eNewsletter

February 2009

Antenna Executives Make Predictions for 2009, Recap 2008
Insight from Chris Morton of SkyCross and Tayfun Ozdemir of Monarch Antenna

By Chris Morton, CEO, SkyCross, Inc.

A lot can happen in one year for a fast-paced industry such as wireless, and 2008 did not disappoint. The industry experienced dramatic shifts in market share for both manufacturers and platform styles. Devices continued to shrink in size while the race for faster data rates pushed carriers to deploy 3G systems with diversity and 4G networks requiring MIMO. These trends are well-aligned with the core benefits of SkyCross technology, and we will continue to leverage our strengths to drive future growth.

The handset market experienced particularly intense competition. According to the Q3 2008 figures compiled by research firm IDC, Samsung became the second largest handset manufacturer after Nokia. Chinese manufacturers including ZTE, Huawei and Hisense added to the market dynamics by further establishing their worldwide presence. Smartphone uptake grew significantly as several manufacturers launched touch-screen designs to compete with the iPhone. Mid-tier handsets sales began to level off in the wake of the smartphone growth while ultra low-cost handsets for emerging economies flourished. SkyCross offers antenna products that differentiate handsets in a sharply competitive environment where consumers are spending less on discretionary items.

While handsets represent a staple in our industry, each year we also see new wireless device categories expand or emerge. The USB modem far surpassed PC card and embedded modem shipments due to widespread knowledge of its portability and ease of use for laptops and desktops. The UMD (ultra mobile devices) category expanded to include not only ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) but also mobile Internet devices (MIDs) and netbooks. In August 2008, Sprint launched the first femtocell, a small cellular base station designed for residential and small business use. Analysts expect the official commercial deployment in 2009 to generate close to 5 million femtocell shipments. SkyCross antenna solutions are well-suited to address these new segments in the coming year.

The discussion of LTE vs. WiMAX continued in 2008, and we saw important developments for both technologies. Verizon Wireless emerged as the biggest winner of the AWS 700 MHz auction, a big step for its LTE plans. Sprint XOHM introduced its WiMAX service in Baltimore during September with SkyCross antennas powering the first client device on the network. The diversity and MIMO requirements of the 4G technologies challenged the industry to find a way to arrange multiple antennas in a small mobile device so they don’t interfere with each other – a particularly difficult task when working with lower frequency bands such as 700 MHz that physically demand a larger antenna.

In January, SkyCross unveiled iMAT (isolated mode antenna technology) to address this problem. iMAT enables a single antenna element to behave like multiple antennas through the use of multiple feed points. The industry recognized the game-changing importance of this breakthrough with several awards including Editor’s Choice Innovation of the Year from Portable Design, Fierce15 from FierceWireless, and Most Promising Technology Finalist from EE Times. The technology also appeared in the first USB dongle certified by the WiMAX Forum.

iMAT is essential to offering higher link gain leading to faster data rates, increased network capacity and better reliability in small devices. Device manufacturers can realize the benefits for both high-end devices where a single antenna solution is the most efficient way to support numerous features with high performance in a sleek design and for low-end devices where eliminating components and reducing the BOM are critical to market acceptance. With unlimited possibilities for iMAT including passive and active tunable applications, SkyCross will expand this product line in 2009.

Despite exciting innovation and development across the wireless industry, the weakening global economy will test the dexterity of all vendors next year. At SkyCross, we are confident that the principles of our proven one-stop antenna solution will prevail in these uncertain times. Providing superior antenna technology that conserves battery life as features are added remains a priority. Our engineers will continue to work closely with customers to ensure that we optimize the entire RF chain, not just the antenna. And, we will expand our local support by opening new offices to bring products to market faster. SkyCross has a strong foundation upon which to grow, and we will leverage our complete solution to continue enabling advanced wireless services in worldwide markets.

For more information visit www.skycross.com

By Tayfun Ozdemir, Chief Executive Officer, Monarch Antenna, Inc.

