e-Report

April 2007

Preliminary Program Announced for 2007 Antenna Systems Conference

Taking place September 26-27 in Denver, Colorado, the 2007 Antenna Systems Conference will feature the latest advancements in antenna systems & technology for a variety of industries and applications. This year’s program will include more than 40 technical presentations from today’s leaders in wireless communications, including these just announced sessions!

• The RF Challenges Raised by Mobile TV
  Dr. Jaume Anguera, Technology Manager, Fractus
• Beyond RET: Next-Gen Base Station Antenna Systems
  Kevin Linehan, Engineering Director / Base Station Antennas, Andrew Corporation
• A Broadband Dual Polarized Antenna Element for Wireless Communications
  Bill Vassilakis, VP, Corporate R&D Development, Powerwave Technologies, Inc.
  Gangyi Deng, Principal R&D Design Engineers, Powerwave Technologies, Inc.
• The Application of Metamaterial to MIMO Antenna Array
  Dr. Gregory Poilasne, VP of Business Development, Rayspan Corp.
• Best Practices in Open Over-the-Air Testing
  Dr. Perti Visuri, President & CEO, Airgain Inc.
• Advanced Simulation of Antenna and Microwave Systems
  Dr. Larry Williams, Director of Business Development, Ansoft Corp.
• Self-Structuring Antenna for Multi-Band and Mobile Applications
  Dr. Tayfun Ozdemir, Chief Technology Officer, Monarch Antenna, Inc.
• Effects of Poor Antenna System Return Loss on Broadband Wireless Systems Utilizing Time
  Division Duplex (TDD) Radios (Including WiMAX)
  Thomas LeBlanc, Applications Engineering Manager, TIL-TEK Antennae Inc.
  Barry Pratt, P. Eng., NORTEL
• The Compact Quadrifilar Antenna (CQA) for Handheld GPS and Satellite Radio Reception
  Dr. Stani Licul, President, Maxtena, Inc.
• Antenna and Propagation Considerations for RFID Systems
  Dr. Warren Stutzman, Founding Director, Virginia Tech Antenna Group
• Overcoming System Design Challenges for UWB-Based PAN Connectivity
  Chet Babla, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Artimi
• Measuring Range of the ZigBee Modules: Myths & Reality
  Dr. Vladimir Ivanov, MeshNetics
• WiMedia: The Ultra-Platform for Wireless Multimedia
  Jon Rosdahl, Vice President, WiMedia Alliance (Principal Engineer, Samsung)
• Ubiquitous RFID: It's Not Just For Walmart Anymore
  Sayan Chakraborty, CTO, SkyeTek

For more detailed program information, please visit … http://www.antennasonline.com/ast07_call.html or contact Jeremy Martin.

DiBcom, a fabless semiconductor company that designs high-performance chipsets, and SkyCross, a global wireless company providing antenna-centric RF solutions, recently announced a collaboration to provide complete, integrated mobile TV solutions that are compliant with the current worldwide Digital Video Broadcast standards, DVB-T and DVB-H. This solution provides device manufacturers with an alternative to the current designs that must employ an external antenna, as well as a way to optimize reception quality based on the expertise and system design knowledge of both companies.  

The collaboration brings together two of the best innovators in the mobile TV market. DiBcom is an enabler of low-power mobile TV reception at vehicular speeds exceeding 130 mph. SkyCross is the number one supplier of mobile TV antennas in Korea and has recently announced the expansion of its mobile video product family to include embedded antennas for terrestrial mobile video networks as low as 180 MHz. While some products that combine technologies from both DiBcom and SkyCross already exist on the market, such as the SGH-P930 handset for DVB-H from Samsung, the two companies plan to offer unparalleled expertise for mobile TV integration and system optimization.

This versatile mobile TV solution can be applied to a wide range of consumer electronics that require advanced integration, such as mobile handsets, portable multimedia players (PMPs), portable TV decoders (set-top boxes, integrated LCD TV), PC cards, notebook computers, and ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), which are small tablet PCs for data on the go. The bundled solution from DiBcom and SkyCross not only fits within the allotted space, but also accommodates the position of other components in these various devices.  The offering provides high-performance, low-power consumptiom and the ability to integrate advanced features.

For more information visit www.skycross.com.

Don’t Miss SkyCross’ Presentation at the Upcoming 2007 Antenna Systems Conference

SPECIAL FEATURE - Military Antennas

Syntonics’ UHF SATCOM Handheld Tactical Antennas Enter Production

Syntonics LLC, based in Columbia, Md., is now taking orders for its newest handheld tactical antenna. Developed for and purchased by a DoD sponsor, this model is used for UHF tactical satellite communications (“TACSAT”). It is lower weight, more rugged and less visible than legacy TACSAT antennas.

