Automotive grade MIMO antenna setup and performance evaluation for LTE-communications

Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) is a technique to achieve high data rates in mobile communication networks and is used by the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) standard. The integration of a two antenna MIMO system for usage in worldwide LTE networks into a conventional automotive roof top antenna is discussed. In-situ antenna measurement results of the final LTE MIMO configuration are shown. Furthermore initial test results of the integrated LTE antenna system in an 800 MHz live network are presented and a comparison to a reference system consisting of two quarter-wavelength monopole antennas with ideal spatial separation is provided.