Current Projects

Design of a Compact and Low Profile Antenna
Antrum Ltd is undertaking a short term project with the main objective of designing a dipole antenna integrated into a pair of flat plate Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS). The dipole antenna will be designed for low frequency band operation, and metamaterial technology concepts will be utilized to realize a low profile antenna structure with high gain performance. The dipole antenna is to be fitted with a low cost PCB balun, and the composite structure offers increased impedance bandwidth and improved radiation pattern performance. The configuration of this proposed antenna has also the ability to bring in vastly more signal and eliminate ghosting by providing an extra high front to back ratio.

Demonstrate Size Reduction of Fabric Antennas using Metamaterials
An European Space Agency (ESA) funded project will evaluate planar, wearable fabric, antennas for use in 406 MHz beacon (Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)) applications as defined in COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz DISTRESS BEACON TYPE APPROVAL STANDARD, C/S T.007, Issue 4 - Revision 1, October 2006. In particular, metamaterial concepts will be used to control the antenna characteristics. Metamaterials have shown distinct advantages in both microwave components and antenna applications. All Search and Rescue (SAR) beacons will work at 406MHz by 2009. The option to incorporate part of these systems into clothing/rucksack for ease of use and compactness leads to an enhancement of the current system. Rescue teams can reach distress callers more quickly and increase their chances of survival." The beacons will need to be able to communicate with both geostationary and asynchronous satellites. Metamaterial concepts will be used to provide size reduction, control the antenna radiation characteristics and to minimise the interaction between the wearer and the radiating system. Investigations will include 1. Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) substrate allowing the antenna to work with a very thin dielectric substrate 2. substrate threads to block substrate propagation 3. a variety of different radiator configurations, including convoluted spirals 4. accuracy and tolerance levels of woven elements and the connection between the antenna system and the beacon hardware. The antenna will be designed to accommodate variations in its centre frequency caused by flexing, thus not compromising the operational requirements of the beacon. The initial design for the antennas will be based on a patch antenna.

Woven conductor layer for a microwave patch)