mmWave antennas design in 5G mobile phones

Abstract

5G wireless technology operates across a wide range of frequency bands, classified into Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2). FR1 includes frequencies be-low 7.225 GHz, many of which are also utilised in existing 4G systems. In contrast, FR2 encompasses millimetre-wave (mmWave) bands, which enable data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbit/s—nearly 100 times faster than 4G. However, integrating multiple antennas within the limited space of modern 5G mobile devices presents a significant challenge for antenna designers.

This thesis addresses these challenges by first examining the key differences between sub-6 GHz and mmWave antennas in mobile phones, with a particular focus on the de-sign trade-offs involving antenna size, efficiency, and bandwidth. The study also ex-plores state-of-the-art mmWave antenna design solutions, drawing from both academic research and industry advancements. Furthermore, this thesis discusses and compares various proposed solutions while also reviewing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) stand-ards and regulatory limits for both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies, ensuring compliance with global safety regulations.

By providing a comprehensive analysis of 5G antenna design challenges and potential solutions, this thesis aims to contribute to the development of efficient and practical mmWave antennas for next-generation mobile devices.