An Innovative Conformal Electronically Scanned Array Antenna for full 360° Steerability in the Ka-band

A novel approach to constructing an omnidirectional 5G/6G Ka-band Tx/Rx frontend module using an Active Electronically Steerable Array (AESA) will be presented. The 5G standard includes a number of mmWave frequency bands that provide the bandwidth for high data rates. However, up to now 5G still transmits primarily in the sub-6 GHz frequency range. Small cells like micro or pico cells operated in the mmWave range are capable to increase network capacity in densely populated areas. Efficient beam-based communications using directional antenna arrays can overcome the limitations imposed by propagation loss at high frequencies. These and a number of further requirements have been taken into account in the design of the antenna module presented here, making it a fundamental component for the cellular infra-structure of future 5G/6G mmWave networks. The dual-polarised module is using 2×96 elements to scan 360° in azimuth and ±45° in elevation. The operation frequency range is 24.25 GHz to 29.5 GHz, covering n258, n257, and n261 3GPP bands. Additionally, the module is capable to control up to four beams simultaneously.