The HTA-TACSAT antenna folds and stuffs into a small nylon sack that can be carried in a knee pouch or rucksack. The antenna has no loose parts. A single, short sliding motion deploys the wire antenna elements, which spring into position. The dark wires are essentially invisible at a short distance. The slender antenna shaft and fittings are fiber-reinforced polymers and high-impact engineering plastics. These lightweight parts are extremely rugged and the sliding motion during deployment or packing is not degraded by sand or grit. The pistol grip antenna handle has a threaded insert so the antenna can be used handheld, or with the factory-supplied prehensile tripod, or with any user-supplied tripod, or with the factory-supplied magnetic mount.

The HTA-TACSAT is available direct from the factory and several distribution channels are being arranged. Quantity discounts begin with 25 units.

For more information visit www.syntonicscorp.com.

ND SatCom Introduces Light-weight Mobile VSAT Antenna System

ND SatCom, an SES ASTRA company and a global supplier of satellite-based broadband VSAT, broadcast, government and defense communication network solutions, has introduced a newly developed mobile VSAT antenna, SkyRAY Light.

SkyRAY Light is the most light-weight and robust mobile VSAT antenna subsystem in its class in the market and comes with an aerodynamic design. The system is very fast to deploy and fits any vehicle’s standard roof bars. In terms of operation, plug & play is the antenna subsystem’s basic concept: In the field, little technical expertise is needed to use the antenna subsystem for immediate and efficient satellite communications. SkyRAY Light is designed to be integrated in mobile IP VSAT applications for vertical markets such as disaster recovery & business continuity, governmental applications and broadcasting.

For more information visit www.ndsatcom.com.

Via-Sat C-130 Hatch Mount Satellite Antenna Passes Certification Testing

ViaSat Inc. has delivered a hatch-mounted Ku-band satcom antenna for C-130 aircraft that has received air worthiness certification from US Air Force authorities at Warner Robbins Air Force Base. The hatch mounted antenna enables configuration of aircraft for 2-way broadband communication access to terrestrial services and the GIG without any permanent modifications. Within minutes, ground crews can configure the aircraft for a specific mission, and then easily return the plane to normal transport configuration when the mission is complete. The newly-certified antenna enables use of an airborne satcom system to access wide area Department of Defense SIPRNet and NIPRNet networks at data rates up to 10 Mbps inbound and 512 kbps outbound while airborne and en route to mission destinations.

The small, low-profile antenna is enabled by the ViaSat ArcLight spread spectrum waveform, a major breakthrough in satellite communications for the Command and Control on the Move (C20TM) system that was recently certified by the Joint Interoperability Test Command. C2OTM is a commercial, off-the-shelf Ku-band satcom system that can be easily installed on ground vehicles, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, small-surface ships, and any mobile platform requiring broadband IP access on the move. The ViaSat waveform overcomes the challenges of satellite blockage from obstructions such as buildings, trees or helicopter blades.

For more information visit www.viasat.com.

New Wide-Band, High Power Military Antenna from mWAVE

mWAVE Industries, LLC antenna design, development and manufacturing company has developed a new wide-band high-power circularly polarized UHF omnidirectional antenna for a branch of the US military. This antenna is being delivered in production quantities to support both fixed site and mobile applications. The antenna provides hemispherical coverage over a frequency range of 370 MHz to 450 MHz and is capable of handling 1,500W of continuous power (CW). RF input is an LC female connector located at the base of the antenna. Alternate RF input options are available upon request. Input VSWR is 1.2:1 maximum. The model OQLC0-04-LC antenna design provides maximum life cycle over a broad temperature range in the most extreme environments including salt, sand, and radial ice. Antenna performance measurements conducted on mWAVE’s outdoor antenna test range demonstrate full compliance from 370 MHz to 450 MHz.

For more information visit www.mwavellc.com.

Quadrifilar Helix Antennas QFHA Series for Asset Tracking

TECOM Industries, Inc. recently introduced a new series of Quadrifilar Helix Antennas (QFHA) for the asset tracking market. The QFHA antenna series covers the 1610 to 1626.5 MHz frequency bands and uses a feeding circuitry design to obtain high isolation between bands. The antenna is 2 inches in diameter by 5 inches high and packaged in a weatherproof enclosure for land or maritime usage. The antenna is configurable with straight SMA connectors or with cable terminated with SMA connectors. The QFHA series of antennas are configured to embed active transmit circuitry without changing the total dimension of the antenna.

