e-Report

May 2008

• Antenna Systems for RFID: An Applications Perspective
Blue Vector has been an implementor for RFID solutions for a number of different type of applications. From small deployments to very large footprint deployments, these applications have highlighted a number of practical implications for antenna usage for RFID. This talk will highlight a number of different instances where antenna design impacts the system and the success of an implementation. The goal of the talk is to inform antenna designers about application constraints in the deployment of RFID and their direct implications for antenna design, and suggested design directions that will help the evolving RFID industry.
Dr. Anurag Mendhekar, Founder, Blue Vector 

• Is 2 dB Worth $2?
When device manufacturers and engineers are cooking up new designs, exploring all the options for internal components can be a bit costly. But, what is more beneficial for device OEMs? Is it better to spend more money upfront during the initial research phase, which would be substantially more -albeit a one-time cost? Or does it make more sense time wise and financially to invest additional costs throughout the devices’ lifetime? Is 2 dB worth $2?

Attendees will learn the pros and cons of each choice –spending the money upfront during the initial engineering and manufacturing to create a better handset or constructing more base stations nationwide to compensate for the lack of a quality, high-performance antenna.
Jeff Shamblin, VP of Advanced Technology, Ethertronics

• New Polyolefin Based Laminates for MW Panel Antenna Apps
This presentation will describe the competitive properties of a newly-developed “low-cost” polyolefin based copper-clad laminate for use as a base material for MW printed circuit boards. Polypropylene copolymer performs dielectrically similarly to PTFE – the acknowledged leader in MW substrates. A new generation of polyolefin laminates has a dielectric constant in the range of 2.3 to 3.1 and loss tangent of 0.0010 to 0.0037. By compounding the Polypropylene copolymer with additives and fillers and casting a sheet, then extrusion laminating it to copper foil in a continuous process - a new low loss laminate is now available as a low cost alternative to PTFE laminate. Practical design and implementation actions for fighting the drawbacks will be addressed as well.
Valery Ostrovsky, Development Leader for MW Laminates, CLP Industries Ltd.

• Base Station Antennas: A Look at the Past, Present and Future
This presentation will describe the advancements made over the last 20 years, from single port vertically polarized antennas to two port dual polarized antennas to variable beam tilt antennas to dual and triple band antennas. Recent advancements integrating diplexers, remote electrical tilt, smart bias "T" and low noise amplifiers (LNAs) will be described. Finally, future advancements now in research will be described including transceivers and baseband processing at each element, with only power and a bit stream connected to the antenna. Topics include the challenges of evolving from a purely passive device to a device with electromechanical and electronic function, compromises in RF performance and the additional considerations when planning and deploying sites.
Stacey Noland, Director, Product Line Management / Antennas, Powerwave Technologies

• The Power of Cooperative Wireless Communications
This talk will give a comprehensive overview of cooperative communications (CC), a new technique in which physically separated single-antenna radios coordinate with each other to form a “virtual antenna array” to achieve spatial diversity in multi-path fading channels. The diversity can provide gain to save energy or overcome network partitions, or provide spatial multiplexing, to increase throughput.  CC can benefit any wireless application where there are multiple users within communication range of each other, such that at least one of the users needs to communicate to a more distant point. Applications include wireless cellular, satellite, mesh, ad hoc and sensor networks.
Dr. Mary Ann Ingram, Professor, Georgia Tech

• Is 2008 the Year of ZigBee?
ZigBee has achieved the critical mass of technical capability, market acceptance, and application developer support required to begin strong accelerated market adoption. As a result, activity in the home control segment and the energy management segment is experiencing very strong growth, and these two segments represent a significant market opportunity for ZigBee-based applications. This session will explore the factors contributing to the current market growth of ZigBee and identify the components required for continued market expansion. Component, software, and module industry participants will be profiled and unique characteristics identified.
Dr. Kirsten West, Principal Analyst, West Technology Research

