SLYT874 May   2026 AFE8030 , AFE8092 , AFE8128 , AFE8190 , AFE8192

 

  1.   1
  2. 1 Introduction
  3. 2 What is 5G mMIMO?
  4. 3 5G mMIMO and beamforming
  5. 4 The math behind beamforming
  6. 5 Current challenges for mMIMO systems
  7. 6 Using single-shot sysref mode
  8. 7 Using a common time-stamp signal through GPIO to time-align the RF integrated circuit
  9. 8 NCO selection
  10. 9 Conclusion
  11. 10About the Author

1 Introduction

With every new wireless generation, the demand for higher data rates and lower latency increases substantially. 5G advances this trajectory by delivering tens of gigabits-per-second throughput and submillisecond latency, essential for applications such as augmented and virtual reality, industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and autonomous systems. Achieving performance targets – especially in dense urban areas and high-mobility scenarios – requires two technologies: massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) and beamforming.

5G mMIMO systems use large antenna arrays, typically ranging from 16 transmit antennas and 16 receive antennas to 128 transmit antennas and 128 receive antennas. These antennas enable spatial multiplexing, transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously over the same frequency in order to enhance spectral efficiency and user capacity without additional bandwidth or power.

Beamforming, implemented through phased array antennas, enables spatial filtering to steer and focus radio-frequency (RF) energy toward intended users, mitigating interference and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Beamforming requires consistent phase alignment across antennas. It enhances performance at higher RF frequencies (the FR1 and FR2 bands, for example), where free-space path loss and signal blockage are significant challenges.

To overcome these challenges, 5G mMIMO combined with beamforming enables high-throughput, low-latency communication and ensures scalability. These combined technologies empower network operators and developers to create innovative wireless applications for increased frequency bands through precise antenna control.

Realizing mMIMO and beamforming requires the use RF transceivers to convert bits to RF and vice versa. Because both mMIMO and beamforming require spatial and timing accuracy, the bits-to-RF conversion process of the RF transceiver must have a precise time stamp and time synchronization across multiple antennas.

Radio equipment with a 5G-capable RF transceiver enables the radio to operate in both 4G and 5G. According to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications for 5G, 5G improves 4G in these specific areas:

  • Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)
  • Critical communication (CC) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) for industrial applications
  • Massive Internet of Things (mIoT).
  • Flexible network operations to enable adaptability and network optimizations while supporting diverse applications and end-user needs through network slicing, cloud-native infrastructures and software-defined networks.