[THE INVESTOR] Tech giant Samsung Electronics said June 29 that it has developed a small-sized antenna and a power amplifier that will accelerate the research and development and commercialization of 5G network devices.

The new network technologies can be applied to both 5G base stations and end-user devices which utilize 28 gigahertz millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. The mmWave frequencies are expected to be one of the primary enablers of next-generation networks, according to Samsung.



“This achievement is solid proof of Samsung’s ability to channel its technical expertise from multiple business areas into important industry breakthroughs,” said Cheun Kyung-whoon, the head of Samsung’s next generation business team.

“We are very focused on developing technologies that improve and accelerate the realization of a new generation of mobile networks and devices. Samsung will continue to increase its momentum in the development of exciting new 5G technologies,” he added.

The new network antenna incorporates dozens of antenna elements in a module that is less than 1mm thick, which, the company said, is a breakthrough achievement as it will make base stations and user devices much smaller and more compact than the current ones.

Current prototype base stations and devices for the 5G network are intrusively large -- base stations often occupy a full cabinet while devices are mounted on the top of vans or trucks for testing. 

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)