Efficient beam scanning for large scale antenna array

With high directivity, large scale antenna arrays (LSAA) are expected to be the key solution to combat the high path loss propagation in the millimeter wave band wireless communication systems. However, implementation of the LSAA raises many issues such as high power consumption, complex structure or high fabrication cost. In this paper, a large scale 2D antenna array with analog beamforming structure is investigated. An analysis of 2D LSAA radiation pattern is involved to evaluate the effect of the main lobe and the side lobes. To speed up the beamforming setup process, we proposed a beam scanning method which takes advantage of the minor gain provided by the side and grating lobes. In addition, numerical simulation results with millimeter wave outdoor environment are shown to demonstrate the proposed method.