2026-10-08T20:32:00Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32826155 2026-10-01T16:10:28Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Performance-driven design and optimisation of millimetre-wave communication hardware Christopher Larmour (24304433) PUREID: 659886745 millimetre-wave 5G Communication mobile devices antennas optimisation mutual coupling beam forming beam steering techniques RIS coverage Millimetre-wave (mmWave) communication hardware continues to face significant challenges despite its growing adoption for next-generation wireless systems. These challenges primarily arise due to complex electromagnetic interactions, strict performance requirements, and unique propagation characteristics associated with these frequencies. This thesis systematically addresses several critical issues inherent to mmWave technology through an approach encompassing design, optimisation, analysis, and rigorous experimental methods. Specifically, this research focuses on optimised sparse antenna arrays to effectively mitigate mutual coupling, a prevalent issue that limits antenna array performance. Advanced optimisation algorithms, including Particle Swarm Optimisation, Genetic Algorithms, Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy, and Nelder-Mead Simplex Algorithm, are rigorously evaluated to achieve optimal array configurations that improve realised gain and reduce unwanted side lobes. Building upon this foundation of optimised array design and recognising the increased sensitivity of mmWave signals to user-device interactions and blockages, the research extends to evaluating mmWave mobile handset performance through detailed simulations and extensive experiments. The impact of realistic user grips and orientations on handset antenna performance is measured, guiding the development of optimal antenna placement and beam steering strategies. Additionally, this thesis investigates the practical integration of Reflective Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), demonstrating their potential to enhance mmWave signal propagation significantly. Both simulation-based and practical validations illustrate how RIS technology can effectively address line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight challenges, improving signal quality and system reliability. Overall, this investigation bridges existing gaps in mmWave hardware performance research, providing valuable insights and methodologies that support the practical deployment and advancement of future wireless communication systems. 2026-10-01T16:10:28Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32826155.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Performance-driven_design_and_optimisation_of_millimetre-wave_communication_hardware/32826155 All Rights Reserved