Comparison of Indoor Wireless Signal Propagation Between Ground Plane Booster and Omni-Directional Patch Antenna

Abstract

Abstract “Antenna-less” ground plane boosters maximize the contribution of wireless device ground planes to their radiating systems [1]. They have the potential to simplify wireless/mobile application design as replacements to customized, dedicated radiating antennas. Their multi-band capability and standardized low packaging profile lend to seamless printed circuit board (PCB) integration. The miniaturized, surface mount (SMD), commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components may be a solution for the challenges of increasing frequency bands, reducing antenna space, improving wireless system performance, multiple and evolving wireless communication standards, and design and manufacturing efficiency. As wireless Internet of Things (IOT) applications and 5G mobile technology demand and enable ubiquitous, higher speed, and more reliable mobile communications, antenna system design becomes an even more challenging and critical engineering task. This study presents a comparison of RF signal strength received by a conventional, omni-directional patch antenna and an “antennaless” ground plane booster inside of a dense, suburban building.