Inverted-F antenna

An inverted-F antenna is a type of antenna used in wireless communication, mainly at UHF and microwave frequencies. It consists of a monopole antenna running parallel to a ground plane and grounded at one end. The antenna is fed from an intermediate point a distance from the grounded end. The design has two advantages over a simple monopole: the antenna is shorter and more compact, allowing it to be contained within the case of the mobile device, and it can be impedance matched to the feed circuit by the designer, allowing it to radiate power efficiently, without the need for extraneous matching components. The inverted-F antenna was first conceived in the 1950s as a bent-wire antenna. However, its most widespread use is as a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) in mobile wireless devices for its space saving properties. PIFAs can be printed using the microstrip format, a widely used technology that allows printed RF components to be manufactured as part of the same printed circuit

Tunable radiator for small satellite application

Frédéric Bongard, Tomislav Debogovic, Mikaël Krummen, Jean-Daniel Landis, Pedro Robustillo Bayon, Nevena Saponjic

A tunable radiator for space application has been developed to meet stringent requirements in terms of electrical and environmental specifications but also low mass, simple manufacturing and low cost. The element is based on the folded PIFA antenna, with size of one quarter of wavelength. It is mechanically tunable to adjust input impedance for any various positions on the satellite body and possible obstacles and protrusions. Results in terms of radiation pattern, S parameters, shock and vibration tests are presented. The antenna operates in UHF band (400 MHz) and it has been designed to act as the basic element for miniaturised multi-function antenna systems on board of small satellites that can operate in three different radiating modes.

2016

Computational Analysis and Methods for Electromagnetic Exposure Limits, Antenna Optimization and Cell Phone Design

Chen Xi Lin

In recent years, the advancements of wireless technologies have led to rapid developments in the field of telecommunication, power delivery and bio-medical applications. During the evolution of a wireless technology, the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between a radiating source (e.g., an antenna) and nearby active or passive elements (e.g., a closely integrated electronic component or a human body) often introduces challenging design requirements. This thesis focuses on the applications of state-of-the-art computational electromagnetic compatibility (CEMC) techniques in multidisciplinary engineering design tasks, with an emphasis on computational bio-electromagnetic compatibility (CBEMC). The analyses reported in this thesis span practical applications from power frequency (Hz) to radio frequency (GHz), providing research outcomes which significantly benefit the understandings of low-frequency human body exposure safety and radio-frequency antenna integration and optimization. The research aspect of the thesis is initiated with a thorough review of the existing low-frequency exposure safety guidelines recommended by international regulatory committees. The subsequent analyses suggest essential scientific basis for the update and revision of the existing exposure limits. Practical exposure scenarios (e.g., magnetic resonant wireless power transfer) are investigated with novel assessment techniques. Subsequently, a computer-aided optimization scheme based on network-distributed genetic algorithms is applied to highly detailed numerical mobile phone model and human body phantoms. The investigated optimization technique is proven to be superior than traditional empirical approaches. Finally, the CEMC techniques are applied in the context of non-dosimetry related engineering design environment by investigating the integration of a miniature loudspeaker (acoustic component) and a mobile device antenna (radio frequency component). Based on simulation and measurement data, the coupling mechanisms are determined to establish the fundamental design guidelines for optimum antenna-speaker co-existence and performance. In summary, this thesis details several novel applications of CEMC in the most stringent and complex industrial design environments. The presented research findings serve as indispensable basis for future research oriented towards the exposure-compliant and electromagnetic- compatible designs for novel wireless technologies.

EPFL2013

Computational Analysis and Methods for Electromagnetic Exposure Limits, Antenna Optimization and Cell Phone Design

Chen Xi Lin

EPFL2013

CAD systems for planar antennas

Tunable radiator for small satellite application

Computational Analysis and Methods for Electromagnetic Exposure Limits, Antenna Optimization and Cell Phone Design

Computational Analysis and Methods for Electromagnetic Exposure Limits, Antenna Optimization and Cell Phone Design

CAD systems for planar antennas

Tunable radiator for small satellite application