The deployment of 5G technology requires the implementation of the 5G Antenna, which is essential for realizing the benefits, including improved throughput, decreased latency, and increased network capacity. This will, in turn, enable more devices to access the internet. As a result, faster downloads of movies, other videos, and data of all kinds will be possible. This will provide an array of business and consumer benefits.
However, companies need to optimize the underlying telecom networks and the wireless products that use them to realize these benefits. To assure optimum performance of wireless devices, the entire RF front-end design layout needs appropriate configuration, which is crucial for the best 5G antenna performance.
Key Takeaways
- 5G Antenna technology provides benefits like improved throughput and decreased latency, but optimization is crucial for performance.
- Different types of antennas, such as LDS and LCP, are important for maximizing 5G performance and integration.
- Wireless device designers should collaborate with knowledgeable suppliers to tackle complex antenna setups and design challenges.
- Selecting the right antenna type, like external, terminal, or custom ensures optimal performance and reduces risks.
- Research is essential; improper antenna configuration can lead to costs and delays in product development.
Importance of antenna types
This means using the best antenna types as well as the best design options. Off-the-shelf antennas can often be used for many types of these designs. Moreover, there are a variety of antenna types to consider, especially when considering the unique needs of a 5G antenna.
Among antennas in common use today are laser direct structuring (LDS) and liquid crystal polymer (LCP) antennas. There are also tunable antennas and devices designed to accommodate multiple antennas, such as for MIMO or beamforming solutions.
Different antennas offer different attributes. Any antenna used needs to be paired with the right module for the antenna type to ensure good performance. This also ensures smooth integration. Multiple antenna arrangements enable greater throughput across different protocols.
The typical 5G antenna setup is complex. Therefore, wireless device designers should work with module and antenna suppliers. Such suppliers should be knowledgeable across all antenna types to ensure proper interaction. They should also back these interactions with engineering support services to optimize 5G performance for their customers.
Antenna variables
Expert vendors will also help with various antenna array design challenges. They handle the complexities that can arise from newer technologies such as 5G mmWave. Antenna position is critical to optimize performance and is a key consideration that should be addressed at the very early stage of the architecture. Addressing it after the design gets underway can lead to additional costs and delays, hurting revenues and time to market.
Similarly, designers should address several other design elements when creating devices with antennas for the best 5G performance, such as selecting the optimal 5G antenna for the conditions. Among them are: Whether to use metal or plastic enclosures. Consider the proximity of batteries, LCDs, connectors, shield cans, and any other components containing metal. Also include the size, position, and orientation of the printed circuit board, any noisy components that can cause interference, other antennas sharing a similar frequency, and the location of the device, just to name a few.
Antennas can be broadly categorized into four major types:
- External antenna with cable: This type of antenna tends to offer excellent performance with the lowest risk. This type of antenna implementation is well known and tested. The antenna is situated far away from other system electronics, minimizing the risk of any proximity issues.
- Terminal antenna: Such an antenna also offers known, tested performance as well as low risk. A terminal antenna is usually the best choice for a low signal area, such as a basement.
- Embedded Flex/PCB, SMD antenna: This type of antenna is more complex to configure for optimal performance. It has a higher risk but offers the benefit of low cost. With its surface mount design (SMD), this type of antenna is ideal for high-volume deployments.
- Custom antenna: A custom antenna addresses mechanical constraints and performance. It can be molded to fit the product, enabling placement where a standard antenna would not be an option.
Customized antenna technologies include LDS, which is the prevailing antenna manufacturing technology on the market. It offers high design flexibility with surface mount technology (SMT) component integration possible. Advantages here include the ability to etch an antenna pattern on either a plastic carrier or the underside of the product housing. However, this can be more expensive than flexible printed circuit (FPC) or sheet metal technology. Double curved surface designs are not possible. FPC is an alternative option, sometimes using spring contacts for ease of assembly. However, FPC can offer limited layout complexity, with a cost between sheet metal and LDS.
Sheet metal is the most flexible 3D antenna manufacturing technology, with antenna volume and RF performance improvements possible. The technology offers lower antenna cost, but the tooling charge is greater than for FPC or LDS.
Research is key
With so many different types of antennas, components, and configuration considerations, 5G technology is complex. It is not something to buy, plug in, turn on, and it’s ready to use. To operate at maximum capacity and deliver optimal performance, engineers should carefully select antenna technologies based on their intended uses and locations, especially for a complex 5G antenna system.
