Delivering 4x4 MIMO for LTE Mobile Devices

SkyCross Dual iMAT 4x4 MIMO Technology for LTE

March 2014

Introduction

With the rise of low-cost smartphones on the horizon, creating differentiation by leveraging
the features mobile devices in a bundled mobile device/mobile service offerings is
increasingly hard to achieve. Larger screens, cameras, speakers, GPS for maps, and
Bluetooth for device connectivity is flowing down from premium devices into mass market
smartphone models. However, there is a new focus on the pipe itself and emerging data
services are becoming more important than the devices local capability. Tighter
integration between the network and the device will increasingly become differentiators for
mobile operators. Speed of connection for high-speed data services, range extension and
guaranteed data rates for quality of customer experience and reduced power consumption
will increasingly become the central differentiators, much like the progression of other
broadband platforms.

As such, how does the mobile industry continue forward with higher-speed service
offerings and/or greater coverage/range? There has been progression through 2G, 3G,
and 4G LTE. LTE-A is emerging. Dual-band carrier aggregation (CA) solutions, even
three-band CA solutions are in discussion and roll out on some operators networks. As
the demand for data continues to surge, pressure for higher speed will also continue. In
addition to utilizing additional spectrum to achieve such higher rates, there are also
techniques for improving spectral efficiency. Operators and device manufacturers have
identified MIMO technology as one means to improve performance for LTE, starting with
2x2 solutions and moving to 4x4 MIMO in the future. However, unlike other wireless
technologies that have moved to 4x4 MIMO, such as WiFi, a significant design challenge
has limited LTEs movement to 4x4 MIMO.

Opportunities for MIMO

Manufacturers and operators have long sought to increase mobile data speeds by adding
MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) functionality to smartphone antennas. MIMO is a
technology that utilizes multiple simultaneous signal transmission paths that are ideally
uncorrelated. Signal paths that are uncorrelated means that if one path experiences a
deep fade the second path does not behave in the same way and essentially forms a
secondary connection between the mobile device and the cellular tower (multi-path fading
is especially common in high density areas and indoors but can occur anywhere for a

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variety of reasons). Multi-path fading degrades signal integrity since more transmission
errors occur creating the need for additional error correction overhead, this results in a
decrease of data throughput. MIMO technology is an effective method to overcome the
effects of multi-path fading and has successfully been applied in Wi-Fi networks. Cellular
systems are now evolving to utilize MIMO and the specifications for LTE-Advanced, or
LTE-A, can actually support up to 8x8 MIMO, meaning eight downlink and eight uplink
simultaneous RF transmission paths. However, MIMO adoption for LTE has been
constrained by the challenge of designing multiple antennas in a compact smartphone
form factor that are not only sufficiently high gain but also have a low enough correlation
factor between the different antenna combinations.

Most of todays high-end handsets do not even incorporate 2x2 MIMO. Instead, they often
rely on a single main antenna and a second diversity (receive only) antenna. The typical
4G LTE smartphone can support data rates in the 70-100 Mbps range using this 1x2
MIMO configuration. The two antennas are usually located as far as possible from one
another to achieve sufficient spatial diversity to maximize isolation and minimize the
correlation factor.

Given the challenges of designing high performing antennas for MIMO applications,
smartphone manufacturers are trying to increase mobile data rates through use of an
alternative approach using dual-band (or more) carrier aggregation. This technology allows
multiple transceivers to operate simultaneously on different RF channels, and can
approximately double data rates (or higher depending on the number of aggregated
channels). With one main and one diversity antenna, plus dual-band carrier aggregation,
todays smartphones can achieve throughput in the 140-200 Mbps range.

4x4 MIMO Design Challenges

Despite speed enhancements that can be realized through carrier aggregation, 4x4 MIMO
continues to serve as a technology that can offer even higher data rates while utilizing
precious spectrum more efficiently. As noted earlier, 4x4 MIMO requires four antennas of
high efficiency that are gain balanced and independent of each other; i.e., exhibit low
correlation. This is a major design challenge for a smartphone-sized device. Adding
carrier aggregation introduces yet another level of complexity for the antenna designer, as
it is very difficult to achieve high gain and low correlation across multiple bands.

