This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been
fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/LAWP.2019.2944936, IEEE
Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters
A Dual-Passband Frequency Selective Surface for 5G Communication
Yi Li, Peng Ren and Zheng Xiang
Abstract—In this paper, a new frequency selective surface (FSS) is
proposed, which is mainly applied to 5G communication. The equivalent
circuit method is used to provide assistance for structural design. This
structure can generate dual-frequency passbands that resonant
frequencies are 28.1 GHz and 39.5 GHz. And it acquires large enough
bandwidths to cover 27.5-28.35 GHz and 38.6-40 GHz which are bands of
5G communication. In addition, this structure is a multi-layer structure
composed of one metallic layer and two dielectric layers, and its unit size is
0.56λ×0.56λ where λ is the wavelength corresponding to the first resonant
frequency. Simulated results show that this structure has excellent
filtering properties with respect to polarization stability as well as angular
stability. Finally, the prototype of this structure is fabricated. The
measured results and simulated results have consistent filtering
characteristics within the tolerance of error.
Index Terms—Frequency selective surface, 5G communication,
dual-frequency passbands, angular stability.
I. INTRODUCTION
The frequency selective surface (FSS) is essentially a periodic
surface composed of specific units in a certain arrangement. It can
exhibit total reflection or transmission characteristics at a certain
frequency, similar to the spatial filter. In recent years, as a research
hotspot, FSS has been developed and applied in more and more fields.
For example, by loading the FSS to the radome, the radar cross section
(RCS) can be reduced to achieve the stealth effect [1]-[2]. Besides, by
applying FSS to the absorbing material which can achieve
miniaturization and obtain larger bandwidth [3]-[4]. Except them, it is
also widely used in filters, resonators, reflectors, polarizers, antennas,
etc. [5]-[8].
The fifth-generation mobile communication technology, referred to
as 5G, as the next-generation mobile communication technology, the
main features contain wavelengths of millimeters, ultra-wideband,
ultra-high speed, ultra-low delay. At present, the range of 5G
frequency is divided into two types: one is below 6GHz, and the
difference is small with our current 4G. The other refers to the high
frequency band above 24 GHz such as 27.5-28.35 GHz and 38.6- 40
GHz [9]. These mainstream bands have been adopted in some
countries. Recently, there is already some research work on applying
FSS to the 5G communication for improving signal transmission
performance [10]-[13]. Da Li et al. proposed a new broadband
bandpass FSS designed for 5G EMI shielding [10] and a novel
bandpass FSS with a center frequency of 27.5 GHz for potential 5G
Yi Li is with the School of Communication Engineering, Xidian University,
Xi’an 710071, China (e-mail: liyi10271995@163.com).
Peng Ren is with the School of Communication Engineering, Xidian
University, Xi’an 710071, China (e-mail: pren@xidian.edu.cn).
Zheng Xiang is with the School of Communication Engineering, Xidian
University, Xi’an 710071, China (e-mail: zhx@mail.xidian.edu.cn;).
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near-field applications [11]. Tian-Wu Li et al. designed a novel FSS
structure that can be a good candidate for 5G communication radome
with the operating frequency of 28.5 GHz [12]. Moreover, using
single-layer FSS, M. Mantash et al. designed a new beam-tilting
endfire antenna that works in the 28-31 GHz and can be adapted to 5G
communication networks [13]. However, the single-frequency system
cannot meet the requirements of high communication capacity because
the available spectrum resources are limited right now. It is inevitable
for communication components to develop towards dual-frequency
and multi-frequency bands [14]-[15]. Based on the above
requirements, this paper designs a new dual-frequency passbands FSS
and it can be applied to devices related to 5G communication. This
FSS structure can achieve double resonant frequencies in the 28.1 GHz
and 39.5 GHz and acquire large enough bandwidths to cover
27.5-28.35 GHz and 38.6-40 GHz which are bands of 5G
communication. Furthermore, it shows excellent polarization stability
and angular stability so that it can help improve the communication
performance and anti-interference ability of 5G devices in the future.
The content of this article is arranged as follows. In Section II, the
proposed FSS structure is analyzed by equivalent circuit method and
its parameters are described in detail. In Section III, the polarization
stability of this structure is verified in TE and TM modes. In addition,
the angular stability of this structure is verified with angles of 0°, 15°,
30°, 45°. In Section IV, the prototype of this structure is fabricated so
that the measured results and simulated results are compared and
analyzed.
II. STRUCTURE DESIGN
The FSS structure proposed in this paper is a multi-layer structure
consisting of one metallic layer and two dielectric layers. Fig. 1 shows
schematic diagram of its unit structure and Fig. 2 shows the side view
of this FSS structure. It is observed that the metallic layer is located in
the middle of the two dielectric layers. The thickness of the top
dielectric layer is 0.17 mm (h1 = 0.17 mm), and its material is foam.
The thickness of the bottom dielectric layer is 0.08 mm (h2 = 0.08 mm),
and its material is F4B with relative dielectric constant of 2.5 and loss
tangent of 0.0016. In addition, the size of unit structure is 6mm×6mm
approximately equal to 0.56λ×0.56λ.
Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of FSS unit structure.
Metallic Layer
h1 Top dielectric layer
h2 Bottom dielectric layer
Fig. 2. Side view of FSS structure.
This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/LAWP.2019.2944936, IEEE
Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

