Networks & Infrastructure

Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth operation in netbooks

SkyCross releases iMAT antennas to enable coexistence

by TelecomEngine Newsdesk

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both operate at 2.4 GHz; due to the interference between the two RF signals, using both functions at the same time has previously been nearly impossible, particularly when the two antennas were in close proximity inside a device. Today’s chipsets and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo Mini-Cards are capable of supporting both operations simultaneously -- the antenna has been the industry’s roadblock.

Some designers attempt to solve the problem by separating the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas in hopes that the physical space will provide enough electrical isolation for them to both operate simultaneously. This approach delivers poor performance, particularly in small devices such as netbooks, and customers are often disappointed as a result. Other netbook designers avoid the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence challenge altogether by disabling one operation before the other can start. This approach doesn’t allow customers to use a wireless headset while making a Skype call, listen to wireless stereo speakers while streaming audio, or even use a wireless mouse or transfer pictures from one device to another while online.

SkyCross uniquely approaches the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence challenge with its new iMAT technology. iMAT is a design technique enabling a single antenna element with multiple feed points to behave like multiple antennas, each with very high isolation. iMAT can consolidate the number of antennas required in a device, reduce the specific absorption rate (SAR) and eliminate RF components. In this instance, iMAT enables a single antenna to have one feed dedicated to Wi-Fi and another feed shared with Bluetooth, which uses the chipset providers’ time-sharing and adaptive frequency hopping algorithms. The very high, built-in isolation between the two feeds enables both to operate at the same time in a very small space. In addition, the iMAT single-antenna reduces the number of conventional antennas by a factor of three, which reduces antenna space and system cost in netbooks to facilitate supporting 3G features.

“Our antennas differentiate netbook brands by maximizing their connectivity range and enabling optimal simultaneous functionality at an equivalent price, which pleases consumers. Seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence opens the door for new applications and a user experience that will propel netbook brand loyalty,” said Joe Gifford, Vice President of SkyCross.

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