Electromagnetic waves with a wavelength from one to 10 millimeters, which corresponds to spectrum from 30 to 300 GHz. Millimeter wave applications include communications, radar, radio astronomy, military and 5G cellular. The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength, the narrower the beam and the smaller the antennas. Radio astronomy using millimeter waves dates back to the 1960s, and military deployment began in the 1970s. The first consumer usage was radar-based vehicle collision avoidance in the 1990s.
5G Reaches Millimeter Wavelengths
Numerous frequency ranges have been allotted to the 5G cellular system, which include millimeter wave bands (see
5G frequency bands and
5G UWB). See
wavelength,
microwave,
wideband,
WiGig and
WirelessHD.
FCC SANCTIONED MILLIMETER WAVE BANDS
Frequency Range Wavelength Licensed
57-64 GHz V-band 5.3-4.7mm No
76-77 GHz Radar 3.9mm No
71-76 GHz E-band 4.2-4.0mm Yes
81-86 GHz E-band 3.7-3.5mm Yes
92-95 GHz W-band 3.3-3.2mm Yes