electronics

Review
A Review on 5G Sub-6 GHz Base Station Antenna
Design Challenges
Madiha Farasat 1 , Dushmantha N. Thalakotuna 1, *, Zhonghao Hu 2 and Yang Yang 1

1 School of Electrical and Data Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney 2007, Australia;
[email protected] (M.F.); [email protected] (Y.Y.)
2 Wireless Business Unit, Rosenberg Technology Australia, Northmead 2152, Australia;
[email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Modern wireless networks such as 5G require multiband MIMO-supported Base Station
Antennas. As a result, antennas have multiple ports to support a range of frequency bands leading to
multiple arrays within one compact antenna enclosure. The close proximity of the arrays results in
significant scattering degrading pattern performance of each band while coupling between arrays
leads to degradation in return loss and port-to-port isolations. Different design techniques are
adopted in the literature to overcome such challenges. This paper provides a classification of
challenges in BSA design and a cohesive list of design techniques adopted in the literature to
overcome such challenges.

Keywords: base station antenna challenges; multiband antennas; multibeam antennas; antenna arrays







Citation: Farasat, M.; Thalakotuna, 1. Introduction

D.N.; Hu, Z.; Yang, Y. A Review on Base station Antenna (BSA) is the edge element in the air interface towards the mobile
5G Sub-6 GHz Base Station Antenna terminal in all communication systems, from the first-generation (1G) AMTS (advanced
Design Challenges. Electronics 2021, mobile telephone systems) to the fifth-generation (5G) networks. A significant amount of
10, 2000. https://doi.org/10.3390/ research and development has been done on BSAs; however, it appears largely dissem-
electronics10162000
inated across the literature. Thus, this communication aims to collate, categorize, and
discuss the latest development and challenges associated with the BSAs.
Academic Editor: Massimo Donelli
There are two basic types of BSAs used in cellular communication systems: omnidi-
rectional and directional (sector) antennas. These variants are used in almost all wireless
Received: 19 July 2021
technologies, from 1G to 5G. Omni-directional antennas are preferred for low-capacity and
Accepted: 12 August 2021
extended coverage scenarios such as in rural areas. In contrast, directional antennas are
Published: 19 August 2021
used to serve a targeted coverage area while providing a higher capacity. This targeted
coverage, commonly known as a sector, is determined during mobile coverage planning.
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
The serving sector antenna specifications are derived considering sector parameters.
published maps and institutional affil-
The scope of this communication is to provide a comprehensive summary of recent
iations. BSA antenna designs and challenges, with particular interest placed on lower microwave
bands in sub-6 GHz range. Whilst there is a significant amount of published work on BSAs,
a cohesive discussion of BSA evolution with mobile technologies is not available. Hence,
the antenna community will benefit from a brief discussion on how BSA technologies have
evolved through mobile generations. This is discussed in Section 2 prior to discussing BSA
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
challenges in detail in Section 3. Concluding remarks are drawn in Section 5.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
2. Evolution of BSA Technologies
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons First-generation (1G) networks had omnidirectional cells, as the main focus was
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// coverage, not the capacity. Hence, the BSAs, otherwise known as base transceiver station
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ (BTS) antennas, were omnidirectional. As the number of users increased in the second-
4.0/). generation (2G) networks, operators started to consider ways to increase the capacity. One

Electronics 2021, 10, 2000. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10162000 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

 generation (2G) networks, operators started to consider ways to increase the capacity. One
of the techniques used for capacity improvement is sectorization. A common sectorization
technique
2. Evolution used in 2GTechnologies
of BSA is to divide the previous omnidirectional cell into three sectors of
120° each. As a result, three antennas, each having a 10dB beamwidth of 120°, were used
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 First-generation (1G) networks had omnidirectional cells, as the main focus was cov-
2 of 20
in the BTS.
erage, not the capacity. Hence, the BSAs, otherwise known as base transceiver station
Another technique used in 2G networks to enhance capacity is the use of polarization
(BTS) antennas, were omnidirectional. As the number of users increased in the second-
diversity. The aim was to provide two orthogonal polarizations in the antenna array. The
generation (2G) networks, operators started to consider ways to increase the capacity. One
horizontal
of (H) and vertical (V) polarization wereisinitially used, but ±45°, otherwise known
ofthe
thetechniques
techniquesused usedfor
forcapacity
capacityimprovement
improvement issectorization.
sectorization.AAcommon
commonsectorization
sectorization
as slant
technique polarization,
used has been widely adopted in many BTS antennas since 2G. Figure
technique usedin in2G
2Gisistotodivide
dividethetheprevious
previousomnidirectional
omnidirectionalcell cellinto
intothree
three sectors
sectorsofof
1a,b
120 ◦ shows vertical and slant polarized dipole array configurations used in◦ BSAs in 2G
120°each.
each.AsAsaaresult,
result,three
threeantennas,
antennas,eacheachhaving
havingaa10dB10dBbeamwidth
beamwidthofof120 120°,, were
wereusedused
and
in following generations. The number of users increased rapidly, moving from 2G to 3G
inthe
theBTS.
BTS.
due Another
to the introduction of mobile
technique used in 2Gdata services
networks in 3G. Ascapacity
to enhance a result,isoperators
the use ofhad to explore
polarization
Another technique used in 2G networks to enhance capacity is the use of polarization
further techniques
diversity. The aim to wasincrease capacity.
to provide two One solutionpolarizations
orthogonal was to furtherinsubdivide
the antenna the array.
sector
diversity. The aim was to provide two orthogonal polarizations in the antenna array. The
intohorizontal
The narrower sectors.
(H) andThis was (V)
vertical done using narrow
polarization werebeam antennas
initially used,with ±45◦ , otherwise
but half-power beam-
horizontal (H) and vertical (V) polarization were initially used, but ±45°, otherwise known
width (HPBW)
known such as 65° orhas
as slant polarization, even 33°.widely
been One ofadopted
the disadvantages
in many BTS wasantennas
increased antenna
since 2G.
as slant polarization, has been widely adopted in many BTS antennas since 2G. Figure
loading on the tower.
Figure 1a,b shows vertical and slant polarized dipole array configurations used in BSAs in
1a,b shows vertical and slant polarized dipole array configurations used in BSAs in 2G
2G and A solution
followingtogenerations.
antenna loading was achieved
The number of usersby increased
introducing multibeam
rapidly, moving panel
fromanten-
2G
and following generations. The number of users increased rapidly, moving from 2G to 3G
nas.
to 3G Such
due to antennas are similar
the introduction in appearance
of mobile to conventional
data services in 3G. As asector
result,antennas
operatorsbut hadhave
to
due to the introduction of mobile data services in 3G. As a result, operators had to explore
multiple
explore narrow
further beams. As
techniques to aincrease
result, increased
capacity. Onecapacity is achieved
solution without
was to further the needthe
subdivide for
further techniques to increase capacity. One solution was to further subdivide the sector
additional
sector antennas,sectors.
into narrower as shown Thisinwas
Figure
done2.using
The twin
narrow beams
beam orantennas
multibeams withare achieved
half-power
into narrower sectors. This was done using narrow beam antennas with half-power beam-
beamwidth
by introducing (HPBW)hybridsuch as 65◦ into
couplers or even 33◦ . network.
the feed One of the disadvantages
These multibeamwas increased
antennas have
width (HPBW) such as 65° or even 33°. One of the disadvantages was increased antenna
antenna loading on
been a prevalent the tower.
choice among operators for mobile networks since then.
loading on the tower.
A solution to antenna loading was achieved by introducing multibeam panel anten-
nas. Such antennas are similar in appearance to conventional sector antennas but have
multiple narrow beams. As a result, increased capacity is achieved without the need for
additional antennas, as shown in Figure 2. The twin beams or multibeams are achieved
by introducing hybrid couplers into the feed network. These multibeam antennas have
been a prevalent choice among operators for mobile networks since then.

Figure1.1.(a)
Figure (a)Vertical
Verticalpolarized
polarizeddipole
dipolearray.
array.(b)
(b)Slant
Slantpolarized
polarizeddipole
dipolearray.
array.

A solution to antenna loading was achieved by introducing multibeam panel antennas.

Such antennas are similar in appearance to conventional sector antennas but have multiple
narrow beams. As a result, increased capacity is achieved without the need for additional
antennas, as shown in Figure 2. The twin beams or multibeams are achieved by introducing
hybrid couplers into the feed network. These multibeam antennas have been a prevalent
Figure among
choice 1. (a) Vertical polarized
operators dipole array.
for mobile (b) Slant
networks sincepolarized
then. dipole array.

Figure 2. Patterns of a single-beam BSA, two narrow-beam BSAs, and a twin-beam BSA.

