Antenna design

Fraunhofer IIS designs antennas and antenna systems to client specifications.

Our sophisticated 2.5D and 3D simulation software makes it possible to largely determine an antenna's parameters even before a prototype is built. It also enables fast, cost-effective implementation.

Among other things, our portfolio includes:

• Miniature antennas for wireless networks
• Embedded and integrated antennas
• Mobile and stationary antennas for satellite broadcasting
• Adaptive antenna systems for automotive and other applications
• Antennas optimized for time-of-arrival measurements in positioning and navigation
• Antennas for mobile communication

Embedded systems

We also develop reliable, innovative antenna designs for challenging environments such as metal or the human body while taking account of client requirements such as miniaturization, choice of material or power efficiency.

Adaptive antennas

So-called smart antennas are able to perfectly adapt to changing operating conditions by undergoing special electronic calibration and adjustment processes.

Fraunhofer IIS has developed antennas that ensure optimum connection quality without compromising ease of implementation.

Antenna measurement

We offer a variety of antenna measurement services for diverse types of antenna. Among the parameters measured are the following:

• Radiation pattern/directivity
• Gain
• Polarization
• Radiated power
• Efficiency
• Noise temperature (G/T)

• NSI700S-60 spherical near/far field scanner, 700MHz–40GHz
• Vector network analyzers (up to 65GHz)
• Various spectrum analyzers, including vector signal analyzers
• GTEM cell
• Anechoic chambers for EMC testing
• Environmental chamber

 

Measured 3D radiation pattern

At our spherical near field test facility we can measure many different types of antennas, from omnidirectional low-gain to high-gain antennas.

As an independent institute, we offer testing and measurement services for the benefit of clients that lack the resources needed for antenna testing.

For the purpose of validating or improving self-contained radio systems or RFID tags, we also undertake spherical measurements. This means we are able to determine parameters such as the radiated power, directivity and polarization of a system or tag.

Application

Satellite broadcasting

Satellite-based digital broadcasting imposes special requirements on receiver antennas. Very often these systems have an ancillary terrestrial component in order to grant high availability even in areas with degraded reception quality. Special procedures are required to allow the reception of the satellite and the terrestrial component to be proportionately balanced. Satellite broadcasting systems are frequently adversely affected by background noise – the Fraunhofer IIS antennas are designed to keep this influence at a minimum level.

Satellite navigation

Combining inertial sensing with satellite navigation enables seamless positioning in indoor and outdoor environments and further increases availability. Fraunhofer IIS's specially developed, low-cost receiver and antenna technologies mean that mass-market applications can attain a positioning accuracy of one meter, which would otherwise be prohibitively expensive to achieve.

Mobile communication

For mobile communication applications, we identify and produce technical solutions that enable efficient access to, and use of, spectrum resources. Cognitive applications are able to analyze their surroundings and choose between different communication standards and frequency bands such as GSM, UMTS, LTE and Wi-Fi as well as TV white spaces, depending on which type of connection best suits the application. This ensures optimum transmission speed and stability.

Telemetry

Using an inexpensive, irremovable transmitter, consumption meters communicate their current reading to a receiving station, which can be either fixed or mobile and up to 3 km away. Readings can be taken either automatically according to a schedule or on an as-needed basis. Using up to 15,000 secure, interference-resistant connections, it is possible to precisely and reliably control consumption at individual points of use.

Medical engineering

Our body area network technology involves wirelessly communicating devices worn on the body, such as earbuds. Using these interference-resistant wireless connections and antennas specially developed by Fraunhofer IIS, it is possible to reliably monitor physiological indicators such as blood pressure or heart rate.

Road safety

A combination of transponder technology and inertial sensing is employed to detect, locate and classify road users: An antenna developed by Fraunhofer IIS is embedded in a vehicle. As soon as the system detects a road user that is classified as vulnerable, it provides the driver with an acoustic and haptic warning. If the driver fails to respond, the system can even trigger an automatic emergency stop.

Offer

There is no antenna on the market that meets your requirements?

With our wide-ranging knowledge of RF engineering, we are able to offer you expert support. As a provider of one-stop solutions including antenna and communications technology as well as integrated circuitry, Fraunhofer IIS holds a unique position in the antenna market.

As an independent developer, Fraunhofer IIS follows a tried and tested hardware design flow from simulation through to the finished product. To this end, we have state-of-the-art measurement systems and methods at our disposal. We also have a dedicated facility for near and far field measurement, which we will be happy to let you use to perform your own measurements. We can also provide commissioning support or help you integrate the antenna with your system.

Working in close consultation with you, we will use sound scientific methods to determine your needs, provide individualized consulting and help you assess the technical and economic feasibility of a project.