

DWSL research focuses on advancing 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications through the design of a novel cylindrical conformal antenna array capable of 360° beam steering. This cutting-edge antenna is built with a flexible polyimide substrate, making it compact and suitable for integration with modern 5G electronic systems. Unlike traditional phased-array designs, which rely on complex circuits and multiple RF chains, this antenna utilizes single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches to steer the beam in the azimuth plane. This approach not only simplifies the design but also reduces hardware costs and power consumption, supporting a more efficient single-RF chain operation.
The cylindrical conformal structure enables seamless coverage by dynamically redirecting the antenna’s radiation pattern across eight distinct states, each covering 45°, to achieve full azimuthal scanning. This design allows for continuous, high-gain communication without blind spots, ensuring reliable connectivity in dense mmWave environments. The antenna’s beam-switching is controlled via a digital microcontroller, which activates specific radiating elements based on the network’s needs. This approach promises to bridge the gap between 5G’s high-speed potential and its real-world implementation by enhancing coverage and performance in a cost-effective, miniaturized format.
Publications
A. Stroh, M. Sigda, K. Carbone, D. Baun, M. A. S. Tajin, O. Bshara, V. Pano, K. R. Dandekar, “A Pattern Reconfigurable Conformal mmWave Antenna for 5G Applications”, In 2021 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (APS/URSI), pp. 1059-1060, 2021. [bibtex] [doi]