An increased number of cells/sectors requires comprehensive network planning to

reduce cell edge interference and the need for operators to adjust the cell/sector coverage.
This is achieved in a BSA antenna by providing beam tilting in the elevation plane. Most
of the BSA antennas from 3G networks and later were equipped with a Remote Electrical
Tilt (RET) feature, allowing the operator to remotely configure the elevation beam tilt in a
Figure
0–10° 2.Patterns
Figure2. Patterns
range
of
ofaasingle-beam
single-beam
to optimize
BSA,
BSA,two
the network.twonarrow-beam
narrow-beam
The
BSAs,
BSAs,and
elevation beam andain
tilt atwin-beam
twin-beam BSA.
BSA.
the antenna is achieved
An
Anincreased
increasednumber
numberofofcells/sectors
cells/sectors requires
requirescomprehensive
comprehensivenetwork
networkplanning
planningtoto
reduce
reduce cell edge interference and the need for operators to adjust the cell/sectorcoverage.
cell edge interference and the need for operators to adjust the cell/sector coverage.
This is achieved in a BSA antenna by providing beam tilting in the elevation plane. Most
This is achieved in a BSA antenna by providing beam tilting in the elevation plane. Most
of the BSA antennas from 3G networks and later were equipped with a Remote Electrical
of the BSA antennas from 3G networks and later were equipped with a Remote Electrical
Tilt (RET) feature, allowing the operator to remotely configure the elevation beam tilt in a
Tilt (RET) feature, allowing the operator to remotely configure the elevation beam tilt in a
0–10◦ range to optimize the network. The elevation beam tilt in the antenna is achieved
0–10° range to optimize the network. The elevation beam tilt in the antenna is achieved
using a phase shifter that provides a phase gradient to the elements in the antenna array.
Therefore, most of the BSA antennas from 3G networks and beyond had the capability
of beam tilting in the elevation plane. However, the elevation beam steering feature
achieved using such phase shifters is only suitable for network optimization, not for
beamforming in the elevation plane. With 2G and 3G technologies, an additional spectrum
was introduced beyond previously used 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. Primarily occupied
 using a phase shifter that provides a phase gradient to the elements in the antenna array.
Therefore, most of the BSA antennas from 3G networks and beyond had the capability of
beam tilting in the elevation plane. However, the elevation beam steering feature achieved
using such phase shifters is only suitable for network optimization, not for beamforming
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 in the elevation plane. With 2G and 3G technologies, an additional spectrum was 3intro- of 20

duced beyond previously used 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. Primarily occupied higher
frequency bands worldwide were in 1710–2100 MHz bands. With 4G LTE, additional
spectrafrequency
higher up to 2.6 bands
GHz were used worldwide.
worldwide In 5G, sub-6
were in 1710–2100 GHz bands
MHz bands. With 4Ghave an additional
LTE, additional
spectrum in 700 MHz bands and 3.4–3.6 GHz bands. Therefore, with
spectra up to 2.6 GHz were used worldwide. In 5G, sub-6 GHz bands have an additional every generation, the
existing spectrum is reused, while additional bands are introduced.
spectrum in 700 MHz bands and 3.4–3.6 GHz bands. Therefore, with every generation, the
Thespectrum
existing radiatingisantenna elements
reused, while used inbands
additional BSAs,are however,
introduced.have limited bandwidth.
Hence,
Thea single element
radiating antennacannot operateused
elements in multiple
in BSAs, bands. The most
however, havecommon approach in
limited bandwidth.
BSAs is to have two to three distinct radiating elements to cover
Hence, a single element cannot operate in multiple bands. The most common approach these bands, i.e., one
in
BSAs is to have two to three distinct radiating elements to cover these bands, i.e., oneMHz–
radiating element to cover lower bands 650 MHz–960 MHz [1] and another for 1695 radi-
2760 MHz
ating element [1–3] and alower
to cover third bands
element type to
650–960 operate
MHz [1] andin 3.4–3.6
anotherGHz [4]. As a result,
for 1695–2760 each
MHz [1–3]
of these
and bands
a third is provided
element type toby a separate
operate antenna
in 3.4–3.6 GHz array. Although
[4]. As a result,early
each2G of networks
these bands usedis
separate antennas
provided by a separatefor each band,
antenna laterAlthough
array. generations
earlyused antennas used
2G networks with separate
multipleantennas
bands in
oneeach
for housing.
band,Thislatertechnology
generations is called multiband
used antennas antennas.
with multipleA multiband
bands in one antenna has This
housing. mul-
tiple arrays,iseach
technology calledserving a different
multiband bandAwithin
antennas. one enclosure.
multiband antenna has In the initialarrays,
multiple generations
each
of multiband
serving antennas,
a different bandthe arraysone
within were physicallyInseparated
enclosure. the initialasgenerations
shown in Figure 3a. These
of multiband
multibandthe
antennas, antennas
arrays provided space and
were physically weight as
separated savings
showncompared
in Figureto 3a.two separate
These anten-
multiband
nas.
antennas provided space and weight savings compared to two separate antennas.

Figure 3. (a)
Figure (a)Multiband
Multibandantenna
antennawith
withphysically
physicallyseparated arrays;
separated (b) (b)
arrays; multiband antenna
multiband withwith
antenna
interspersed arrays.
interspersed arrays.

Later generations
Later generations resulted
resulted inin multiple
multiple interspersed
interspersed arrays, as shown in Figure Figure 3b, 3b,
which further improved
which improvedthe thespace
spaceand andweight
weight savings. However,
savings. However, interspersed
interspersed arrays pre-
arrays
sent significant
present significantchallenges
challengesduring
duringantenna designs,
antenna suchsuch
designs, as inter-band
as inter-band coupling
couplingand and
pat-
pattern distortions,
tern distortions, discussed
discussed in detail
in detail in Section
in Section 3.23.2 of this
of this paper.
paper.
The
The antenna arraysarrays ininhigher
higherfrequency
frequencybands bands occupy
occupy lessless
areaarea since
since the the vertical
vertical ele-
element spacing
ment spacing is is much
much smallerininhigher
smaller higherfrequencies
frequenciescompared
comparedto tolower
lower frequency
frequency bands.
Therefore,
Therefore, multiple
multiple higher-frequency
higher-frequency band band arrays
arrays can
can be
be accommodated
accommodated with with oneone lowlow
band array, as shown in Figure 4. The most common configurations
band array, as shown in Figure 4. The most common configurations were 1:2 or 1:4 array were 1:2 or 1:4 array
ratio
ratiobetween
betweenlow lowband
bandtotohigh
highband.
band. The antenna
The antennashown
shown in Figure
in Figure4, has4, two portsports
has two for twofor
polarizations used in low band array and two ports each for high band
two polarizations used in low band array and two ports each for high band array, result- array, resulting in a
total
ing inofa10 ports.
total of 10 This antenna
ports. architecture
This antenna also allows
architecture alsomultiple operatorsoperators
allows multiple to share antenna
to share
arrays.
antennaAlternatively to such to
arrays. Alternatively multiband arrays,arrays,
such multiband antenna co-sharing
antenna co-sharingwas still
waspracticed
still prac-
among operators
ticed among using using
operators a diplexer to combine
a diplexer multiple
to combine bandsbands
multiple into one intoBSA,
one even
BSA, witheven
single-band antennas. Some advanced BSAs in the 3G era comprised
with single-band antennas. Some advanced BSAs in the 3G era comprised dual polar dual polar multiband
and multibeam
multiband antennas. antennas.
and multibeam
Notable
Notable changescompared
changes comparedtotoprevious
previous mobile
mobilenetwork
network generations
generations in the air interface
in the air inter-
are first introduced with LTE-A. A significant increase in data rates
face are first introduced with LTE-A. A significant increase in data rates is achieved is achieved in LTE-A in
due to MIMO capability. Up to eight layers of MIMO are first introduced
LTE-A due to MIMO capability. Up to eight layers of MIMO are first introduced in 3GPP in 3GPP Release
10. MIMO transmit data in parallel both in time and frequency in segregated streams. The
BSAs are required to have spatially separated antenna arrays or polarization diversity
to achieve the decorrelation in RF paths. The spatial separation has to be at least 0.7λ or
more [5]. Some of the multiband antennas used in 3G networks at the time already had 2–4
high band arrays already, and the operators could use them for MIMO operation without
upgrading the BSA design. High band arrays are commonly used for MIMO operation,
but some BSA designs can support up to 4X MIMO for low band arrays as well [6].
 streams. The BSAs are required to have spatially separated antenna arrays or polarization
diversity to achieve the decorrelation in RF paths. The spatial separation has to be at least
0.7λ or more [5]. Some of the multiband antennas used in 3G networks at the time already
had 2–4 high band arrays already, and the operators could use them for MIMO operation
without upgrading the BSA design. High band arrays are commonly used for MIMO op-
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 4 of 20
eration, but some BSA designs can support up to 4X MIMO for low band arrays as well
[6].

Low band
Figure 4. Low band to
to high band 1:4 antenna array configuration.

