Fractus Awarded Space-Filling Antenna Technology Patent

Barcelona, Spain -- 3GSM World Congress -- Fractus has been granted key patents for space-filling antenna technology. This new approach results in smaller antennas thereby enabling new smaller handsets or existing models that have the capacity to accommodate new multimedia features. In addition the technology allows small antennas to operate on lower frequency cellular standards that have formerly required a bulky internal antenna or even an external design.

The space-filling antenna patents have been granted in the US under patent #7148850, #7164386 and in other strategic markets. The technology is based on fractal geometry meaning that antennas can occupy a small space in the most efficient way possible. This results in smaller antennas - and therefore devices - or given a fixed size specification, an antenna that can operate on lower frequencies than existing designs.

This new technology will create extra physical space for various other technologies entering the mobile handset such as digital cameras and MP3 players as well as the variety of technologies required for smart phones. There are also a range of other applications including the ability to more discretely wirelessly enable laptops, USB modems, PC cards and other devices such as watches.

Additionally, there is currently operator interest in lower frequencies which enable larger cell sizes thus reducing the cost of network roll-out as well as improved in-building penetration. GSM, CDMA and FLASH-OFDM are being deployed at 450 MHz as well as numerous mobile TV standards in the sub-600 MHz range, but these lower frequencies typically require larger antennas and therefore larger end-user devices. Fractus' technology allows existing terminals which operate at higher frequencies to be re-purposed for these low-frequency standards.

"We live in an exciting age where new cellular standards are enabling compelling new features and services. However, accommodating these standards into a small attractive device is no mean feat - this is where we're beginning to make a name for ourselves," said Dr. Carles Puente, Fractus' CTO.

"Global recognition of our Intellectual Property by patent offices worldwide proves Fractus' invention in antenna design and development and its relevance to the industry as a whole."

SOURCE: Fractus