eNewsletter

February 2010

Antenna Systems 2010: Call for Presentations
Are you interested in showcasing your technical solutions and innovations to top-level OEM design and systems engineers? Submit an abstract for the opportunity to speak and this industry-leading conference. We are looking for energetic and knowledgeable speakers to share their vision, ideas and solutions with our audience.

Submissions sought for, but not limited to:

• Base Station Antenna Technology
• Military and Defense Antenna Systems
• Advancements in Smart Antenna Systems
• Large Satellite Antennas
• Antennas and Systems for Adaptive Array and Switch Beam
• New Developments in Embedded and Mini RFID and Nanoscale Antennas
• WiMAX Antenna Developments
• Antenna Systems for Software Defined Radio
• CDMA, 3G, Telematics Antenna Systems
• Antennas for Wireless Internet, Bluetooth, 802.11, WiLAN, Zigbee, NFC
• Antenna Systems for Wireless Mesh and Sensor Networks
• Short-Range and Low-Power Radio Antenna Systems
• Antenna Selection and Integration
• Maximizing Antenna Performance, Security & Durability
• Planar, In-Building and and Premise Systems
• GPS, Satellite, RF and Microwave Advancements
• Aerospace and Defense Antenna Development
• Aerospace, Aviation, Marine and Telemetry Antenna Developments
• New Materials for Enhancing Performance
• Component and Assembly Advancements
• Latest Techniques in Antenna Design & Testing
• Standards Developments and Requirements
• Worldwide Antenna Market, Manufacturing and Pricing Trends

Short-Range Wireless Technology, including:

• New developments in technology, market conditions and end-user requirements that are driving innovation, new product capabilities and features, application trends and performance improvements today and in the future.
• Platform, Standards, Frequency, Regulatory and Safety Developments
• Antenna System Design for Maximizing Hardware, Device and Operations Capabilities
• Semiconductor and Software Advancements
• Security, Testing, Safety
• Latest Advancements in Components, Materials and Design Tools for Improving Antenna System Performance
• Trends in End-User Requirements
• Determining the Optimal System for a Particular Application
• Vertical Market Applications
• Economics and Performance of Implementation and Design and Operation of Wireless Communication Systems
• System Troubleshooting and Optimization

All confirmed speakers will receive a complimentary conference registration.

Abstracts must be submitted to Heather Krier by no later than March 12th for consideration. Early submissions are encouraged. For details click here.

For program questions or to host a pre-conference workshop, contact Heather Krier at 800-803-9488 x129.

For sponsor/exhibitor questions, contact Laura Mayo at 800-803-9488 x130.
See current exhibitors here.

Antenna Systems 2010 will take place October 19-20 in Dallas, Texas and will focus on the most recent advancements in antenna design, applications and technology. Get involved as a speaker, attendee, workshop instructor, exhibitor or sponsor and discover how this unique conference experience will immediately impact your business operations.

InSite Wireless Group Receives Funding from Catalyst Investors
InSite Wireless Group, LLC, owner, operator and manager of wireless communication tower site facilities and distributed antenna systems (DAS), has received funding from Catalyst Investors, a New York-based growth private equity firm. InSite plans to use the capital to expand the company through acquisitions and construction of new towers and DAS projects. Catalyst partners Chris Shipman and Todd Clapp will join InSite’s Board.

“This investment, in combination with our existing credit facility, will enable us to acquire and build additional towers and DAS facilities to serve the wireless communications industry,” said David E. Weisman, president and CEO, InSite Wireless Group, LLC. “We have known the Catalyst partners since the 1990s when they were with TD Bank and invested in our predecessor company. Catalyst’s industry knowledge and expertise, combined with their network of industry leaders in the communications sector, make them uniquely qualified to help grow the business and take the company to the next level.” 

“Our team has been investing in the wireless tower sector for 15 years and we recognize the opportunities that InSite has to grow and thrive,” said Shipman. “Wireless carriers continue to expand their networks as usage increases rapidly, driven in particular by the mass adoption of smart phones. InSite is a well suited partner for us due to its exceptional management team, scalable platform, and the lease-up potential offered by its existing towers and DAS facilities.”