Monarch Antenna had an explosive year in 2008. In February 2008, it was awarded an R&D contract, as part of a NASA project, to develop a wearable adaptive antenna for astronauts. The antenna is based on Monarch's patented Self-Structuring Antenna (SSA) technology, and will be fielded in NASA's manned Lunar missions, which are scheduled to start in 2014.

On September 5, 2008, Monarch secured its first commercial customer (Applied Mesh Technologies, LLC, now SmartSynch, Inc.) for Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) applications using ZigBee and 6LoPan protocol.

Applied Mesh has integrated Monarch's GEN 1 antenna into its DCX product line for industrial applications and will start selling the units in 2009. The GEN 1 antenna was showcased for the first time at the 2007 Antenna Systems Conference (Denver, Colo.), and it corrects for polarization mismatches for ease of installation as well as improved RF link quality.

Monarch demonstrated Applied Mesh's DCX demo units with the integrated GEN 1 antenna at the 2008 Antenna Systems Conference (Austin, Texas).

In November 2008, Monarch completed development of its GEN 2 prototype antenna, which provides polarization and pattern-diversity. The current GEN 2 design operates at 2.4 GHz band but could easily be scaled to work on other bands. Multiple beams enable adaptive beam switching and MIMO implementations while target applications include ZigBee, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and WiFi personal communications. In its current implementation, the antenna is well suited for wall mount, uni-directional applications and can easily be integrated into the circuit board of the wireless device. Initial field measurements show 9 dBm improvement in Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) over a monopole in indoor environments. GEN 2 is currently undergoing field tests in both ZigBee and WiFi (laptop) demo units. The antenna is operated in an adaptive beam-switching mode with the aid of a control algorithm, which monitors the RSSI and selects the best beam and the polarization.

Monarch is in communication with a number of prospective customers for commercialization and licensing of its GEN 2 antenna. Monarch expects to be awarded a multi-year Phase II R&D contract (as part of the NASA project mentioned above) and a commercial R&D contract for a street level sensors application (utilizing the GEN 2 antenna), both in 2009.

For more information visit www.monarchantenna.com  

Antenna Short-Courses Announced
• Antennas for Wireless Communications: Basic Principles & System Applications
This half-day short course will present 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.

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Warren Stutzman, Virginia Tech & Maxtena, Inc.
Dr. Warren Stutzman has been Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech for 39 years, including positions as department head, and as founding director of the Virginia Tech Antenna Group. He is also with Maxtena, Inc. He is the author of a leading antenna text book and has published more than 80 journal articles and made more than 200 technical presentations. Dr. Stutzman has twice won the Wheeler best applications paper in the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. He has held several IEEE positions, including President of the Antennas and Propagation Society. He is Fellow of the IEEE and an IEEE Third Millennium Medal Winner.

• Smart Antennas: Principles & Applications
This half-day short course will present the basic principles of smart antennas and how they are deployed today. General field of smart antennas will be covered with an emphasis on "multi-beam" antennas.

Polarization, pattern, space, and selection diversity techniques as well as MIMO implementation will be addressed with respect to WiFi, WiMax and ZigBee applications. Peripheral hardware and software that enable operations of the smart antennas will also be discussed. The short course will conclude with live demonstrations of two smart antennas using WiFi and ZigBee hardware.

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Tayfun Ozdemir, CTO, Monarch Antenna
Dr. Ozdemir is the CTO of Monarch Antenna, Inc., a Delphi spin-off focused on commercializing the Self-Structuring Antenna (SSA) technology for consumer and industrial wireless markets such as laptops, cell-phones, and wireless sensors. Prior to joining Monarch Antenna Inc., he was the founder and President of Virtual EM Inc., an R&D house focusing on developing virtual prototyping tools for antennas and microwave circuits. Dr. Ozdemir holds a patent on a planar integrated antenna and has over 20 years of experience in antenna design and manufacturing. He published 6 journal papers, made over 35 conference presentations, and serves as the Chair of the AP/MTT/ED Chapter of the Southeast Michigan Section of IEEE.

