Series 16 – Episode 2 – EEA Award winner discusses LDS technology and antenna design

The Tulip antenna is designed with an industry-first approach to wireless communication, leveraging the flexibility and advanced capabilities of Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) technology. Carmen shared that this innovation enables Kyocera AVX to offer a high level of design freedom and performance for antennas used in applications such as IoT, wearables, and automotive systems.

LDS technology allows for the creation of three-dimensional electronic structures by directly applying metal traces to plastic surfaces. The process begins with plastic moulding, followed by laser activation of certain particles within a special resin, which then makes way for metal plating on the structure. According to Carmen, this gives engineers significantly more flexibility in antenna design compared to traditional methods like stamped metal or flexible printed circuits.

With LDS, designers can mould and integrate electronic components in intricate 3D shapes. Carmen explained: “You never have the full flexibility with 2D structures. However, with LDS, because we apply the metal directly on the plastic, you really have more flexibility to make shapes and curves.”

The Tulip antenna’s design showcases the full potential of LDS, particularly in the context of UWB applications. The ability to create 3D shapes allows for greater efficiency in performance, especially in devices where space is at a premium, such as wearables or small IoT devices. Carmen elaborated: “When you have embedded antennas, everything radiates, not just the antenna. You want to use the maximum available volume to improve performance, and LDS helps by allowing the antenna to be directly integrated into the plastic housing.”

This method improves both the signal transmission and the overall RF performance, making LDS an ideal solution for applications requiring precise control and high accuracy.

The Tulip antenna’s unique shape, inspired by its floral namesake, plays a critical role in improving signal accuracy. Carmen explained that traditional planar antennas often experience performance drops when the device is rotated. However, the Tulip antenna maintains a constant signal phase around the antenna, significantly enhancing performance in UWB applications that require precise positioning data, such as indoor location tracking.

Carmen noted: “With the Tulip antenna, even if you rotate, you keep the performance. The phase around the antenna remains consistent, and you can maintain the accuracy of the system, which is very important for indoor location applications.”

In modern devices, where miniaturisation is key, LDS technology enables the integration of antennas without sacrificing performance. It also supports the reduction of weight and assembly costs by eliminating the need for bulky cables and connectors. According to Carmen, this is particularly beneficial for industries like automotive, where space, weight, and efficiency are essential.

With the success of the Tulip antenna, Kyocera AVX is setting new benchmarks in the field of antenna design and wireless communication, demonstrating the potential of LDS technology to reshape how antennas are designed and deployed in modern electronics.

To hear more about antenna design and much more, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview with Carmen Redondo on Spotify or Apple podcasts.