Model-based software design of a large-scale Butler matrix beamformer for hybrid 5G subsystems

Abstract

With 4G networks reaching their practical limits due to the ever-increasing demand for seamless connectivity, it has been clear that 5G is the future of communications. Millimetre-waves (mmWaves) is considered as a way forward with momentous research being carried out to provide cost-effective and easy-to-implement solutions, which can increase the data rate, provide low latency, and reliable radio connection. Inspired by this, a Butler matrix (BM) structure was considered in this work, due to its potential role in implementing large-scale beamforming networks (BFNs) for 5G systems. This would facilitate their deployment in both practical and analytical hybrid beamforming scenarios. Thus, a system-level model of large-scale BMs was realised in software to demonstrate its integrated structures and outputs. The proposed model can be significantly instrumental in the design of large-scale and hybrid wireless infrastructures at both sub-6GHz and mmWave bands.