Revolutionizing Wireless: Advances in Antenna Technology

Antenna technology is at the heart of modern wireless communication, driving advancements across numerous industries. From enabling seamless connectivity in smartphones and IoT devices to supporting high-speed data transfer in 5G networks, the evolution of antenna design and functionality is crucial for the ongoing digital revolution. As demand for faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient communication continues to grow, innovative antenna technologies are emerging to meet these challenges. This article explores the latest trends and breakthroughs in antenna technology, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the future of the electronics industry.

ANRITSU INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY SITE MASTER MS2085A AND MS2089A ANALYZERS

Anritsu Test & Measurement unveiled its groundbreaking advancements in field testing equipment - the Site Master MS2085A Cable and Antenna Analyzer and the MS2089A with Integrated Spectrum Analyzer. These latest entries to the Anritsu lineup are designed from the ground up to further cement Anritsu's dominance in the installation and maintenance arena and to also address the multifaceted demands of the general-purpose market.

The Site Master MS2085A and MS2089A encapsulate the pinnacle of modern engineering, combining Anritsu's extensive experience and commitment to customer-focused innovation. This dual offering merges the functions of cable and antenna analysis with spectrum analysis and monitoring in a seamless, integrated solution. It is tailored to support a wide spectrum of industries, including telecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace, satellite, and defense, facilitating a variety of applications from Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and satellite monitoring to interference analysis and routine installation and maintenance tasks.

Highlighted Features and Advantages:

• Multi-functional Capability: The Site Master's integration of cable and antenna analysis alongside spectrum analysis equips professionals with a singular, versatile tool for a wide array of testing and analysis needs. It stands as a comprehensive solution for assessing antenna systems, diagnosing wireless networks, or conducting spectrum signal monitoring.
• Operational Efficiency: Merging multiple testing functions into one device, the Site Master significantly optimizes field testing workflows. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple instruments, streamlines testing processes, and allows for greater achievements in shorter timeframes - effectively enhancing productivity while minimizing operational costs.
• Accuracy and Dependability: Engineered for precision and built to withstand rigorous field conditions, the Site Master ensures consistent, reliable outcomes. Its superior measurement accuracy and robust construction instill confidence in every test result, allowing for precise, informed decisions under any circumstances.
• Advanced Features: With features like Real-Time Spectrum Analysis (RTSA), IQ capture and streaming, and PIM hunting, we're not just meeting industry standards, we're creating them.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC TO SHIP SAMPLES OF 16W GAN POWER AMPLIFIER MODULE FOR 5G MASSIVE MIMO BASE STATIONS

三菱商事 announced that it will begin shipping samples of a new 16W-average-power gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier module (PAM) for 5G massive MIMO1?(mMIMO) base stations on June 11. PAMs, which can be used in 32T32R mMIMO antennas2?to reduce the manufacturing cost and power consumption of 5G mMIMO base stations, are expected to be increasingly deployed as 5G networks expand from urban centers to regional areas.

Mitsubishi Electric will exhibit its new 16W GaN PAM in the USA at IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2024?in Washington, DC, from June 18-20.

In September 2023, Mitsubishi Electric began providing samples of a GaN PAM that achieves an average output power of 8W (39dBm) over a wide frequency range from 3.4?to 3.8GHz, suitable for 64T64R mMIMO antennas3?of 5G base stations.

The 16W (42dBm) GaN PAM announced today achieves even higher average output power over a wide frequency range from 3.3?to 3.8GHz and is suitable for 32T32R mMIMO antennas, extending the communication range of 5G mMIMO base stations and lowering their manufacturing cost by reducing the required number of PAMs.

PANASONIC INDUSTRY BREAKS GROUND WITH PAN9019?AND PAN9019A WIRELESS MODULES, EMBRACING WI-FI 6?STANDARD

These modules, built on NXP's IW611?and IW612?chips respectively, mark a significant leap forward in wireless connectivity solutions - and elevate Panasonic Industry to the ranks of the protagonists of the most modern wireless industry standard. The PAN9019?module boasts Wi-Fi 6?and Bluetooth 5.3?capabilities, offering unparalleled performance and reliability. Meanwhile, the PAN9019A module extends its functionality further with the addition of 802.15.4?compatibility, enabling seamless integration with Thread and Zigbee protocols. This versatility ensures that these modules cater to a wide array of applications, including EV charging, heat pumps, smart home devices, industrial automation/equipment, and medical equipment.

