In this digital world, every communication need depends on wireless communication. A robust data transmission model is required to achieve error-free communication.
The new technology increases the efficiency of data transmission “beyond 5G”. Scientists at the University of Birmingham, UK, have revealed a new beam-steering antenna that increases the efficiency of data transmission and opens up frequencies for mobile communications inaccessible to technologies currently in use.
Around the size of an iPhone, the antenna can provide continuous “wide-angle” beam steering, allowing it to follow a moving mobile phone user. The antenna is fully compatible with existing 5G specifications currently used by mobile communications networks. Additionally, it does not require complex and inefficient feeder networks for commonly deployed antenna systems. Instead, it uses a low complexity system that improves performance and is simple to manufacture.
The device uses a metamaterial*, made from a sheet of metal with an array of regularly spaced holes a few micrometers in diameter. An actuator controls the height of a cavity in the metamaterial, micrometer movements and, depending on its position, the antenna controls the deflection of a radio wave – effectively “focusing” the beam into a highly directional signal, then redirecting this energy as desired. ‘ – while increasing transmission efficiency.
Dr James Churm from the University of Birmingham School of Engineering said: “Although we developed the technology for use in 5G, our current models show that our beam steering technology can be capable of 94% efficiency at 300 GHz. The technology can also be adapted for use in vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-radar, and satellite communications, making it ideal for next-generation use in automotive, radar, space, and other applications. defense.
“We are assembling another body of work for publication and presentation that will demonstrate a level of efficiency that has not yet been reported for the transmission of radio waves at these difficult frequencies. The simplicity of design and low component cost are advantageous for early industry adoption, and the compact electronics configuration facilitates deployment where space constraints exist. We are confident that the beam steering antenna is suitable for a wide range of 5G and 6G, satellite and Internet of Things applications. »
Scientists presented their experimental results today at the 3rd International Union of Atlantic and Asia-Pacific Radioscience Radio Science Meeting.
