In today’s dynamic landscape of asset tracking, seamlessly integrating antennas into devices isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for top-notch performance and connectivity. The critical trifecta of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), cellular technologies such as LTE-M or NB-IoT, and DECT-NR+ technologies have become essential in providing accurate and efficient tracking solutions. That’s where the innovation of Virtual Antenna® technology comes in, especially when paired with powerhouse RF modules like Nordic’s nRF9151 or nRF9161. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about setting the pace by making asset tracking smoother and faster for our customers.

In the world of asset tracking, the Nordic nRF9151/ nRF9161 module stands out as a robust solution designed for cellular IoT and DECT NR+ applications. This low-power SiP integrates LTE-M/NB-IoT and DECT NR+ modem with GNSS, making it a potent solution for efficient and accurate tracking. To truly unlock its potential, integrating it with Virtual Antenna® (VA) technology enhances the RF performance but also simplifies the design process, making it a preferred choice for IoT device manufacturers.

Virtual Antenna® technology offers several advantages when paired with the nRF9151/nRF9161 module:

• Simplified Design Process: Virtual Antenna® technology, coupled with the software capabilities of the Oxion™ platform, allows for easy performance assessment from the early design stages. This digital twin tool enables a streamlined design process, reducing the complexity typically associated with antenna integration.
• Flexibility and Reusability: The Virtual Antenna® portfolio covers frequencies from 400 MHz to 10600 MHz, supporting any wireless technology within that range. This flexibility means the same antenna design can be reused across different devices, minimizing the need for multiple components and reducing overall design costs.
• Performance Enhancement: Virtual Antenna® technology improves the performance of asset tracking devices by reducing the time to first fix (TTFF) for GNSS applications. This leads to faster and more reliable positioning, which is critical for effective asset tracking.

Ignion’s innovative approach combines the software capabilities of the Oxion™ platform—a digital twin tool that easily assesses the performance of your device from the early design stages—and hardware through a reduced Virtual Antenna® portfolio able to cover from 400 MHz to 10600 MHz and any wireless technology within that range. This combination allows device manufacturers to enjoy a straightforward design process. In addition, Virtual Antenna® technology provides the flexibility to reuse the same antenna design across a device portfolio, eliminating the complexity associated with managing a variety of components. Immediate support is provided for customers of all sizes, ensuring a high-performance solution that extracts maximum efficiency from the PCB ground plane, regardless of size or band.

For asset tracking applications, integrating Virtual Antenna® technology with the nRF9151/nRF9161 module brings tangible benefits:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Smaller, more affordable components help reduce project costs. The compact footprint of Virtual Antenna® designs allows for greater layout flexibility, providing equipment designers with more freedom to optimize their solutions.
• High Efficiency: Virtual Antenna® technology ensures maximum efficiency from the PCB ground plane, regardless of its size or band. This results in a high-performance solution suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Comprehensive Solutions: For instance, the TRIO mXTEND™ is recommended for full coverage in any Cellular IoT band, while the ONE mXTEND™ is ideal for GNSS applications, especially dynamic ones where the device can be deployed in any position.

Consider a typical board size with dimensions 155 mm by 63 mm PCB covering GNSS, DECT-NR+, and LTE-M/NB-IoT bands. Leveraging Virtual Antenna® technology, this setup offers unparalleled performance and versatility. The radiation system’s importance cannot be overstated, and Virtual Antenna® technology ensures optimal operation across various bands.

Below is an example configuration, demonstrating real device measurements and efficiency results. Ignion offers several solutions tailored to specific needs, balancing space constraints, costs, and performance.

Using the Oxion™ platform, these factors can be evaluated early in the design process, providing clear insights into the antenna’s overall impact. This comprehensive approach ensures cost efficiency, improved reliability, and faster time to market for new products. For assistance in evaluating options for your next IoT project, please contact our team.

For more information about nRF9161/nRF9151 visit Nordic Semiconductor.

For more information about Virtual Antenna® technology, click here or explore our Oxion™ antenna integration platform at www.oxion.ai. For a deeper understanding of antenna integration, check out our design guide for asset tracking at the following link: Asset Tracking design guide