Beamforming is an established technology for cellular communications and other applications (see the previous article on “What is beamforming?”). Beamforming was initially developed based on various analog signal chain techniques and processes. In general, beamforming combines antenna array elements to direct signals at controlled angles to maximize signal reception at specific receivers. Analog beamforming can […]
What is beamforming?
Beamforming is used in various applications, including sensor arrays, radar, biomedicine, WiFi, and wireless communications. It is an active approach that combines antenna array elements to direct signals at specific angles and create constructive interference. In contrast, other signals are subjected to destructive interference to maximize signal transmission and/or reception. Beamforming can improve the spatial […]
What is precoding and what are the benefits?
Precoding involves preprocessing of the transmit signal in an RF system. As described below, precoding uses channel state information at the transmitter to improve performance and increase spectral efficiency. It is used to implement the superposition of multiple beams, including several different data streams of information for spatial multiplexing. Precoding is the transmitter signal processing […]
What is the difference between current feedback and voltage feedback op amps?
Current feedback (CFB) operational amplifiers (op amps) and voltage feedback (VFB) op amps have almost as many similarities as differences. CFBs and VFBs both have inverting and non-inverting inputs, a signal output, inputs for positive and negative voltage supplies and use feedback and gain resistors to stabilize circuit operation and set circuit gain. That can […]
What is pseudorandomness and why is it useful?
Pseudorandomness is a measurement of the degree to which a sequence of numbers, though appearing to be random, is produced by a deterministic and repeatable process. True randomness is a stochastic quality of a sequence which has a probability distribution or pattern that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely. Pseudorandom sequences […]
Metamaterials for power and energy
The first two FAQs in this series considered the potential for metamaterials to have significant impacts on advanced optics, audio systems, thermal management, and various aspects of mmWave communications and radar. This final FAQ will consider the impact metamaterials are expected to have on energy harvesting (both solar electric and solar thermal) high-power long-distance power […]
Metamaterials, mmWave antennas, 3D radar and holographic beamforming
Wireless communication, 5G mmWave devices, space communications, GPS, satellites, space vehicle navigation, automobiles, and airplanes are just some applications for metamaterial antennas. Metamaterials are engineered/manmade materials with properties not found in nature. Antenna designs based on metamaterials can significantly increase the radiated power. The latest metamaterial antenna designs can radiate up to 95% of the […]
Metamaterials’ potential for transforming electronics
Metamaterials are engineered/manmade materials with properties not found in nature. The emergence of metamaterials is expected to have a significant impact on a variety of electronics applications. These unnatural materials could have an impact similar to “MEMS” (micro-electromechanical system) technology, with the potential to bring transformational changes. This initial FAQ will briefly look into possible […]
mmWave antennas and antenna management for 5G
Antennas, antennas, and more antennas are one of the keys to successfully developing 5G new radio (NR) devices employing millimeter wave (mmWave) bandwidths. 5G NR handsets are highly complex devices. They have to handle the new 5G mmWave bands, including 4×4 multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antennas, 3GPP specified Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access […]
What is the 5G RF/mmWave signal chain?
The 5G RF/mmWave signal chain is expected to be the same as, and different from, the RF signal chain for today’s LTE Advanced devices. 5G consists of two separate frequency bands, FR1 is mostly repurposed LTE bands and FR2 bands are in the mmWave region. As a result, 5G in the FR1 frequencies can use […]
