This two-part article explains the iMAT (Isolated Mode Antenna Technology) approach from Skycross (Viera, Florida), which improves antenna gain and receiver sensitivity, significantly enhancing device performance and network capacity in MIMO or related communications systems using multiple antennas. Although it is counterintuitive to think that a single antenna can offer the performance benefits of multiple antennas, the iMAT solution enables a single antenna structure to behave like multiple antennas through the use of multiple feed points.

The article is presented in pdf format (no registration required), in two parts:

• Part 1–MIMO metrics and correlation coefficient, antenna coupling or isolation, and iMAT WiFi technology example: click here.
• Part 2–Three-antenna example for 802.11n, and measured results: click here.

About the authors:
Frank M. Caimi, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Scientist, has more than 30 years of experience in antenna and RF research and development. Most recently, he served as associate professor of electrical engineering at Florida Institute of Technology's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. During his career, Dr. Caimi has served as a consultant on communications and signal processing for industry and government organizations and has more than 18 years experience in technical and leadership management. He earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Mark Montgomery is a senior RF engineer at SkyCross. He joined the company in 2006 and currently focuses on approaches to solving problems of placing multiple antennas in small consumer devices. Throughout his career, Mr. Montgomery has studied the propagation electromagnetic, acoustic, and light waves, and devices that utilize these waves. He coauthored the "Acousto-Optic Scanners and Modulators" chapter in Handbook Of Optical And Laser Scanning (2004) edited by Gerald Marshall and has received several patents. Mr. Montgomery holds a master's degree in environmental engineering from Florida Institute of Technology and a bachelor's in electrical engineering from Auburn University. Prior to joining SkyCross, he held high level engineering positions at ParkerVision, Noah Industries, Harris Corporation, Geraghty & Miller, and the US Navy.

Paul Tornatta, Chief Technical Officer, has more than 18 years of experience the aerospace, wireless, telecommunications and automotive industries. Prior to joining SkyCross, he served as vice president of the automotive business unit at Radiall Corp., a leading supplier of RF interconnect products. He also served in a variety of leadership positions at Larsen Antenna Technologies, Metricom, and Lockheed Martin. Mr. Tornatta earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University. He has written articles on RF design and electromagnetics for a variety of RF trade publications. He is a member of IEEE and the Society of Automotive Engineers.