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The MIMO patch antenna refers to multiple input-multiple output and usually comprises several types of such antennas. It exploits multiple signals to improve the capacity of wireless communication. These antennas are composed of several configurations and designs. Thus, it helps to achieve divergent performance based on the intended use.
In this regard, the following are some of the possible types of MIMO patch antennas:
A conformal MIMO patch antenna is specially designed to conform to a host vehicle's non-flat surface. Such a vehicle can be air or spacecraft, ground vehicles, or other types of vessels. They maintain a compact profile and are primarily lightweight, ensuring minimal alteration to the host devices. That said, however, they still manage to deliver excellent performance concerning radiation characteristics.
The CP MIMO patch antennas transmit and receive circularly polarized signals. It makes them adept at applications where multipath propagation is significant, such as urban environments. This property helps decrease signal degradation and improve reception. In addition, these circularly polarized antennas are useful for satellite communications because they are less susceptible to polarization mismatch, which is convenient as these antennas find diverse applications in environments characterized by heavy signal obstruction.
A wideband or multiband MIMO patch antenna is designed to operate over multiple frequency bands. These antennas are the most versatile, finding wide usage in such modern applications as smartphones, 5G networks, and Wi-Fi. Their broad frequency range helps provide good performance over a wide range of frequencies, thus eliminating the need for several antennas.
MIMO antennas are specifically meant to provide enhanced directional gain and, thus, higher than normal gain. Moreover, such high-gain antennas are suitable for long-range communications or applications where the antenna must focus on a particular direction to achieve optimal performance. They primarily find applications in base stations, outdoor Wi-Fi, and other high-performance communication systems.
A patch antenna is a relatively flat, dielectric-embedded antenna, generally square or rectangular, resonating at a specific frequency. It's used for multiple-input, multiple-output devices and has diverse applications across different industries. Below are such applications:
The antenna forms the cornerstone of cellular networks, particularly for 4G and 5G systems. It enables many users to communicate with enhanced data speeds and reliability. Thanks to the patch antennas, cellular towers and base stations increase capacity by sending and receiving several signals simultaneously.
These antennas enable accurate positioning for various satellite navigation systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. They ensure the signals are received crisply, even when the receiver moves or operates in challenging environments. An example of the environment that fits this description is urban canyons, which are characterized by multiple signal reflections.
MIMO patch antennas enhance wireless communication for IoT devices. After all, these antennas ensure that multiple signals are transmitted and received efficiently for applications ranging from smart home devices to industrial sensors. They help improve data rates and system reliability, facilitating real-time monitoring and control in various industries.
The MIMO patch antennas support vehicle-to-everything communication, enabling modern vehicles to connect to networks for navigation, entertainment, and safety features. It plays a critical role in autonomous driving by allowing cars to communicate with each other and infrastructure. Thus, it enhances road safety and efficiency.
MIMO patch antennas significantly boost the performance of Wi-Fi systems. These antennas are particularly popular in dual-band and tri-band routers, as they increase both the range and speed of wireless internet connections. Further, they achieve this by supporting multiple data streams simultaneously.
There is a set of common product specifications and features that buyers should consider regarding the MIMO patch antenna. Here are some of them:
Frequency Range
MIMO patch antennas typically operate over a wide frequency range, such as 700-2700 MHz. It makes them suitable for various applications, especially in the Wi-Fi and cellular.
Polarization
Most of these antennas are linearly polarized, although others are circularly polarized. Linear polarization is primarily suitable for cellular communications, while circular polarization improves signal reception in dynamic environments such as satellite communications.
Gain
Usually, these antennas have variable gain, typically between 2-10 dBi for each radiating element. Higher gain, therefore, results in a more focused signal, thus improving range and strength.
Return Loss
A good MIMO patch antenna is characterized by a return loss of more than 10 dB. A higher return loss indicates better matching at the antenna feed, thus minimizing signal reflection and power loss.
VSWR
The general VSWR for these antennas is below 2:1. It indicates good impedance matching across the frequency range, further ensuring efficient signal transmission.
Preparation
A few preparations must be undertaken prior to installing a MIMO patch antenna. They include determining the optimal location for installation and ensuring that the necessary tools and equipment for installation are at hand. After this, the mounting surface should be clean and clear of any obstructions.
Mounting
The patches should be securely attached to the recommended surface. If it is a stationary one, the hole drill should be for the proper installation of the antenna, with the antennal mounted on a flat surface.
Configuration
The antenna has to be linked to the transceiver or modem using appropriate cables. Although these cables have to be configured, including setting frequency and polarization orientation, it is vital to ensure that everything is set properly to allow optimal performance of the MIMO system.
Testing
Post-installation, testing the signal strength, data rates, and overall communication performance is necessary. Adjustments may also need to be made to the position or configuration of the antenna to get the optimal results.
The MIMO patch antennas are primarily used in environments where high data rates and efficient signal transmission are critical.
Daily use
These types of antennas are often embedded in modern smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other wireless devices to boost 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi connectivity. They are key components for achieving faster internet speeds and more stable connections in daily communications and activities.
Professional settings
They're extensively used in enterprise networks to deliver robust wireless coverage and capacity. Businesses deploy these antennas in routers and access points to ensure reliable Wi-Fi services for operations and customers. This is especially true for those companies that require seamless connectivity for their activities.
Industrial applications
IoT devices utilize MIMO patch antennas to enable real-time data transmission and remote monitoring in industrial automation, smart infrastructure, and logistics. This ensures reliable communication between devices and central management systems.