The following short-courses will take place August 31st at the Hyatt Regency in Philadelphia, PA. prior to  the 2009 Antenna Systems Conference.

For more information visit www.antennasonline.com/AST-Conf09/ast09_workshops.php

Lockheed Lands $35.8 Million Navy Contract to Design and Produce Antenna Buoy Systems
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $35.8 million contract by the US Navy to design and produce antenna buoy systems that will significantly expand the communications capabilities of submarines while they are submerged.

The Navy's Communications at Speed and Depth (CSD) program will use expendable submarine and air-launched communications buoys to enable submarines operating below periscope depth and at tactical speeds to communicate with surface ships and land-based assets via satellite networks. All classes of US Navy submarines will be equipped with this capability.

Under the contract, a Lockheed Martin-led industry team will develop three types of expendable communications buoys: two submarine-launched tethered buoys that provide real-time chat, data transfer and e-mail capabilities via either Iridium or UHF satellites; and an untethered, acoustic-to-radio frequency gateway buoy that can be launched from a submarine or maritime patrol aircraft to enable two-way data transfer between a submerged submarine and surface assets. The contract also includes production of associated shore and onboard equipment needed to support the systems. If all options are exercised, the cumulative value of the contract is estimated at $177.9 million.

For more information visit www.lockheedmartin.com   

EMS Technologies to Build Seeker Antenna for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Development Program
Lockheed Martin recently awarded EMS Defense & Space a contract for production and capability enhancement work on the millimeter wave radar antenna as part of its recently announced $122 million Technology Development (TD) contract for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program.

The US Army's Aviation and Missile Command awarded the JAGM TD contract as a competitive development phase for the US Armed Forces' next major missile program. The next-generation missile will be carried on rotary-wing, fixed-wing and unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms, and is designed to replace three types of missiles currently in the US forces inventory. The airborne guided missile will be able to hit targets from greater ranges, switch sensors more easily and be maintained with greater efficiency.

For more information visit www.ems-t.com

Comtech Receives $1 Million Order For High Power Antenna Switches
US-based Comtech Telecommunications has announced that its subsidiary, Comtech PST, has received a $1 million order from a domestic prime contractor to supply high power antenna switches.

According to the company, these high power antenna switches are key components in countermeasure systems manufactured by one of its customers for US Army and Navy aircraft.

Fred Kornberg, president and CEO of Comtech Telecommunications said, "We are proud of our RF microwave amplifier segment's continuing success and recognition as a premier supplier of solid state, high power switches to the electronic warfare marketplace."

For more information visit www.comtechtel.com

MysticMD Inc. Wins SBIR Grant for Innovative RFID Antenna
MysticMD Inc. has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). MysticMD will use the $98,622 grant to develop a screen printable conductive ink for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna applications, teaming with Identica Holdings Corp., a leader in next-generation biometric identification and security solutions.

"Identica's know-how and experience in the RFID marketplace helped us command a competitive advantage in the pursuit of this award," said Heidi Douglas, co-founder and CEO of MysticMD. "Winning this grant will enable us to pursue more technology development and increase our company's market presence."

These bendable RFID antennas are expected to cost about 90 percent less than comparable copper antennas, improving reliability and encouraging expansion of this technology for a wide variety of identification and tracking applications.

"MysticMD's nanotechnology has impressed us from the outset and we were eager to find an opportunity to integrate our RFID knowledge with their methods," said Terry Wheeler, president of Identica. "The SBIR grant allows both of our companies a unique opportunity to explore ways to expand a ground-breaking technology into a number of different marketplaces."

SBIR Phase I research is intended to establish feasibility of technical innovations. MysticMD will develop and print a conductive ink, forming an antenna for an ISO 15693 compliant system that Identica will specify and test. Based on positive Phase I results, MysticMD will seek SBIR Phase II funding to build prototypes for target commercial applications in situations where low cost and reliability are critical.

