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TECHNOLOGY NEWS

New and Improved Multi-Band Operational Receiver for 5G Radio

Communication by Tokyo Institute of Technology

An ultra-wide-band receiver based on a
harmonic selection technique to improve
the operational bandwidth of 5G networks
has been developed by Tokyo Tech
researchers in a new study. Fifth generation
(5G) mobile networks are now being used
worldwide with frequencies of over 100
Hz. To keep up with the data traffic in
these networks, appropriate receivers are
necessary. In this regard, the proposed
technology could revolutionize the world
of next-generation communications. As
next-generation communication networks
are being developed, the technology used
to deploy them must also evolve alongside.
Fifth generation mobile network New
Radio (5G NR) bands are continuously
expanding to improve the channel capacity
and data rate. To realize cross-standard
communication and worldwide application
using 5G NR, multi-band compatibility is,
therefore, essential. Recently, millimeter-
wave (mmW) communication has been
considered a promising candidate for
managing the ever-increasing data traffic
between large devices in 5G NR networks.
In the past few years, many studies have
shown that a phased-array architecture
improves the signal quality for 5G NR
communication at mmW frequencies.
Unfortunately, multiple chips are needed
for multi-band operation, which increases
the system size and complexity. Moreover, coverage makes it compatible with all decreased the needed LO frequency
operating in multi-band modes exposes existing 5G bands, as well as the 60 GHz coverage while allowing for multi-band
the receivers to changing electromagnetic earmarked as the next potential licensed down-conversion. The second was to use
environments, leading to cross-talk and band. As such, our receiver could be the key a dual-mode multi-band low-noise amplifier
cluttered signals with unwanted echoes. To to utilizing the ever-growing 5G bandwidth," (LNA). The LNA structure not only improved
address these issues, a team of researchers says Prof. Okada. To fabricate the proposed the power efficiency and tolerance of the
from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo dual-channel multi-band phased-array inter-band blocker (reducing interference
Tech) in Japan has now developed a receiver, the team used a 65-nm CMOS from other bands) but also achieved a good
novel "harmonic-selection technique" for process. The chip size was measured to balance between circuit performance and
extending the operational bandwidth of be just 3.2 mm x 1.4 mm, which included chip area. Finally, the third prong was the
5G NR communication. The study, led by the receiver with two channels. The team receiver, which utilized a Hartley receiver's
Professor Kenichi Okada, was published took a three-pronged approach to tackle architecture to improve image rejections.
in the IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits. the problems with 5G NR communication. The team introduced a single-stage hybrid-
"Compared to conventional systems, our The first was to use a harmonic-selection type polyphase filter (PPF) for sideband
proposed network operates at low power technique using a tri-phase local oscillator selection and image rejection calibration.
consumption. Additionally, the frequency (LO) to drive the mixer. This technique The team found that the proposed

99 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023