A MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) antenna is basically two (or more) antennas located in a single physical structure. With the benefit of multiple antennas rather than just one, data throughput, range, and general performance are greatly enhanced. This application note takes a closer look at MIMO antenna installations and how they can be simplified with FlexMIMO antennas from Laird Connectivity.
This application note describes the process of a simple antenna for LTE band operation added to the PC board of a smartphone in XFdtd being tuned for operation in multiple frequency bands. The component values in the matching network are chosen so that system efficiency is maximized.
Antenna aperture tuning is essential to enable smartphones to operate efficiently over the ever-increasing range of RF frequency bands and support the transition to 5G. Smartphones need more antennas to support growing RF requirements such as new 5G bands, MIMO, and carrier aggregation (CA), but there is less space for these antennas due to changes in smartphone industrial design. As a result, antennas are becoming smaller, potentially reducing antenna efficiency and bandwidth. Aperture tuning compensates for this problem by allowing antennas to be tuned to operate efficiently on multiple bands and increasing Tx and Rx performance by 3 dB or more.
Beamforming using phased array antennas is a common technology for radar and electronic warfare in the aerospace and defense industry. In satellite communications and 5G NR, phased array beamforming is becoming a default concept. Integrated RF beamforming ICs include phase and gain adjustment per path as well as amplification capabilities for the TX and RX channels. Such beamformer ICs support four or more antenna elements from one input signal. Full characterization and calibration requires simultaneous assessment of all ports. This article discusses the process of verification for these beamformer ICs for phased array antennas.
The ANT-SGA Standard Gain Horn Assemblies from NSI-MI are designed to deliver accurate and reliable antenna gain measurements in antenna test range applications. These horn antennas are available to cover the 0.35 to 170 GHz frequency range.
A.H. Systems offers the ATU-514 “non-magnetic and non-reflective” antenna tripod designed especially for use in compliance testing.
HUBER+SUHNER’s direct GPS-Over-Fiber (GPSoF) solution is designed to enable a fiber optic connection directly into an antenna for the world’s first “truly copperless” link. This solution uses HUBER+SUHNER’s Q-ODC fiber optic interface, making it perfect for applications that have limited power resources and for use in outdoors or harsh environments.
HUBER+SUHNER recently launched their omnidirectional and directional outdoor antennas for use in 4G and 5G deployments. The SENCITY Urban 100 and 200 MIMO antennas are as compact as possible for installation in discreet locations with their various types of mounting brackets.
A.H. Systems' designs, manufactures and delivers high performance Loop Antennas for a wide range of magnetic field testing. Whether used in a set to measure shielding effectiveness per MIL-STD 285 and NSA 65-6 or individually to satisfy specific requirements, the Loop Antennas are an efficient, low cost solution.
Laird Connectivity offers the new Revie Flex (EFF692SA3S) flexible PCB antenna for use in LTE CAT M1 and NB-IoT devices. The antenna operates within the 698 – 875 MHz and 1710 – 2500 MHz frequency ranges and is optimized for use when mounted to plastic via the supplied adhesive backing.
MP Antenna offers the 08-ANT-0899 multi-polarized NMO-mount antenna operating from 2 to 3 GHz for mobile data communications applications, such as for WiFi, WIMAX, and all 802.11 wireless systems in vehicles. This low profile antenna provides unequalled wireless communication in “real world”, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments.
HUBER+SUHNER offers the SENCITY® RONDO antenna for in-building coverage and other wireless applications. Features include gain from 2 to 7 dBi, typical PIM of -155 dBc, and available SiSo, MiMo 2x2 or MiMo 3x3 configurations.
Groundbreaking innovations on antenna technology, based on a collaboration between Lockheed Martin Space and Penn State, are now under consideration for use in the next generation of GPS satellite payloads.
Antennas made of carbon nanotube films are just as efficient as copper for wireless applications, according to researchers at Rice University's Brown School of Engineering. They're also tougher, more flexible and can essentially be painted onto devices.
