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Advanced Millimeter Wave Antenna Systems for 5G and beyond 5G Wireless Communications

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Sensor Networks".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 13246

Special Issue Editors

1. National Mobile Communications Research Laboratory, School of Information of Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
2. Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing 211111, China
Interests: millimeter wave, massive MIMO; reconfigurable intelligent surface channel measurements and modeling; wireless big data; electromagnetic information theory; 6G wireless communications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. National Mobile Communications Research Laboratory, School of Information of Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
2. Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing 211111, China
Interests: massive MIMO and XL-MIMO communications; signal processing and information theory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
School of Integrated Circuits, Shandong University, No.1500, Shunhua Road, Gaoxin District, Jinan 250101, China
Interests: wireless channel measurements; modeling for 6G high-mobility scenarios
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, higher frequency bands, especially millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency bands, have been utilized to improve the transmission data rate for fifth generation (5G) and beyond 5G (B5G) wireless communication systems. As the frequency increases, the available bandwidth increases, while the wave length decreases. More antenna elements are required to compensate for the high path loss, blockage, gas absorption, etc. Advanced antenna designs and technologies need to be explored, such as (ultra-)massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), holographic MIMO, and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) communications. The emerging new application scenarios, such as integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and maritime communications at mmWave bands, are promising. MmWave channel measurements, characteristics analysis, and channel modeling are also important for system design and performance evaluation.

This Special Issue therefore aims to bring together original research and review articles on recent advances, technologies, solutions, applications, and new challenges in the field of mmWave wireless communication systems.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced mmWave antenna design;
  • Massive MIMO, ultra-massive MIMO, and holographic MIMO communications at mmWave bands;
  • RIS communications at mmWave bands;
  • ISAC at mmWave bands;
  • MmWave UAV communications;
  • MmWave maritime communications;
  • MmWave communication channel measurements;
  • MmWave communication channel characterization;
  • MmWave communication channel modeling;
  • Multi-frequency cooperation algorithms design.

Dr. Jie Huang
Dr. Li You
Dr. Yu Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • advanced mmWave antenna design
  • massive MIMO, ultra-massive MIMO, and holographic MIMO communications at mmWave bands
  • RIS communications at mmWave bands
  • ISAC at mmWave bands
  • mmWave UAV communications
  • mmWave maritime communications
  • mmWave communication channel measurements
  • mmWave communication channel characterization
  • mmWave communication channel modeling
  • multi-frequency cooperation algorithms design

