Murata Launches 60 GHz Millimeter‑Wave RF Antenna Module to Power Next‑Gen High‑Speed Wireless Networks

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nagaokakyo‑shi, Kyoto, and led by Chairman‑President Tsuneo Murata, has begun mass‑production of a cutting‑edge 60 GHz millimeter‑wave RF antenna module. The module delivers the high‑bandwidth performance required for tomorrow’s wireless networks.

1. Background of Development

Consumer demand for ultra‑high‑definition video, augmented reality, and virtual reality is pushing broadband requirements beyond what current Wi‑Fi and cellular networks can deliver. Installing wired infrastructure over large areas is costly and labor‑intensive. The new 60 GHz RF antenna module addresses these challenges by enabling the IEEE 802.11ad standard, which operates in a license‑free frequency band and supports multi‑gigabit data rates.

Murata’s design incorporates an in‑house Low‑Temperature Co‑fired Ceramic (LTCC) substrate that offers exceptional heat and moisture resistance, ensuring stable operation even in outdoor base‑station environments. The module is primed for deployment in 5G base stations, Wi‑Fi hotspots, and smart‑city communication networks.

2. Features of the Product

• Supports data rates up to 4.62 Gbps per channel*4 and fully complies with IEEE 802.11ad.
• Employs a proprietary LTCC circuit board to enable precise 60 GHz beamforming. By combining multiple modules, operators can extend coverage and link base stations several hundred meters apart for high‑capacity links.
• LTCC’s high heat resistance and low moisture absorption guarantee reliable performance in harsh outdoor conditions.
• Low‑loss LTCC material minimizes transmission line loss between the RFIC and antenna, boosting overall efficiency.
• The modular RFIC‑antenna package eliminates the need for custom millimeter‑wave circuitry, reducing design time and development costs.

3. Future Development

Murata is preparing for the upcoming IEEE 802.11ay standard, the successor to 802.11ad, which promises even faster wireless LAN speeds. By expanding its portfolio of communication modules, Murata aims to support the full spectrum of next‑generation network applications.

*1 A frequency band that does not require a radio license for base‑station deployment.
*2 A next‑generation wireless communication standard that uses the 60 GHz band to achieve high‑speed data transfer.
*3 LTCC (Low‑Temperature Co‑fired Ceramics) are fired at temperatures of 1,000 °C or lower.
*4 A data‑transfer bandwidth specified for wireless communication.
*5 The forthcoming IEEE 802.11ay standard that will succeed IEEE 802.11ad.