Improving Cellular Connectivity for Vending MAchines
The Challenge
Vending machines require reliable cellular connectivity to support point-of-sale, cashless payments, real-time inventory management, and remote monitoring. However, one manufacturer faced significant limitations: the existing communication antenna’s sensitivity was poor, preventing machine installation in certain indoor and outdoor locations. These connectivity issues resulted in lost business opportunities and restricted placement flexibility.
The Solution
To address these challenges, Yokowo engineers conducted a detailed investigation into the antenna’s performance and mounting conditions. Their approach included:
Antenna Performance Measurement – Using Yokowo’s in-house anechoic chamber, engineers measured radio waves across 800 MHz / 1.5 GHz / 2.0 GHz frequency bands, the most common for 3G/LTE networks.
Mounting Location Testing – Four potential mounting locations were tested: one on the vending machine’s exterior and three within the machine’s interior.
Optimized Antenna Selection – After benchmarking different options, Yokowo identified the YOZ-52341 Laminated Film Antenna for LTE as the optimal solution.
Location Recommendation – Engineers proposed the most effective mounting location to maximize signal strength and minimize obstructions.
The Results
Testing revealed that small differences in antenna location dramatically impacted performance. By applying precise measurement data, Yokowo determined the optimal pairing of model and mounting location for maximum sensitivity and stability.
The deployment of the Laminated Film Antenna, mounted in the recommended position, produced significant improvements in communication reliability, including:
Stronger cellular reception across all tested LTE frequency bands.
Reliable connectivity even in previously problematic installation sites.
Expanded placement opportunities for vending machines, reducing limitations
This solution restored confidence in the vending machine’s communication capabilities, unlocking new revenue streams and ensuring consistent service across diverse environments.