Using Antenna Array for RSSI

[Suresh C]

Hi,

I am using NRF52833 DK which is integrated with 4x4 Antenna array to implement AOA for asset tracking. I want to use same setup to implement distance calculation using RSSI. I have tried the same setup and same antenna switching configuration and the result is not accurate for RSSI. What is reason for it? Do antenna switching affects the RSSI value? or Is there any configuration or setup that needs to be changed? 

[Kenneth]

Hello,

The RSSI will depend on many factors you don't really have any control over, for instance any antenna may have a radiation pattern that can vary as much us 15-20dB in different directions, also obstacles and reflections will impact the RSSI value. So using RSSI is actually very unstable.

Instead check out these webinars:

https://webinars.nordicsemi.com/measuring-distance-with-the-nordic-4 
https://webinars.nordicsemi.com/introduction-to-bluetooth-direction-5 

Kenneth

[Suresh C]

Hi,

I want to know whether switching Antennas(16 Patch Antenna array) affects RSSI Value. Adding to it, when I point the tag towards the locator it shows correct distance value but when I don't point to it the value is not accurate. Even though the tag is at line of sight this mismatch happens. 

[Kenneth]

Likely due to my previous comment: "for instance any antenna may have a radiation pattern that can vary as much us 15-20dB in different directions"

Kenneth