What is millimeter wave?

 

Millimeter-wave is a high-frequency electromagnetic wave with wavelengths ranging from 1 to 10 millimeters and frequencies spanning 30 to 300 GHz. Its extremely wide bandwidth enables ultra-high data transmission rates, while its short wavelength allows for the integration of a large number of antenna elements in a compact space, supporting beamforming to direct and focus radio frequency signals.

Millimeter-wave technology can be used in two main areas: (1) 5G millimeter-wave communications, providing high-speed wireless access in high-density areas; (2) millimeter-wave radar sensing (typically at 24 GHz or 77 GHz), which penetrates rain, fog, and dust, is unaffected by lighting conditions, and provides precise distance and speed measurements.

The main drawback is that the signal is easily blocked by walls and other obstacles, and the transmission range is limited. It is widely used in in-vehicle ADAS systems, security detection, short-range high-speed wireless communication, and satellite communications, and is paired with specialized surface-mount array antennas.