Millimeter Waves; What are They?
Millimeter waves occupy the frequency range of 30GHz to 300GHz and equivalent 1mm to 10mm wave range. Due to the small size of the wave relatively large arrays can be utilized in small devices. These millimeter waves yield huge bandwidths and data rates making them perfect for high-definition and ultra-high-definition media streaming. Of the whole millimeter wave spectrum V-band and E-band are 57-66GHz and 71-76GHz respectively and of must use to heavy data transfer.
MM waves wireless communication; Emerging Technologies
Currently D-band that ranges between 110-170 GHz and can be used for similar purposes as V-band and E-band however with much more data throughput. D-band applications include wireless backhaul and chip-to-chip communication systems and receiving a lot of attention for the development of more lightweight, smaller and energy efficient devices currently. mm waves wireless communication in general can be used for virtual reality communications, wearable devices and vehicular networks. In addition to this 5G and satellite systems can take advantage of this.
Example; Augmented Reality (AR) Applications
This means that industrial processes can be virtualized and augmented reality used through heads-up display (HUD) systems to provide operation and assembly methodologies to essentially untrained users. For instance, in an automotive manufacturing plan there are hundreds of components that need to be installed into assemblies with precision and to the correct profess to mitigate the necessity for rework.
For virtual and augmented reality applications high-definition visualization is required one the device in real-time and from continuous sensor input. This means that you need low latency between the sensor, main system and the HUD mounted on the user. Furthermore, devices must have smaller antennas that are small enough to be installed within the system for better ergonomics, and user interaction with the rest of the manufacturing site.
Obviously having a HUD for real-time data such as temperature, pressure and chemical present in chemical and/or material production in every area and pipe from edge devices can help stop run-away reactions, waste from under or over cured reactants and ensure the product through active flagging is produced to a high quality.
Types of Antennas
There are a whole multitude of antenna types that can be used in Millimeter waves wireless communications applications, below are some examples that could be useful in your solution;
Microsrtip; these are low profile, cheap to produce, allow microwave integration and light weight. However conversely, they have a lower power capacity, low radiation efficacy and a narrow band compared to other antennas.
Integrated On-Chip; these have a high degree of integration in small devices, low cost for manufacture and have a high degree of reliability. Conversely, they have a low resistivity and high dielectric capacity.
Horns; these allow operation in a wide frequency band, small side lobes, allow a high-power capability and a simple structure. Their main drawback is low gain.
Lenses; these have a wide frequency band and highly directional. Unfortunately, they are high profile.
Reflectors; are high gain and efficiency antennas with a small size and good directivity. They are also high in cost.
Summary
Thanks to the modern world requiring more and more data in low profile, more convenient devices, Millimeter waves wireless communications applications are becoming ever more prevalent. With the adoption of 5G technology in mobile and satellite communications high-definition and ultra-high-definition media streams are possible to be live-streamed from live events. Furthermore, smaller antenna allows pragmatic use of the technology in industrial augmented reality applications. No matter what your communication requirement odds are mm waves wireless communication will be front and center of the solution.