The 3GPP
The 3GPP release
release 12 12 and
and 1313 introduced
introduced active
active antenna
antenna systems
systems (AAS)
(AAS) and and massive
massive
MIMO (mMIMO) operation, which allowed real-time beamforming
MIMO (mMIMO) operation, which allowed real-time beamforming to provide increased to provide increased
capacity and
capacity and reduced
reduced interference.
interference. TheseThese capabilities
capabilities are are adopted
adopted in in 5G
5G air
air interface
interface and
and
are commonly referred to as 5G antennas among the antenna community. The mMIMO
are commonly referred to as 5G antennas among the antenna community. The mMIMO
with AASs
with AASs are are extensively
extensively used used inin mm-wave
mm-wave bands bands duedue toto advancements
advancements in in the
the Antenna
Antenna
in Package (AiP) and millimeter-wave integrated circuit
in Package (AiP) and millimeter-wave integrated circuit (MMIC) technologies.(MMIC) technologies. The smallerThe
wavelengths at mm-wave require only small antenna footprints,
smaller wavelengths at mm-wave require only small antenna footprints, allowing them allowing them to be di-
rectly
to integrated
be directly with thewith
integrated transceivers. However,
the transceivers. the peak the
However, power
peaklimitations, efficiencies
power limitations, at
effi-
mm-wave transceivers and propagation and penetration losses at mm-wave frequencies
ciencies at mm-wave transceivers and propagation and penetration losses at mm-wave
limit the use of mm-wave BSAs to indoor use and small cells. The mMIMO in sub-6 GHz
frequencies limit the use of mm-wave BSAs to indoor use and small cells. The mMIMO in
is also used by the operators for outdoor coverage due to low propagation and penetra-
sub-6 GHz is also used by the operators for outdoor coverage due to low propagation and
tion losses at these frequencies. The challenges at mm-wave antennas have significant
penetration losses at these frequencies. The challenges at mm-wave antennas have signif-
differences to the sub-6 GHz BSAs. Within the scope of this discussion, we present the
icant differences to the sub-6 GHz BSAs. Within the scope of this discussion, we present
challenges associated with the BSAs in sub-6 GHz and below, as these BSAs are the most
the challenges associated with the BSAs in sub-6 GHz and below, as these BSAs are the
widely used antennas by the operators to date.
most widely used antennas by the operators to date.
The mMIMO aims to control the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) to each user by forming
The mMIMO aims to control the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) to each user by forming
beams to each user unlike single-user MIMO and Multi-User MIMO in LTE and LTE-A.
beams to each user unlike single-user MIMO and Multi-User MIMO in LTE and LTE-A.
This requires a two-dimensional antenna array with control on the amplitude and phase to
This requires a two-dimensional antenna array with control on the amplitude and phase
steer the beam in azimuth and elevation. The conventional beamforming antenna arrays
to steer the
require the element
beam inspacing
azimuthtoand elevation.
be 0.5λ Thethe
to reduce conventional
grating lobes.beamforming
In contrast,antenna
the MIMO ar-
rays require the element spacing to be 0.5λ to reduce the grating
demands more spacing between the arrays to increase spatial diversity at least 0.7λ or lobes. In contrast, the
MIMO
more. In demands
practice, more spacing between
a compromise the arrays
is made, and a to increase
0.65λ spatial
column diversity
spacing at least
is used 0.7λ
in most
or
of more. In practice,
the mMIMO a compromise
antennas. The needis to made,
formand the abeam
0.65λrequires
column aspacing
phase is andused in most
amplitude
of the mMIMO antennas. The need to form the beam requires a phase
control at each radiating element, which can be done using either via analog beamforming and amplitude con-
trol at each radiating element, which can be done using either via
architecture, digital beamforming architecture, or a hybrid beamforming architecture. The analog beamforming
architecture, digitalbeamforming
analog and digital beamformingarchitectures
architecture,that or aare
hybrid beamforming
the most commonlyarchitecture.
used are shown The
analog and digital beamforming architectures that are the
in Figure 5. Analog beamforming has a significantly lower power consumption than themost commonly used are
shown in Figure 5. Analog
digital beamforming technique beamforming
due to a lack hasofaactive
significantly lower However,
components. power consumption
in practice,
than
analogthebeamforming
digital beamforming technique
cannot provide true due to a lack
mMIMO of activebecause
capability components. However,
the beams formed in
practice, analog beamforming cannot provide true mMIMO capability
by analog beamforming are either multiple fixed beams or steer at a much slower rate because the beams
formed
compared by analog beamforming
to the digitally formed arebeams.
either multiple fixedanalog
In practice, beamsbeamforming
or steer at a much slower
is achieved
by either a beamforming network such as Butler Matrix [7] or using a lens [8]. Digital
beamforming is the preferred architecture in Sub-6 GHz mMIMO antennas as most of the
beamformers can provide IF outputs up to 6 GHz. Hybrid beamforming architecture is
mostly used in mm-wave 5G realizations in order to achieve power savings and reduce
complexity in the designs. More details on the current sub-6 GHz adapted beamforming
technologies and the challenges are discussed in Section 3.3.
 rateeither
by compared to the digitally
a beamforming formed
network beams.
such In practice,
as Butler Matrixanalog
[7] or beamforming is achieved
using a lens [8]. Digital
by either a beamforming
beamforming network
is the preferred such as
architecture in Butler Matrix
Sub-6 GHz [7] or using
mMIMO a lens
antennas [8]. Digital
as most of the
beamformingcan
beamformers is the preferred
provide architecture
IF outputs up toin6Sub-6
GHz. GHz mMIMO
Hybrid antennasarchitecture
beamforming as most of the is
beamformers
mostly used incan provide5G
mm-wave IF realizations
outputs up toin 6order
GHz.toHybrid
achievebeamforming
power savingsarchitecture
and reduceis
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 mostly usedininthe
complexity mm-wave 5G realizations
designs. More details on in
theorder to achieve
current power
sub-6 GHz savings
adapted and reduce
beamforming
5 of 20
complexity in
technologies thethe
and designs. Moreare
challenges details on theincurrent
discussed Sectionsub-6
3.3. GHz adapted beamforming
technologies and the challenges are discussed in Section 3.3.

Figure 5. (a) Analog beamforming architecture; (b) digital beamforming architecture.

Figure 5.
Figure 5. (a) Analog beamforming
beamforming architecture;
architecture; (b)
(b) digital
digital beamforming
beamforming architecture.
architecture.
3. Challenges in BSA Design
3.
3. Challenges
Challenges in
in BSA
BSA Design
Design with the BSAs are classified into three main categories, as
The challenges associated
shown The
The challenges
in challenges
Figure 6. The associated
associated with
with the
the BSAs
“port measurements” are
are classified
BSAs includeclassified into
into three
the design three main
main categories,
challenges categories,
in achieving as
as
shown
shown
wide in Figure
in Figure 6.
impedance 6. The “port measurements”
The “port measurements”
bandwidths include
and meeting theinclude the design
the design
port-to-port challenges
challenges
isolation in achieving
in achieving
requirements. The
wide
wide impedance
impedance
challenges bandwidths
in radiation patternsand
bandwidths and meeting
meeting
are mostly the
due toport-to-port
the port-to-port
the interspersedisolation
isolation requirements.
naturerequirements.
of the multibandThe
The
challenges
challenges in radiation
in radiation patterns are
patternsofare mostly
mostly due to the
duecausing interspersed
to the interspersed nature
nature of the multiband
of the multiband
arrays: the radiating elements other bands scattering and undesirable effects
arrays:
arrays: the
the radiating
radiating elements
elements of
of other
other bands causing scattering and undesirable effects
on the radiation patterns. Therefore, the bands causing
radiating elementsscattering
of oneand bandundesirable
have to be effects
made
on the radiation patterns. Therefore, the radiating elements of one band have to be made
on the radiation
almost transparent patterns.
for theTherefore,
other band theand
radiating elements
vice versa. The of one
size band haveare
constraints to be made
another
almost transparent for the other band and vice versa. The size constraints are another
almost transparent
challenge faced by BSA for the other band
designers. and estate
The real vice versa. Theon
available size
anconstraints
antenna towerare another
is very
challenge faced by BSA designers. The real estate available on an antenna tower is very
challenge
limited and faced by BSA
costly; designers.
therefore, Thecompact
smaller real estate available
antennas on an antenna
without towerperfor-
any electrical is very
limited and costly; therefore, smaller compact antennas without any electrical performance
limiteddegradation
mance and costly;are therefore, smaller compact antennas without any electrical perfor-
always preferred.
degradation are always preferred.
mance degradation are always preferred.

Figure 6.
Figure Classification of
6. Classification of base
base station
station antenna
antenna challenges
challenges based
based on
on design.
design.
Figure 6. Classification of base station antenna challenges based on design.
Prior to proceeding with details in each challenge area, it is worth providing a general
overview of the reported solutions in the literature for each of these challenges. Hence,
a summary of available solutions/techniques reported in the literature for some of the
key design challenges is provided in Table 1. These challenges highlighted in Figure 6 are
discussed in detail in Sections 3.1–3.4.
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 6 of 20

Table 1. A summary of available solutions for design challenges in Base Station Antenna design.

Design Challenge Solutions/Techniques References

Wideband balun design [9–12]
Achieving wide impedance bandwidth Modification to radiator shape [13–15]
Use of parasitic element/s to widen bandwidth [16–20]
Use of differential feed structure [16,21,22]
Achieving high isolation levels
Use of decoupling network [15,23,24]
Cavity shape reflector [16]
Stable HPBW in bandwidth of operation
Convex shaped reflector [19]
Modifications to the radiator-Downward
Achieving high front-to-back ratio [25]
sloping dipoles
Enforce symmetric current distribution on the
Minimizing Beam Squint [26–28]
radiating element
Achieving high Cross polarization discrimination Modifications to the radiator shape [29,30]
Modifications to the radiator-addition of notch
Improving the gain [30]
metal wall
Butler matrix [7]
Achieving beam steering Luneburg lens [8]
Digital beamforming-integrated RF transceiver [31]
Achieving compact size designs/cost Multiband compact radiating element design [2,4,32,33]

3.1. Port Measurements: Impedance Bandwidth

One of the key challenges for the modern base station antennas is the bandwidth.
While the spectrum is harmonized for certain mobile telecommunication bands, different
countries tend to use different portions of the spectrum based on the license given to
operators. It is desirable to design base station antennas to cover the entire allocated
spectrum despite operators not having access to full bandwidth as it allows one antenna
design to be used globally instead of variants for different geographic markets. However,
it is difficult to design a single base radiating element that operates in all the frequency
bands listed in Table 2. Hence, it is often the practice to use multiple radiating elements to
cover multiple bands.

