Beyond Wireless: Why mmWaves Are More Than Just 5G Enablers

By John Oncea, Editor

mmWave technology made its name by helping power 5G communications. But it’s a much more dynamic technology than that, used in industries from aerospace to wireless backhaul. Here we explore ways mmWaves are being tested for use in five different industries.

Behold the power of the mmWave spectrum, allowing 5G to deliver data rates up to 10 times faster than LTE while accommodating more simultaneous subscribers with higher reliability services. “These improvements make 5G ideal for specific deployments such as dense urban environments — airports, stadiums, and metropolitan areas,” writes 5G Technology World.

mmWaves, with wavelengths ranging from 10mm to 1mm, occupy the Extremely High-Frequency band (30 GHz to 300 GHz) of the radio frequency spectrum, making them particularly handy for transmitting ultra-high-definition video and communications over short distances from low-power IoT devices. However, designing circuits and subsystems for mmWave transmission can be a challenge due to semiconductor and process limitations, model limitations, and poor Q factors of passive devices.

Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3

mmWave technology has been around for more than 50 years but it was only fairly recently that testing – increasingly important as the technology becomes more consumer-oriented –  began, notes RF Exposure Lab. “In some devices, the transceiver will need to be tested along with the antennas, while for other devices, only the antennas will need to be tested.

“However, when it comes to mmWave technology, transceivers, and antennas along with the package and the speed and integrity of the signal may need to be tested. This complicates SAR testing for mmWave devices.”

mmWave testing refers to a set of techniques and procedures used to evaluate and characterize mmWave technology, which operates in the frequency range between 30 gigahertz (GHz) and 300 GHz. This range of frequencies is significantly higher than those used in traditional wireless communications (such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks), which typically operate in the sub-6 GHz range.

Testing and evaluation of mmWave devices and systems are essential to ensure their performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Here are some key aspects of millimeter wave testing:

• Antenna Characterization: mmWave devices often rely on specialized antennas for transmission and reception. Testing involves characterizing these antennas for parameters like gain, beamwidth, polarization, and radiation pattern.
• Signal Propagation and Path Loss: mmWaves have shorter wavelengths, which can result in increased signal attenuation due to obstacles and atmospheric absorption. Testing helps evaluate signal propagation characteristics and path loss to design effective communication and radar systems.
• Channel Modeling: Modeling the mmWave channel is crucial for designing robust communication systems. Testing includes creating realistic channel models to assess system performance under various environmental conditions.
• Device and System Testing: mmWave devices, such as transceivers and amplifiers, need to be tested for parameters like output power, noise figure, and linearity. System-level testing involves evaluating the performance of complete millimeter wave communication systems, including base stations and user equipment.
• Interference and Coexistence Testing: Due to the increasing deployment of mmWave technologies, interference and coexistence with other wireless systems must be evaluated to ensure that mmWave devices operate without significant interference issues.
• Regulatory Compliance: mmWave devices must comply with regulatory standards to ensure they do not interfere with other services and are safe for use. Testing is essential to meet these compliance requirements.
• Beamforming and MIMO Testing: Many mmWave systems employ beamforming and multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to enhance performance. Testing these features involves assessing beamforming patterns, spatial multiplexing capabilities, and interference mitigation.
• Environmental Testing: mmWave devices may be used in various environmental conditions, so testing may include assessing their performance under extreme temperatures, humidity, and other environmental factors.
• Security Testing: Given the importance of mmWave technology in critical applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation, security testing is vital to identify vulnerabilities and ensure secure communication.
• Field Testing: Real-world field testing is crucial to validate the performance of mmWave systems in actual deployment scenarios.

5 Uses Of mmWave Other Than 5G

Christiaan Huygens hypothesized light as a wave phenomenon more nearly 450 years ago. Science heavyweights, from Isaac Newton to Jagadish Chandra Bose Max Planck to Albert Einstein weighed in over the years, refining and further defining what we know today as mmWaves.

Although the concepts for mmWave systems and their uses were conceived many years ago, it was only over the past 50 or so years that applications within this frequency range were technically validated and commercial success achieved. Significant advancements in integration techniques, interconnects, packaging, and cost-effective production methods were required to make this possible.

As noted, mmWaves are best known for the role they play in enabling 5G. However, that’s like saying Audrey Hepburn or Jennifer Hudson* are best known for acting. There’s so much more than meets the eye.

Following are five “other” ways mmWaves are being used by markets other than telecommunications.

1. Automotive Industry: mmWave radars are used in automotive applications to detect the speed and range of objects near a car, according to IEEE. The radars can warn drivers about obstacles and trigger automatic braking, as well as distinguish between multiple obstacles. Additionally, mmWave radars are increasingly integrated with commercial vehicles to support new Adaptive Driver Assisted Systems (ADAS).
2. Satellite Communication: Satellite communication can greatly benefit from the use of mmWaves. When operating at higher orbits, mmWaves offer exceptional data rates and low latency. This is due to their high frequency, which allows them to transmit more information than radio waves. Additionally, their ability to travel in a straight line makes them an ideal choice for satellite communication.
3. Healthcare: In the medical field, mmWave imaging is used for various applications, including breast cancer detection, skin cancer imaging, pain relief, and tissue regeneration. Researchers found that mmWave technology can be used in medical applications like treating acute pain and are experimenting with frequency ranges between 40 GHz and 70 GHz to experiment with several medical conditions.
4. Military: In the military, mmWave technology serves multiple purposes, including detecting the location of targets and tracking their movements. This information can be utilized to guide missiles or other weapons toward their intended targets. Additionally, mmWaves are used for communication between military units over long distances. The transmission of data includes critical information regarding enemy positions, troop movements, and other relevant battlefield data.
5. Radar: Radar applications often utilize mmWaves for their ability to provide high resolution and detect objects and changes in the environment with great accuracy, especially in security and surveillance systems. The short range of mmWaves is due to their high frequency, whereas lower-frequency waves have a longer range but are less precise. The mmWaves can even penetrate materials like clothing and walls, making them an excellent choice for covert operations. The small wavelength of millimeter waves provides them with high resolution, allowing them to distinguish between closely spaced objects with great precision. Additionally, they can detect even the smallest changes in the environment, making them ideal for use in sensors and surveillance systems.

As technology advances, the applications of mmWave testing are likely to expand into new markets and industries. Its ability to transmit and receive data at extremely high frequencies makes it a versatile tool for various applications, where accuracy, speed, and reliability are essential.

* There have been 18 EGOT winners since 1962 including Helen Hayes who won an Oscar in 1932 and a Grammy in 1977. That 45-year span is the longest time needed to win all four awards.