The antenna has hemisperical gain coverage and an axial ratio better than 1 dB in the coverage range. The antenna also has a high gain close to the horizon which allows for better connectivity to the satellites.

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

From The Editor …

The Odd-Couple, Mobile Television and Exciting New Antenna Products Make for an Interesting CTIA Event

• Thousands of wireless professionals gathered in Orlando, Fla. last month at the CTIA Show to wet their appetite for the latest and greatest in wireless products and technology.

As a regular attendee to the annual event, I was both excited and surprised to learn that ex-Presidents Bush and Clinton would be delivering a joint keynote address.

Although generic in content, the duo did not fail to keep the packed house entertained in both their respective speeches.

Waxing nostalgic on their days in office, both men patted themselves on the back for past achievements. Bush proudly taking credit for the fall of Communism, and Clinton for the economic boom of the late 90s ... of which he did give a nod to information technologies, admitting they accounted for 7 percent of employment, and a whopping 28 percent of economic growth between 1996 and 2000.

At 83 years old (and a self-proclaimed Blackberry addict) they don’t come much sharper than Bush Sr., who delivered an ultra-entertaining 20-minute stand-up routine that could rival any comedian working today. And did I mention the man jumps out of perfectly good airplanes for fun?

Bush affectionately referred to his lucrative post presidential speaking career as “white collar crime”. He also recounted the day his son Jeb was elected governor of Florida, telling his wife Barbara it was the happiest day of his life. To which she snapped, what about our wedding day George? “Yeah, that was ok too,” he said.

Playing the straight man for Bush, Clinton’s tone was certainly more serious, touching on the impact that wireless technology is having on the world by bringing people together, as well as creating economic opportunities for less fortunate people in underdeveloped countries.

While praising the wireless industry for the strides being made in technology, Clinton also urged the need for responsibility. Always keep in mind, he said, that the same technology that we see as beneficial, can also be harmful when in the wrong hands.

Clinton also used the CTIA platform to tout the benefits of electronic medical records (EMR), which he claimed could slash 100 billion in administrative costs from the 800 billion US citizens currently spend annually on health care, enough to provide universal coverage to our citizens, he said.

• Although still in its infancy, mobile television was a red hot topic at the 2007 CTIA event. It’s been reported that in the last year alone, the subscriber base for mobile TV has more than doubled from 3 million to roughly 7 million users. And these numbers haven’t gone unnoticed by antenna manufacturers, who have started rolling out new products to support mobile TV applications in the US.

For more on how antennas manufacturers are responding to the mobile TV challenge, be sure to register for the upcoming Antenna Systems Conference , which will take place September 26-27 in Denver, Colo. For more information visit www.antennasonline.com.

• Also causing a commotion at this year’s event were the hundreds of new products being launched, of which, we’ve highlighted a few standouts that we felt would be of particular interest to the readers of the Antenna Systems & Technology E-Newsletter.

Handset developers continue to promote more features and benefits into their devices to meet consumer demand, such as the addition of FM radio. However, a better FM antenna was needed because the existing solution consisted of the antenna being incorporated within a long and unwieldy headset cord that performed the dual function of being both the FM antenna and the ear piece listening accessory.

“The quality of this solution was not optimal and negatively affected the user experience, “says Craig Somach, director of sales. “Reception could be marginal and it did not allow use of the ever popular Bluetooth earpiece.”

Laird Technologies’ RadioAnt antenna is a miniature internal antenna circuit providing the combination of FM, impedance matching and signal amplification. The internal active FM antenna circuit provides performance similar to or better than a passive corded headset. The shape and size of the radiating element is small and customized to each device, while the size of the mating ASIC is less than 6 by 6 mm. This antenna eliminates the need for a corded headset extending from a handset to enable FM reception and it allows the use of a Bluetooth wireless earpiece for personalized FM radio reception or use of the handset’s speakerphone option to provide an external FM experience.

The RadioAnt operates across the entire FM frequency range of 88 – 108 MHz. The improved SNR found versus the external headset cord can increase the number of available channels and offer better reception. 50 ohms or a customized impedance is available.

For more information visit www.lairdtech.com.

Ethertronics, a provider of embedded antenna solutions for wideband and multi-band wireless devices, recently introduced the new MediaFLOTM embedded antenna to its Mobile TV line of antennas. The internal antenna, which is designed specifically to support US mobile TV applications, fosters handset design innovation by enabling device developers the freedom to implement mobile TV functionality without compromising on performance or ergonomics. Currently, the vast majority of mobile TVenabled devices have fragile external whip antennas, whereas the Ethertronics solution is embedded, which enables a more user-friendly form factor while providing clarity, reception, and resolution.

