Phased Array Mobile Communication Antenna

Reliable mobile networks today must perform much better than they did in the past. The number of connected devices is continuously growing, as is the demand for high data rates and area-wide coverage with precise control. Especially in industrial halls, complex terrain structures, or temporary deployment scenarios, conventional sector antennas are often too coarse. The problem: dead zones in one area, energy waste in another, caused by inefficient network coverage.

Our modular phased array mobile communication antenna, on the other hand, combines electronic beamforming with a scalable design, enabling precise, reconfigurable radio coverage tailored to spatial structures and individual usage requirements. Instead of transmitting evenly across all sectors, it electronically directs its energy exactly where it is needed. Defined radio cells can be established without physical modifications, realigned, or activated and deactivated as required.

Whether for Industry 4.0, private campus networks, or temporary network infrastructures: Our antenna solution can be dynamically adjusted to local conditions while providing high energy efficiency and maximum adaptability with improved service quality.

Flexible setup, strong performance

Scalable design for maximum energy efficiency

Our phased array antenna is completely modular: individual antenna modules can be freely combined and assembled into arrays of any size. Each module can operate independently or in conjunction, depending on the spatial conditions and individual requirements.

The antenna specifically targets underserved areas while unused segments can easily be deactivated. Existing configurations can be expanded, restructured, or adapted to changing usage profiles at any time without physical modifications. This enables absolutely flexible network planning while simultaneously increasing the energy efficiency of the overall system.

Phased array mobile communication antenna
© Fraunhofer IIS/Paul Pulkert

Broadband architecture for diverse applications

The system supports mmWave channels in the Ka-band. This makes the antenna suitable not only for classic mobile communication applications but also for scenarios with particularly high requirements for data rates and latency, such as machine and plant control or video transmissions.

The electronic beam control allows for radio beams to be focused precisely where they are needed. Individual beams can be defined, shaped, and dynamically adjusted via software – in real-time and without manual intervention. This makes it possible to provide precise coverage of individual zones as well as uniform coverage over larger areas.

Intelligent supply, flexible control, efficient operation

Homogeneous area coverage

The antenna provides uniform, interference-free coverage even in complex environments. Overlaps and dead zones are avoided, and connections remain stable.

Dynamic beam adjustment

The antenna can respond at any time to changes in user distribution, relocation of devices, or altered environmental conditions without structural modifications or manual intervention.

Demand-based energy use

Only the antenna elements that are actually needed are activated. This saves energy, reduces unnecessary or disruptive radiation, and increases the lifespan of the components.

Features that make the difference

  • Example configuration: 4 x 4 array
    • 1, 2, or 4 independent beams
    • 5°, 10°, or 20° beam diameter
    • Transmit power (EIRP): 40, 34, or 28 dBm per beam

  • Combined transmitting/receiving antenna (half-duplex)
  • Support for 5G mmWave frequencies in the Ka-band: n257, n258, n261
  • Linear polarization (H and V)
  • Beam control: +/- 40° horizontally and vertically
  • Configurable array size:
    • Unit cells with 2 x 2 antenna elements
    • Combination of multiple unit cells into larger arrays
    • Independent, parallel operation of individual unit cells or as a common array
  • Hardware based on commercially available beamformer chips
  • FPGA for fast beam control

You may also be interested in

 

Antenna measurement hall

Measuring antennas and antenna systems in an anechoic environment

 

Smart antenna systems

The ideal antenna solution for any application

 

Mobile broadband communication

Go back to business area “Mobile broadband communication“