• The AN/TRC-170 Needs a New Antenna: A Call for Ideas / Designs
The U. S. Military family of Tropospheric Scatter Radio Sets AN/TRC-170(V) needs new antennas. These antennas are currently of the reflector type, using vertical and horizontal polarization to support duplex communications. The antennas are subject to repeated moving and setup, location anywhere on earth, transportation by land/sea/air. Antenna and Materials Technology improvements over the past few years may provide new levels of performance, mobility, durability, and reparability over the current models. The proposed presentation will be a call for ideas from companies interested in supplying new antennas for this radio set.
Dr. Doug Moody and Randy Spensley, ARINC

• Emerging Wireless “Unified Field Theory”
This presentation will discuss the new interoperable environment for 4G to offer real time multimedia, downloaded with the highest Quality of Service (QoS). It will also detail the interoperable/integration of all elements of the wireless network, infrastructure and mobile devices. This is a unified system from NOC, Network Switches, BTS, Tower /Top, to the 4G wireless phone and devices.
Burt Calloway, VP of Air Interface Solutions, KMW Communications

A Novel Low-Cost Internal Antenna for Mobile TV, GSM, CDMA and WiMax
A novel low-cost internal antenna has been developed for mobile TVs operating at 470-702 MHz. The return loss is lower than -5 dB with more than 70 percent efficiency and 0.5 dBi maximum gain al lover the band. The overall size of the new antenna is much smaller than other commercially available antennas. It is an unbalanced resonant antenna that does not need baluns, matching circuits or additional ground planes. This new antenna technology can also be used in GSM, CDMA and WiMax. The new GSM / CDMA antenna simultaneously covers the bands 825-960 MHz and 1710-1990 MHz with -10 dB return loss, 2dBi maximum gain and 85 percent efficiency.
Dr. Mohamed Sanad, Founder & CTO, AMANT Antennas

Visit the Preliminary Program Online at www.antennasonline.com/ast08_program.php

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE $500

Register by May 30 - $795
Register by  August 1 - $995
Register after August 1 - $1,295
Register online today - www.antennasonline.com/ast08_reg.php

For more information contact Jeremy Martin

Antenna Bootcamp:  ETS-Lindgren and Dr. Warren Stutzman to Host Comprehensive Workshop

Date
Wednesday, September 24, 2008   (Before the 2008 Antenna Systems Conference)

Location
ETS-Lindgren, Cedar Park, Texas   (Transportation provided from Hyatt Regency Austin)

Presenters
Dr. Warren Stutzman, Founder, Virginia Tech Antenna Group
Mr. Jari Vikstedt, Principal RF Engineer, ETS-Lindgren
Dr. Vince Rodriguez, Senior Principal Antenna Design Engineer, ETS-Lindgren

Overview
This workshop, organized by ETS-Lindgren will cover current and future trends related to antenna and wireless test and measurement.  The technical material will be of a practical nature and application oriented with supporting theory provided.  Presented by leaders in the industry, the workshop will address antenna design and usage, wireless testing methods available and rationale as well as future trends for antenna and wireless technologies.  

Special guest speaker, Dr. Warren Stutzman, will begin the program by addressing the basic principles of antennas as applied to wireless communication systems. The fundamental types of antennas (electrically small, resonant, broadband, and aperture) will be discussed, including examples of popular antennas for base stations and for satellite, vehicular and handheld terminals. Array antenna basics will be introduced. Special considerations for popular systems such as cellular radio and ultra-wideband radio will be presented. The presentation will conclude with a photo presentation of antennas in practice. 

ETS-Lindgren speakers will address test and measurement methodology for wireless devices drawing on their experience as key contributors to the organizations that are driving the technology for wireless testing, such as the Wi-Fi Alliance, CTIA 802.11 WPP and the WiMAX Forum, as well as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C63 (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and IEC/CISPR A related to antenna calibration, RF shielded enclosures and RF absorber. 

Time will be allocated following each presentation for open discussion.  Hands-on demonstrations will supplement the material presented utilizing the expansive ISO 17205 certified open area test site, A2LA-accredited lab and wireless test chambers on site at ETS-Lindgren.