“Our new MediaFLO embedded antenna provides great quality reception for mobile television applications and also makes these devices more desirable to consumers,” said Jeffrey Crosby, president and CEO of Ethertronics.

“Rabbit ears on televisions are a thing of the past and so should be the case with today’s whip antennas for mobile TV devices. External antennas are subject to breakage causing issues for consumers, carriers and manufacturers. We’re solving that issue by offering embedded antennas that attain similar performance without being considered an eyesore.”

While there are limitations to receive UHF radio waves on handheld devices, an external whip antenna is not necessary to provide robust reception. Ethertronics has designed its Mobile TV line of antennas, which includes DVB-H and DMB products in addition to the MediaFLO antenna, with the company’s patented Isolated Magnetic Dipole™ (IMD) technology. IMD technology has been designed to confine the current flow on the antenna element and optimize the isolation to deliver higher performance in a small form factor.

Crosby continued, “The true test of a handheld’s success is whether or not it’s easy for the consumer to use and provides real-life performance benefits such as fewer freeze frames and consistent reception. This success criteria definitely applies to the new generation of mobile TV handsets. With their high isolation, selectivity, small form factor, and superior overall performance, our IMD-powered mobile TV antennas remove a myriad of limitations for consumers and design engineers alike. However a consumer uses their device – whether viewing it in the palm of their hand, holding it to their head, or putting it on the countertop – performance is not compromised when an Ethertronics IMD antenna is designed inside.”

For more information visit www.ethertronics.com.

Don’t Miss Ethertronics’ Presentation at the Upcoming 2007 Antenna Systems Conference

Jaybeam Wireless Unveils Embedded LNA Antenna

Jaybeam Wireless, a provider of base station antenna solutions, recently showcased its Embedded LNA UMTS antenna at CTIA Wireless 2007 in Orlando. This highly integrated solution reduces system noise, allowing network operators to achieve higher quality of service from their existing sites or larger cell radii for new deployments.

“Our new Embedded LNA antennas provide the lowest possible system Noise Figure by eliminating virtually all cable losses between the antenna and the LNA”, said Tony Pallone, Engineering director, Jaybeam Wireless. “This provides a 0.6 dB improvement in Uplink gain which will improve in-building penetration and increase data transmission rates to users.”

The 5162500 antenna model from Jaybeam Wireless is the first in a series of Embedded LNA antennas that will be developed by Jaybeam Wireless. This model features 65° beamwidth, 18 dBi gain with remote electrical tilt and two internal AISG compliant LNA’s. Control signals as well as DC power are provided to the antenna over the RF feed cable using an internal AISG modem and internal bias-T.

The Embedded LNA antenna is no larger than a standard UMTS base station antenna and fits within a 156 mm by 82 mm profile. By eliminating the wind load of the external TMA and associated external jumper cables, wind forces are reduced by over 23 percent. Exposure risk is also reduced by eliminating exterior components and 4 RF connections.

“Mounting TMA’s on the back or below antennas to improve performance is not a new concept,” said Tom Bell, vice president of Global Marketing, Jaybeam Wireless. “Treating the antenna and amplifier as one, optimized solution is new, but is the logical next step for operators wanting to achieve maximum utilization of available spectrum.”

For more information visit www.jaybeam.com.

Wideband Bi-Sector Array Improves Spectral Capacity to Deliver Advanced Multimedia Services

TenXc Wireless Inc., an Intelligent Radio Frequency (RF) solutions provider has unveiled its new Wideband Bi-Sector Array for Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) and UMTS 2100 licensed operators. The latest addition to its Bi-Sector Array family for enhanced site capacity, the Wideband Bi-Sector Array improves spectral capacity to deliver current and advanced multimedia services, increasing operator service revenues.

TenXc’s innovative Bi-Sector Array products increase spectrum efficiency to provide up to double the service capacity using existing site infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional cell site costs and lengthy build times. Operating across the full 1710 to 2170 MHz band, the new Wideband Bi-Sector Array facilitates higher capacity sites for growth markets and the introduction of high-speed multimedia services, while meeting stringent AWS and UMTS band performance requirements.

“It’s no secret that RF spectrum is finite and precious and that the need for spectrum to enable broadband mobile services is exploding,” said Andy Fuertes, Visant Strategies senior analyst. “The FCC auctions off new spectrum about once a decade and service providers snatched up the AWS spectrum in last fall’s auction. Now, they will need to make the best possible use of this resource. TenXc’s technology lets them do that while continuing to increase revenue.”

