Fast Beam Tracking based on 28 GHz mmWave Phased Array: Algorithm and Prototype Experiment

The spectrum advantage of millimeter wave (mmWave) can support large-bandwidth and high-rate transmission for B5G/6G. However, the penetration losses and significant atmospheric absorption make beamforming and beam tracking critical in mobile scenarios. Based on the beamforming ability of the phased array, a fast and robust beam tracking scheme is proposed in this paper. The scheme includes beam sweeping, beam tracking, stationary beam alignment, and abrupt detection. The algorithm is mainly based on the adjacent beam search, and the slight angle vibration tracking is considered to ensure beam alignment. The prototype experiment of the proposed scheme is carried out in the laboratory environment, based on the real-time 28 GHz software defined radio (SDR) and phased array communication system, and the proposed beam tracking scheme is proved to be effective.