Combining its proprietary high-efficiency high-dielectric antenna (HAD) technology with key RF components in a single integrated module, Cambridge, UK, start-up Antenova Ltd has developed a fully integrated radio antenna module for mobile phones, laptops, and other consumer electronic devices. Called Radionova, the modules have been specifically designed to be used across multiple wireless protocols. While initial plans call for Radionova products for multiband GSM and CDMA handsets, they will be followed by UMTS for 3G cellular applications and multiband WiFi.

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According to Antenova’s chief scientist, Simon Kingsley, “We believe Radionova is the first commercially available packaged RF solution incorporating antenna and is designed to sit on top of the baseband chip. We have designed Radionova to be environment agnostic, so the same module can be used in multiple designs, thereby eliminating a lot of RF design headaches.”

The patented dielectric balanced antenna technology enables the RF performance to be independent of the module’s surroundings, even when applied to multiband designs. Because the antenna sits over the top of other components, it minimizes PCB real estate. In addition, the antenna impedance is virtually independent of the groundplane length, said Kingsley. Unlike traditional dipoles, Radionova’s balanced antennas work with a full groundplane. Other benefits of Radionova include resistance to detuning, low SAR, improved efficiency, inherent harmonic suppression, and less customization.

“It is clear that there is a real need for standard RF solutions that can easily and quickly be integrated across multiple designs or form factors with minimal customization. Radionova provides maximum design flexibility with the cost benefits of a standard component," said Greg McCray, Antenova’s CEO.