Millimeter-Wave Phased Array Antenna Integrated With the Industry Design in 5G/B5G Smartphones

In this communication, a dual-polarized millimeter-wave (mmWave) phased array antenna is proposed for the fifth-generation (5G)/B5G smartphones. The configuration of the antenna array is highly integrated with the up-to-date industry design (ID) of ultranarrow side frame, 3-D curved display, and covers, which are widely adopted in flagship smartphones and popular among consumers. The proposed antenna contains a minor portion of slotted metal frame and a cavity-backed antenna module. The air cavity and the multiple slots are employed to enhance the bandwidth. A strip bump is established on the metal frame to meet the ID requirement, which also improves the impedance matching simultaneously. A prototype of the proposed
$1\times $
4 phased array assembled in a smartphone’s metal frame is fabricated and measured. The antenna array achieves a −10 dB impedance bandwidth from 23.2 to 29.7 GHz. At 27.0 GHz, the measured peak gain is greater than 11.2 dBi and the 3 dB scanning angle is larger than 77° for the two polarizations. Finally, the blockage issue of the curved cover is studied. In virtue of high integration with ID, compact size, wide bandwidth, good spatial coverage, and easy assembling, the proposed antenna scheme is promising for 5G/B5G smartphone designs.