“In addition to the company’s success in wireless towers, InSite’s strong DAS business is in a high-growth area that gives the company an enormous opportunity for continued expansion,” said Clapp. “For example, InSite’s DAS project with the Boston subway system is already up and running and under construction for the next phase of station platforms and connecting tunnels, which, upon completion, will provide riders with continuous wireless coverage throughout the entire subway transit system.” 

Luxul Wireless Announces New Division Focused on Mission Critical Wi-Fi Communications and Mobile Mesh Networking
Luxul Wireless, a producer of high-performance wireless signal technologies, has introduced Luxul Military, a new division dedicated to delivering rugged Wi-Fi signal enhancement solutions for use in military operations. As part of the Luxul Military launch, the company has also announced the availability of the ultra high performance Tactical Mesh Antenna (TMA) that implements Luxul's unique 3D Signal technology to improve wireless signal quality in mobile mesh applications. The TMA is designed to increase the usable signal coverage area and data throughput while also improving overall signal integrity within a mobile mesh network.

“Over the past decade, Luxul Wireless has delivered products to and been involved in multiple DOD programs,” said Jeffrey Curtis, president and CEO of Luxul Wireless. "We are pleased to further demonstrate our commitment to this market with the announcement of our Luxul Military division together with the launch of the Tactical Mesh Antenna.”
 
The Luxul Military TMA improves wireless signal quality and reach through the use of patented and patent pending 3D Signal technology that combines highly reliable signal amplification with a unique circular signal pattern that transmits on all planes. This enhances the usable signal reach when compared to traditional antenna technologies, while also offering a more forgiving signal pattern that delivers greater link stability between mobile clients. Standing just 5.5-inches tall, the low profile and rugged TMA also delivers a substantial footprint and durability advantage over traditional high gain antennas.

“The TMA is specifically designed for use in rugged and mobile military applications and will revolutionize how mobile mesh networks are deployed,” says Curtis. “Whether it's mounted directly to a vehicle or used as part of a fixed node within a mesh environment, the TMA is an essential component for building and maintaining a reliable mobile mesh network.”

Luxul Military solutions implement patented digital signal boosting capabilities along with advanced circular polarization signal propagation. Together, they create Luxul's 3D Signal technology that delivers increased signal penetration, range and clarity -- easily outperforming traditional signal technologies. Luxul products are widely used in hospitality, healthcare, military/defense, education, home area networking, commercial hot spots, and mesh networking applications.

SelectConnect Technologies Launches LPKF MID Service
Chicago based SelectConnect Technologies, a division of Arlington Plating Company has recently commenced a new manufacturing service business for producing molded interconnect devices (MIDs) using LPKF Laser & Electronics’ Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) technology. 

“SelectConnect Technologies broad experience with both plating and MID components makes them an ideal candidate to offer the LDS technology to a number of industries in North America,” said Stephan Schmidt, president LPKF Laser & Electronics.

MIDs are molded plastic components that are laser activated and then selectively metalized with copper, nickel and gold.  The components are true 3D devices, merging the features of circuit carriers and housing together in one part.  This technology is commonly used for cell phone antennas and for interconnect solutions in the automotive and medical industry. 

Altair Semiconductor and SkyCross Announce LTE Cooperation
Altair Semiconductor, a 4G chip company, and SkyCross, an antenna designer and manufacturer, have announced cooperation on high-performance, LTE product solutions. As part of the cooperation, Altair has integrated the SkyCross iMAT MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) antenna in Altair’s recently announced FourGee LTE USB ExpressCard UE (User Equipment). The card has undergone extensive interoperability testing (IOT) and is currently being used in various field activities throughout the world.

The two companies initially began their cooperation with a focus on mobile WiMAX technology utilizing Altair’s FourGee-2150/6150 chipset and have been closely working on field testing and optimizations for more than a year.