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1036 KiB  
Article
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Resource Management in Maritime Communication Systems
by Xi Yao, Yingdong Hu, Yicheng Xu and Ruifeng Gao
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072247 - 31 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1103
Abstract
With the growing maritime economy, ensuring the quality of communication for maritime users has become imperative. The maritime communication system based on nearshore base stations enhances the communication rate of maritime users through dynamic resource allocation. A virtual queue-based deep reinforcement learning beam [...] Read more.
With the growing maritime economy, ensuring the quality of communication for maritime users has become imperative. The maritime communication system based on nearshore base stations enhances the communication rate of maritime users through dynamic resource allocation. A virtual queue-based deep reinforcement learning beam allocation scheme is proposed in this paper, aiming to maximize the communication rate. More particularly, to reduce the complexity of resource management, we employ a grid-based method to discretize the maritime environment. For the combinatorial optimization problem of grid and beam allocation under unknown channel state information, we model it as a sequential decision process of resource allocation. The nearshore base station is modeled as a learning agent, continuously interacting with the environment to optimize beam allocation schemes using deep reinforcement learning techniques. Furthermore, we guarantee that grids with poor channel state information can be serviced through the virtual queue method. Finally, the simulation results provided show that our proposed beam allocation scheme is beneficial in terms of increasing the communication rate. Full article
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14 pages, 2632 KiB  
Article
A Compact Broadside Coupled Stripline 2-D Beamforming Network and Its Application to a 2-D Beam Scanning Array Antenna Using Panasonic Megtron 6 Substrate
by Jean Temga, Takashi Shiba and Noriharu Suematsu
Sensors 2024, 24(2), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24020714 - 22 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1276
Abstract
This article presents a 4-way 2-D butler matrix (BM)-based beamforming network (BFN) using a multilayer substrate broadside coupled stripline (BCS). To achieve the characteristics of a compact, wide-bandwidth, high-gain phased array, a BCS coupler is implemented using the Megtron 6 substrate. The compact [...] Read more.
This article presents a 4-way 2-D butler matrix (BM)-based beamforming network (BFN) using a multilayer substrate broadside coupled stripline (BCS). To achieve the characteristics of a compact, wide-bandwidth, high-gain phased array, a BCS coupler is implemented using the Megtron 6 substrate. The compact 2-D BFN is formed by combining planarly two horizontal BCS couplers and two vertical BCS couplers. The BFN is proposed without a crossover and without a phase shifter, generating phase responses of ±90° in the x- and y-directions, respectively. The proposed BFN exhibits a wide operating band of 66.7% (3–7 GHz) and a compact physical area of just 0.25 λ0 × 0.25 λ0 × 0.04 λ0. The planar 2-D BFN is easily integrated with the patch antenna radiation elements to construct a 2-D multibeam array antenna that generates four fixed beams, one in each quadrant, at an elevation angle of 30° from the broadside to the array axis when the element separation is 0.6 λ0. The physical area of the 2-D multibeam array antenna is just 0.8 λ0 × 0.8 λ0 × 0.04 λ0. The prototypes of the BCS coupler, the 2-D BFN, and the 2-D multibeam array antenna were fabricated and measured. The measured and simulated results were in good agreement. A gain of 9.1 to 9.9 dBi was measured. Full article
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25 pages, 3924 KiB  
Article
SDR-Based 28 GHz mmWave Channel Modeling of Railway Marshaling Yard
by Yiqun Liang, Hui Li, Yuan Tian, Yi Li and Wenhua Wang
Sensors 2023, 23(19), 8108; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23198108 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
Compared with railway communication service requirements on the mainline, requirements in hotspots such as stations and yards are more complicated in terms of service types as well as bandwidth, of which railway-dedicated mobile communication systems such as 5G-R facilitated with dedicated frequency support [...] Read more.
Compared with railway communication service requirements on the mainline, requirements in hotspots such as stations and yards are more complicated in terms of service types as well as bandwidth, of which railway-dedicated mobile communication systems such as 5G-R facilitated with dedicated frequency support cannot meet the entire communication requirements. Therefore, other radio-communication technologies need to be adopted as a supplement, among which the mmWave communication system is a promising technology, especially for large bandwidth communication between train and trackside. However, there is a lack of evaluation of the 28 GHz mmWave channel characteristics for the railway marshaling yard scenario. In this paper, the railway marshaling yard mmWave propagation scenario is deeply analyzed and classified into three typical categories, based on which, a measurement campaign is conducted using an SDR channel sounding system equipped with a 28 GHz mmWave phased-array antenna. A self-developed software under the LabVIEW platform is used to derive the channel parameters. Conclusions on the relationship between the parameters of MPC numbers, time-spread, and received power and position, as well as the impact of typical obstructions such as the Catenary, adjacent locomotives, and buildings are drawn. The statistical results and conclusions of this paper are helpful for facilitating the design and performance evaluation of future mmWave communication systems for railway marshaling yards and can also be further extended and applied to the research of mmWave utilization in 6G and other future communication technologies for more scenarios. Full article
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13 pages, 48963 KiB  
Article
A Novel Monopole Ultra-Wide-Band Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Antenna with Triple-Notched Characteristics for Enhanced Wireless Communication and Portable Systems
by Shahid Basir, Ubaid Ur Rahman Qureshi, Fazal Subhan, Muhammad Asghar Khan, Syed Agha Hassnain Mohsan, Yazeed Yasin Ghadi, Khmaies Ouahada, Habib Hamam and Fazal Noor
Sensors 2023, 23(15), 6985; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23156985 - 6 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1689
Abstract