For more information visit www.mysticmd.com

Northrop Grumman-Built Satellite Antenna Enables NASA's Discovery of Buried Glaciers on Mars
The antenna was developed by Astro Aerospace, a business unit of Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector, for the Italian Space Agency's SHAllow RADar (SHARAD) instrument. SHARAD probes below the Martian surface using radar waves in the 15-25 MHz frequency band for high-depth resolution.

Scientists analyze the reflection of radar waves to characterize the Martian surface and subsurface layers of rocks, dust and ice. A radar capable of seeing deeply requires a very large antenna such as SHARAD's, which is 10 meters (32.8 feet) in length but weighs less than three kilograms (6.6 lbs).

"The SHARAD antenna combines our specialized ability to provide both a super lightweight structure and one with the necessary scale for the successful Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission,'' said Chris Yamada, general manager of Strategic Business Units, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
Scientists analyzed data from the spacecraft's radar instrument and reported in the journal Science that glaciers cover miles of the Martian surface, extending from edges of mountains or cliffs. These recent glaciers were found at much closer to the equator than is stable at the surface given current Martian conditions. SHARAD is able to see through the surface layer of dust and rock that insulates and preserves the glaciers.

One of the glaciers is triple the size of the city of Los Angeles and up to a half-mile thick. The presence of large amounts of ice at these latitudes could be used as a source of water to support future exploration of the Red Planet.

Astro Aerospace, with a 100 percent success record on hundreds of space deployables, recently was recognized by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for development, testing and on-time delivery of SHARAD's antenna under the constraints of a short development cycle for the SHARAD radar sounder instrument.

The SHARAD antenna uses a similar technology to the MARSIS antenna built by Astro Aerospace for the European Mars Express spacecraft. The MARSIS antenna successfully deployed to a length of 40 meters (131 feet) once Mars Express entered the desired orbit around Mars.

For more information visit www.northropgrumman.com   

SM600

Sinclair Technologies Unveils Multifunctional Transport Antennas
Sinclair Technologies, a manufacturer of antenna and filter products, has introduced its new SM300 and SM600 series of transport antennas that are specifically designed to address the need for compact, low profile, broadband antennas. These multifunctional antennas are single port, making them easy to install. Given their broadband capabilities, these models can serve multiple discrete RF systems when used with an X-coupler. SM 300 covers TETRA, UHF, 746 to 869 MHz, GSM, CDMA, and TDMA, while the SM 600 covers frequency bands between 746 to 2500 MHz. Designed to withstand constant vibration and harsh environments without compromising performance, these rugged antennas are suited for rooftop mounting.

Sinclair’s SC412 is a broadband, high gain, collinear, omni-directional antenna. This PIM (passive inter-modulation) certified antenna covers the full frequency range of 746 to 869 MHz, with 11.5 dBd gain and handling 500 watts of power. It offers a wind velocity rating of 170 mph.

Available with 2°,4°,6°,8° and 10° of electrical tilt, this antenna is suited for critical outdoor applications. For optimal performance a top cross bracing kit is recommended (model SMK-345-A7) for side mounted installation. A null fill version of this versatile antenna is also available for close-in coverage enhancement.
Sinclair’s SC 479 is a high-power broadband collinear omni-directional antenna. This PIM (passive intermodulation) certified antenna is null fill optimized for ultimate functionality in areas with excessive multipath.

Its heavy duty construction makes it well suited for critical outdoor applications where tower space is limited. Available with 0, 3 and 5° electrical tilt, the SC479 covers the full  frequency range of 746 MHz to 869 MHz. For optimal performance the SMK-325-A3 side mounting kit is recommended.

For more information visit www.sinctech.com

Laird Technologies Releases New Reduced-Size HD RooTenna Antenna Enclosure
Laird Technologies, Inc., recently introduced a new reduced-size HD RooTenna enclosure. The integrated unit is designed to accommodate smaller-sized equipment requirements for broadband wireless access (BWA) suppliers and carriers who deploy industrial WiFi / WLAN / WiMax / LTE systems, mesh networks, Wi-PoP base stations and/or client antennas using Point-to-Point and WISP applications.

