Why multi-radio devices drain batteries faster and how to fix it

As wireless devices shrink and pack more radios (Cellular, GNSS, Wi-Fi, BLE) onto a single PCB, designers face a hidden challenge: antenna coupling and poor isolation. The result? Higher transmission power, frequent retransmissions, and ultimately, shorter battery life.

The problem isn’t just about antenna placement. PCB constraints, inefficient matching, and reduced isolation force radios to work harder, draining the device battery much faster. For wireless devices like asset trackers, wearables, or smart meters, this can mean the difference between quarterly battery replacements or multi-year autonomy on a single charge.