Table 2. Widely adapted frequency bands for mobile communication systems.

No. Systems Bands (MHz)

1 FDD 1700 1690–1710
2 DCS 1710–1880
3 PCS 1850–1990
4 UMTS 1920–2170
5 LTE 2300–2400
6 LTE+ 2570–2700
7 GSM850 880–915
8 GSM900 925–960
9 Sub-6 3300–3600
10 mm-wave 24,000–28,000 (Non-contiguous)

Impedance bandwidth is an important measure in BSAs as it provides the frequency

band in which a minimum return loss level is achieved. Typically this is about 14 dB
for BSAs [34]. It can be challenging to achieve the return loss requirements over a wide
band. This wideband matching needs to be achieved both for radiating elements as well as
the feed network to meet the requirements. Generally, the techniques used to widen the
impedance bandwidth can be categorized into three parts. (a) Use of a wideband Balun
(b) modifications to radiator, and (c) use of parasitic elements.
 shown in Figure 7a. This is then fed to the dipole via a series LC resonator. This series LC
resonator may be required depending on the impedance presented by the dipole. It is
usually not required for a halfwave dipole but is used for longer dipoles. The implemen-
tation of the Balun on a microstrip feed or otherwise known as stalk is shown in Figure
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 7 of 20
7b. The 50 Ω feed is connected at the bottom of the stalk, which is underneath the reflector
once mounted on the antenna (Figure 7c). The first transmission line (TL) and Open line
(OL) at the input side of the transformer is implemented on the front side of the stalk. The
backside
3.1.1. balanced
Wideband Short Line (SL), which is also connected to the reflector ground, acts as
Balun
the ground for TL and OL microstrip lines printed on the front. The balanced Open Line
A generic and the most adopted Balun design is shown in Figure 7. The 50 Ω transmis-
(OL) then has a provision to include two inductors. The dipoles are soldered to one side
sion feed is transformed to a balanced feed through an impedance transformer as shown in
of the capacitor on the top. The area of the parallel printed metals is adjusted to provide
Figure 7a. This is then fed to the dipole via a series LC resonator. This series LC resonator
the required capacitance. It should be noted that Figure 7, only shows the feed for one
may be required depending on the impedance presented by the dipole. It is usually not
required for aonly.
polarization Two of
halfwave suchbut
dipole stalks can be
is used forcombined together
longer dipoles. Thetoimplementation
feed a dual polar de-
of the
sign.
Balun on a microstrip feed or otherwise known as stalk is shown in Figure 7b. The 50 Ω
The
feed is variations
connected of this
at the generic
bottom of theBalun
stalk,are oftenisused
which in many
underneath thedesigns to once
reflector achieve wider
mounted
impedance bandwidths. Some of the reported works include L-probe feed
on the antenna (Figure 7c). The first transmission line (TL) and Open line (OL) at the input with imped-
anceof
side bandwidth 54% [9],
the transformer Y shaped feeding
is implemented on the line with
front impedance
side bandwidth
of the stalk. of 45%
The backside [10], T
balanced
probe line [11] with impedance bandwidth of 71.17%, and shorted stub
Short Line (SL), which is also connected to the reflector ground, acts as the ground for TL with impedance
bandwidth
and 27.6% inlines
OL microstrip [12].printed
In [35], on
microstrip
the front. to The
slot balanced
line balunOpen
is used to improve
Line (OL) thenimped-
has a
ance matching
provision with return
to include loss betterThe
two inductors. than 14 dB over
dipoles the operating
are soldered to oneband
side 1710–2170 MHz.
of the capacitor
Slotthe
on line impedance
top. The areaisofcontrolled
the parallelthrough
printedslot and ground
metals width.
is adjusted to The feed the
provide point height
required
adjustment is a common parameter used during the Balun design to achieve
capacitance. It should be noted that Figure 7, only shows the feed for one polarization only. a broader
bandwidth
Two of such[36].
stalks can be combined together to feed a dual polar design.

Figure 7.7. (a)

Figure (a) Circuit
Circuit representation
representation of
of the
the matching
matching circuit
circuit for
forthe
thefeed.
feed. (b)
(b) Microstrip
Microstrip implementation
implementation of
of the
the matching
matching
circuit(c)
circuit (c)Side
Sideview
viewofofthe
theradiating
radiatingelement.
element.

3.1.2.The variations of
Modifications tothis generic Balun are often used in many designs to achieve wider
Radiator
impedance bandwidths. Some of the reported works include L-probe feed with impedance
Some of the commonly used techniques include various shapes of dipole [37], multi-
bandwidth 54% [9], Y shaped feeding line with impedance bandwidth of 45% [10], T
dipole [13], and loop-shaped dipoles [10,14]; however, some of these techniques result in
probe line [11] with impedance bandwidth of 71.17%, and shorted stub with impedance
larger aperture size and limit the design freedom. In [15], a 55% wide impedance band-
bandwidth 27.6% in [12]. In [35], microstrip to slot line balun is used to improve impedance
width is achieved from 1.65 to 2.9 GHz by using a fan-shaped etching slot and chamfering
matching with return loss better than 14 dB over the operating band 1710–2170 MHz.
quadrants along the diagonal dipole arms. The resulting prototype increased the radiation
Slot line impedance is controlled through slot and ground width. The feed point height
area and extended the current path to help improve the bandwidth. A bowtie antenna
adjustment is a common parameter used during the Balun design to achieve a broader
bandwidth [36].

3.1.2. Modifications to Radiator

Some of the commonly used techniques include various shapes of dipole [37], multi-
dipole [13], and loop-shaped dipoles [10,14]; however, some of these techniques result in
larger aperture size and limit the design freedom. In [15], a 55% wide impedance band-
width is achieved from 1.65 to 2.9 GHz by using a fan-shaped etching slot and chamfering
quadrants along the diagonal dipole arms. The resulting prototype increased the radiation
area and extended the current path to help improve the bandwidth. A bowtie antenna mod-
eled by a Bezier spline was proposed to have a bandwidth of 68% from 1.427–2.9 GHz [38].
The multi-dipole antenna proposed in [13] achieved wider impedance bandwidth of 60%
from 1.55 to 2.87 GHz.
A multimode antenna with an embedded double loop configuration proposed in [14]
has an impedance bandwidth of 51% from 1.68 to 2.83 GHz. In this design, a small loop
inside an outer loop is added to generate a new resonant mode and hence widen the
impedance bandwidth. In [39], a comparison of different patches with and without slots,
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 8 of 20

including shorting strip, is performed to identify the structure that provides the widest
impedance match. This comparison shows that the position of the coaxial feed cables,
chamfer dimensions, and shape of the slotted patch contributed to 21.7% (0.82–1.02 GHz)
and 49.5% (1.64–2.72 GHz) impedance bandwidth.

3.1.3. Use of Parasitic Elements

Another method is to use parasitic elements to improve the impedance bandwidth.
An octagonal loop dipole in [10] achieved an impedance bandwidth of 45%. These loop
dipoles show wider impedance bandwidth compared to fundamental quarter wave dipoles.
When one loop dipole is excited, the other behaves like a parasitic element to improve
the bandwidth. The length of the parasitic loop element is optimized in [16] to achieve an
impedance bandwidth of 52% from 1.7 to 2.9 GHz.
In [17], an antenna array with a bandwidth of 70% from 1.32–2.74 GHz is designed.
The antenna configuration is a U-shaped slot etched on each polarization leaf of the element.
A parasitic element with four layers of circular metal disks is introduced to improve the
impedance bandwidth. It is found that the number of layers of the parasitic elements
directly improves the impedance matching. The operating principle follows the rule that
the radiation resistance exhibited in a dipole is proportional to the square of the electrical
length of the current path [18]. The addition of a parasitic element makes the reactance
of impedance be tuned either capacitive or inductive to achieve the best match. In [19],
a parasitic patch was placed above the folded dipole to enhance the bandwidth to 64.7%
from 1.4–2.77 GHz. In [20], the antenna showed 63% impedance bandwidth within the
1.68–3.23 GHz range due to the parasitic element. In [40], the resonator-loaded dipole
antenna with a U-shaped strip feed widened the bandwidth by moving two resonating
modes closer to each other. The length of the resonator and distance between resonator
and dipole is optimized to achieve a 37.5% impedance bandwidth from 0.67 to 0.98 GHz.
Although inserting parasitic elements is a unique approach to solve the matching issue, it
can adversely impact the radiation pattern performance.

