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Analysis of institutional authors

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December 22, 2025
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Article

Butler-Matrix Beamspace Front-Ends for Massive MIMO: Architecture, Loss Budget, and Capacity Impact

Publicated to: SENSORS. 25 (23): 7170- - 2025-11-24 25(23), DOI: 10.3390/s25237170

Authors:

Vico, Felipe; Monserrat, Jose F; Ge, Yiqun
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Affiliations

Huawei Technol Co Ltd - Author
Univ Politecn Valencia UPV, iTEAM - Author

Abstract

Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems with hundreds or thousands of antenna elements are fundamental to next-generation wireless networks, promising unprecedented spectral efficiency through spatial multiplexing and beamforming. However, the computational burden of channel state information (CSI) acquisition and processing scales dramatically with array size, creating a critical bottleneck for practical deployments. While previous works demonstrated that Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based beamspace processing can exploit the inherent angular sparsity of wireless channels to compress CSI feedback, the digital implementation requires intensive computations that become prohibitive for ultra-large arrays. This paper presents an analog alternative using Butler matrices-passive beamforming networks that realize the Discrete Fourier Transform in hardware-combined with RF switching circuits to select only dominant angular components. We provide a comprehensive analysis of Butler matrix architectures for arrays up to 32 x 32 elements, characterizing insertion losses across different technologies (microstrip, substrate-integrated waveguide, and waveguide) and operating frequencies (10-30 GHz). The proposed system incorporates parallel power sensing with Winner-Take-All circuits for sub-microsecond beam selection, drastically reducing the number of active RF chains. Full-wave simulations and capacity evaluations at 12 and 30 GHz demonstrate that the Butler-based approach achieves comparable performance to FFT methods while offering significant advantages in power consumption and processing latency. For a 256 x 256 array, FFT computation requires 0.36 ms compared to near-instantaneous analog processing, making Butler matrices particularly attractive for real-time massive MIMO systems. These findings establish Butler matrix front-ends as a practical pathway toward scalable, energy-efficient beamspace processing in 6G networks.
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Keywords

5g6gAdolescentAntennaArray processingArticleBandBeam spaceBeamformingBeamforming networkBeamspaceBudgetBudget controlButler matricesButler matrixCapacityChannel capacityChannel estimationChannel state informationChannel state information feedbacksCommunication channels (information theory)Csi feedbackDigital transformationDiscrete fourier transformFast fourier transformsFeedback controlHigh-speedHumanInsertion lossInsertion lossesLatent periodMassive mimoMassive multiple-input multiple-outputMatrix algebraMimo systemsMultiple inputsMultiple outputsNetworksNext generation networksSelectionSimulationSubstrate integrated waveguidesSwitching matrixTake-all circuitWinnerWinner-take-allWinner-takes-allWta

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal SENSORS due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency Scopus (SJR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position , thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Instrumentation.

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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-07:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 2 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
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    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    This work has been carried out with international collaboration, specifically with researchers from: China.

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Vico, F) .

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Vico, F.

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