Antenna co-location becomes harder to accomplish as more antennas are packed into one
device. While many antenna designers can physically fit four MIMO antenna structures
into a smartphone, the structures would likely be located so close to one another that the
multiple transmission paths would be highly correlated, diminishing MIMO performance.
Further complicating matters, todays smartphones also contain multiple other antennas to
support WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth and NFC, which not only take up physical device space, but
can also exacerbate signal interference. Integrating four antenna structures into a
smartphone-sized device is considered one of the biggest challenges for widespread 4x4
MIMO adoption.

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As the only structure in a mobile device that communicates with the network, the antenna
is vitally important. Its also a logical component for ODMs and OEMs to consider when
seeking increased data throughput. With consumers demanding faster and more reliable
connections to support real-time applications, such as Video On Demand, the mobile
industry is increasingly focusing on enhanced antenna technology to enhance data rates
and improve network range and reliability.

Improved performance directly translates to new revenue generating and product/service

differentiation opportunities for device manufacturers and operators.

TECHNOLOGY BREAKTHROUGH: SkyCross Dual iMAT 4x4 Technology

SkyCross patented Isolated Mode Antenna

Technology (iMAT) applies pattern diversity that
SkyCross has developed a
unique antenna solution for
enables designers to locate multiple antennas in
4x4 MIMO that both solves
close proximity while still achieving the high
the spatial issue of fitting
isolation/low correlation needed for MIMO
numerous antennas into a
architectures. As such, iMAT antennas require less small form factor with
spatial separation than typical antennas, allowing sufficient isolation, but also
more antennas to be integrated closer to one another drastically improves data
and providing device makers more design flexibility. rates and overall
This novel approach to antenna design may also performance.
include tuning, enabling the iMAT antenna to support
multiple frequency bands while simultaneously
achieving high radiated efficiency. iMAT technology
enables antennas to deliver greater MIMO efficiency
while minimizing the footprint needed compared to
conventional designs.

SkyCross iMAT technology enables multiband 4G

LTE MIMO to be designed onto a single (or multiple) Bruno Jacobfeuerborn
antenna structure. Although the multiple antennas
Chief Technology Officer
are closely co-located and operate on the same
frequency at the same time, iMAT technology Deutsche Telekom
eliminates the performance issues associated with
mutual coupling and high pattern correlation coefficient from multiple nearby antennas.

OPERATOR TESTED: Deutsche Telekom Field Test, February 2014

Despite the challenges of implementing 4x4 MIMO for LTE, device manufacturers and
mobile operators have continued to focus on MIMO to increase mobile data rates. In early
2014, Deutsche Telekom (DT) conducted field-testing of 4x4 MIMO using SkyCross Dual
iMAT 4x4 technology in mobile device platforms. DTs aim was to improve the user
experience, increase network capacity, enhance coverage and boost peak data rates.

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Results released on February 20th, 2014, show that 4x4 MIMO can improve data rates,
and provide cell range extension and system improvements in high-density urban areas
where cell capacity is typically limited by interference. Initially, Deutsche Telekom
incorporated a 4x4 MIMO antenna array approximately the size of a typical cable television
box certainly too large to fit into a commercial
smartphone form factor. SkyCross designed the four
antennas to operate across both Band 7 (2500
2690MHz) and Band 3 (1710 1880MHz) to support
dual-band carrier aggregation utilizing two 20MHz
channels. By combining its iMAT 4x4 MIMO
technology with dual band carrier aggregation,
SkyCross technology enables mobile operators to
integrate non-contiguous spectrum into a virtual
single, 40MHz channel. Previously found to be
impossible to deliver, Deutsche Telekom achieved a
4x4 MIMO solution in a traditional smartphone form
factor. As noted by Deutsche Telekoms CTO, Bruno
Jacobfeuerborn, size and isolation have always been
the industrys chief challenge when considering 4x4
MIMO.

SkyCross has created the first-ever 4x4 MIMO plus

carrier aggregation antenna solution for LTE, featuring
very significant testing results. Results demonstrated significant
performance gains for LTE, including a peak rate of 580 Mbps and improvement in cell
edge performance as compared to 2x2 MIMO. Deutsche Telekom released its German
market field test results and noted:

Achieved 580 Mbps peak speed and ultimate cell edge performance with the new
antenna technology on a live LTE network environment.

Revealed the first commercially-viable 4X4 smartphone antenna from SkyCross,

showcasing the antennas robustness in orientation, indoor/outdoor usage, line of
sight or non-line of sight usage, or proximity to tower.

Demonstrated the capability to combine LTE-A 4X4 MIMO and carrier

aggregation to deliver the best-in-class user experience in most spectrally efficient
way.