3.2. Port Measurements: Port to Port Isolation

The increased use of multiband, multibeam, and dual-polarized base station antennas
for cost and space savings leads to challenges in achieving isolation requirements. The
port-to-port isolation indicates how well any two RF signals on a multiport or MIMO
antenna are decoupled from each other. In general, isolation can be categorized into three
main types: intra-band isolation, inter-band isolation, and beam-to-beam isolation.
Intra-band isolation is the coupling between the polarizations of the same/multiple
antenna arrays within the same frequency band. This is often referred to as cross-polar
isolation when measured within the same array. Figure 8a shows a two-port BSA where
each port represents two orthogonal polarizations of the same array, while Figure 8b shows
a four-port BSA with two antenna arrays of same band. Ports 1 and 2 feed orthogonal
polarizations of array 1, while ports 3 and 4 feed the two polarizations of array 2. The
isolation between any of the ports 1 to 4 represents intra-band isolation. Generally, the
intra-band isolations are required to be greater than 25 dB or 30 dB [34], depending on the
frequency range of operation and operator requirements.
Inter-band isolation denotes the coupling between the arrays of different bands. In
Figure 9, a dual-band antenna example is given, in which ports 1 and 2 represent feeds
for Band 1, and ports 3 and 4 represent feeds for Band 2. The |S13|, |S14|, |S23|, and
|S24| represent the inter-band isolation between ports of high and low band elements. In
multiband antennas, the isolation is measured in all frequency bands of operations, and
typically these levels need to be above 30 dB or higher.
Electronics 2021,10,
Electronics2021, 10,2000
x FOR PEER REVIEW 99 of
of 20
21

Figure 8. (a) Two-port single band antenna. (b) Four-port single band antenna.

Inter-band isolation denotes the coupling between the arrays of different bands. In
Figure 9, a dual-band antenna example is given, in which ports 1 and 2 represent feeds for
Band 1, and ports 3 and 4 represent feeds for Band 2. The |S13|, |S14|, |S23|, and |S24|
represent the inter-band isolation between ports of high and low band elements. In multi-
band antennas, the isolation is measured in all frequency bands of operations, and typi-
Figure
cally
Figure 8. (a)
these
8. (a)levels
Two-port
need
Two-port single
to be
single band antenna.
above
band (b)
30 dB(b)
antenna. Four-port
orFour-port singleband
higher. single bandantenna.
antenna.

Inter-band isolation denotes the coupling between the arrays of different bands. In
Figure 9, a dual-band antenna example is given, in which ports 1 and 2 represent feeds for
Band 1, and ports 3 and 4 represent feeds for Band 2. The |S13|, |S14|, |S23|, and |S24|
represent the inter-band isolation between ports of high and low band elements. In multi-
band antennas, the isolation is measured in all frequency bands of operations, and typi-
cally these levels need to be above 30 dB or higher.

Figure 9. A dual-band antenna.

Figure 9. A dual-band antenna.
The higher the number of arrays in the antenna, the higher the port-to-port isolation
The higherTable
combinations. the number
3 showsofallarrays
possible in the antenna, the
port-to-port highercombinations
isolation the port-to-port for isolation
a single-
combinations. Table 3 shows all possible port-to-port
beam multiband antenna shown in Figure 4. The row entries in Table 3 are depicted isolation combinations for a single- as
beam multiband
transmitting arrays, antenna
whileshownthe columnin Figure entries 4. The row entries
are depicted in Table 3arrays
as receiving are depictedto makeas it
transmitting arrays, while the column entries are depicted
simpler to distinguish the coupled band of interest. For example, HB1tx -LBrx indicate the as receiving arrays to make it
simpler to distinguish the coupled band of interest. For
HB array 1 coupling to LB array at High Band frequencies, while LBtx -HB1rx indicate the example, HB1 tx-LBrx indicate the
Figure
HB
LB array
array 9. Ato1dual-band
HB array antenna.
coupling to LB arrayatatLow
1 coupling High Band
Band frequencies,
frequencies. Allwhile
diagonal LBtx-HB1 entries rx indicate
in the table the
LB array to HB array 1 coupling at Low Band frequencies.
represent cross-polar isolations within the same band. All non-diagonal entries represent All diagonal entries in the table
The higher
represent
coupling between cross-polarthe number
isolations
different
of arrays
arrayswithin
of the
in
thethe
samesameantenna,
band.
band
the
or All
higher the
non-diagonal
a different
port-to-port
band. entries
It should
isolation
represent
also be
combinations.
coupling
noted thatbetween Table 3 shows
different entries
all non-diagonal all possible
arrays can of the port-to-port
be same
further band isolation
or a different
divided combinations
into four band. entriesItsince shouldfor the aalso
single-
be
arrays
beam
noted
are dual multiband
that polarized. antenna
all non-diagonal
For example,shown
entries in
LBcan Figure
be
-HB1 4.
further The row
divided
comprises entries
LB into in
four
-HB Table
entries
, LB 3 are
since
-HB depicted
the , arrays
LB as
tx rx +45 +45 +45 −45 −45 -
transmitting
are dual LBarrays,
polarized. For while the column entries are
anddepicted as receiving arrays , LBto−45make-HB+45it,
HB +45 , and −45 -HB −example,
45 , where LB tx-HB1
subscripts comprises
rx +45 LBrepresent
−45 +45-HB +45, LBtwo -HB
+45slant −45polarizations.
simpler
and LB to
-HB distinguish
, where the coupled
subscripts +45bandand of −45interest. For
represent
Usually, the isolation between orthogonal polarizations is always better compared to the
−45 −45 example,
two slant HB1 tx-LBrx indicate
polarizations. Usually, the
HB
the
same array
isolation 1 coupling
polarization. to LB array at High Band frequencies,
between orthogonal polarizations is always better compared to the same po- while LB tx -HB1 rx indicate the
LB array
larization. to HB array
Beam-to-beam 1 coupling
isolation at Low case
is a special Bandapplied
frequencies. All diagonal
for multibeam antennas entries in the table
representing
represent
the coupling cross-polar
Beam-to-beam between isolations
isolation
each beam within
is a in
special the same band.
case Typically,
the array. applied for All non-diagonal
themultibeam
beam-to-beam entries
antennasisolation represent
represent-
needs
coupling
ing
to bethe between
20coupling
dB or higher. differenteach
between arrays
beam of the
in thesame band
array. or a different
Typically, band. It should
the beam-to-beam also be
isolation
noted
needs Thethat
to be all
20non-diagonal
dB orused
techniques higher. entries can
to improve be further
isolation divided into
performance includefourdifferential
entries since the arrays
feeding and
are dual polarized. For example, LB -HB1 comprises LB
decoupling network/structures. Differential feed structure, in theory, can provide infinite
tx rx +45 -HB +45 , LB +45 -HB −45 , LB −45 -HB +45,

and LB -HB , where subscripts +45 and −45 represent

isolation in a dual-polarized symmetrical feed since an excitation of one port does not
−45 −45 two slant polarizations. Usually,
the isolation
induce common betweenmode orthogonal
or different polarizations
voltage currents is always betterport.
in the other compared
In practice, to the same po-
intra-band
larization.greater than 36 dB [21] and 26 dB [16] were achieved through a differential fed
isolation
scheme. Beam-to-beam
In [22], folded isolation
feeding is lines
a special based caseon applied for multibeam
differential feeding techniques antennasare represent-
used to
ing the coupling
achieve intra-bandbetween isolationeach largerbeamthan in43the dB. array. Typically, the beam-to-beam isolation
needs to be 20 dBnetworks
Decoupling or higher.are also another technique used to improve port-to-port iso-
lations. Coupled resonator-based decoupling network is deployed in [41] to improve
inter-band isolation from 8 to 10 dB. The currents induced by the coupled resonator helps
to cancel the strong coupling between antennas operated in two frequency bands. Decou-
pling and matching network techniques implemented in [42] achieve inter-band isolation
level over 10 dB in the 1.71 GHz t–1.76 GHz and 2.27–2.32 GHz bands.
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 10 of 20

Table 3. Port-to-port isolation combinations for the multiband antenna depicted in Figure 4.

Transmitter/Receiver LB Arrayrx HB Array 1rx HB Array 2rx HB Array 3rx HB Array 4rx
Cross polar
LB Arraytx LBtx -HB1rx LBtx -HB2rx LBtx -HB3rx LBtx -HB4rx
isolation (LB)
Cross polar
HB Array 1tx HB1tx -LBrx HB1tx -HB2rx HB1tx -HB3rx HB1tx -HB4rx
Isolation (HB)
Cross polar
HB Array 2tx HB2tx -LBrx HB2tx -HB1rx HB2tx- HB3rx HB2tx -HB4rx
isolation (HB)
Cross polar
HB Array 3tx HB3tx -LBrx HB3tx -HB1rx HB3tx -HB2rx HB3tx -HB4rx
isolation (HB)
Cross polar
HB Array 4tx HB4tx -LBrx HB4tx -HB1rx HB4tx -HB2rx HB4tx -HB3rx
isolation (HB)