“We are thrilled to introduce the PAN9019?and PAN9019A wireless modules, solidifying our commitment to delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions”, states Tomislav Tipura from Panasonic Industry Europe in Ottobrunn near Munich. “One of the key highlights of the PAN9019?and PAN9019A modules is their extensive certifications, including CE RED, ISED, FCC, and MIC. This ensures compliance with global regulatory standards, facilitating smooth deployment in various regions worldwide. ”To further enhance customization and flexibility, Panasonic Industry provides an approved antenna list featuring three different antenna types. Customers can choose from a selection of antennas offered by leading players in the industry, including TDK, AVX/Kyocera, Taoglas, and 2J.

Moreover, each evaluation kit comes equipped with a FXP830 pre-certified flex PCB antenna from Taoglas, guaranteeing optimal performance out of the box.“

Taoglas is pleased to expand our collaboration with Panasonic Industry on the PAN9019?and PAN9019A wireless modules,” says David Connolly, Director of Global Product Management at Taoglas. “By combining these modules with our high efficiency FXP830?Wi-Fi 6?antenna, we’re helping engineers reduce their design, test and calibration efforts, ensuring a faster time to market and future-proofed IoT device. ”Tipura concludes: "With Wi-Fi 6?technology and robust feature sets, these modules empower our customers to create next-generation products that redefine connectivity in their respective industries. "Samples and evaluation tools for the PAN9019?and PAN9019A modules are readily available, enabling customers to experience the exceptional performance and versatility firsthand. For more information about the PAN9019?and PAN9019A wireless modules, visit Panasonic Industry’s dedicated website.

MOUSER EXPLORES THE WORLD OF 5G WITH EXTENSIVE TECHNICAL RESOURCE CENTER AND NEW PRODUCTS FOR ENGINEERS

Mouser Electronics technical resource centre offers a wealth of knowledge about the expansion of the reliable low-latency network. This global wireless standard offers increased bandwidth, enabling devices to connect from further distances at faster speeds, as well as enhancing machine-to-machine contact for a connected future. These upgrades impact our everyday lives, like elevating public transportation through vehicle-to-vehicle communication and levelling up your smart home with improved IoT devices and faster service. The comprehensive resource centre provides a library of curated products, tools, and content to support every aspect of the connectivity revolution.

The proliferation of IoT and the deployment of 5G are driving the evolution of edge computing and data centre infrastructure to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication, massive machine-type communication, and enhanced mobile broadband services. The rollout is in tandem with the development of Industry 4.0, increasing the number of vulnerable online endpoints and the risk of cyberattacks. Engineers must be diligent about creating safer systems through risk management plans and promoting a cyber-secure culture.

The latest trends and updates to the technological standard are assembled in a one-stop hub for engineers to gain knowledge about every aspect of 5G. As it continues to transform various parts of our lives, Mouser partners with leading manufacturers to curate articles, blogs, eBooks, and products to build a fast and reliable connected world. In one of Mouser’s instalments of their Empowering Innovation Together? series, experts delve into the benefits private 5G networks bring to Industrial IoT, such as lower latency and machine-to-machine communication.

Mouser stocks the industry’s widest selection of electronic components and network products, including the following solutions for 5G applications:

• The QPB9380?dual-channel switch-LNA module from Qorvo is an RF front-end module (FEM) that integrates a two-stage LNA and a 20W power-handling switch in a dual-channel configuration. The devices operates across the 2.3?GHz to 5?GHz frequency range and provides a 1?dB noise figure in a 6mm2?compact package. Typical applications include 5G radio, small cell BTS, and wireless infrastructure.

• FP90?4x4?MiMo antennas from TE Connectivity / Laird External Antennas are future-proofed against 4G and 5G frequency rollouts up to 7125?MHz. These antennas offer multiple connector options to suit all major vehicular gateways and routers. With IP67?ingress protection, they have an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C and customisable connector, cable length, and port configurations. The antennas are designed for various automotive applications, from public transport to emergency services.

• The SNYPER-5G Graphyte (GL) spectrum analyser by Siretta is a high-performance, multi-language network signal analyser and cellular signal logger. This spectrum analyser is designed to survey the 5G NR, 4G LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 2G/GSM networks. Typical applications include evaluating the “preferred” network operators’ performance, determining optimum antenna placement, and enhancing cellular surveying of new and existing installations.

