IBM and Ericsson have announced the end result of their two-year collaboration in developing a 5G technology. The two companies developed a technological advanced silicon-based 5G millimeterWave (mmWave) phased array circuit able to offer very high data rates for virtual reality, Internet of Things and connected vehicle applications by operating a 28 GHz.
IBM And Ericsson Announce 5G Breakthrough
According to Network World, IBM explained that the 28 GHz module consists of 64 dual-polarized antennas and four monolithic integrated circuits. The module measures approximately 2.8" by 2.8", which represents only around half the size of a typical smartphone. By combining multiple tiny antennas working at 28 GHz the range of operation would considerably increase, even if each antenna can only individually support short communication distances.
The multiple antennas system will also enable steering of signals in specific directions. The design was called by IBM and Ericsson team's 5G millimeterWave phased array. For high precision pointing of the beam towards users, the system supports beam-steering resolution of fewer than 1.4 degrees.
The innovative 5G technological advance also supports concurrent dual-polarization operation in both transmit and receive modes. Due to this capability, a phased array antenna module can form two beams simultaneously. This way the number of users to be served at the same time is doubled.
According to IBM, these particularities of the new 5G millimeterWave phased array are improving the overall value and economics of the technology. However, in order to support technology's widespread deployment, it is necessary to develop a compact form factor, especially in dense downtown areas and indoor spaces. IBM expects that the year 2017 could be a defining one for the emerging 5G technology, as more governments and countries are opening new frequency portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
A Significant Step Towards Commercially Viable 5G Modules
According to ZDNet, this is a significant step towards developing commercially viable modules thanks to their performance, cost, size, and weight. In developing this low-cost and compact solution, the companies made use of Ericsson's expertise in system design and in mobile communications circuit, as well as IBM's knowledge of packaged antenna solutions and highly integrated phased array mmWave.
A new source of bandwidth for cellular networks is being made available for 5G networks. This is including portions known as millimeter wave bands that are more than 10 times higher than the currently used frequencies for mobile devices. In certain scenarios, 5G is expected to support very high data transfer rates, exceeding 10 Gbps.
Even in highly dense environments, the 5G networks will be ale to provide very high bandwidth and uninterrupted live streaming experiences. The new capabilities will allow users to download a full-length HD movie in just seconds. The 5G millimeterWave phased array will work with frequencies between the infrared spectrum and microwave spectrum.
Data transmission will use dramatically wider bandwidths by using the new mmWve spectrum. However, in order to leverage this spectrum for 5G, new radio access and new equipment will be required and ultimately new smartphone models that provide the mmWave wireless capability. Ericsson has been actively working on developing 5G network technology and tech experts expect that the first commercial networks will become available soon.