As discussed in Section 3.4, the compactness of BSA design embedded scheme can
cause low isolation. Different techniques were tried to improve the isolation in such
schemes. In [1], a ring-shaped baffle is placed between the lower band and high band
elements to decouple the two bands and achieve port-to-port isolation of 23 dB in the low
band (0.77 to 0.98 GHz) and 17.5 dB in the high band (1.65 to 2.9 GHz). In [43], a similar
configuration, in which a high band element nested inside a lower band, is used. Four
arc-shaped baffle plates are used in this work, which results in port isolation greater than
27.3 dB for the lower band 704–960 MHz and 28.3 dB for the high band 1710–2690 MHz.
The ±45◦ dual-polarized antenna with the dielectric cavity achieves crosspolar isolation of
40 dB in [44] using carefully positioned symmetrical two shorting pins in the coax feedline.
An orthogonal coupled sectorial loop-antennas with a cavity is used to achieve >30 dB
intra-band isolation over a 1710–2170 MHz band in [35]. Decoupling networks such as
bandgap structure [45], band stop decoupling unit [23], and filtering antenna elements [24]
are also some commonly used techniques.
A filtering technique with different configurations is employed to get better isolation.
C-shaped filtering stubs as shown in Figure 10a are introduced in [15] for achieving port-
to-port isolation >25. The purpose of the filtering stub is to control the current flow across
the feeding line of the relevant port to act as a band stop for the specific band to achieve
high isolation. Filtering response through parasitic elements as shown in Figure 10b is
realized in [20], resulting in improved isolation of greater than 32 dB. The basic filtering
structures include metasurface structure [46], slot [47], shorting vias [48], and parasitic
elements [49], and defected ground structure [50] integrated with the radiator to achieve
the filtering response for base station application. Although an extra filtering structure
increases insertion loss, the filtering antenna as array elements without extra decoupling
structure has been proposed in [24]. The radiating element realized the filtering response
by adding the shorting pins and E-slot to achieve inter-band isolation of 35 dB. Balun
design is modified to provide required filtering removing the need to have additional filters
in [51]. Intra-band isolation >31 dB is achieved in [52] by carefully designing the dipoleto
mutual coupling to complement the cross-polar isolation.
A configuration named lower-band–ground–upper-band (L–G–U), where the high-
band antennas are located above the lower-band antenna separated by a low pass surface,
is presented in [53]. It demonstrates inter-band isolation better than 30 dB in both working
bands. In [54], a frequency selective surface is introduced between the high band and low
band elements in the L–G–U configuration to achieve inter-band isolation >25 dB. The
frequency-selective surface is optimized to serve as top capacitive loading for low-band
0.69–0.96 GHz and act as a reflector for high-band 3.5–4.9 GHz. In [55], beam-to-beam
isolation > 32 dB was achieved through Luneburg lens. This Luneburg lens antenna
operates from 1710–2690 MHz, made up of a special periodic structure to become suitable
for base station application. In the literature, a Luneburg lens with different materials was
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 2

Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 11 of 20

by adding the shorting pins and E-slot to achieve inter-band isolation of 35 dB. Balun de
sign is modified to provide required filtering removing the need to have additional filter
in [51]. Intra-band
designed isolation
such as in [56], >31
which is dB is achieved
configured in [52] by carefully
with a metamaterial designing
layer to make the dipolet
it compact
Figure 10. (a) Proposed antenna configuration [15]. (b) Parasitic element configuration in pro-
atmutual coupling to
lower frequencies complement
(0.8–6 GHz). the cross-polar isolation.
posed antenna [20].

A configuration named lower-band–ground–upper-band (L–G–U), where the high

band antennas are located above the lower-band antenna separated by a low pass surface
is presented in [53]. It demonstrates inter-band isolation better than 30 dB in both working
bands. In [54], a frequency selective surface is introduced between the high band and low
band elements in the L–G–U configuration to achieve inter-band isolation >25 dB. Th
frequency-selective surface is optimized to serve as top capacitive loading for low-band
0.69–0.96 GHz and act as a reflector for high-band 3.5–4.9 GHz. In [55], beam-to-beam
isolation > 32 dB was achieved through Luneburg lens. This Luneburg lens antenna oper
ates from 1710–2690 MHz, made up of a special periodic structure to become suitable fo
base station application. In the literature, a Luneburg lens with different materials wa
designed such as in [56], which is configured with a metamaterial layer to make it compac
at lower frequencies
Figure10.10.(a)(a)
Figure Proposed
Proposed
(0.8–6
antenna GHz).
configuration
antenna [15]. (b)
configuration Parasitic
[15]. elementelement
(b) Parasitic configuration in proposed
configuration in pro-
antenna [20].
posed antenna [20].
3.3. Radiation Patterns
3.3. Radiation Patterns
The far-field radiation
A configuration named patterns are a very important, if not the
lower-band–ground–upper-band most important,
(L–G–U), where thefacto
high
The far-field radiation patterns are a very important, if not the most important, factor
for
band
for an antennas
an operator. are
operator. Some
Some critical
located parameters
above
critical ininpatterns
patterns
the lower-band
parameters include
antenna
include 3 3dB
dBbeamwidth,
separatedbeamwidth,
by a low 10
dBdBsurface
10pass beam
width,
beamwidth,beam
is presented beamsquint,
in [53]. front-to-back
It demonstrates
squint, (F/B) ratio,
inter-band
front-to-back (F/B) sidelobe
isolation
ratio, sidelobe levels,
better
levels, and
andthan cross-polarization
30 dB in both workin
cross-polarization dis
crimination
bands. In [54],
discrimination (XPD).
(XPD). Someofofthese
a frequency
Some these parameters
selective surfaceare
parameters are
ismarkedmarked
introduced in Figure
between
in Figure 11. The 11.
the The specification
high band and low
specifications
provided
provided byby
band elementsthethe operators
in the L–G–U
operators to antenna designers
configuration
to antenna designers can slightly
cantoslightly
achieve change
inter-band
change but mostly
isolation
but mostly follow >25follow
the th
dB. Th
industry-standard
industry-standard
frequency-selective requirements
surface islisted
requirements in [34].
listed
optimized in [34].
to serve as top capacitive loading for low-ban
0.69–0.96 GHz and act as a reflector for high-band 3.5–4.9 GHz. In [55], beam-to-beam
isolation > 32 dB was achieved through Luneburg lens. This Luneburg lens antenna oper
ates from 1710–2690 MHz, made up of a special periodic structure to become suitable fo
base station application. In the literature, a Luneburg lens with different materials wa
designed such as in [56], which is configured with a metamaterial layer to make it compac
at lower frequencies (0.8–6 GHz).

3.3. Radiation Patterns

The far-field radiation patterns are a very important, if not the most important, facto
for an operator. Some critical parameters in patterns include 3 dB beamwidth, 10 dB beam
width, beam squint, front-to-back (F/B) ratio, sidelobe levels, and cross-polarization dis
crimination (XPD). Some of these parameters are marked in Figure 11. The specification
provided
Figure
Figure 11. by the operators
11.Illustration of some
Illustration of some to antenna
critical
critical designers
parameters can
for antenna
parameters slightly
radiation
for antenna change
pattern.
radiation but mostly follow th
pattern.
industry-standard requirements listed in [34].
The beamwidths 3 dB and 10 dB are important in network planning to mark sector
footprints. Usually, single beam/sector antennas must have an HPBW requirement of 65◦
for three sector cell sites and 45◦ or 33◦ for six sector sites. The 10 dB beamwidth refers
to the angular beamwidth at 10 dB below the peak values. It is desirable to have a 10 dB
beamwidth of 120◦ in a three-sector site which implies that signal strength at the sector
edge is 10 dB below the peak in boresight.
The radiation element most often needs modifications in its design to achieve the
desired azimuth beamwidth. The important factors that affect the azimuth beamwidth
are the length of the radiator and the distance between the radiator and reflector. These
parameters are optimized to attain 3 dB beamwidth within the range of 65.7◦ ± 3.2◦ [19].
The use of dipole-type radiators is common in radiating element design. The umbrella-
shaped dipoles are configured in [57] to achieve an HPBW (half-power beamwidth) of
63◦ ± 5◦ in the H-plane. Another technique to modify the azimuth beamwidth is the use

Figure 11. Illustration of some critical parameters for antenna radiation pattern.
 Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 12 of 20

of cavity-shaped reflector over a planer reflector [58]. Further, rectangular cavity-shaped

reflectors in [16] and convex-shaped reflectors in [19] are used to achieve 3 dB beamwidth
around 65◦ ± 5◦ . The length and height of the reflector primarily affect the 3 dB beamwidth
in the H-plane. This effect is realized in [10] to achieve a 3 dB beamwidth 68◦ ± 2◦ at H-
plane and V-plane. It is found that increasing the length of the box-shaped reflector narrows
the beamwidth in lower frequencies and widens the beamwidth in high frequencies in the
band 1.7 to 2.7 GHz.
Another critical parameter in radiation patterns is the front-to-back (F/B) ratio. A
higher F/B ratio is desirable to minimize backward radiation that can contribute to co-
channel interference. Typical values need to be 25 dB or more in most of the base station
antenna designs. Having a large reflector helps improve the F/B ratio. However, most of
the BSAs have size constraints in terms of antenna width. Different topologies have been
adopted in the literature to achieve the desired F/B ratio. Radiating elements proposed
in [25] have downward-sloping dipoles, which improves the F/B ratio. An F/B ratio better
than 30 dB and sidelobe levels better than 25 dB were achieved. Placing a large reflector
behind BSA can improve F/B; however, it can introduce other intricacies such as increased
wind resistance, large antenna size, and antenna loading. An electromagnetic scattering
structure applied on the Radome is used in [59] to reduce back lobe radiation.
Beam Squint is another critical performance parameter for antenna radiation patterns.
The beam squint refers to the deviation of the main beam direction from its boresight in
the azimuth plane. The beam squint is measured in ±degrees from the boresight direction.
The squint can be measured as a 3 dB beam squint or a 10 dB beam squint, and the aim is
to keep the squint as low as possible throughout the entire operating band for all elevation
tilts. Generally, the squint gets worse with higher elevation tilts. In [26], beam squint up to
12◦ is reported at 10◦ elevation tilt. Different techniques are followed to minimize the beam
squint. In [27], a combination of microstrip and a stripline PCB’s are introduced in the
radiation element to minimize the beam squint below 5◦ for downtilt measured at 7◦ and
0◦ . Another technique is to enforce symmetric current distribution on radiating elements to
minimize squint. This is achieved in [38] by using the Pawsey stub balun to feed radiating
elements and to reduce leaky current distortions to have HPBW within 54–76◦ . In [28], the
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 2
beam squint < 4◦ with a maximum 10◦ down tilt is achieved through octagon-shape-folded
dipoles as shown in Figure 12a.

