Antenna-on-chip integration in mainstream silicon semiconductor technologies

The mobile data traffic is rapidly increasing. Several bands have been identified in the millimetre-wave spectrum that could be used to support the expected average smartphone traffic of 6.8 GB in 2021. Due to the short wavelength at those frequencies, the antennas can and should be integrated together with the front-end electronics. This paper provides an overview of integration approaches developed at the Centre for Wireless Technology Eindhoven. Moreover, it provides a comparison of the presented concepts in terms of performance and relative cost. The conclusion is drawn that in-package antennas seem to be the best integration approach for frequencies considered for 5G and a general guideline is provided for frequencies beyond 5G.