Modularized prototype of 5G mmWave base station system at 38 GHz

This paper presents a 4-way modularized prototype millimeter-wave base station system operating at 38 GHz. The base station contains several separated modules operating for different functions in IF frequency and RF frequency. A 4×4 phased array antenna is utilized in the system for beam-steering or beamforming applications in the future 5G technologies. The whole system is fabricated by standard industrial printed circuit board (PCB) process with Rogers RO4350B material and manufactured circuit components. Measurements of the phased array antenna and the prototype system were done to verify the design concept. The measurement result of the 1-way system has a −28 dB EVM with 600 MHz bandwidth in a 6-meter wireless link scenario.