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From 2x2 to 4x4, what are the challenges in the antenna design of smartphones?
At the 2017 IAET Summer Seminar hosted by Taiwan University, Qorvo presented an insightful discussion on the evolving trends and challenges in antenna design within the mobile phone industry under the theme of "Smart Antenna Control Systems." Their presentation shed light on how modern smartphone antennas must adapt to rapidly changing specifications while integrating multiple antennas and carrier aggregation (CA) technologies to meet increasing data transmission demands.
As we look ahead, the next generation of smartphones is witnessing a shift from 2x2 MIMO configurations to more advanced 4x4 MIMO setups. Leading brands are already embracing this technology, with some even incorporating 4x4 MIMO along with carrier aggregation into their top-tier models. This evolution poses significant challenges, particularly in devices with fully metallic bodies, where antenna performance becomes increasingly intricate to optimize.
In terms of spectrum coverage, there’s a noticeable expansion from 600MHz to 960MHz to accommodate diverse baseband frequencies. With the advent of 5G technology anticipated around 2019, there’s growing pressure on antenna designers to ensure compatibility with sub6G products, further complicating the engineering process within the confined spaces of modern smartphones.
Moreover, contemporary smartphone design aesthetics are trending towards higher screen-to-body ratios, leaving less room for antenna placement and making the task even more demanding. Consumer preferences are also playing a crucial role, influencing decisions between aesthetic design and functional capabilities like signal reception quality.
In 2017, the North American market set a benchmark by requiring premium smartphones to support download speeds up to 1Gbps, necessitating 4x4 MIMO and carrier aggregation configurations. European markets are quickly catching up with similar expectations. Industry experts highlight that transitioning to 4x4 MIMO not only enhances signal strength but also boosts performance in weak signal areas by approximately 3dB, significantly improving connectivity at network edges.
However, achieving these improvements isn’t without its hurdles. For instance, coordinating four antennas simultaneously to handle complex CA combinations presents a formidable challenge, particularly concerning switch performance. Qorvo’s innovative solutions, including advanced switches, tunable capacitors, and impedance tuners for antenna control systems (ACS), offer critical advancements in radiation efficiency and mismatch loss reduction. These technologies ensure superior antenna performance across both single and multi-antenna configurations, addressing many of the current limitations faced by designers.
While the technical aspects are undoubtedly complex, the integration of such sophisticated features remains essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced mobile ecosystem. As consumer demands continue to rise, so too does the necessity for cutting-edge antenna innovations that balance functionality with form factor constraints.