“The combination of Altair’s comprehensive and power-efficient LTE USB ExpressCard and high-performance iMAT antennas from SkyCross provides the marketplace with one of the first small form factor LTE UEs,” said Oded Melamed, Co-Founder and CEO of Altair Semiconductor. “We look forward to further expanding our relationship with SkyCross as new 4G reference designs that support newly available RF bands are introduced to the marketplace.”

Altair’s FourGee LTE USB ExpressCard UE is one of the industry’s first Category-3 datacard solutions. Based on Altair’s FourGee-3100/6200 baseband/RFIC LTE chipset, the ExpressCard is a well suited test and IOT UE platform for system vendors and carriers involved in the development, field trials, and deployment of LTE systems. The FourGee LTE USB ExpressCard UE is also a reference design for terminal manufacturers working to develop commercial products based on the FourGee family of LTE chips. 

“SkyCross is pleased to work with Altair to set the bar for high performance in small LTE devices using our iMAT MIMO antennas,” said Dennis McKenna, CEO of SkyCross. “Together, we have developed a winning reference design that device manufacturers and network operators can confidently leverage to offer end users a sleek device design with an impressive LTE experience.”

Patented SkyCross iMAT antennas are proven to boost capacity, data rates, and reliability of 4G networks. LTE networks require MIMO to deliver compelling broadband throughputs. Mobile devices that support MIMO typically require multiple resonators, but space constraints and interference issues make this a difficult implementation challenge. SkyCross iMAT antennas utilize a patented antenna design technique that enables a single optimized antenna element to take the place of multiple antennas, which lowers cost, improves MIMO performance and streamlines the integration process when compared to traditional antennas.

Pulse Monopole Antennas Enable Multiple M2M Applications
Pulse, a Technitrol Company, a producer of electronic component and subassembly design and manufacturing, has released a new set of monopole antennas that deliver Zigbee 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and ISM bands 868 megahertz (MHz), 915 MHz and 2.4 GHz.  These antennas are suitable alternatives to using trace antennas because they occupy very little printed circuit board space while maintaining their key properties regardless of changes to the board.  They provide a high-quality radio interface for multi-purpose machine-to-machine (M2M) devices and applications such as data loggers, remote control, tracking, monitoring, Smart Grid, automated meter reading (AMR), tags, remote keyless entry, industrial, metering, security, automation and point-of-sale (POS).

The monopole family of ceramic antennas consists of the W3000, W3014, W3016 and W3043.   Due to their small size they are well suited to solutions where PCB size is limited for the antenna.  Compared to a PCB antenna, the high temperature ceramic (HTC) material used in the monopole family means they detune less due to human tissue proximity or device mechanics, making them a well suited choice for hand-held or body worn products.  These antennas can be used for multiple functions because their operating frequencies can be changed simply by implementing different matching circuits.   

The smallest antenna is the W3043, at 3.2 mm wide by 1.6 mm long by 1.1 mm high with a weight of 33 mg.  It is matched to 2.4 GHz or other frequencies. 

The W3000, also compact, measuring 7 mm by 1.6 mm by 1.6 mm and weighs 86 mg.  It's used for 2.4 GHz and ISM band 868.  With clearance, these antennas measure 66 mm² (11 x 6mm). Compared to a typical 2.45 GHz FR-4 trace antenna which measures 200 mm² (20 by 10 mm), Pulse’s monopole antennas deliver 67 percent more board space. Thus, a smaller device can be designed or space freed up for other components, and PCB costs are reduced.

The W3014 is a 10 mm by 3.2 mm by 1.5 mm chip with a weight of 240 mg.  It uses ISM band 915 so it can be used for designs containing a suitable matching circuit.  The W3016 is well suited for ISM band 868 and is 10 mm by 3.2 mm by 4 mm with a weight of 600 mg. 

