5G: Performance and Evaluation of FS-FBMC against OFDM for High Data Rate Applications at 60 GHz

This study presents a frequency spreading filter bank multi-carrier (FS-FBMC) waveform as a potential candidate for the fifth generation (5G) network applications at millimetre-waves (mmWaves). The proposed model is developed based on the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform standardised by IEEE 802.15.3c for 60 GHz high data-rate applications. The effects of non-linearities of power amplifiers (PAs) at 60 GHz for both OFDM and FS-FBMC are presented and compared using a realistic PA model. In particular, the sensitivity of both transmission schemes to the non-linear effects is investigated and its impact on the performance degradation in terms of output-power-backoff, is characterised over typical indoor line-of-sight, kiosk and residential, 60 GHz IEEE channel models. The assessment metrics considered are bit error rate and out-of-band emissions. This study concludes radio access schemes for future communication generations, i.e. 5G may employ OFDM for up-link and FS-FBMC for down-link due to the sensitivity to PA non-linearities of both waveforms.