October 1, 2002
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. has launched two types of the world's smallest chip antennas for mobile communications devices such as cell phones: one with a 2.4-GHz band and one with a 900-MHz band (*1). (Photo at left: 2.4-GHz chip antenna; photo at right: 900-MHz chip antenna)
The 2.4-GHz chip antenna is world-smallest in size (8.8 mm x 2.9 mm x 0.7 mm), wide in bandwidth (over 200 MHz for the required bandwidth of 80 MHz), and high in gain. This is made possible through the use of Furukawa's two-dimensional radiation circuit. Using the circuit, the antenna produces a non-directional radiation pattern that is optimal for mobile communications. The 900-MHz chip antenna employs a three-dimensional radiation circuit to provide performance equivalent to that of a whip antenna. Like the 2.4-GHz model, this chip antenna is industry-smallest in size (17.4 mm x 4.8 mm x 1.5 mm) and significantly increases flexibility in mounting and design.
Both types of chip antennas are manufactured by injection molding, enabling mass production. Lead terminals are used to provide high heat resistance. The terminal plating is suitable for lead-free soldering. Unlike conventional chip antennas, which use ceramic dielectric material, these chip antennas employ a thermoplastic high-dielectric material developed based on plastic technology for the covering of electric cables. This ensures high-frequency stability as well as small size (smallest in the industry) and high resistance to changes in temperature and humidity (when used in a car).
We have already established a mass-production system capable of producing 200,000 of each antenna every month. In the second half of 2002, we will launch full-scale marketing. We estimate that Bluetooth (*2) modules or wireless LAN using these chip antennas will be installed in the year 2005 alone in more than 200 million devices. We are aiming to achieve a 30% market share. We are also working to develop a 5-GHz wireless LAN antenna in compliance with the IEEE802.11a standard (*3), and a GPS antenna for mobile devices. Samples will be available soon.
Reference
- (*1) The 2.4-GHz chip antenna is used for IEEE802.11b wireless LAN and Bluetooth devices. The 900-MHz chip antenna is used for CDMA-ONE cell phones.
- (*2) Bluetooth is a short-distance wireless networking technology that connects computers, printers, digital cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
- (*3) IEEE802.11a is a wireless-LAN standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies the use of radio waves in the 5-GHz range. The maximum data transfer speed is 54 MB.