Antenna Systems & Technology - Fall 2013 - (Page 11)

FEATURE ARTICLE be able to sell in multiple world regions. In that product, the active antenna system could support a dozen or more LTE bands, plus the bands for 3G and 2.5G fallback, as well as ISM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, GPS and NFC. The flexibility to support multiple LTE bands also enables M2M companies to address another problem that the ABI report identifies: LTE modules’ two- to six-fold price premium over 2G modules. The ideal active antenna system includes a tunable capacitor on a PCB to streamline integration. It also should have a typical dynamic range of 20 dB to ensure maximum performance across a wide range of frequencies and applications. The ideal solution combines closed-loop functionality and algorithms to dynamically sense and optimize the antenna system without external control signals from the device. This approach provides tuning capability by seamlessly adjusting the antenna’s characteristics to maintain performance amid changes such as frequency shift and hand, head and environmental effects. The end result is that active antenna systems provide the M2M ecosystem with the tradeoff-free plug-and-play option that’s been so elusive for so long. It’s an idea whose time has come – just in time. About the Author Jeff Shamblin is the Chief Scientist at Ethertronics, and is responsible for overseeing all research and development projects for the corporation. See Ethertronics at Antenna Systems 2013 Antenna Tuning is Not a Trend; It’s Critical to Pervasive Wireless Connectivity Antenna Tuning is the newest “buzz word” in the RF front-end space. But what is it exactly and how can it be applied to improve connectivity for next-generation networks and mobile devices? This session will explore why antenna tuning is necessary for network operators and OEMs to continue delivering a superior user experience despite network and device challenges such as frequency bands required for 4G LTE and global roaming, and reduced space and BoM for RF components. Also addressed will be the antenna system components such as Band/Aperture Switching and Null Steering to improve network capacity and link budget. Wavelink Antenna Systems Inc. is a North American company offering a wide range of antennas globally destined for SCADA, land mobile radio, wireless industrial automation, and wireless local loop solutions, capable of developing new and innovative products to meet the demand of an ever changing wireless communications industry. The antennas are all built in house, from raw materials to finished product, giving Wavelink the ability to maintain a high standard of quality products, large inventory, and the proficiency to supply its customers in a timely manner. Avoiding the pitfalls of an outsourcing business, while protecting North American jobs and industry. www.wavelinkantenna.com www.AntennasOnline.com Fall 2013 Antenna Systems & Technology 11 http://www.wavelinkantenna.com http://www.wavelinkantenna.com http://www.AntennasOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Antenna Systems & Technology - Fall 2013

Editor’s Choice
Exponential M2M Market Growth Calls for Innovative RF and Antenna Solutions
Managing Distributed Antenna Systems Effectively and Efficiently
Millimeter Wave Antenna Radome Systems for Satellite on the Move Applications
Antennas
Components/Subsystems
Software/System Design
Test & Measurement
Antenna Systems 2013: Conference Preview
Marketplace
Industry News
Addressing Customer Requirements in Public Safety Antennas

Antenna Systems & Technology - Fall 2013