The Wideband Bi-Sector Array can be deployed in existing PCS 1900 MHz and DCS 1800 MHz network sites to optimize current service revenue growth and ease 3G network technology deployment, improving the operator’s overall return on investment. With a breakthrough, highly compact, radome design, the equivalent of two broadband sector antennas in one single 16-inch (40cm) -wide package, the Wideband Bi-Sector Array provides maximum zoning flexibility.

“Wireless carriers continually upgrade their networks with advanced technologies in order to deploy high-quality voice and innovative data and video services to our highly mobile society,” said Joe Hickey, President and CEO of TenXc Wireless. “Our Wideband Bi-Sector Array brings to service providers the required future-proof technology to increase broadband wireless service velocity with dramatically lower network CAPEX and OPEX costs.”

An industry first, the Bi-Sector Array’s unique asymmetric patterns and single dual-sector panel delivers maximum capacity performance gains in higher order sectorization site applications, while simplifying implementation and reducing site antenna count. In addition, its ‘drop and insert’ RF design maps to standard 65º sector coverage enabling hotspot deployment in existing networks without re-engineering surrounding sites. This reduces the deployment of additional service capacity to a matter of weeks.

The new Wideband Bi-Sector Array joins and builds on the success of the high gain DCS 1800MHz introduced at 3GSM 2007 and PCS 1900MHz Bi-Sector Array versions introduced in March 2006.

For more information visit www.tenxc.com.

May 2007
6-9 - UTC Telecom, Austin, Texas

15-17 - EDS Show, Las Vegas, Nevada

20-25 - Interop, Las Vegas, Nevada

21-23 - Military Satellites, Arlington, Virg.

22-24 - Broadband Wireless World at Interop, Las Vegas, Nevada

29-31 - WiMAX World Europe, Austria

Interop Las Vegas
May 20 – 25, 2007
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas , NV

Attend Interop Las Vegas to get the big picture. As the leading global technology event, Interop brings together IT professionals and business leaders to see all of the latest technologies in action. Visit more than 400 exhibitors, attend 200+ sessions, and check out live demos of tomorrow’s business solutions. Learn how different technologies work together to connect your infrastructure, your business, your people and your customers. Come to Interop this May. It's the only place you'll get the big picture. www.interop.com

Broadband Wireless World at Interop

Broadband Wireless world focuses on building and deploying broadband wireless and municipal networks. Topics covered include WiMAX, WiFi, WiMAX, Mesh, storage, VoIP, Network Performance, Network Test & Measurement, and more. Through its co-location with INTEROP, we offer attendees and exhibitors focused educational session amidst the backdrop of the broader convergence issues shaping the IT and telecommunications sector. Broadband Wireless attendees receive access to the BWW educational sessions, INTEROP keynotes, tradeshow floor, free give-aways, and Interop attendee party. Call Carolyn Herr at 949.233.3614 or cherr@cmp.com for more information or visit:

IIR’s In-Building Wireless Solutions Conference , now in its 10th year, is the ONLY event dedicated to technical AND strategic solutions for in-building wireless coverage and capacity for voice and data services. Whether you’re an RF engineer designing and optimizing in-building wireless networks, a director of IT with a mobile workforce that demands cutting edge wireless applications, or a strategist seeking an edge on how you can unlock the latent value of pervasive communications – this is the event for you.

Mention XU2014AST when registering and Save 10%! For more information about In-Building Wireless Solutions, visit www.iir-inbuilding.com.

WCA 2007
June 12-15, 2007
Washington, DC

Plan now to attend WCA 2007, June 12-15 in Washington, DC, the world's premier event for wireless broadband and a special 20th anniversary show.  This year's conference will convene global leaders in key wireless broadband segments including WiMAX, municipal wireless, 700 MHz, government, public safety, and more! 
Network with thousands of delegates from 30 nations and review solutions from 50+ leading vendors.   Visit to www.wcai.com for complete information or to register. 

CommunicAsia2007

CommunicAsia2007 (The 18th International Communications and Information Technology Exhibition & Conference) is where the business of technology comes to life. The global event showcases a convergence of the latest digital technologies across mobile networks and applications, network infrastructure and satellite communications. Addressing the future of technology, the exhibition and conference provide opportunities for industry networking, a platform for business deals and a meeting of minds for thought leaders.

EnterpriseIT2007

Where IT means business, EnterpriseIT2007 addresses the technology needs of the smart enterprise. Showcasing the latest applications for vertical industries such as financial services, government, healthcare, education, transportation and logistics, the event provides a meeting point between solution providers and buyers from the region.

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