MBX CAT18 Antenns MAX-HD4-MBX-GLTE-G-T

Product Discussion Pepwave MAX
1

Good Morning
Has anyone had a good look into antenna selection for the CAT18 MBX?

I have been reading the Telit LM960 user manual and come across the following info;

• Primary RF antenna #0: Tx and Rx path for low bands and middle bands / 4x4 MIMO path of band41.
• Primary RF antenna #1: Tx and Rx path for high bands, ultra high bands and band32 / 4x4 MIMO path of band2(band25) and band4(band66)
• Secondary RF antenna #0: Secondary RF antenna #0: Rx Diversity path for low bands, middle bands / 4x4 MIMO path of band41 / GNSS path
• Secondary RF antenna #1: Secondary RF antenna #1: Rx Diversity path for high bands, ultra high bands and band32 / 4x4 MIMO path of band2(band25) and band4(band66)

The above with each band listed;
• Primary RF antenna #0: B1, B2(B25), B3, B4(B66), B5(B26,B18,B19), B8, B12(B17), B13, B14, B20, B28, B29, B39, B71, B41 for 4 x 4 MIMO
• Primary RF antenna #1: B7, B30, B32, B38, B40, B41, B42, B46, B48, B2(B25) for 4 x 4 MIMO, B4(B66) for 4 x 4 MIMO
• Secondary RF antenna #0: B1, B2(B25), B3, B4(B66), B5(B26,B18,B19), B8, B12(B17), B13, B14, B20, B28, B29, B39, B71, B41 for 4 x 4 MIMO / GNSS
• Secondary RF antenna #1: B7, B30, B32, B38, B40, B41, B42, B46, B48, B25(B2) for 4 x 4 MIMO, B66(B4) for 4 x 4 MIMO

I have been talking to an RF engineer who recommended using different antennas for the different frequencies. Has alone else looked into this?
It makes sense to use an antenna which is turned for each range.

2

Hello @SamuelNorris,
We are looking into some antennas for testing with this also here in Australia. A challenge for antenna manufacturers comes in the varying degrees of differences around the world; there is no one international standard. Most countries and regions have their variations and interpretations of this.

There are some manufacturers with degrees of antennas covering the full spectrum. We know of several specialists seeking out SISO & MIMO designs and have already seen one of the significant telcos do a deployment with these MIMO antennas around major cities.

For now, we are watching the radio space to see which way things go and to hear back from our colleagues on their tests and design refinements.

So to answer your question. It is too early to jump into just a single antenna, and we would not yet commit longterm to the multiple antennas as someone will work out the combination.
Happy to Help,
Marcus :slight_smile:

3

Hey Marcus
We have the issue of changing cellular environment as our clients move their equipment all around the world!
Our focus with antennas has been on full spectrum antennas in the past.
Imagine trying to install 16 antennas for the MBX or even on the EPX, you could be looking at 84 with 21 CAT18 modems!

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4

Hello @SamuelNorris,

We have done exactly that, the cost of the solutions vary from a quarter to double the cost of the EPX.
There is some amazing RF Engineering in the solutions and specialised fabrications. Imaging being able to run the with 21 Cat18 modems on only 2 or 4 antennas.

Happy to Help,
Marcus :slight_smile:

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5

Hey Marcus,
You mentioned in another thread that RFI made a good multiplexer but that it was no longer available, have you found a suitable replacement?
Am I correct in reading the original post also - Only the primary antenna number 0 and secondary antenna number 0 are capable of sub 1GHz frequencies?
Is 4x4 MIMO is only available on B41 and 2 / 4 / 66 / 25? Is this a common arrangement? Excuse my ignorance, I’m normally interested in the sub 1GHz stuff.

Basically, for a boat, I’m reading that and thinking there’s not much to be lost by going with only 2 antennas instead of 4?

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