High-Gain Omnidirectional Basestation Antenna Improves White Space Wireless Performance

Oct. 5, 2012

Carlson Wireless' new vertical antenna for white space radios offers 5.8 dBi gain.

With white space radios highly restricted to low power levels and minimum antenna heights, good link reliability, speed, and range depend more and more on antenna quality. Carlson Wireless Technologies recently announced a new antenna that matches up well with its RuralConnect basestation hardware and other white space radios.

White space is the unused spectrum in blank TV channels that is available around the country. Each unused 6-MHz channel makes an ideal wireless broadband path for wireless Internet connections, Wi-Fi backhaul, and a mixed bag of other applications. It is finally beginning to see some activity as radio equipment and spectrum databases become available.

The antenna is a vertically polarized omnidirectional array designed to operate over the full white space frequency range of 470 to 786 MHz (see the figure). It is a 32-element design with 5.8-dBi gain. Its characteristic impedance is 75 Ω and the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is 1.5 to 1 or less over the whole range. The coax connector is a female F type.

Carlson Wireless’ new omnidirectional gain antenna is designed for white space applications and covers the UHF range of 470 to 786 MHz.

The cylindrical physical characteristics of the antenna make it a good choice for minimal wind loading and ice formation. The length is 42 inches and the diameter is 6.5 inches. Stainless steel mounting brackets are supplied.

Carlson Wireless Technologies Inc.

About the Author

Lou Frenzel | Technical Contributing Editor

Lou Frenzel is a Contributing Technology Editor for Electronic Design Magazine where he writes articles and the blog Communique and other online material on the wireless, networking, and communications sectors. Lou interviews executives and engineers, attends conferences, and researches multiple areas. Lou has been writing in some capacity for ED since 2000.

Lou has 25+ years experience in the electronics industry as an engineer and manager. He has held VP level positions with Heathkit, McGraw Hill, and has 9 years of college teaching experience. Lou holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland. He is author of 28 books on computer and electronic subjects and lives in Bulverde, TX with his wife Joan. His website is www.loufrenzel.com.