Alpha Micro Expands Cellular Antenna Offering with Taoglas Embedded Hepta-band Flexible Circuit Antenna

Further extending Alpha Micro’s antenna portfolio, the FXP.14 delivers higher performance than traditional embedded ‘off-the-shelf’ antennas. It is designed to be mounted directly onto the product casing saving valuable design space and creating extra clearances for the antenna to radiate. A reference housing and PCB was used to design the antenna in order to predict real-life deployment. It has been designed using innovative design techniques making this off-the-shelf antenna suitable for many devices that previously needed costly customisation.

As it has its own ground-plane and over 50% antenna efficiency, the FXP.14 delivers more effective network connection. Its high sensitivity means connection can be sourced in low signal areas and is also suited to devices that require higher data throughput rates. Efficient antennas like the FXP.14 allow devices to benefit from lower power consumption and enhanced transmission. The FXP-14 enables quick network approval turnaround and a lower probability of radiated spurious emission, allowing for a quicker and inexpensive route to market.

The FXP-14 hepta-band antenna delivers an impressive efficiency of over 50% on all cellular bands 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100 MHz for GSM, CDMA, DCS, PCS, WCDMA, UMTS, HSPA, GPRS and EDGE. It also features 1575MHz for cellular or CDMA modules with AGPS where enhanced 911 is a requirement. Covering all worldwide cellular markets, the FXP-14 is compatible with the complete range of M2M modules and is particularly suited to those that require a connector.

The FXP-14 antenna uses the same design technique found in most high-end mobile phones and can be placed directly on the underside of the device. Its flexible substrate is conformable to the curves of the housing and has an extremely low profile of only 0.1mm in depth.

Dermot O’Shea, Director at Taoglas, commented: “Most off-the-shelf antennas lead to poor performance with little chance of gaining official network approvals in the US and worldwide. The FXP-14 has been designed using new techniques, making this off-the-shelf antenna suitable for many devices that previously would have needed costly customisation.”

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director at Alpha Micro, said: “The FXP-14 antenna further complements our extensive range of GPS, GSM and GPRS antennas. Building on our expertise in this area with this high quality product that is compatible with a vast realm of M2M devices, we will be able to offer our customers even greater choice.”

The FXP-14 embedded hepta-band flexible circuit antenna comes complete with a cable and connector for ease of integration and is now available from Alpha Micro Components.