An overview of wireless systems and antennas

Wireless communication is one of the most exciting areas of electrical engineering today, and antennas and RF devices are often the key components that control overall performance. applications such as cellular and PCS telephony, DBS, GPS, LMDS, WLBNs, VSATs, and LEO satellite systems comprise a US market that is currently in excess of $100B. Worldwide demand for wireless voice and high-speed data connectivity is very high, with strong growth predicted for the long term. This paper reviews current and proposed commercial wireless systems, discuss the types of antennas that are commonly used with these systems, and concludes with a list of some of the challenges presently facing the designer of antennas for wireless systems.