Description:
NPL, in collaboration with Surrey University, has developed a compact
Electronically Steerable Parasitic Array Radiator antenna (ESPAR).
Technology
ESPAR technology is well known in the relevant scientific and user
communities but not yet widely adopted as a commercial product. ESPAR antennae
maximise the radiation towards the desired users and nulls towards the sources
of interference, which improves the bandwidth and range for wireless
communications and related applications. These devices are inherently more
expensive than existing lower performing devices and the increased device
complexity may raise concerns about reliability. However, there is documentary
evidence to suggest that for more specialised applications, price is not a major
barrier to adoption and that higher performance antennae are a key enabling
technology for the development of the wireless communications industry. In
particular there is a growing need for higher performing antennae in portable
devices and arrays which is expected to drive the interest in, and adoption of,
ESPAR technology. The ESPAR technology together with the software-defined radio
techniques can integrate Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB and WiMAX into a single package
device.
Benefits
The NPL IP covers the reduction in the overall size (and potentially cost) of
an ESPAR device, and continuing work could make the device even more compact. It
is apparent from market input that making ESPARs more compact is desirable and
will contribute to the attractiveness of the technology to early adopters.
Applications
The following applications are identified for low-cost compact size ESPAR
antennas:
· WiMAX:
One of the strongest drivers for smart antenna technology. The low cost of the
WiMAX spectrum compared to 3G is a clear driver for service providers to enter
the field of wireless services with WiMAX. This difference in cost/Hz is
particularly significant in Europe, where the average 3G spectrum cost/Hz is 353
times higher than the average WiMAX spectrum cost/Hz.
· Wi-Fi
communications/WLAN: Smart antenna technology can provide an extension to range
and capacity gain hence driving adoption in WLAN hotspot applications.
· 3G
communication base station/tower: In communication markets smart antenna
technology offers CDMA interference reduction and capacity enhancement to 3G
handsets and communication base stations/towers.
· Mobile
wireless communication terminals: As portability is a key requirement for mobile
wireless communication terminals, the size of the antenna will be important.
· RFID
Applications: An ESPAR antenna could contribute tremendously in the areas of
RFID tag reading rates, collision mitigation, location finding of items and
capacity improvement of the RFID systems.
· GPS
Jamming application: As Smart antennas can adjust their radiation patterns
adaptively, they have advantage in GPS Interference Detection Applications (e.g.
using their null steering for GPS jamming).
State of Development
A PCT application has been filed and we are now gathering evidence of
customer validation and potential adoption of the technology.