These RoHS-compliant wide-band antennas offer spectral flexibility and operate within 900 to 928 MHz and 2,400 to 2,700 MHz band coverage and include Laird Technologies’ patented RJ45-ECS field replaceable feed-through Ethernet connector, as well as UV-resistant radomes made of ASA plastic and stainless steel hardware.  Seven different options of antenna connectors are available to adapt to any user’s equipment.

The metallic die-cast enclosure is available as a stand-alone unit with an integrated low-gain antenna, a detachable high-gain panel antenna or an aluminum box with no antenna.  All models have a removable and customizable user-mounting plate inside for installing electronics, as well as a hinged cover for easy maintenance with an IP-67 water and dust seal rating. The HD RooTenna is available in either pole-mount or wall-mount versions, with or without a heavy duty tilt bracket. There are 11 engineered knockouts (nine for N connectors and two for sized cable) eliminate the need for drilling.   

For more information visit www.lairdtech.com

Antenna Systems Conference
September 1-2, 2009
Philadelphia, Pa.

Now Accepting Abstracts! Click here for more information.

February 2009
23-26 - NATE, Nashville, Tenn.

25-28 - Software Radio Summit, Vienna, Virgina

March 2009
2-4 - Military Technologies Conf. & Expo, San Diego, Calif.

3-8 - CeBit, Hannover, Germany

18-20 - IWCE, Las Vegas, Nev.

24-27 - Satellite 2009, Washington, D.C.

25-26 - Wireless World 2009, Sydney, Australia

31-April 2 - Embedded Systems Conference, San Jose, Calif.

SATELLITE 2009
March 24-27
Washington, DC

SATELLITE 2009 is the premier conference and exhibition providing pertinent information, latest trends and actionable solutions to the satellite end-user community.  You’ll have unlimited opportunities to network with the entire satellite spectrum, including C-level executives, engineers and professional peers in communications, technology development, production, network operations and more!  At SATELLITE 2009, you’ll experience more than 280 exhibitors showcasing solutions and the most extensive conference focusing on the vertical markets of the satellite community.  SATELLITE 2009 takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on March 24 – 27, 2009.  Visit www.SATELLITE2009.com to register for the Conference and access to the Exhibition is free.

For more information, visit www.SATELLITE2009.com.

CONNECTIONS Europe
March 31, 2009
Nice, France

Attend CONNECTIONS Europe, March 31 Nice France
Network with Parks Associates' analysts and hear insights from key executives focused on new video services and IPTV, digital media and distribution, and customer support services.  What can communications and broadband service providers do to acquire and retain subscribers, differentiate their services, and create new revenue streams? 

Roger Pitton, Program Director, TV Business, Microsoft Corporation will present the Keynote: IPTV and the keys to keeping customers.

Hear from executives from Thomson, Radialpoint, ActiveVideo Networks, Pace. Macrovision, Valens Semiconductor and more.  Session topics include:

• Key European Consumer Trends
• Adding Value to Access Services
• All Eyes on Video Service Evolution
• Trends in Digital Media Content & Delivery
• How Consumer Electronics Get Connected
• Digital Home Tech Services: New Areas for Customer Support
• The Future of Consumer Technologies

For more information, visit www.connectionseurope.com.

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 Convention
April 1-3, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 event is where over 1,200 exhibiting companies and 40,000+ attendees from 125 countries will converge to do business, discuss innovation and exchange ideas.  Join us for four days to learn more about the emerging technologies that enable us to work toward the common goal of taking wireless and broadband communications to yet another level. Register now to be part of the Mobile Life! 

For more information, visit www.ctiashow.com.

NAB Show
April 18-23
Las Vegas, Nev.

The NAB Show exhibit floor presents Content Central - a rich business development environment that encompasses forward-focused areas dedicated to IPTV, Mobile Television and Content Commerce, and includes a Content Distribution Forum and a Content Theater. This unique combination of exhibits and events makes the NAB Show the ideal forum to develop relationships with global partners and gain the insight needed to monetize content and grow revenue.

