MIMO (multiple power input) and phased array are both advanced antenna technologies used in telecommunications and radar systems, but they serve different purposes and operate on different principles. MIMO involves using multiple antennas at the transmitter and receiver ends to improve communication performance by transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously.
It takes advantage of spatial diversity to improve signal reliability, increase data throughput, and improve overall system capacity in wireless communication systems.
Phased array, on the other hand, refers to an antenna system where the direction of the antenna’s main beam can be steered electronically without physically moving the antenna. It achieves beamforming by adjusting the phase of the signals transmitted or received by each element of the antenna array.
Progressive arrays are commonly used in radar, communications and radio astronomy applications where the ability to steer the antenna beam electronically provides benefits such as rapid scanning, tracking moving targets and concentrating energy in specific directions .
An array antenna refers to an antenna system that consists of multiple antenna elements arranged in a regular geometric pattern. The primary function of an array antenna is to improve the performance of the antenna system by providing increased gain, improved directivity and beamforming capabilities.
Array antennas can be used for a variety of purposes including communications systems, radar systems, satellite communication, and broadcasting. They are designed to achieve specific radiation patterns and direct the antenna beam in desired directions to optimize signal transmission or reception.
MIMO antenna, on the other hand, refers specifically to antennas designed and integrated to support MIMO technology.
MIMO antennas are typically part of MIMO systems used in wireless communication networks to improve data throughput and reliability by exploiting spatial multiplexing and diversity techniques. These antennas are optimized to operate in multiple multiple input and output scenarios, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception of multiple data streams on the same frequency channel.
Phased arrays are primarily used for beamforming applications where the ability to electronically steer the antenna beam is crucial.
This capability allows phased arrays to scan or focus the antenna beam in specific directions without physically moving the antenna. Progressive arrays find extensive use in radar systems for tracking and surveillance, communications systems for directional signal transmission, satellite communication for beam steering, and in defense applications for radar guidance systems and missile. Their ability to quickly adjust the direction of the antenna beam makes them versatile in applications requiring dynamic and precise control of electromagnetic waves