Figure 12.(a)(a)Fabricated
Figure12. prototype
Fabricated of folded
prototype dipoledipole
of folded [28]. (b) Fabricated
[28]. PrototypePrototype
(b) Fabricated of magnetoelectric
of magnetoelec-
loop dipole [29].
tric loop dipole [29].
Cross-polar discrimination (XPD) is another important parameter when looking at ra-
Cross-polar discrimination (XPD) is another important parameter when looking a
diation pattern performance. In general, the XPD above 10 dB in the sector is recommended
radiation
for pattern
base station performance.
application. In general, the
The magnetoelectric XPD
layered above
loop 10configuration
dipole dB in the sector
shownis recom
mended for base station application. The magnetoelectric layered loop dipole
in Figure 12b, is used in [29] to achieve XPD over 20 dB in the boresight direction. Antenna configura
tion is
gain shown
also ain Figure
vital 12b, is used
characteristic in BSAin [29] to achieve
design. XPDprefer
Operators over 20 dB in the
a positive boresight
gain slope direc
across the band gain
tion. Antenna as theishigher
also again
vitalatcharacteristic
higher frequencies
in BSAcompensates for the additional
design. Operators prefer a positiv
gain slope across the band as the higher gain at higher frequencies compensates for th
additional free space losses. In the azimuth, the gain in sector edge directions is lowe
compared to boresight due to gain roll-off. A lower gain roll-off in azimuth patterns i
achieved in [30] by introducing a notch metal wall to radiating element, which enhance
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 13 of 20

free space losses. In the azimuth, the gain in sector edge directions is lower compared to
boresight due to gain roll-off. A lower gain roll-off in azimuth patterns is achieved in [30]
by introducing a notch metal wall to radiating element, which enhances the gain by 2 dB at
sector edge ± 60◦ angle.
The aforementioned radiation pattern-related parameters are applicable for single-
band and multiband antennas. However, in multiband antennas, radiation patterns can be
severely impacted due to cross-band scattering when interleaved or embedded arrays. In
a dual-band interspaced array, the high-frequency element patterns are impacted due to
scattering from the currents induced in low-frequency elements and vice versa. The impact
can be on multiple parameters such as beamwidth, squint, and XPD. Overcoming such
impacts can be very difficult. It is often attempted to ensure that each radiating element is
transparent to the other in their operating frequency bands, which is a challenging task.
In [60], the high-frequency band (HB) pattern distortions caused by the lower frequency
band (LB) radiating elements are minimized by introducing chokes into the LB element.
These chokes are quarter-wavelength open circuit segments at high band frequencies, and
this minimizes scattering. In [61], the printed dipole is segmented into smaller segments
that are not resonant in the higher frequency band region, and each segment is connected
to the other by inductive thin lines. This makes the lower band element transparent to the
higher band radiating element. In [62], a cloaked antenna system is realized to minimize
the scattering of closely located antennas. A dual-polarized mantle cover to cloak the
dipole antenna is used in this work, and radiation performance is almost unaffected.
The aforementioned challenges for patterns are fundamental and equally applicable
for single beam, multibeam, or steerable beams in BSAs. When it comes to 5G, there are
some additional challenges and complexities associated with the mMIMO and beamform-
ing. As mentioned earlier in Section 2, there are two main beamforming technologies,
namely analog and digital, used in BSAs for sub-6 GHz. Although the analog beamform-
ing is not true mMIMO, it is still used in some of the 5G base station antennas to form
multiple beams. The true mMIMO in sub-6 GHz is achieved through digital beamforming
in 5G BSAs.
The most popular techniques used for analog beamforming are based on either Butler-
matrix circuits [63] or Luneburg lenses [64]. Compared to lenses, the Butler-matrix circuit
implementations are compact, low-cost, and planar. The designers can incorporate the
Butler matrix implementations with the feed distribution network. Therefore, it does not
necessarily increase the antenna height. However, there are several challenges associated
with the Butler matrix implementation such as dual-band operation, isolation between
beams, side-lobe suppression, and wide operating bandwidth [65]. The branch line couplers
used in the Butler matrix have inherent bandwidth limitations, and as a result, they cannot
be designed to have multi-band operation. The approach is to have distinct Butler matrices
for each band [66] to overcome this limitation. However, this comes with inherent crossband
coupling challenges, which were discussed in Section 3.2. The narrowband challenges
were addressed with wideband quadrature couplers and fixed-phase shifters in a Butler
matrix [67]. Although there has been some reported literature on high-beam-to-beam
isolation [68], it is still an ongoing challenge. One solution to minimize the sidelobes as
well as grating lobes is achieved by changing the antenna element arrangement in [63].
In contrast to butler matrices, a careful design of a lens-based beamformer can provide
stable radiation patterns, with low sidelobe levels in a wide band [8]. However, the size of
the lens in front of the antenna increases the antenna height as well as weight. Therefore,
low profile, low cost, and lightweight lenses remain a potential research topic for analog
beamforming in BSAs. The other analog beamforming techniques reported in the literature
include the use of metasurfaces [69], parabolic cylindrical reflectors [70], and reconfigurable
parasitic radiators [71].
The digital beamforming architecture, which provides true mMIMO capability, has
certain challenges as well. One of the key challenges is the design complexity. An example
4 × 4 Tx/Rx dual polar mMIMO configuration for a BSA is shown in Figure 13. Each
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 14 of 20

radiating element requires an RFIC to provide amplification and filtering, which are then
connected to the digital beamformer. This dual polar Tx/Rx array requires in total 32 RFICs
and 8 baseband beamformers. All these components need to be placed closer to radiating
element, making the integration of the antenna element and RF circuitry very complex.
Unlike mm-wave designs, the sub-6 GHz designs cannot be realized as an integrated
AiP in MMIC technology due to the large size of the antenna element. In addition, the
large number of RFICs and digital processing results in high power consumption. Even
with the state-of-the-art efficient power amplifiers available in the sub-6 GHz bands,
the thermal dissipation from processors and RFICs remains a significant challenge that
needs to be addressed in the design. Thermal vias and thermal pads are necessary at the
back of the RF and digital electronics to dissipate the heat in these antennas [31]. The
increased power consumption results in less value for money for the operators despite the
capacity improvement. Some antenna designs have addressed this by limiting the real-time
beamforming on the horizontal axis only [64]. The elevation beam tilting in this case is
not done electronically and initially set by the remote electrical tilting mechanism using
Electronics 2021, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 21
the legacy phase shifters. Then, the Azimuth beamforming is done using the phase and
amplitude control among array columns.

Figure 13. Components of a 4 × 4 Tx/Rx dual polar mMIMO configuration.

