Background
A client from Saudi Arabia required a dual-port, dual-polarized feedhorn antenna capable of operating across a wide frequency range, including 4G 5G bands (1700-3800MHz) and the 900MHz frequency point. The client specified that the antenna should be mountable on a 60cm diameter parabolic dish with the highest gain possible. Understanding the client's comprehensive antenna requirements, our RF element engineers recognized the development of a 4G 5G MIMO feedhorn antenna that could operate across such a broad frequency range as a significant challenge.
Challenges
The primary challenge was the wide operating frequency range, spanning three distinct bands: 900MHz (GSM), 1700-2700MHz (4G LTE), and 3200-3800MHz (5G). Designing an antenna to perform efficiently across this range, while maintaining high gain and low VSWR, required innovative engineering solutions.
RF element's Solution
Our engineering team embarked on an innovative design process to meet these challenges:
Antenna Array Design: Through multiple design simulations, our engineers developed a unique antenna array that supports the 1700-3800MHz frequency range. This array was designed to fit within existing feedhorn antenna housings, reducing the need for costly redesigns and ensuring compatibility with parabolic surfaces.
900MHz Frequency Support: To ensure the antenna could also operate at the 900MHz frequency point, our engineers modified the antenna array's mounting structure. This innovation reduced the VSWR at 900MHz to less than 1.8, enabling efficient operation at this frequency.
Gain Optimization: The design focused on maximizing gain across the entire frequency range. This was achieved through careful selection of materials and the optimization of the antenna's physical dimensions and radiation pattern.
Performance Testing and Iterations
Our engineers conducted extensive performance testing and made several design iterations to fine-tune the antenna's characteristics. This rigorous process ensured that the final product not only met but exceeded the client's performance expectations.
Final Product
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a 4G 5G MIMO feedhorn antenna that met the client's performance requirements and was successfully used in the field in Saudi Arabia.
Please find below a visual representation of our 4G 5G MIMO feedhorn antenna. Note that the image provided is of an initial version, intended for case analysis and studies.