Schedule: 
12:00 pm:                Pick up at Hyatt Regency Hotel
12:30 - 2:00            Tutorial #1 with Dr. Stutzman, Virginia Tech
2:00 - 3:30              Tutorial #2 with Mr. Jari Vikstedt, Principal RF Engineer, ETS-Lindgren
3:30 - 4:00              Snacks/Beverages
4:00 - 5:30              Tutorial #3 with Dr. Vince Rodriguez, Senior Principal Antenna Design Engineer,
                              ETS-Lindgren
5:30 - 7:30              ETS Facility Tour / Demonstrations / Texas Style BBQ Buffet Dinner
8:00 pm                  Drop off at Hyatt Regency Hotel

Only 40 slots are available for this workshop. Contact Jeremy Martin (jeremym@infowebcom.com) today to secure your place.

Tecom to Develop and Qualify Next Generation Instrumentation Antenna for a Navy Missile

TECOM Industries, Inc., has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) in China Lake, Calif. to develop and qualify the next generation instrumentation antenna for a Navy missile. The conformal, dual band antenna provides GPS and S-band telemetry functionality, and is part of the next generation instrumentation package being developed to support future Air Force and Navy flight test and training requirements.

 Under the agreement, TECOM is working with NAWCWD engineers at Pt. Mugu to design, produce and qualify the antenna subsystem, consisting of a dual-band antenna with integrated low noise amplifier, filter and limiter. At the conclusion of the project the US government will have a fully qualified product ready for full-scale production. Completion is scheduled for Q3 2008.

For more information visit www.tecom-ind.com.    

VW Equipped by Ficosa Antenna Systems

Ficosa Advanced Communications Business Unit, a developer of automotive integrated antennas with Fractal Technology, was recently awarded an important project by  the German automotive car market VW.

Ficosa will equip two VW models with its innovative miniaturized antenna systems in which they will integrate the main radio antenna (AM/FM), the second diversity antenna (FM2), Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), telephone and GPS antenna. With this new contract, Ficosa consolidates its global position as technological supplier of antenna systems for automobiles.

Based on the Fractal antenna technology, Ficosa is able to propose ultra small antenna systems to be integrated into the car exterior mirrors of the vehicles. In order to address the high competitiveness of the automotive market, Ficosa, exclusive user of such technology, is able to propose complete antenna integration solutions in mirrors passenger cars and to  respond to a clear market demand: benefits  in the standardization (use the same concept for several platforms including convertible without additional costs), simplification of manufacturing process, saving of costs related  with the process (connectors or coaxial cables as example), capacity of integration and modularity of  multiple communication services.

After a several years of R&D activities, including extensive benchmarks and customers demos and pre-developments, the results make it possible to develop specific applications like AM/FM, DAB, TV (both analog or digital standards), telephone, RKE (Remote Key Entry), GPS and satellite radio combining the  two exterior-mirrors. The concept can be used in passenger vehicles, as well as transporters and trucks. In particular, the combination of the main AM/FM antenna plus a second FM 2 antenna in the opposite mirror offers a very robust solution when diversity radio – an option implemented today in a very large proportion in most of the vehicles and by most of the car markers - is present in the vehicle due its complete complementary location.

For more information visit www.ficosa.com.    

Antenova Announces New Generation of Multi-band HDA Antennas for Mobile Handset Applications

Antenova Ltd., an integrated antenna and RF solutions company, has made available two new high performing multi-band High Dielectric Antenna (HDA) embedded antennas  for mobile handset and portable device applications; a 4mm low profile penta-band antenna and a six-band antenna. Antenova’s 4 mm low profile penta-band HDA antenna, the industry’s thinnest five-band antenna, is well suited for ultra-thin mobile handsets, and the new six-band HDA antenna is well suited for mobile handsets, PDAs and UMPCs for the global markets.

