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5G • 5G-Advanced (Rel-18)

Polarization Multiplexed MIMO

Dual-Polarized Massive MIMO Multi-Stream Transmission

Exploits orthogonal electromagnetic polarization (+45° and -45°) to double spatial streams in line-of-sight channels where spatial separation is limited.

Technical Explanation

In line-of-sight propagation environments (such as fixed wireless access or open rural corridors), standard spatial channels become highly correlated, degrading traditional MIMO multiplexing. Rel-18 Polarization Multiplexed MIMO leverages dual-polarized cross-dipole antenna arrays, transmitting completely independent data streams on orthogonal linear polarizations to maintain high MIMO rank even without rich multi-path scattering.

Key Functions

  • Doubles transmission capacity in Line-of-Sight (LOS) channels lacking multipath scattering
  • Transmits independent data streams over orthogonal +45° and -45° linear polarizations
  • Maintains high MIMO rank in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and rural line-of-sight links
  • Mitigates cross-polarization leakage through advanced receiver matrix equalization
Specifications
3GPP TR 38.859, TS 38.211 (Rel-18)
Interfaces
Uu (PDSCH)
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