Physically small antennas
| Title | Physically small antennas |
|---|---|
| Summary | Designing meta-materials (computationally and experimentally) for electrically small antennas |
| Keywords | Antenna, computational electromagnetics, hearing aids |
| TimeFrame | Asap + 6 months |
| References | |
| Prerequisites | |
| Author | Pererik Andreasson |
| Supervisor | Björn Nilsson, Pererik Andreasson |
| Level | Flexible |
| Status | Open |
This project is aiming on paving the way and giving suggestion for new physical small antennas in hearing instruments. The antennas could be made using 3D technology, exploring volume, maximizing the usage of free physical space. Painted or screen-printed antennas is also of great interest. Exploring different methods to increase the antenna efficiency, mainly for the 2.4 GHz ISM band, by investigating the building methods and exploring different materials. The project partners have a long experience in antenna and RF building practice, covering both commercial and research aspects. The combined competence arching over antennas, 3D printed quasi-optics [1], low power IoT [2], RF-ASIC design [3], and nano-structure fabrication.. Hearing instruments need small antennas for wireless communication. The carrier frequency is in the 2.4GHz ISM band. Antennas are placed close to the head, often in the ear or behind the ear. Losses due to the close vicinity of the body need to be addressed. One of the antenna types used today is the magnetic loop antenna with a dimension much smaller than the wavelength, giving the antenna low efficiency. Investigation if it is possible to create new materials that enables miniaturization, good radiation properties, low loss, and low cost. Today the conducting antenna, made of copper, uses FR4 as carrier substrate.