 “As more and more applications are designed into devices, co-existence has become critical and board space a premium,” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova.  “But unfortunately, as the antenna size (volume) gets smaller, the performance decreases, so it becomes even more critical to have higher performing smaller antennas. With its smaller size, multi-band capabilities and lower detuning qualities, Antenova’s HDA antennas allow device designers and manufacturers more freedom in their PCB layout without having to sacrifice antenna performance and efficiencies. The low profile of our 4 mm high penta-band HDA antenna enables handset manufactures to keep pace with consumer demand for smaller and thinner handsets, while the six-band HDA antenna provides device manufactures the development, cost and time-to-market advantages of designing one device for their global markets.”

 Antenova’s 4 mm low profile penta-band antenna covers the GSM 850, GSM 900, DCS 1800, PCS 1900 and WCDMA 2100 bands and is also suitable for CDMA/TDMA 850 and 1900. With a small volume of about 1cc and an impressively low 4 mm height, this antenna is the thinnest penta-band antenna in the world and offers over 50 percent average terminal radiation efficiency over all five bands. The hexa-band antenna covers the same five cellular bands plus the 2.4 GHz band for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi applications, has a volume of less than 5.8cc and offers an average terminal efficiency of greater than 50 percent over all five cellular bands and 40 percent efficiency in the 2.4 GHz band.

For more information visit www.antenova.com.   

Don’t miss Antenova’s presentation at the upcoming 2008 Antenna Systems Conference
Radio and Antenna – is there such a thing as a perfect match?
Mike Gaynor, RF Technical Director, Antenova Ltd.

Astron Wireless Technologies, Inc., Introduces RFID Reader Patch Antenna
Adding to its extensive line of custom antennas, Astron Wireless Technologies now offers a RFID Reader Patch antenna. The H91CDPSFPM is available in the 902 to 928 MHz frequency range. Electrically, it has a power handling capability of 30 watts. Its polarization is left or right hand circular, helping to minimize attenuation caused by cross polarization. The VSWR is 1.5:1. Mechanically, the antenna measures 6 7/8 by 6 7/8 by 2 ¼ inches.

This low profile antenna has a squared beam to help isolate signal to a confined area, thus reducing crossover signal capture.

For more information visit www.astronwireless.com.  

KVH Introduces New CNS-5000 GPS/IMU Continuous Navigation System
KVH Industries, Inc., working in close cooperation with GPS manufacturer NovAtel Inc., has introduced the CNS-5000, a self-contained navigation system that combines fiber optic gyro (FOG)-based inertial measurement technology from KVH with global positioning system (GPS) technology from NovAtel. This rugged navigation solution affordably provides the precise position and orientation of a host platform on a continuous basis, even during periods where GPS signals are blocked by natural or man-made obstructions or conditions. The CNS-5000 is designed specifically for demanding commercial applications, such as dynamic surveying, precision agriculture, container terminal management, and autonomous vehicle navigation, where the ability to determine the precise position and orientation of a piece of equipment or a mobile platform is critical.

"The new CNS-5000 is a remarkable GPS/IMU solution that is well-suited for a wide array of commercial applications worldwide," explains Dan Conway, KVH's vice president of business development. "The combination of NovAtel's GPS technology with our precision fiber optic gyros and inertial technologies led to an entirely new single-enclosure approach to GPS/IMU systems, saving customers space and weight in their installations without compromising accuracy or performance."

Through its seamless integration of KVH's FOG-based IMU with NovAtel's OEMV GPS precision receiver technology, the CNS-5000 provides a low-cost, small form factor solution for 3-D positioning, velocity, and attitude measurement. The deep coupling of the GPS and IMU technologies within the CNS-5000 optimizes the raw GPS and IMU data, delivering a quality position, velocity and attitude solution. Composed entirely of commercial components and rugged enough to operate in demanding conditions, the CNS-5000 is also designed to meet COTS requirements. This minimizes the operational complexities for customers whose products cross international boundaries.