For the metallic layer, the schematic diagram of its unit structure is
shown in Fig. 3 and its thickness can be ignored in the simulation
process. The metallic layer is a slot structure that is modified by
traditional square annular and Jerusalem slot structures. The specific
implementation process is as follows. Firstly, the square annular
structure is rotated 45 degrees. Secondly, the four sides of the
Jerusalem structure are translated toward the center point. Thirdly, the
modified Jerusalem structure is placed inside the rotated square
annular structure.
DX
Fig. 5 depicts simulated results of S11 as well as S21 of proposed
FSS structure under TM mode. From the S11 curve in Fig. 5, two
resonance points are still obtained. The first resonant frequency is 27.7
GHz with return loss up to -41.13 dB, and the passband bandwidth
reaches 3.71 GHz at -10 dB; the second resonant frequency is 39.9
GHz with return loss up to -36.86 dB, and the passband bandwidth
reaches 1.79 GHz at -10 dB. In addition, it is observed from the S21
curve in Fig. 5 that the insertion loss is still close to 0 dB at two
resonance frequencies.

L1 W1

L2 L3 W2

L4
DY

L5
W3

W4

Fig. 4. Reflection coefficient (S11) and transmission coefficient (S21)

θ simulation results under TE mode.

Fig. 3. Unit structure of metallic layer.

Through analysis and optimization by HFSS software, the specific

structural parameters are listed in Table I.

TABLE I
SPECIFIC STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS OF METALLIC LAYER

Parameter L1 L2 L3 L4

Value 4.0 mm 2.2 mm 0.8 mm 2.4 mm

Parameter L5 W1 W2 W3

Value 0.43 mm 4.0 mm 2.2 mm 0.29 mm

Parameter W4 DX DY
Value 0.14mm 6.0 mm 6.0 mm
III. SIMULATION
To demonstrate the performance of proposed FSS structure, it is
simulated in TE mode and TM mode with different incident angles.
Through the analysis of S parameter including reflection parameter
(S11) and transmission parameter (S21), its polarization and angular
stability is verified. The simulated results are obtained from HFSS
software.
A. Polarization stability
Fig. 4 depicts simulated results of S11 as well as S21 of proposed
FSS structure under TE mode. From the S11 curve in Fig. 4, two
resonance points are obtained. The first resonant frequency is 28.1
GHz with return loss up to -42.34 dB, and the passband bandwidth
reaches 3.56 GHz at -10 dB; the second resonant frequency is 39.5
GHz with return loss up to -33.43 dB, and the passband bandwidth
reaches 1.73 GHz at -10 dB. In addition, it is observed from the S21
curve in Fig. 4 that the insertion loss is close to 0 dB at two resonance
frequencies. In other words, the transmission efficiency is close to 1.
Fig. 5. Reflection coefficient (S11) and transmission coefficient (S21)
θ
simulation results under TM mode.
45o
From Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the frequency offset is only 1% at two
resonance frequencies in TE and TM modes which is far less than the
technical requirements. And this structure acquires large enough
bandwidths to cover 27.5-28.35 GHz and 38.6-40 GHz which are
bands of 5G communication. Therefore, we can conclude that
proposed FSS structure has excellent polarization stability.
B. Angular stability
In addition, the angular stability of proposed FSS structure is
verified. Specifically, this FSS structure is irradiated with angles of 0°,
15°, 30°, and 45° in TE and TM modes. The simulated results about
reflection parameter are shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, and the specific
simulation parameters are detailed in Table II and Table III.
From Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, when this FSS structure is irradiated with
different angles in TE and TM modes, we can find that the feature of
dual-passband is still maintained. For the TE mode, the frequency
offset under oblique incidence is less than 1% at first resonance
frequency and less than 3.5% at second resonance frequency compared
to normal incidence. Meanwhile, for the TM mode, the frequency
offset under oblique incidence is less than 1.5% at first resonance

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This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/LAWP.2019.2944936, IEEE
Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

frequency and less than 3% at second resonance frequency compared
to normal incidence. When the incidence angle gradually increases,
the degree of frequency deviation will be larger but it is an acceptable
offset far less than the technical requirements.
FSS structure still acquires large enough bandwidths to cover bands of
27.5-28.35 GHz and 38.6-40 GHz and a great return loss to achieve
outstanding filtering effect under oblique incidence. As a result, it is
proved that the mentioned FSS structure has excellent angular
stability.

