How do I design a millimeter wave antenna in package for a consumer wireless device?
mmWave AiP Design
The AiP approach has transformed mmWave consumer device design by moving the antenna from the device PCB into the module, where it can be precisely controlled and tested as a complete unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AiP modules does a 5G phone need?
Typically 2-3 modules per phone. The multiple modules provide: spatial diversity (different orientations for different hand positions), NLOS coverage (if one module is blocked by the hand or head, another module on a different phone edge can maintain the link), and hemisphere coverage (modules on top, left, and right edges collectively cover most of the upper hemisphere). Example: Qualcomm QTM525 module: 4-element array, one module per phone edge. Samsung Galaxy S21: 3 modules. Apple iPhone 12 (mmWave model): 4 modules (2 on the sides, 2 on the top/bottom). Each module operates independently with its own RFIC and antenna array. The baseband selects the best module in real time (beam switching latency < 1 ms).
What is the typical AiP module size?
Current generation (2022-2025): 10 × 10 × 1.5 mm for a 4-element array at 28 GHz. 8 × 8 × 1.2 mm for a 4-element at 39 GHz (smaller wavelength = smaller patches). Weight: 0.3-0.5 g per module. Future: modules are shrinking as RFIC technology advances (smaller RFIC die, more integration). Target: 7 × 7 mm for 8-element arrays by 2026. The module thickness is constrained by: the substrate layer count (4-8 layers × 0.05-0.1 mm per layer), the RFIC die thickness (0.1-0.2 mm), and the mold compound overmold (0.2-0.5 mm). Total: 1.0-1.5 mm is typical.
What performance can I expect from an AiP module?
Representative specifications for a 5G UE AiP at 28 GHz (4 elements): EIRP: +20 to +25 dBm (TX, per module). Scan range: ±60°. Gain at broadside: 10-12 dBi. G/T (receive figure of merit): -10 to -6 dB/K. EVM: < -25 dB for 64-QAM. Noise figure (receive): 5-7 dB (including all losses from antenna to baseband). These specifications enable data rates of 1-4 Gbps per user at distances of 100-200 m from the base station (line-of-sight). In NLOS (non-line-of-sight) conditions: the range drops to 50-100 m, and the data rate drops to 500 Mbps - 2 Gbps (depending on the reflection/diffraction environment).