Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. Graduate Seminar

The Evolution of Antenna Design in the 5G Era by
Meenakshy Iyer
RF and Antenna Development Engineer
Ericsson

Abstract:
The presentation will focus on the evolution of antenna design, starting from traditional passive antennas to advanced active arrays that are critical for 5G networks. While passive antennas are reliable, they have limitations in beamforming and signal control. Active antennas provide dynamic control over radiation patterns, offering superior performance in terms of data rates, coverage, and interference management, making them essential for 5G.
A major focus of the talk will be on Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS), a key technology in modern antenna design. FSS enhances 5G antennas by selectively filtering frequencies, improving isolation between antenna elements, and supporting multi-band functionality in compact designs. This is particularly crucial for dense urban environments where multiple frequency bands are in use. The combination of FSS and active antennas significantly improves network performance by optimizing beamforming, managing interference, and enabling technologies such as Massive MIMO and millimeter-wave (mmWave).
We will also explore how these technologies work together to maximize the potential of 5G, offering solutions that enhance both coverage and capacity in demanding deployment scenarios.

Presenter Bio:
Meenakshy Iyer, RIT alumna, is a pioneering force in telecommunications engineering. As a graduate student under Dr. Jayanti Venkataraman in RIT’s ETA Laboratory, Meenakshy developed foundational expertise in electromagnetic theory and antenna design that shaped her future innovations.
Currently serving as an RF and Antenna Development Engineer at Ericsson's US team, Meenakshy has revolutionized the telecommunications industry through her groundbreaking work with Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) technology. Her most notable innovation—a patented solution for integrating Active and Passive antenna elements—has transformed how the industry approaches next-generation wireless infrastructure. This breakthrough enables more compact, efficient, and cost-effective network deployments while maintaining optimal performance, addressing critical challenges in 5G implementation.
Meenakshy returns to RIT to share her expertise in RF technology and antenna design, offering insights into the future of wireless communications and the practical challenges of bringing innovative solutions to market.

Location: Zoom
https://rit.zoom.us/j/91664392510?pwd=3xGckdXFXSP83dM4GhYO6ZaKyLC4uS.1
Meeting ID: 916 6439 2510