For many years I posted a weekly "Cool Pic" item derived from articles I read in magazines and websites. I'm
not sure why I stopped doing so - probably due to lack of time - but seeing this über-cool-looking 16-element
antenna array that operates at 83 GHz prompted this post. At initial inspection it appears to be a 16-port switch unit because
unless you are familiar with how small an 83 GHz antenna can be, those devices hanging off each port look
like push-on coaxial connectors, but they're not. This work is being done by engineers at the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) in
a project researching how to best increase available wireless channel frequencies and bandwidth (i.e., data rates).
NIST 83 GHz 16-Antenna Array
Per the NIST web page:
"Smartphones and tablets are everywhere, which is great for communications but a growing burden on wireless
channels. Forecasted huge increases in mobile data traffic call for exponentially more channel capacity. Boosting
bandwidth and capacity could speed downloads, improve service quality, and enable new applications like the
Internet of Things
connecting a multitude of devices. To support wireless communications at higher frequencies offering more channel
capacity, NIST engineer Kate Remley led development of this new 94 gigahertz calibrated signal source for testing
receivers and other devices. NIST researchers developed this directional 16-antenna array to support modeling
of wireless communications channels at 83 gigahertz. To help solve the wireless crowding conundrum and support
the next generation of mobile technology—5G cellular—researchers at the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) are developing measurement tools for channels that are new for mobile communications and that
could offer more than 1,000 times the bandwidth of today's cell phone systems "
Wireless Communications Frequencies
"To support wireless communications at higher frequencies offering more channel capacity, NIST
engineer Kate Remley led development of this new 94 gigahertz calibrated signal source for testing receivers and
other devices."
Note: I first saw this in the June 2015 edition of Nuts & Volts
magazine.
Posted on June 12, 2015
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