Introducing the turbo Cloverleaf: A Breakthrough in Compact Antenna Technology
Southwest Antennas, renowned for its innovative RF and Microwave antenna solutions, has unveiled its latest offering: the “Turbo Cloverleaf” series of circularly polarized (CP) Omni antennas. Operating within the frequency ranges of 1.98 – 2.2 GHz and 2.3 – 2.5 GHz, these antennas promise remarkable enhancements in data throughput and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), all encapsulated in a robust design measuring under two inches on each side. Each unit is equipped with a 3-inch RF coaxial gooseneck assembly, featuring durable, non-rotating RF connector options that facilitate versatile mounting and positioning alongside other nearby equipment or antennas.
Revolutionizing Antenna performance for Modern Applications
This innovative design is touted as the smallest cloverleaf antenna available globally, delivering exceptional performance for contemporary radio systems. These systems are increasingly utilized in sectors such as wireless broadcast television, live sports streaming, drone video applications, vehicle-mounted communication devices, and tactical radios for law enforcement and military operations. These applications often rely on MIMO/MANET architectures to enhance video, voice, and data transmission capabilities.
Addressing Industry Challenges
“Existing L/S licensed band and 2.4GHz ISM band Cloverleaf antennas on the market suffer from several design shortcomings that limit their effectiveness for unmanned systems and scenarios requiring multiple co-located antennas,” stated Benjamin Culver,President of Southwest Antennas.
“Firstly, many of these antennas lack a ruggedized radome or any protective covering, relying instead on exposed wiring for their cloverleaf structure, which is often coated with plastisol or similar materials, making them vulnerable to damage. Secondly, their size—often exceeding 6 inches in diameter—renders them impractical for UAV or drone applications. Additionally, they frequently exhibit poor impedance matching at the feed point and inadequate radiation pattern control across frequencies due to insufficient RF choking on the antenna’s cable feed.”
Innovative Solutions with the Turbo Cloverleaf Design
The Turbo Cloverleaf antenna from Southwest Antennas effectively addresses these critical design issues through a proprietary approach that reduces the antenna’s diameter by over three times without compromising gain or efficiency. This new design incorporates surface-mount technology (SMT) components within the radome,precisely tuning performance at the feed point—an essential aspect for high-performance cloverleaf antennas. Furthermore, advanced design techniques ensure superior radiation pattern control across the entire operational frequency range. In essence, Southwest Antennas has tackled significant challenges within the antenna industry with the Turbo Cloverleaf, and we anticipate widespread adoption across various applications where traditional cloverleaf antennas fall short.
Enhanced Performance Metrics
The turbo Cloverleaf antennas provide over 40dB of isolation between two co-located antennas with opposing CP polarizations, marking a ample betterment compared to traditional vertical or slant-polarized antennas. This innovative design has demonstrated over a 50% increase in data throughput and more than a 30% enhancement in SNR, setting a new standard in antenna technology.
