generation of data network, offering faster speeds and reliable connections on smart phones and other devices than ever before. These networks are still under development and expected to operate on 28 and 38GHz bands. However, multiple antennas required for these 5G devices will increase the overall system size. Single antenna which can switch to operate on multiple bands is the solution to this problem. A novel frequency reconfigurable antenna for 5G communication networks is presented in this paper. The antenna was designed on a Roger R5880 substrate having dielectric constant 2.2 and loss tangent 0.0009. The proposed antenna consists of simple radiator on top layer and two slots in the ground layer. The frequency re-configurability is achieved by placing three PIN diodes in each slot of the ground. The operating frequency band of antenna is controlled by switching states of PIN diodes. The proposed antenna covers a wide band from 25.6-39.3 GHz by simply switching the diodes ON/OFF. Thus it can cover 28 and 38 GHz bands that are anticipated to be the two working bands for 5G communication. The overall size of the antenna is 10x7 mm2. In addition to being small this antenna has a good gain ranging from 6.5-8.4 dB as well as 85% efficiency in the two 5G bands. All simulations have been done in CST (Computer Simulation Technology) Studio Suite. This reconfigurable antenna can find applications in future 5G communication networks.