“With so many emerging applications in the M2M sector, designers need an antenna solution which accommodates different ground plane sizes and product dimensions,” said Elaine Baxter, marketing manager, Pulse Wireless Devices Antenna Division.  "Pulse 's new range of ZigBee and ISM band ceramic monopole antennas offers a comprehensive and flexible portfolio which can be matched to the majority of M2M applications. They provide more reliability and higher performance than traditional trace antennas used on the PCB.”

All Pulse monopole antennas are RoHS compliant and fully compatible with surface mount devices.  They are easy to implement and come with Pulse's worldwide technical support.  The antennas are packaged in tape-and-reel.  Prices range from $0.25 to $0.55 and may vary according to destination and order configuration. 

Radio Waves Releases New 15 GHz Discriminator for Dragonwave ODU
Radio Waves, Inc. has announced that a new member of the Discriminator family is available to cover the 15 GHz microwave band. This latest Discriminator is the HPCPE-15DW2 and it integrates directly with the Dragonwave ODU. The Discriminator is known for its low profile and improved side lobe performance.

“At Radio Waves we are committed to developing innovative antenna products,” said Andy Singer, president of Radio Waves. “Our 15 GHz Discriminator is a very aesthetically pleasing solution for 15 GHz microwave installations that make it easier to get landlord and zoning approval.”

Y250-HF2SNM(U) Yagi Directional Antenna
Sinclair presents the new heavy duty model in the SY250 series of advanced Yagi directional antennas. The SY250-HF2SNM(U) is designed for 40 mm ice loading and high front-back ratio. Covering a frequency range of 138-174 MHz, this extra broadband antenna ensures improved performance in extreme wind and ice conditions.

These models are universally mountable i.e. they can be center, end or wall mounted with optional clamps. Mounting clamps are available upon request.

Aeroflex’s DC to 40 GHz SMART^E 5300 Reduces Life Cycle Cost of High-Performance, High-speed RF and Microwave Testing
For high-performance, high-speed testing of RF and microwave devices, Aeroflex introduces the SMART^E 5300 general-purpose test environment. The DC to 40 GHz SMART^E 5300 is unique in its ability to test, monitor and control any Device Under Test (DUT) within a single test environment.

“SMART^E 5300 eliminates a large rack of test equipment and replaces it with a compact test system that is quickly reconfigured and redeployed to suit any individual DUT or production line,” said Dr. Francesco Lupinetti, senior business development executive for Aeroflex’s High Speed Test Solutions. “The SMART^E 5300 also has the ability to emulate legacy and obsolete instruments. In this market, long-term support is a major concern. The fact that we can offer customers a ‘future-proof’ system gives customers peace of mind.”

SMART^E 5300 is designed for parametric and functional testing in the military/aerospace and high-performance commercial markets. The system is well suited for customers with one or more of these demanding RF/microwave test requirements:

• High throughput production;
• Large number of unique tests per DUT;
• Highly repetitive tests per DUT;
• Product lines requiring rapid software reconfiguration of test systems;
• Replacement of racks of older or obsolete equipment with a “synthetic” or software-defined test environment.

The Aeroflex SMART^E 5300 is currently available for delivery 24 to 28 weeks upon receipt of order. Because of the SMART^E 5300’s high degree of customization and scalability, prices can vary considerably.

ARA, Inc. Reveals ARA-243 Series
Antenna Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has released the 243 series antenna. This series is a small and light weight foldable SATCOM antenna line. Utilizing input provided by former special operations communications experts who served in Afghanistan and other hotspots around the world, the Engineering team at ARA has created a smart, convenient and user-friendly mini SATCOM antenna system.

One of many convenient features of the ARA-243 series is its ability to diversify its functions in order to satisfy a variety of military communication needs. Each system is available with a wide range of attachments. Each attachment is compatible with the top RF part of the system, giving users the freedom to switch functions with simplicity and ease. This system includes all this functionality while providing optimal gain and communication link performance.

Antenna Research’s 243 series hosts a variety of different products to fit a soldiers every need:

The ARA-243T is an antenna with a sturdy, yet compact tripod, with continuous azimuthal and elevation adjustment.

