High-speed, large-capacity wireless communication systems have become an indispensable infrastructure in all fields as a driving force for building a smart society. The 60GHz band millimetre-wave (mmWave) wireless system is license-free, low cost and facilitates building high-speed networks compared to licensed wireless communication systems such as 5G and local 5G systems. The 60GHz system provides the best solution for customers who aim to achieve the following objectives:

• Establishment of high-speed, wide-band private communication networks
• Smartification of various construction sites, workplaces, and commercial and industrial facilities
• Transmission of high-definition, low-delay images
• V2X communication in public transportation (e.g. buses, trains) and various industrial vehicles
• Building of wireless backhaul, wireless mesh networks

We have developed a built-in mmWave wireless communication module for these 60GHz band wireless communication systems.

The 60GHz wireless communications module

Fujikura provides compact embedded 60GHz ｍｍWave wireless communications modules using a high gain phased array antenna, capable of achieving high-speed wireless communication in the 60GHz frequency band. Their compact design combines a baseband wireless modem function and an antenna with an included RF front end function.

The mmWave bands are susceptible to large transmission losses due to wiring. Therefore, the wiring between the RF-IC and antenna must be as short as possible in order to maximize the features of the module. High efficiency communications can be achieved through the selection of low loss materials for the circuit board and modularization of the RF-IC and antenna.

5G communications networks mainly use two types of frequency bands: sub-6GHz and mmWave, which are also divided into two categories: licensed and unlicensed bands. Licensed bands are primarily used by mobile operators, unlicensed bands are suitable for enterprise and private users.

Sub-6GHz networks provide wide coverage of several kilometres but cannot provide the ultra-high speeds facilitated by mmWave solutions. mmWave solutions provide much greater bandwidth but are limited in range to a few hundred meters. Future 5G networks will require high densities of small cells to facilitate the advanced features of 5G. Fujikura has two solutions available for licensed and unlicensed bands: 28GHz Phased Array Antenna Modules (PAAM) for licensed band, base-station applications, and our 60GHz wireless communications modules for unlicensed band applications.

60GHz Wireless Communications Module - key points

• Long Range >500m at >1Gbps
• High speed 3.5Gbps (max)
• Wide band: full coverage of the 57 to 71GHz frequency bands
• Wide beam coverage (+/- 45 degrees)
• Low loss LCP materials and high output RF-IC
• Multiple connections: up to 30 devices accommodated by a single access point

Applications

• High-definition, low-latency wireless video networks
• V2X for commercial & industrial vehicles
• Wireless backhaul & wireless mesh networks
　　　
• Private 5G

Use cases