6G Massive MIMO: Evolution or Revolution?
MIMO technology has been a key technical component for LTE and LTE-advanced. Although a variety of MIMO modes, including open-loop MIMO, closed-loop MIMO, transmit diversity, spatial multiplexing, etc were supported by LTE, only limited number of antenna ports were assumed especially for early LTE deployment. To support C-band transceiver with more digital RF chains and millimeter wave transceiver with large number of antenna elements, massive MIMO has been considered as one of basic enabling technologies in designing NR system. Beamforming and beam management technologies, including high-precision CSI acquisition for MU-MIMO transmission, beam training and tracking, beam failure recovery have been designed and specified by NR standards. In order to meet 6G requirements new spectra such as 10~15GHz mid-band and high end mmWave & THz are being explored. On the other hand, the emergence of new materials (e.g. meta-surface material), advanced antenna array design technology, native AI learning and sensing capability provide us new enablers to achieve technology breakthrough in the research of 6G massive MIMO. It is expected that 6G ultra-Massive MIMO technologies will significantly increase system capacity for 6G network. The proposed panel will address new massive MIMO innovation opportunities and new challenges to researchers in academy and industry.