Autonomous vehicles
As highlighted earlier, MIMO patch antennas play an integral role in enabling V2X communication. This allows connected vehicles to exchange information with each other and traffic infrastructure for improved navigation, safety, and overall efficiency of driving.
Close maintenance and timely repairs are critical for optimum performance. Below are common maintenance and repair tips to uphold the antenna's functionality:
Regular inspections
Regularly check the MIMO patch antenna for physical damage, such as wear or bending. These damages can often be caused by extreme weather or physical impacts. Carry out close visual inspections at least quarterly and more frequently in harsh environments.
Cleaning
Dust, dirt, or debris can accumulate on antennas, affecting performance. Gently clean the antennas with a soft cloth and mild soap to avoid damage. Also, ensure no obstructions block the line of sight between antennas if applicable.
Checking connections
Frequent checking of the cables and connectors is necessary. Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or loosening. Damaged cables should be replaced as soon as possible. Re-tighten any loose connections to prevent signal loss.
Moisture protection
Moisture ingress can damage MIMO antennas. Use weatherproofing tape or enclosures to protect external antennas from water and extreme temperature conditions. Install these guards appropriately for outdoor antennas, especially those exposed to frequent rain or snow.
Repairs
In case an antenna is damaged beyond repair, or after a long period of use, it is necessary to replace it. Always choose an identical replacement model to ensure continued performance. Refer to the manufacturer's repair guide in case of a minor malfunction. They sometimes provide repair kits and instructions for basic fixes.
The following are some quality and safety considerations business owners should factor in when buying the MIMO patch antenna:
Material and build quality
A sturdy patch antenna is usually made from high-quality materials such as brass, aluminum, or copper for the main elements. It ensures durability and longer life and, therefore, good performance. While it has a solid metal base for good conductivity, there also has to be a dielectric substrate made from top-grade materials like FR-4 or Rogers for a stable antenna design. This is important, especially for a strong-performance antenna.
Precision in design
MIMO antennas are meant to be highly precise in terms of dimensions and geometrical shapes to operate at target frequencies. As such, ensure to check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm their design accuracy. So, looking at the reputation of the manufacturer and its commitment to technological advancement can help ascertain that the antenna employs superior design techniques.
Performance benchmarks
Subsequent to the degree of family performance benchmarks, key performance indicators of the MIMO patch antenna to look out for include gain, bandwidth, and efficiency. The antenna has to support the desired frequency ranges with minimal return loss or VSWR. To ensure this, ask the manufacturer for performance data or lab-test results. They give factual information about the antenna's performance in real operational scenarios.
Environmental testing
For outdoor applications, the antenenn must be weatherproof or have an enclosure. It should be UV-resistant materials, enabling the antenna to operate seamlessly in UV- and weather-exposed conditions. Also, verify whether the patches underwent tests for salt fog or thermal cycling for severe sea or climatic environments, respectively.
Proper installation
There sometimes exists the potential for the MIMO patch antennas to come into contact with live electrical wires or power systems. This can create a significant risk of electrocution. Therefore, at installation, ensure adequate separation between the antennas and electrical wiring. Use insulated mounting hardware and tools to mitigate this risk. If the antenna is mounted at heights, schools offering ladder safety or fall protection should be adhered to.
EMC compliance
MIMO patch antennas operate at radiofrequency. These frequencies can sometimes interfere with other electronic devices. To mitigate this risk, all above antennas should be compliant with relevant EMC regulations. These regulations are usually set by the local authority, such as the FCC in the U.S. and CE in the European Union.
Exposure limits
As for all antennas, the MIMO patch antenna can produce RF exposure. Although these levels are minimal, prolonged exposure to high levels of these RF can be potentially hazardous to human health. Therefore, the antennas have to be placed where no personnel are likely to be within proximity during operation. Besides, adhere to the local guidelines on RF exposure limits.
Regular maintenance
To keep the MIMO patch antenna operating safely, it's necessary to perform frequent inspection and maintenance. The maintenance work entails checking cable connections to ensure no wear and tear and that signal leakage is countered. Any damaged or frayed cables have to be replaced immediately to avoid starting a fire or shocking a user.
A1.MIMO is an acronym that stands for Multiple In Multiple Out. It's vital in wireless communication because it significantly increases data rates and spectral efficiency by allowing multiple signals to be transmitted and received simultaneously over the same channel. This ability improves reliability and performance in diverse environments. Hence, it makes MIMO technology integral to the capacity and reliability of 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and many other high-speed communication systems.
A2.MIMO patch antennas consist of various materials in which each plays a critical role in the antenna's performance and durability. For the antenna elements, metals like brass, aluminum, or copper are commonly used because they have superior conductivity. The element's base is, therefore, highly efficient for signal transmission. This signal can be crafted into geometric designs for better performance. The performance is housed in a dielectric substrate typically constructed of FR-4 or Roger's material.
A3.A MIMO patch antenna exploits multiple signals to boost Wi-Fi performance. It achieves this by allowing the simultaneous transmission and reception of multiple data streams. It increases throughput and range, especially in challenging environments with obstacles or interference.
A4.Yup! While all are patch antennas and are horizontally designed, the MIMO patch antennas are equipped with multiple elements to support several data streams. It enhances performance in terms capacity and reliability. On the other hand, a regular patch antenna is typically a single element, thus suited for basic applications.
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