For more information visit www.kvh.com 

Jampro Adds New “Single-Simple Solution” UHF Broadband Slot Antennas to Prostar Series

Jampro Antennas, a manufacturer of antennas, combiners, filters and RF components used in radio and television broadcasting, has further expanded its Prostar series with the JA/MS-BB Broadband UHF Slot Antenna. This new antenna eliminates the need for multiple antennas and provides a single, compact broadband solution that conserves tower space and minimizes wind loading through a streamlined design.

Specially designed for multi-channel/combined channel operations for analog-analog, analog-digital or digital-digital broadband TV broadcasting applications, the new JA/MS-B comes factory tuned and ready to install. Broadcasters can choose from a wide selection of standard and custom patterns. It can be configured for horizontal, circular or elliptical polarization. Beam tilt and null fill are available and the JA/MS-BB handles power ranging from 2 to 10 kW.  Input impedance is 50 ohm and VSWR of 1.1:1 or better can be achieved over sub-bands ranging from 470-530 to 835-890 MHz.

For more information visit www.jampro.com   

TerraWave Solutions Introduces the WLAN Industry’s First 802.11n MIMO “Six Pack” Antenna Solution

TerraWave Solutions, a division of TESSCO Technologies Inc., and a provider of the Wi-Fi solutions needed to deploy, manage and secure enterprise-wide wireless networks, has released its first-to-market 802.11n Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) "Six-Pack" omnidirectional antenna solution to the wireless industry.

As the latest innovative design for next-generation wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, TerraWave's new 802.11n dual band 2.4/5 GHz ceiling mount MIMO omnidirectional antenna is designed to operate with the Cisco 1252 Access Point (AP) and consists of an innovative six-in-one solution: three integrated 2.4 GHz and three integrated 5 GHz omni antennas arranged in one enclosure.

A well suited solution for supporting demanding applications in ever-evolving IEEE 802.11n wireless communications systems, this exclusive antenna joins TerraWave's full line of MIMO antennas and other WLAN accessories intended to deploy and complement Cisco's latest 802.11n access point technology.
"TerraWave is committed to developing and delivering industry-leading products to support WLAN implementations," said Chris Marco, TerraWave Solutions WLAN Business Leader. "The new line of antennas for 802.11n MIMO applications has been designed to help WLAN engineers deliver the most comprehensive, cost-effective and complete solutions when deploying this exciting, new technology."

For more information visit www.terrawave.com.  

New Patch Antenna Receives / Transmits Two Different Frequencies Bands in a Single Element

Spectrum Control, Inc. has designed a new single element patch antenna that can receive and/or transmit two frequency bands in one 45mm package. This dual frequency patch antenna provides a space and cost savings compared to using two, single frequency patch antennas. These new patch antennas were developed for GPS (global positioning systems) using either Globalstar: telephone & low-speed data communications or Iridium: worldwide voice & data communications using handheld satellite phones.

To perform at the required frequencies, Spectrum’s new dual frequency patch antenna is a 45mm antenna element that is mounted on a 63mm ground plane. The frequencies available are 1575MHz (GPS) to 1615MHz (Globalstar) and 1575MHz (GPS) to 1621MHz (Iridium). These dual frequency patch antennas are a flat ceramic, low profile antenna with no interference issues to design around and are available in RoHS compliant versions. Custom designs can be created that are modified to meet a company’s mechanical needs while optimizing performance.
Spectrum Control’s dual frequency patch antennas have pricing ranging from $3.00 to $8.00 depending quantities required.

For more information visit www.specemc.com.    

May 2008
21-23 - In-Building Wireless, Las Vegas, Nev.

June 2008
9-11 - Sensors Expo, Rosemont, Ill.
15-20 - IEEE MTTS, Atlanta, Georgia
15-20 - CommunicASIA, Singapore
16-19 - NXTComm, (formerly GlobalComm) Las Vegas, Nev.
24-26 - Connections, Santa Clara, Calif.
24-27 - Cable-Tec, Philadelphia, Penn.

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