Latest Antenna Technology Supporting 5G Ultrafast Communications

Multi-Antennas Present Challenge to Small Cell Base Station Expansion in 5G Market

With the emergence of an IoT/IoE society where everything is connected, attention is turning to 5G communications as a crucial infrastructure element, and rapid market growth is anticipated. Although the market for 5G-related products has only just taken shape, it is predicted to be worth 38 billion USD globally in 2023. Products and services related to small cell base stations are forecast to account for approximately 70% of that total. (Fuji Chimera Research Institute, Inc., Future Perspective of Core Technology to Realize 5G/High Speed Large Capacity Communication 2018)

The reason for this rapid growth is that 5G communications use millimeter waves,² so each 5G base station covers only a confined area. Thus the network configuration for 5G communications is characterized by large numbers of small cell base stations, which will initially be installed overlaying each of the macro cells that provide coverage via conventional communications base stations. In addition, millimeter waves are prone to shielding by objects, and therefore more small cell base stations need to be installed in places such as train stations, shopping malls, and stadiums.

Global market for 5G base stations

Fuji Chimera Research Institute, Inc., Future Perspective of Core Technology to Realize 5G/High Speed Large Capacity Communication 2018

Multi-antennas integrating many antenna elements play an important role in small cell base stations. The key technology of 5G communications is beam forming,³ which converts radio waves into beams and transmits them to each terminal. For instance, in a sports event at a stadium, this allows transmission of athletes’ movements at various angles to large numbers of audience terminals, simultaneous broadcast of multiple games in real time, and provision of augmented reality spectator services. This technology will enable new ways of enjoying events.

In beam forming, radio waves are converted into beams by controlling the phase of signals radiated from the antenna elements of a multi-antenna. Array antennas integrating many antenna elements have been developed as multi-antennas. Since band-pass filters (BPFs) and integrated circuits (ICs) are also connected to array antennas, these antennas need to be compact and thin as well as ensuring high-level functioning of the entire system.

Beam Forming in 5G Communications

Smaller and Thinner Profile Composite Device Provides Multi Antennas Solution to 5G

TDK has used our original LTCC technology accumulated over many years to develop a LTCC AiP device for 5G small cell base stations with a configuration integrating antenna elements and BPFs into an LTCC multi-layer substrate. A key feature of the device is adoption of a newly developed low dielectric material for the antenna layer, enabling high gains to be obtained even in the millimeter wave band. Other advantages include excellent environmental resilience and heat dissipation as well as degrees of freedom of design and evaluation, and the device delivers outstanding performance for 5G communication base station multi-antennas.

LTCC technology is a construction method developed for production of parts such as high frequency components. Ceramic sheet material developed for firing at relatively low temperature (approx. 900°C) is laminated in multiple layers for low-temperature firing, and a metal conductor microscopic wiring path is formed on a dielectric ceramic sheet with a conductor pattern enabling it to function as an inductor or capacitor. Sheets of differing material are used for the capacitor layers and inductor layers, requiring advanced technology for co-firing. TDK pioneered an advanced LTCC construction method for such co-firing of different materials and has commercialized high-frequency filters and front-end modules for mobile communication terminals.

Layered Structure of LTCC Device

In an IoT/IoE society where everything is connected via the internet, 5G communications networks are also expected to form an essential part of communications infrastructure. TDK will continuously supply various products and technical services supporting 5G communications networks, including those for communication circuits, sensing, noise suppression, and batteries.

LTCC AiP device