This study introduces a monopole 4 × 4 Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna system with a novel structure and outstanding performance. The proposed design has triple-notched characteristics due to CSRR etching and a C-shaped curve. The notching occurs in 4.5 GHz, 5.5 [...] Read more.
This study introduces a monopole 4 × 4 Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna system with a novel structure and outstanding performance. The proposed design has triple-notched characteristics due to CSRR etching and a C-shaped curve. The notching occurs in 4.5 GHz, 5.5 GHz, and 8.8 GHz frequencies in the C-band, WLAN band, and satellite network, respectively. Complementary Split-Ring Resonators (CSRR) are etched at the feed line and ground plane, and a C-shaped curve is used to reduce interference between the ultra-wide band and narrowband. The mutual coupling of CSRR enables the MIMO architecture to achieve high isolation and polarisation diversity. With prototype dimensions of (60.4 × 60.4) mm2, the proposed antenna design is small. The simulated and measured results show good agreement, indicating the effectiveness of the UWB-MIMO antenna for wireless communication and portable systems. Full article
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19 pages, 3855 KiB  
Article
Investigating UAV-Based Applications in Indoor–Outdoor Sports Stadiums and Open-Air Gatherings for Different Interference Conditions beyond 5G Networks
by Akhil Gupta, Prakhar Saini, Banala Sharath Teja, Giddaluru Shiva Durgesh, Shourabh Kumar Mishra, Anjani Kumar Yadav, Sudeep Tanwar, Fayez Alqahtani, Maria Simona Raboaca and Wael Said
Sensors 2023, 23(15), 6721; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23156721 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
With the onset of 5G technology, the number of users is increasing drastically. These increased numbers of users demand better service on the network. This study examines the millimeter wave bands working frequencies. Working in the millimeter wave band has the disadvantage of [...] Read more.
With the onset of 5G technology, the number of users is increasing drastically. These increased numbers of users demand better service on the network. This study examines the millimeter wave bands working frequencies. Working in the millimeter wave band has the disadvantage of interference. This study aims to analyze the impact of different interference conditions on unmanned aerial vehicle use scenarios, such as open-air gatherings and indoor-outdoor sports stadiums. Performance analysis was carried out in terms of received power and path loss readings. Full article
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18 pages, 7086 KiB  
Article
Channel Characterization and Modeling for 6G UAV-Assisted Emergency Communications in Complicated Mountainous Scenarios
by Zhaolei Zhang, Yu Liu, Jie Huang, Jingfan Zhang, Jingquan Li and Ruisi He
Sensors 2023, 23(11), 4998; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23114998 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2702
Abstract
Regarding the new demands and challenges of sixth-generation (6G) mobile communications, wireless networks are undergoing a significant shift from traditional terrestrial networks to space-air-ground-sea-integrated networks. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications in complicated mountainous scenarios are typical applications and have practical implications, especially in [...] Read more.
Regarding the new demands and challenges of sixth-generation (6G) mobile communications, wireless networks are undergoing a significant shift from traditional terrestrial networks to space-air-ground-sea-integrated networks. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications in complicated mountainous scenarios are typical applications and have practical implications, especially in emergency communications. In this paper, the ray-tracing (RT) method was applied to reconstruct the propagation scenario and then acquire the wireless channel data. Channel measurements are also conducted in real mountainous scenarios for verification. By setting different flight positions, trajectories, and altitudes, channel data in the millimeter wave (mmWave) band was obtained. Important statistical properties, such as the power delay profile (PDP), Rician K-factor, path loss (PL), root mean square (RMS) delay spread (DS), RMS angular spreads (ASs), and channel capacity were compared and analyzed. The effects of different frequency bands on channel characteristics at 3.5 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 28 GHz, and 38 GHz bands in mountainous scenarios were considered. Furthermore, the effects of extreme weather, especially different precipitation, on the channel characteristics were analyzed. The related results can provide fundamental support for the design and performance evaluation of future 6G UAV-assisted sensor networks in complicated mountainous scenarios. Full article
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13 pages, 11596 KiB  
Article
A Miniaturized Arc Shaped Near Isotropic Self-Complementary Antenna for Spectrum Sensing Applications
by Ubaid Ur Rahman Qureshi, Shahid Basir, Fazal Subhan, Syed Agha Hassnain Mohsan, Muhammad Asghar Khan, Mohamed Marey and Hala Mostafa
Sensors 2023, 23(2), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020927 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1875
Abstract
This paper presents the design of an arc-shaped near-isotropic self-complementary antenna for spectrum sensing application. An arc-shaped dipole with horizontal and vertical arms is used to achieve a near isotropic radiation pattern. The radiation pattern improved by adjusting the horizontal and vertical arm [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design of an arc-shaped near-isotropic self-complementary antenna for spectrum sensing application. An arc-shaped dipole with horizontal and vertical arms is used to achieve a near isotropic radiation pattern. The radiation pattern improved by adjusting the horizontal and vertical arm lengths. Simulated and experimental results show that the proposed antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 146% (2.4–18.4 GHz) for VSWR ≤ 2 with a good radiation pattern. In order to quantify the antenna performance, antenna gain variation, bandwidth, efficiency, and size have been compared with previously reported designs. It is shown that the proposed arc-shaped antenna can achieve nearly isotropic radiation patterns with a maximum radiation efficiency of 92%. The isotropic performance of the antenna has been characterized by observing the radiation pattern and solid angle. The FR4 substrate is used as a dielectric with relative permittivity 4.4 and loss tangent of 0.02. (εr = 4.4, h = 1.6 mm) The simulated and measured results are in good comparison, and the proposed design is a suitable candidate for spectrum sensing. Full article
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