IV. PROCESSING AND MEASUREMENT

In order to verify the simulated results, the prototype of the FSS
structure mentioned in this paper is fabricated based on electroplating
and corrosion technology. In detail, the required graphics are
transferred to the copper foil by touch plate, and the slot part is
corroded. Then, the copper foil is electroplated to the dielectric
substrate. The prototype of the FSS structure is shown in Fig. 8 which
the illustration shows the enlarged version. This prototype is 240 mm
× 240 mm in size and contains 40× 40 basic unit structures. The
transmission coefficient and reflection coefficient of this prototype are
measured in the microwave anechoic chamber consisting of a network
Fig. 6. Angular stability for TE mode of operation. analyzer (Anritsu MS46322A) and two high-frequency horn antennas.
The test environment is shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, Fig. 9(a) shows
the environment for testing the transmission coefficient (S21) and Fig.
9(b) shows the environment for testing the reflection coefficient (S11).
The distance between the transmitting antenna and FSS is 0.5 meters
so that all electromagnetic waves emitted by the transmitting antenna
must be transmitted through the FSS and the distance between the
receiving antenna and FSS is 2 meters in Fig. 9(a). In addition, the
reflection coefficient (S11) is measured by bow frame method, and
both the transmitting and receiving antennas are 2 meters from the FSS
in Fig. 9(b).

Fig. 7. Angular stability for TM mode of operation.

TABLE II
SPECIFIC PARAMETERS OF ANGULAR STABILITY UNDER TE MODE

Resonant Bandwidth
Angle Return loss
frequency at -10 dB
(deg) (dB)
(GHz) (GHz)
0 28.1/39.5 3.56/1.73 -42.34/-33.43

15 28.0/39.4 3.67/1.79 -41.23/-37.98 Fig. 8. Photograph of fabricated prototype.

30 28.3/39.3 3.72/2.12 -42.05/-37.73

45 28.0/38.3 3.51/1.96 -42.14/-38.79 Receiving

Antenna
FSS
Transmitting
Antenna
TABLE III Receiving
SPECIFIC PARAMETERS OF ANGULAR STABILITY UNDER TM MODE Antenna
FSS
Transmitting
Resonant Bandwidth Antenna
Angle Return loss
frequency at -10 dB
(deg) (dB)
(GHz) (GHz)
0 27.7/39.9 3.71/1.79 -41.13/-36.86

15 28.0/39.6 3.62/1.81 -42.30/-33.39

(a) (b)
30 27.6/38.9 3.56/1.62 -47.92/-34.04
Fig. 9. Test environment: (a) transmission (S21). (b) reflection (S11).
45 27.6/38.8 3.68/1.45 -41.79/-31.84
The prototype was tested under normal and oblique incidence in TE
and TM modes. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 respectively show the comparison
Furthermore, from Table II and Table III, it is observed that this

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This article has been accepted for publication in a future issue of this journal, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI 10.1109/LAWP.2019.2944936, IEEE
Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters
of simulated and measured results under normal incidence in TE and
TM modes. It can be found that the resonance frequency offset is no
more than 1% in both modes to further verify the polarization stability
of the structure.
Fig. 10. Comparison of simulated and measured results under normal
incidence in TE mode.
Fig. 11. Comparison of simulated and measured results under normal
incidence in TM mode.
And Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 respectively show the comparison of
simulated and measured results under oblique incidence in TE and TM
modes. It is observed that the resonance frequency offset is less than
2.3% at angles of 15°, 30°, and 45° in both modes to further verify the
angular stability of the structure. A small frequency offset has been
observed which can be explained due to errors of fabrication and
measurement and it is an acceptable offset far less than the technical
requirements. So, we can draw a conclusion that the simulated results
are in good agreement with the measured results indicating the
accuracy of this FSS structure.
Fig. 12. Comparison of simulated and measured results under oblique
incidence in TE mode.
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Fig. 13. Comparison of simulated and measured results under oblique
incidence in TM mode.
V. CONCLUSIONS
In this paper, a novel FSS structure which can be applied to the 5G
communication is designed. Exactly, this structure is a multi-layer
structure composed of two dielectric layers and one metallic layer, and
the metallic layer is modified by traditional square annular and
Jerusalem slot structures. It can generate dual-frequency passbands
that resonant frequencies are 28.1 GHz and 39.5 GHz. Also, it is able
to acquire large enough bandwidths to cover 27.5-28.35 GHz as well
as 38.6-40 GHz which are bands of 5G communication. In addition,
this FSS structure has excellent characteristics with respect to
polarization and angular stability. In order to verify the effectiveness
of the proposed design, the prototype of this FSS structure is fabricated
and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated
results.
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Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters

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