The ARA-243P is an antenna with an easy to hold pistol grip. ARA’s Engineering team consulted with several gun experts in order to find the most practical and comfortable grip. The result was the use of a grip that is part of a widely used rifle.

The ARA-243M is the magnetic mount model. This model can be used to secure the antenna to the top of a Connex container or other metallic surface when an operator may not have room to deploy a full tripod.

The ARA-243K model is an antenna kit that includes all of the aforementioned attachments (tripod, pistol and magnetic mount). This system features a carrying case that is MOLLE compliant so that it can be attached to the outside of the rucksack. The pistol grip model comes with a smartly designed holster that can be worn by the operator.

The Technology World in One Location!
Top design engineers, system engineers and technical managers from multiple markets and industries will be converging in Dallas this fall, October 18-20, to attend six leading technical events that are being co-located for the first time ever. Make plans today to attend!

Battery Power 2010 • Thermal Management & Technology Symposium • REMOTE Site & Equipment Management 2010 • Energy Efficiency Expo 2010 • Antenna Systems 2010 • Electrical Manufacturing & Coil Winding Expo

Download the February/March 2010 Issue

Features:

• New Developments in Antennas for Small Satellite Terminals
• Electromagnetic Modeling of UHF RFID Systems
• Reducing Test Times and Improving Competitiveness in Antenna and RCS Applications

Products & Services:

Antennas, Components/Connectors, Test & Measurement, RFID

FEBRUARY 2010

2/22 - 2/23
2010 IEEE International Microwave Workshop Series on "RF Front-ends for Software Defined and Cognitive Radio Solutions" (IMWS)
Aveiro, Portugal

2/22 - 2/25
2010 2nd International Conference on Metamaterials, Photonic Crystals and Plasmonics (META)
Cairo, Egypt

2/23 - 2/24
2010 International ITG Workshop on Smart Antennas (WSA)
Bremen, Germany

Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010
March 7-10, 2010
San Diego, CA

Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010 will showcase a number of key utility projects, from smart meter deployments, smart grid systems, meter data management implementation and advanced water metering. Hear from major stimulus package winners, large national investor-owned utilities to maverick municipalities, you have the opportunity to interact directly with a diverse group of smart metering and smart grid project leaders. Join smart utility professionals, cutting-edge technology providers and leading industry consultants at North America’s premium event - Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010: where technology meets the customer
As a Antenna Systems Magazine Reader, you will receive a $300 discount for Metering Billing/MDM America March 8 – 9, if you register before February 7, 2010! Enter registration code:001AS

Meter Data Management Summit:
The Metering America: Meter Data Summit will enable you to better understand the transformative process of adopting an MDMS. As an incredible source of value for your utility you will learn how to better manage the terabytes of collected data, and improve not only operational efficiencies but customer service too. If you act now, you will receive a further $100 off the price of the Meter Data Management Summit post-conference seminar on Wednesday March 10. Enter registration code: 002AS

For more information visit www.meteringamerica.com

IWCE 2010
March 8-12, 2010
Las Vegas, NV

IWCE is the pre-eminent integrated communications systems event for the working world. Having the ability to receive the right information has never been more important. If you are responsible for the dependability, reliability and interoperability of your organization’s communication system, then IWCE is your must attend event.  IWCE provides the applications and systems you need in order to communicate anytime, anywhere. Make connections with 360+ leading edge exhibitors and collaborate in an educational environment that delivers meaningful information that allows you to do a better job. 

From Land Mobile Radio…to Wireless Mobility…Voice…Video…Data…and everything in-between…Communications Technology is Changing…and so is IWCE.

Register by February 5, 2010 and SAVE!

SATELLITE 2010
March 15-18, 2010
Gaylord National Convention Center
National Harbor, MD

The SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition is the premier event providing solutions to the global satellite end-user community.  SATELLITE 2010 will attract more than 9,300 delegates from 70 countries and features more than 300 exhibiting companies plus a full conference program led by more than 300 communications via satellite experts and innovators. The 2010 Conference features focused forums on broadcast, enterprise, military and emerging regions. For more information, visit www.SATELLITE2010.com.

