RFMassive MIMO 5G Antennas & Leading Manufacturers
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Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antenna arrays are a cornerstone of 5G NR (New Radio) technology, enabling faster speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced network efficiency. These advanced antenna systems utilize a high number of antennas at the base station to simultaneously serve multiple users, significantly boosting spectral efficiency and network capacity. Massive MIMO’s integration into 5G NR base stations is a key factor in meeting the increasing demand for high-speed internet, low latency, and seamless connectivity in today’s digital era.
In this article, we’ll explore the design and functionality of 5G Massive MIMO antenna arrays, their critical role in 5G networks, and a detailed overview of manufacturers specializing in this innovative technology.
What is MIMO Antenna Array in 5G NR?
Massive MIMO refers to a system having multiple antenna elements in the form of an active antenna array used to transmit multiple data streams in the desired direction. It helps to increase system capacity, data throughput, and coverage. Massive MIMO is also called mMIMO. It employs beamforming to direct energy in the desired user direction to mitigate interference from other users.
There are two types (SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO) based on the number of users served by the Base Station or eNB. In SU-MIMO, all the streams of the antenna array are focused on a single user. In MU-MIMO, multiple streams are focused on multiple users. Each of these streams of the MU-MIMO antenna system provides radiated energy to more than one user simultaneously.
Massive MIMO uses MU-MIMO in which multiple radio transceiver units are combined with antenna elements on a single active unit.
Both FDD and TDD are used with massive MIMO. TDD operates on the same frequency on downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). FDD operates on different frequencies for DL and UL. TDD is better than FDD due to channel reciprocity. With FDD, feedback overhead increases with antenna elements.
Example: 64T64R Massive MIMO Antenna
Here, 64T64R refers to 64 transmit and 64 receive antenna elements, with a total of 128 antenna elements. It uses 64 transceiver units, each mapped to two antenna elements. Both use different polarizations to transmit/receive different unique data streams.
Massive MIMO Antenna Array Specifications
The following specifications or parameters are considered for selecting the massive MIMO antenna array for 5G base station network installation.
- Frequency band of operation (e.g., n41/B41 (2.5 GHz))
- Antenna Bandwidth (e.g., 200 MHz)
- Transmit power (e.g., EIRP of 68 dBm)
- Number of antenna elements (16/32/64/96 dual polarized)
- Maximum gain (e.g., 17.5 dBi)
- Antenna Array Efficiency (e.g., 67 %)
- 3 dB Beam width (e.g., 18 degrees)
- Return Loss (e.g., -15 dB)
The figure depicts the 64T64R Massive MIMO Antenna Array developed by Nokia. The specifications of this antenna array are mentioned in the table below.
5G NR Base Station Massive MIMO Antenna Array Manufacturers
The following table mentions manufacturers of Massive MIMO Antenna Array for 5G NR Base Stations with part numbers and technical features.
| Massive MIMO Antenna Array Manufacturers | Description |
|---|---|
| FLEX LTD. | • It offers customizable reference design for Massive MIMO antenna array • It houses 16 dual polarized elements providing 32 total antennas transmitting/receiving at the same time. • The antenna array operates at 2.5 GHz frequency. • It can be used in 4G/LTE and 5G cellular technologies. • Website: https://flex.com/ |
| Taoglas | • Model : Aurora CMM.100 (Massive MIMO Phased Array ) • Frequency range : 5 to 6 GHz ( C Band) • It houses 64 Antenna elements each of which transmits and receives at different polarizations at same time. This provides two independent paths from transmitter to receiver resulting in 128 antenna array in one single panel. • Website: https://www.taoglas.com/ |
| REMCOM , US and Canada | • The company develops many products and solutions in telecom domain. • It includes 5G and MIMO simulation software. • MIMO and array design for 5G antennas, 5G urban small cells and so on. • Website : https://www.remcom.com/ |
| Commscope | • The company offers 5G solutions based on its smarter and faster new antenna solutions. • 5G radios are packed with advanced antenna arrays. |
| QorVo | • The company develops 5G sub-6 GHz RF front-end products which can be used in massive MIMO designs. These include LNA, Switch, PA, and so on. • Website : www.qorvo.com |
| Nokia | • Product name : Airscale MAA 64T64R, Model No : 474155A • Number of Tx/Rx : 64/64 • Number of antenna elements : 8 (Horizontal) x 8 (Vertical) • Beamforming : Supported • Software : TD-LTE • Frequency : 2496 to 2690 MHz (3GPP Band 41) • Gain : 24 dBi • EIRP : 74.8 dBm • Beam steering range : +/- 60 degree (horizontal) and +/- 20 degree (vertical) |
Conclusion
The adoption of Massive MIMO antenna arrays in 5G NR base stations represents a transformative step in mobile communication, offering unparalleled network performance and scalability. With the capability to handle dense urban environments and support next-generation applications like IoT, AR/VR, and autonomous systems, these antenna systems are essential for realizing the full potential of 5G.
Leading manufacturers around the globe are driving innovation in Massive MIMO technology, providing the critical infrastructure needed to build robust and efficient 5G networks. By understanding their features and key players, businesses and telecom operators can make informed decisions to stay competitive in the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape.
