Phased Array Antenna Systems and their Applications to mMIMO and RIS

Phased array antenna systems are the foundation of next-generation wireless and sensing technologies, enabling agile beamforming, spatial multiplexing, and adaptive interference management across increasingly complex radio environments. This technical workshop focuses on the practical and emerging applications of phased array systems, with particular emphasis on massive MIMO architecture and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) as key enablers for 5G-Advanced and 6G networks. Participants will explore how large-scale antenna arrays, advanced digital signal processing, and beamforming techniques are used to achieve high spectral efficiency, robust connectivity, and scalable multi-user performance across a wide range of frequency bands. The workshop further examines how RIS extends phased array concepts into the propagation environment, enabling programmable control of electromagnetic wavefronts to enhance coverage, energy efficiency, and spatial selectivity. Through system-level perspectives and design examples, the session addresses critical challenges such as array calibration, mutual coupling, RF impairments, channel dynamics, and joint optimization of RF, baseband, and propagation domains. Attendees will gain insight into modeling, simulation, and validation methodologies for phased array–based systems, including their integration into terrestrial, non-terrestrial, and sensing-enabled networks, providing a comprehensive view of how massive MIMO and RIS are shaping the future of intelligent wireless systems. The agenda includes the following topics: • Phased Array Foundations Beamforming architecture and spatial signal processing for modern wireless systems • Massive MIMO for 5G-Advanced and 6G Large-scale arrays, hybrid beamforming, CSI challenges, and capacity scaling • DSP, AI, and Algorithmic Enablers Precoding, beam management, AI-assisted optimization, and real-time adaptation • Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces Programmable propagation, coverage extension, and energy-efficient beam control • System-Level Design & Validation RF impairments, channel dynamics, digital twins, and hardware-aware simulation • Emerging Applications & Future Directions NTN, ISAC, distributed apertures, and open 6G research challenges