SOLUTION: Dual iMAT 4X4 MIMO for LTE

For Deutsche Telekom, SkyCross implemented both Bands 3 and 7, however other LTE
band combinations can be implemented as easily. Skycross designed the solution with
consideration for other wireless technologies that are typically employed in smartphones,
including WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC. SkyCross Dual iMAT technology delivers high
isolation, low correlation, high gain (that is balanced), all in a very small form factor that

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results in a high performance, cost effective MIMO solution.

Dual iMAT consists of a co-located pair of antenna structures one at the top of the phone
and one at the base with both pairs supporting multiple bands. The benefits of this
placement are threefold. First, placing the antennas at the top or bottom allows for a
symmetrical design that results in balanced (or equal) gain. Second, the top and bottom
locations provide supplemental spatial separation between the two pairs to achieve
isolation. Another benefit of this arrangement is its ability to overcome head/hand effects
from how users typically hold the device, since in most cases only one antenna pair may
be covered at a given time.

Industry Implications

Successfully integrating four antenna structures into a smartphone has long been seen as
the barrier to industry-wide adoption and commercialization of 4x4 MIMO. SkyCross Dual
iMAT 4x4 antennas have now solved this problem. This opens the door to component,
mobile device and infrastructure equipment makers to accelerate support for 4x4 MIMO.
The implications of such advancement suggest that 4x4 smartphone and tablet adoption of
4x4 MIMO could be significant in the coming years, with near term introductory
deployments as early as 2015. The benefits of 4x4 MIMO could result in as many as
300M additional 4x4 MIMO enabled mobile devices with complimentary infrastructure by
2018, according to preliminary analysis by Mobile Experts, a leading provider of mobile
infrastructure and mobile device industry analysis.

4x4 MIMO Implications Resulting from SkyCross Dual iMAT Technology Breakthrough

(Left Chart Provides Mobile Experts 2013 Forecast, Right Chart Provides Updated Preliminary Forecast)

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Field testing by Deutsche Telekom and SkyCross validates that 4x4 MIMO
implementation is possible in a handset form factor, without sacrificing MIMO
effectiveness. Until now, our forecast had been zero for 4x4 handsets, but this
capability changes the game and opens up new possibilities for handset OEMs
and for mobile operators.
Joe Madden, Principal Analyst, Mobile Experts

Benefits

4x4 MIMO for LTE networks will soon deliver numerous benefits for mobile operators,
handset manufacturers and consumers:

Mobile operators will be able to introduce new services based on data rates of
over 500 Mbps, and will also benefit from improved network capacity and fewer
dropped calls. In short, they will be able to improve revenues while concurrently
minimizing capital and operating expenses of their network infrastructure. With
improved indoor coverage, a greater number of users will be able to rely on their
smartphones, which will also serve to increase revenues for the service provider.

Since device manufacturers will be able to fit advanced antennas into their
existing smartphone form factors, device manufacturers will be able to create
higher performing products without sacrificing the smartphone aesthetics and form
factors preferred by consumers today.

Consumers will enjoy five times faster data rates, increased performance, and the
ability to, for example, stream HD video while operating other applications that
require very high data rates. Dual iMAT also enables dramatically improved
performance in cellular edge points, helping consumers avoid dead zones.
Further, for users located in high density urban areas and indoor environments,
4x4 MIMO will deliver a better experience.

Conclusion

Achieving 4x4 MIMO in a small smartphone form factor is no longer an unattainable goal,
thanks to SkyCross unique Dual iMAT technology. Dual iMAT 4x4 MIMO plus carrier
aggregation is the future of LTE. While Deutsche Telekom is the first carrier to explore this
solution with SkyCross, its only a matter of time before this technology garners broader
acceptance. As Joe Madden, principal analyst for Mobile Experts states, This new
approach by SkyCross takes antenna modeling and design to a new level. Its not just
bent metal anymore. With extremely advanced modeling, SkyCross appears to have a
way to solve the multi-dimensional challenge of small size, multi-band MIMO antennas.

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Partnership & Cooperative Development

If you are interested in exploring partnership or development of reference designs with

SkyCross on this breakthrough technology, please contact your local SkyCross
representative (info@skycross.com) or reach out to John Marshall, SkyCross Chief
Marketing Officer and partnership program leader (john.marshall@skycross.com).
Development kits are available today for partners.

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