Figure 13. Components of a 4 × 4 Tx/Rx dual polar mMIMO configuration.
Another challenge with the mMIMO antenna design is the calibration. The phase
3.4. Size
needs andcalibrated
to be Cost with high accuracy along the entire RF transceiver chain in order to
ensureOperators
the expected beamforming
are keen to maximizegains. the
Theperformance
amplifiers canper have varying
unit phases
area in based space.
the tower on
their operating conditions such as bias points, temperature, and frequency
Therefore, they require compact antennas with better overall performance at a low cost. of operation,
and
Thisthese variations
requires can lead
the designs to deviations
to be compact and from theinexpected
low cost. Thephase distribution are
miniaturizations at the
often
elements. As a result, the patterns may not form nulls, where it is expected that leads to
achieved by having interspersed multiband arrays [4]. A comparison of different arrange-
increased interference with adjacent users. The antenna testing is another challenge for
ment schemes for high-frequency elements and low-frequency elements is performed [2].
mMIMO as the access to RF inputs of the antenna is difficult with the other components
As shown in Figure 14, side-by-side schemes, up-and-down coaxial schemes, and embed-
in the RF transceiver chain. Therefore, instead of doing antenna pattern testing with
ded schemes were considered. Although the up-and-down scheme is simpler, cable losses
an RF input, Over-the-Air (OTA) testing is required with the baseband IQ data as the
increase due to the increased length of the main feed line. The embedded scheme has the
input/output.
advantage of compactness as two antennas are located within a single band antenna vol-
ume.
3.4. However,
Size and Cost embedded schemes exhibit challenges of isolation and pattern distortions.
A single radiating
Operators are element for both the
keen to maximize thelow and high bands
performance is used
per unit area in[72,73] to reduce
in the tower space.the
Therefore, they require compact antennas with better overall performance at a low cost.ele-
number of required radiating elements and footprint. However, the required vertical
mentrequires
This spacingthefordesigns
optimum elevation
to be compact patterns
and lowisinhard toThe
cost. achieve in this approach.
miniaturizations Hence,
are often
the grating
achieved by lobe levels
having are high. multiband
interspersed The dual broadband
arrays [4]. planer BSA configuration
A comparison is followed
of different arrange-
in [32],
ment where for
schemes high band elements
high-frequency are nested
elements andinside lower band
low-frequency elements
elements to achieve[2].
is performed com-
pactness.
As shown in Figure 14, side-by-side schemes, up-and-down coaxial schemes, and embed-
 Therefore, they require compact antennas with better overall performance at a lo
This requires the designs to be compact and low in cost. The miniaturizations ar
achieved by having interspersed multiband arrays [4]. A comparison of different a
ment schemes for high-frequency elements and low-frequency elements is perform
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 As shown in Figure 14, side-by-side schemes, up-and-down coaxial schemes, 15 of 20 and
ded schemes were considered. Although the up-and-down scheme is simpler, cabl
increase due to the increased length of the main feed line. The embedded scheme
ded schemesof
advantage were considered. Although
compactness the up-and-down
as two antennas schemewithin
are located is simpler, cable losses
a single band anten
increase due to the increased length of the main feed line. The embedded scheme has
ume. However, embedded schemes exhibit challenges of isolation and pattern dist
the advantage of compactness as two antennas are located within a single band antenna
A singleHowever,
volume. radiating elementschemes
embedded for both the low
exhibit and high
challenges bands and
of isolation is used in[72,73]
pattern distor- to red
number of required
tions. A single radiating
radiating elements
element for both theand
low footprint. However,
and high bands is usedthe required
in[72,73] to vert
reducespacing
ment the numberfor of required radiating
optimum elevationelements andis
patterns footprint.
hard toHowever,
achieve the required
in this approach.
vertical element spacing for optimum elevation patterns is hard to achieve in this approach.
the grating lobe levels are high. The dual broadband planer BSA configuration is fo
Hence, the grating lobe levels are high. The dual broadband planer BSA configuration
in [32], where
is followed high
in [32], band
where elements
high are nested
band elements inside
are nested lower
inside lower bandbandelements
elements to to achiev
pactness.
achieve compactness.

Figure 14.(a)
Figure 14. (a)Multiband
Multiband embedded
embedded scheme;
scheme; (b) band
(b) multi multiside-by-side
band side-by-side
scheme; (c)scheme; (c) multib
multiband
up-and-down coaxial
-up-and-down coaxial scheme
scheme [2]. [2].

The lower cost in the antenna production is achieved by using low-cost, simple,
The lower cost in the antenna production is achieved by using low-cost,
printed antennas. The printed circuit board technologies reduces antenna assembly times.
printed
Another antennas. Thefor
low-cost choice printed
enablingcircuit board
5G BSA technologies
is 3D printing, whichreduces antenna
facilitates assembly
complex
designs. Three-dimensional printing is an effective manufacturing method for designing
MIMO antenna prototypes to reduce the cost. In [33], ±45 dual-polarized antenna is
fabricated using 3D printing technology while achieving a wide bandwidth. Although
printed antennas have a low-cost advantage, they can exhibit higher dielectric losses
compared to die-cast radiating elements. Die-casting can be cost-effective if the entire
element is made out from a cast reducing the assembly time. In addition to the cost
incurred on radiating elements, the other RF components, such as phase shifters, may incur
higher costs. A wiper phase shifter [74] can be a cost-effective solution as it is very compact
but may have other disadvantages, such as limited control for null-filling in down tilts
and the use of a large number of cables. Other types of phase shifters such as [75,76] can
overcome some of these limitations while reducing fabrication costs.

4. Future Trends in 5G Base Station Antennas

The foundation of any BSA antenna is the radiating elements in the arrays. Therefore,
it is important to select wideband radiating elements with stable radiation patterns. Table 4
contains some of the recent state-of-the-art radiating elements that show wideband perfor-
mance. Some of the design concepts used in the design of these elements can be used as the
basis to develop more improved radiating elements for current and future 5G antennas.
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 16 of 20

Table 4. Comparison of a selected set of wideband radiating elements used in BSAs.

Frequency Impedance
Reference Antenna Element Type Size * Isolation (dB) HPBW XPD (dB) Gain (dBi)
Band (GHz) Bandwidth
Cross-dipole antenna with U-shaped
[20] 1.68–3.23 0.38λ × 0.38 λ 63% >32 65 ± 5◦ <16 8.5
parasitic element
[28] Octagon shape folded dipoles 1.69–2.71 0.50λ × 0.50λ 46.4% >28 66.5◦ ± 5.5◦ 25 9.8
[29] Magneto-electric loop antenna 1.7–2.7 0.43λ × 0.43λ 45.5% NG # 66.5◦ ± 3.5◦ >20 NG #
[3] Folded Dipole with coplanar stripline 1.7–2.25 0.52λ × 0.52λ 27.8% >25 66.3◦ ± 2.9◦ >16 >8
Loop radiator, cross shaped feeding with
[16] 1.7–2.9 0.56λ × 0.56λ 52% >26 66.2◦ ± 3.7◦ NG # 8.5
loop parasitic element
Octagonal shaped loop radiator with Y-
[10] 1.7–2.7 0.39λ × 0.39λ 45% >25 68◦ ± 2◦ NG # 8.2
shaped feeding line
[39] Slotted patch with shorting strips 0.82–0.99 0.42λ × 0.42λ 18.7% >30 65◦ ± 10◦ NG # 9.9
[38] Spline Edged bowtie radiator 1.42–2.9 0.50λ × 0.50λ 68% >20 65◦ ± 11◦ 20 8
[37] crossed stepped-width loop dipoles 1.68–2.94 0.41λ × 0.41λ 54.5% >28.5 66.2◦ ± 3.7◦ NG # 8.5
[52] Square-loop shape dipole 1.63–2.95 0.36λ × 0.36λ 58% >31 58.1◦ ± 12◦ <27 8.8
[1] Folded dipole 0.79–1 0.44λ × 0.44λ 23.5% >30 69◦ NG # 7.7
[15] Orthogonal dipoles with fan-shaped slots 2.27–2.53 0.49λ × 0.49λ 52.6% >25.4 60◦ NG # 7.6
Leaf clover antenna with round metal
[17] 1.39–2.8 0.42λ × 0.42λ 67% 30 65◦ ± 5◦ NG # 9
disks and U-shape slot
* size in terms of wavelength(λ) at midband frequency, # Not Given.
Electronics 2021, 10, 2000 17 of 20

The massive MIMO is one of the most popular topics among the 5G BSA community.
Currently, the massive MIMO used in the 5G network is typically standalone, i.e., contains
only one frequency band commonly referred to as mid-band (2.6 GHz–4.2 GHz) with 32
or 64 ports (eight dual-polarized columns with two or four rows). No other bands are
integrated into those active antennas. The massive MIMO antennas require the radios to be
used for each of the ports. Despite the high throughput advantage of these massive MIMO
antennas, the extreme power consumption puts a significant loading on the electrical net-
work. The operators cannot remove the existing 4G BSAs to reduce the power consumption
since the current 5G massive MIMO antennas cannot still serve all the frequency bands.
Therefore, the industry is leaning towards integrating legacy multiband 4G antennas with
5G massive MIMO antennas. One potential approach is to reduce the number of ports in
massive MIMO BSAs from 32 to 16 and provide some space to integrate a legacy antenna.
The aim is to strike a balance with operational cost and performance. The combination of
legacy 4G and 5G massive MIMO still poses the challenges highlighted in the paper. For
example, the low band (under 1 GHz) needs to be decoupled in an even wider band from
1.4 GHzto 4.2 GHz, which is very difficult. Moreover, the antenna profile is required to
be slimmer for less wind loading, making the technical design even harder. Possibilities
remain open to design novel wideband frequency selective surfaces to overcome some
of these challenges to reduce coupling and improve patterns since more bands are now
required to be integrated under one radome.

5. Conclusions
Base Station Antennas have evolved from simpler Omni antennas to multiband multi-
beam sectorized antennas over the last three decades. The antenna complexity has increased
with each wireless generation, leading to more design challenges to antenna engineers.
From LTE-A leading to 5G, sub-6 GHz BSA designs have multiple antenna arrays. This is
due to several reasons, including the need to support MIMO capability and the need to
maximize value for money by covering multiple bands. To achieve size savings, the mul-
tiple bands are interspersed in the design. The presence of multiple radiators introduces
scattering, degrading the pattern performance of each band. Coupling between the close
proximity elements leads to challenges in meeting impedance and isolation specifications.
As a result, multiple techniques are applied by antenna designers such as cloaked dipoles,
parasitic elements, FSSs, and filters to mitigate these challenges.

Author Contributions: All authors conceived and proposed the idea; all authors contributed to the
structure of the paper. Wrote the paper under the supervision of D.N.T. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this article can be obtained from the relevant
references provided in this article.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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