• The RUTX50?industrial 5G router from Teltonika is a multi-network industrial device enabling 5G mobile communication for high-speed and data-heavy applications. The router integrates 5G technology with various interfaces and industrial hardware features, resulting in future upgrade/expansion adaptability. It has a 5G dual SIM cellular communication merged with 5?Gigabit Ethernet ports and dual-band Wi-Fi?, enabling ultra-low latency data transfer. Compatible with the Remote Management System (RMS), the router is optimised for remote management and monitoring capabilities of large fleets of devices.

• 5G25?RF flex-to-board connectors by Molex feature a shield design that supports high-frequency signals up to 25?GHz. These connectors enable designers of RF antenna modules and mobile devices to combine RF and non-RF signals, reducing the need for additional connectors. The 5G25?connectors are suitable for consumer, industrial, medical, and defence applications.

NEW UHF RFID READER FROM PEPPERL+FUCHS ENABLES TRANSPARENT FLOW OF GOODS

With the IUR-F800-V1D-4A*, Pepperl+Fuchs Group is expanding its RFID portfolio with a new UHF reader for connecting external antennas, especially for use in gate applications in logistics.

Pepperl+Fuchs has been providing reliable RFID systems for industrial applications for over three decades. In factory automation, these systems are primarily operated with PLCs to ensure safe processes and transparency in production.??

The new IUR-F800-V1D-4A* UHF RFID read/write device extends the range of products offered by Pepperl+Fuchs to provide complete transparency in the logistics applications that follow production. Designed with proven and internationally standardized UHF technology (ISO 18000-63?or EPC Class 1?Gen 2), the IUR-F800-V1D-4A* enables cost-efficient construction of RFID gates thanks to the connection option for up to four external antennas.??

These RFID gates enable quick, simultaneous detection of large quantities of tags during transit - for example, in the automated inspection of packages in incoming and outgoing goods, and during transport between storage and production areas. The information obtained can be seamlessly integrated into existing backend systems such as ERP and MES, therefore enabling maximum transparency along the entire value chain.??

A variety of antenna types provide optimal adaptation to specific applications. The powerful UHF reader allows reading and writing over long distances. In addition, the reader has additional inputs and outputs, for example, for connecting sensors or external signal lights. Clearly, visible LEDs provide further information about the current operating state. Both the IUR-F800-V1D-4A* and the associated antennas are designed with rugged housings for demanding operational conditions.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW MMWAVE WI-FI SOLUTION UTILIZING PERASO’S X710?CHIPSET TECHNOLOGY

Incorporating Peraso’s phased array antenna technology, PSNRD’s newly introduced 60GHz WLAN solution achieves wireless high-speed, low-latency communication equivalent to wired LAN over distances of hundreds of meters. The new solution is easy to install and operate thanks to its unlicensed, interference-free use of the 60?GHz band and narrow beam directional antenna control.

“Panasonic is a global consumer and enterprise technology leader and we are very excited that PSNRD, a Panasonic group company, has selected Peraso’s chipset for their latest 60?GHz WLAN solution,” said Ron Glibbery, Peraso’s CEO. “We believe that the X710?is perfectly suited to meet PSNRD’s stringent demands and that their product, combined with Peraso’s robust technology, is delivering a highly desirable wireless connectivity solution.”

The 60GHz frequency band provides extensive RF spectrum, which is ideal for fixed wireless applications delivering multi-gigabit data service. Delivering the smallest and lightest class solution in the industry, it can be easily installed anywhere, indoors or outdoors. PSNRD 60GHz WLAN - Key features of Peraso’s X710?Chipset include:

• 1?Gbps Ethernet
• Over hundreds of meters data transmission with 1Gbps
• Low latency transmission on the order of milliseconds
• Multiple?clients support
• Volume less than 500?cc
• IP66/IP67?Waterproof Rating
• Use in outdoor environments of -30?to +50℃.

In conclusion, antenna technology is a cornerstone of the modern electronics industry, underpinning the seamless wireless communication that defines our digital age. With ongoing advancements in miniaturization, smart antennas, and materials science, the capabilities and applications of antennas are expanding rapidly. From enhancing the performance of consumer electronics to enabling the widespread adoption of IoT and 5G networks, these innovations are critical to meeting the growing demands for connectivity. As we look to the future, continued research and development in antenna technology will be essential for driving further progress and maintaining the momentum of technological advancement in the electronics industry.