For content creators, this is the place to see, touch and test the equipment and software being used to create the award winning content in HD and 3D. Join the world-wide community of content creators, producers, managers and distributors that share your professional passion for entertainment excellence.  For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.

ENTELEC Conference & Exposition
April 29 – May 1, 2009
Houston, Texas

Join us for the 81st annual ENTELEC Conference & Exposition, April 29 – May 1, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.  This year’s event features over 30 hours of technical training sessions, 225 exhibiting companies and free breakfast and lunch both days of the exhibits.  Join us for a networking social on Tuesday, April 28 at the Hilton Hotel and then on the evenings of Wednesday & Thursday at the Convention Center.  Col. Mike Mullane, former NASA astronaut will kick-off the conference on Wednesday, April 29th at 9:00am. Using real-life experiences from his Air Force and NASA careers, Colonel Mullane will motivate the ENTELEC audience on the practice of responsibility and accountability, on leadership and trust building, on setting lofty goals and overcoming obstacles to achieve those goals. To register for the show or for more information on our sessions, exhibiting companies or hotel/travel visit us online at www.entelec.org.

Interop Las Vegas
May 17-21, 2009
Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Interop’s comprehensive IT Conference and Expo is the best place to learn how technology can build your competitive edge. See all the latest innovations—including virtualization, mobility and cloud computing—that will help you increase efficiency, drive revenue and cut costs. Attend 200+ sessions and see 400+ exhibitors at the leading business technology event, May 17-21, 2009. Register today.

Click here for more information.

CONNECTIONS
June 2-4, 2009
Santa Clara, Calif.

The Future of Networked Devices & Digital Content - CONNECTIONS June 2-4, 2009
CONNECTIONS: The Digital Living Conference & Showcase provides a forum for executives to receive high-level analysis and consumer research from Parks Associates about the Digital Living industries. Register before March 1 and save an additional $200 on the early registration price.  Not sure what areas the event covers? Read our research.

This new white paper from CONNECTIONS, The Future of Networked Devices & Digital Content,  addresses the advancement of the network concept, beyond it's traditional and practical applications, including entertainment services, mobile devices, and control scenarios. Download our White Papers. Attend our Events. Gain Market Share.

Click here for more information.

2009 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility
August 17-21, 2009
Austin, Texas

Attend the 2009 IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility in Austin, Texas at the Austin Convention Center and Hilton Hotel from August 17 – 21, 2009.

10 Reasons Why You Should Attend:

• Top-rated, peer reviewed technical paper sessions
• Special and invited paper sessions
• Workshops and tutorials
• Demonstrations and experiments
• Global EMC University – tutorials with CEU credits
• Exhibitors showcasing the latest EMC products and services
• Fun, imaginative, entertaining social events
• Adjacent modern hotel and exhibit facilities – no shuttles, cabs rides or long walks
• Austin – a destination city that’s family-friendly with fun entertainment venues, “The Live Music Capital of the World!”
• The Best Speakers, The Best Papers, Your Best Friends, and The Best Time of Your Life!

Visit our website www.emc2009.org throughout the year for the latest information, videos and news about our symposium. 

2009 Loughborough Antennas & Propagation Conference
Nov. 16-17, 2009
UK

Following the success of previous events, the 5th Loughborough Antennas & Propagation Conference is taking place on the 16-17th November 2009 at the excellent Four Star Conference Centre on Loughborough University campus, UK.

LAPC 2009 will feature invited talks from world experts, research posters, a technical exhibition, University Research Activity, free computer simulation workshops and excellent networking opportunities for delegates and exhibitors.
The conference will include special sessions on;

• Small Antennas & Arrays for MIMO Applications
• Innovative Metamaterial Antennas & Technology
• Channel Characterisation and Modelling for Emerging Applications in Wireless Communications
• Bioelectromagnetics in Antennas and Propagation

Please visit www.lapconf.co.uk for more information.

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