For internal antenna solutions for 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax),
designers need to consider the requirements of these two different communication
standards at the same time. 4G LTE operates in multiple frequency bands (such as
700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz,
etc.), while Wi-Fi 6 mainly operates in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Therefore, the
internal antenna solution integrating these two technologies needs to pay
special attention to multi-band support, space constraints, and performance
optimization. The following is key information and technical features about the
4G Wi-Fi 6 internal antenna solution:
1. Multi-band support
4G LTE band: Ensure that the antenna can effectively cover multiple bands
commonly used by 4G LTE, including low bands (such as 700 MHz), mid-bands (such
as 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz) and high bands (such as 2100 MHz, 2300
MHz, 2600 MHz).
Wi-Fi 6 band: Supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and has advanced features
required by Wi-Fi 6, such as MIMO, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, etc.
2. Antenna type and design
2.1 Combination Antenna
Features: A single antenna unit can support multiple bands at the same
time, simplifying the design and reducing space occupation. The combination
antenna can support 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6 bands through appropriate tuning and
matching networks.
Application: Suitable for devices with limited space but requiring
multi-band support, such as smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, etc.
2.2 Separate Antennas
Features: Separate antenna units are designed for 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6 to
ensure optimal performance for each band. This approach can avoid mutual
interference between different bands and provide higher isolation.
Application: Suitable for devices with high performance requirements, such
as fixed-installed wireless devices such as routers and access points.
3. Key Technologies
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO): Wi-Fi 6 supports up to 8x8 MIMO
configurations, and 4G LTE also widely uses MIMO technology. Built-in antennas
need to support these configurations to achieve better spatial multiplexing and
higher throughput.
Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and MU-MIMO: Improve
network efficiency and reduce latency by allocating different frequency resource
blocks to multiple clients at the same time. Antenna design should take this
into account to optimize multi-user communication performance.
Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) and Power Amplifier (PA): To enhance receive
sensitivity and transmit power, LNA can be integrated at the front end of the
antenna and PA can be integrated at the transmit end, especially in the 4G LTE
band.
4. Design Considerations
Antenna Placement: It is important to choose the right location to ensure
good signal coverage while avoiding interference with other internal components.
Antennas are usually placed at the edge or corner of the device housing, away
from large metal parts and other RF sources.
Isolation: For multi-antenna configurations, ensure that there is
sufficient isolation between each antenna to reduce self-interference and
improve overall performance. High isolation is particularly important in the
case of 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6 coexistence.
Material Selection: Use low-loss dielectric materials to make antennas and
their surrounding structures to reduce signal attenuation and improve
efficiency. For 4G LTE bands, physical size issues caused by longer wavelengths
may also need to be considered.
Aesthetic Appearance: The built-in antenna should not disrupt the overall
design aesthetic of the product, so designers need to find a balance between
function and aesthetics.
5. Major Suppliers and Technology Partners
Well-known 4G Wi-Fi 6 internal antenna manufacturers and technology
providers in the market include but are not limited to:
Amphenol Antenna Solutions
Provides a wide range of internal antenna product lines, covering multiple
fields from consumer electronics to industrial automation.
Taoglas
Focuses on high-performance IoT and mobile communication antennas, and its
products are widely used in smart homes, healthcare and other industries.
Pulse Electronics
With rich experience and expertise, it has developed a variety of 4G and
Wi-Fi 6 internal antennas for different application scenarios.
Antenova Ltd.
Known for its miniaturization technology and efficient radiation
characteristics, it provides a series of miniaturized 4G and Wi-Fi 6 internal
antennas.
Molex
As a leading global provider of interconnect solutions, the internal
antenna product line provided by Molex covers a variety of application
scenarios, focusing on the application of innovative materials and technological
breakthroughs.
6. Selection Guide
Determine the needs
Target market and application scenarios: clarify whether your product is
for consumers or enterprise users, and in what environment it will be used.
Performance indicators: Evaluate key performance parameters such as gain,
bandwidth, standing wave ratio (VSWR), isolation, etc. to ensure that specific
technical requirements are met.
Technical requirements
Regulatory compliance: Confirm that the selected antenna meets relevant
industry standards and regulatory requirements of the country or region, such as
CE, FCC, etc.
Environmental adaptability: Ensure that the selected antenna can operate
reliably in the expected working environment, including temperature changes,
humidity and other external factors.
Cost-effectiveness
Budget considerations: Select the most cost-effective antenna product based
on the project budget while ensuring that the necessary performance or quality
standards are not sacrificed.
Supplier support and services
Technical support: Select suppliers with a good reputation and technical
support capabilities to ensure the reliability of after-sales service.
Customized services: Some suppliers may provide customized solutions to
help customers develop the most suitable antenna system according to specific
needs.
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