Fractals May Change The Landscape Of Miniature Antenna Design

Dec. 9, 2002
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have plumbed the idea of using fractals—mathematical models of mountains, trees, and coastlines—to develop antennas for cell phones, automobiles, and mobile communications...

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have plumbed the idea of using fractals—mathematical models of mountains, trees, and coastlines—to develop antennas for cell phones, automobiles, and mobile communications devices. Not only do such antennas present challenges due to their shrinking size, they also must be able to operate at different frequencies simultaneously. Wireless manufacturers in the automotive industry are seeking such an antenna for use in AM and FM radio operation, cellular communications, and navigation systems.

Fractals, short for fractional dimension, were originally used to measure jagged contours such as coastlines. These models can define curves and surfaces, independent of their scale. When any portion of the curve is enlarged, it appears identical to the entire curve, a property called self-symmetry.

Researchers discovered that the mathematical principles behind the repetition of these geometrical structures can be applied to an antenna design methodology. With fractal technology, more electrical length can be packed into smaller spaces, enabling the antennas to resonate at lower frequencies. And because fractal designs are self-symmetrical, they can be used to develop antennas that operate at several different frequencies.

Yahya Rahmat-Samii of UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading the fractal/antenna research effort. For further details, visit www.engineer.ucla.edu.

Sponsored Recommendations

Highly Integrated 20A Digital Power Module for High Current Applications

March 20, 2024
Renesas latest power module delivers the highest efficiency (up to 94% peak) and fast time-to-market solution in an extremely small footprint. The RRM12120 is ideal for space...

Empowering Innovation: Your Power Partner for Tomorrow's Challenges

March 20, 2024
Discover how innovation, quality, and reliability are embedded into every aspect of Renesas' power products.

Article: Meeting the challenges of power conversion in e-bikes

March 18, 2024
Managing electrical noise in a compact and lightweight vehicle is a perpetual obstacle

Power modules provide high-efficiency conversion between 400V and 800V systems for electric vehicles

March 18, 2024
Porsche, Hyundai and GMC all are converting 400 – 800V today in very different ways. Learn more about how power modules stack up to these discrete designs.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!