International CTIA WIRELESS®
March 23-25, 2010
Las Vegas, NV

The International CTIA WIRELESS® show represents a $1 trillion global marketplace that brings together every component of the wireless and broadband ecosystem. For 25 years, International CTIA WIRELESS® has been THE premier marketplace for all things wireless and 2010 is guaranteed to be another crucial and groundbreaking event for the industry. Join us in Las Vegas, March 23-25. Early bird pricing ends February 16 -- register now at www.ctiawireless.com!

RFID Journal Live 2010
April 14-16, 2010
Orlando, Florida

Learn how to put RFID to work at the world's largest RFID event!

Learn how leading early adopters are using RFID to cut costs and boost operational efficiencies at the world's most important RFID event. Hear real-world end-user case studies and find the right technology solutions for your business problems. Learn from a program tailored to meet your needs, featuring 8 industry-specific and how-to conference tracks, 8 in-depth preconference seminars, fast-track CompTIA RFID+ training and certification,

3 co-located events, the RFID Journal Awards and more. Register now for maximum savings! http://www.rfidjournalevents.com/live/

ACI DAS Congress
May 11-12, 2010
Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center
Grapevine, TX

Now in its 3rd year, the ACI DAS Congress is dedicated to the business and technical issues surrounding the use of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) to achieve ubiquitous wireless coverage – both in-building and outdoors. Featuring insights from wireless carriers, building owners and public venues that have deployed a DAS, and leading DAS solution providers, this annual gathering will bring you up to speed on the current market and latest trends, showcase in-depth deployment case studies, and highlight the latest technical advances.

IMS2010 - 2010 International Microwave Symposium
The Golden State Of Microwaves
May 23-28, 2010
Anaheim, CA

The International Microwave Symposium (IMS) is the world's premier microwave conference and the centerpiece of Microwave Week 2010.  IMS offers technical sessions, workshops and panel sessions, plus the world’s largest Microwave and RF trade show featuring over 500 vendors.  Attend IMS for the latest research and products in Wireless Communication, Radar, RF technologies, high frequency semiconductors, electromagnetic, commercial and military RF, microwave and mm-wave electronics and applications. To see what’s new at IMS2010, visit www.IMS2010.org

Sensors Expo & Conference
June 7-9, 2010
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center - Rosemont, IL

For 24 Years, Sensors Expo & Conference Has Been the Leading Industry Event Focusing Exclusively on Sensors & Sensor-Integrated Systems! The in-depth conference program features the world's leading authorities, in a carefully designed program, including topics such as: Energy Harvesting, Wireless Networking, Low-Power Sensing, Bio-Sensing, MEMS & MCUs, Monitoring Tools & Applications, Novel Approaches to Measurement, Power/Smart Grid Monitoring & Control, and more!  PLUS – save months of time researching, by examining solutions to your toughest sensing challenges from best-in-class vendors on the Expo floor!  Whether you're looking to find the latest sensing solutions, evaluate emerging standards, find and compare suppliers, or solve new design challenges, you can't afford to miss Sensors Expo & Conference! 

Visit www.sensorsexpo.com for details!

AMTA Symposium
October 10-15, 2010
Atlanta, Georgia

AMTA is a non-profit, professional organization created by engineers to promote advances in electromagnetic technologies applicable to antenna and RCS measurements.  Today, AMTA has more than 400 members worldwide who meet annually to exchange ideas and improve the “state-of-the-art” in measurement theory and application. Atlanta offers the perfect blend of modern innovation and old-world Southern charm.  It’s the birthplace of historic figures, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and former US President Jimmy Carter, as well as pop culture icons Coca-Cola, “Gone with the Wind,” and CNN.  Atlanta is also home to the world’s largest aquarium, the Braves Stadium, the historic Fox Theatre, and Olympic Park. 

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