Novel antenna reduces size and cost for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi devices
23 October 2002
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
E-tenna is a North American developer of unique radio frequency (RF) technologies for commercial wireless applications. The company recently unveiled an ultra-small, low-cost, low-profile antenna for 802.11b wireless local area network (WLAN) and Bluetooth personal area networking (PAN) applications.
Available for integration within 2,4 GHz wireless devices, the ClearLink 2400 technology will allow Bluetooth and Wi-Fi module manufacturers to design one antenna that works in any device. Unlike conventional antennas, ClearLink is said to be easily integrateable into consumer electronics devices because of its unique ability to control RF signals, including the way a signal propagates across the antenna's surface. With conventional antennas, performance varies greatly with size and electromagnetic properties of the antenna's installation site, as well as interaction with other nearby components within the device, such as the battery.
These critical factors typically demand the development of custom antennas for varying WLAN and PAN devices, based on the size, shape and internal components of each manufacturer's product. This drives up costs - a key factor holding back the widespread availability of Bluetooth-enabled devices - and lengthens design cycles because engineers cannot develop the antenna until the position of surrounding internal components has been determined.
In contrast, ClearLink antennas capitalise on the properties of E-tenna's patented RF Mirror artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) technology to better control RF energy and isolate antennas from nearby influences that could degrade performance. With this technology, e-tenna claims ClearLink 2400 operates efficiently when mounted on a circuit board and remains largely unaffected by other components on the board.
Because of these characteristics, the antenna can be easily integrated into a complete wireless networking module to create a single-chip solution, which is particularly attractive for applications that involve small devices. The 2,4 GHz ClearLink antenna is around 9 x 13 x 2,4 mm, and it weighs less than 0,25 grams.
See www.etenna.com
Further reading:
Mobile satellite connectivity available in SA
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Space42 has commercially launched its next generation mobile satellite service, Thuraya 4 NGS, available in South Africa as of February 2026.
Read more...
Next-gen Wi Fi 6E connectivity for embedded systems
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, the company’s first Wi-Fi 6E connectivity co-processor.
Read more...
Quectel redefines connectivity with RG660Qx 5G Series
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Purpose-built to meet the demands of next-generation IoT and wireless broadband, these modules leverage the cutting-edge Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G Modem-RF systems to deliver enterprise-grade performance.
Read more...
Contactless IO-Link couplers
IOT Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The IO-Link couplers from Phoenix Contact are industrial contactless couplers designed to transmit power and IO-Link data across a small air gap without physical connectors.
Read more...
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption
iCorp Technologies
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.
Read more...
SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose?
RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.
Read more...
Multi-band GNSS patch antenna
RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Taoglas AHP2356A is a compact, high-performance active GNSS patch antenna designed for next-generation positioning systems requiring precision, reliability, and multi-constellation support.
Read more...
Cellular routers for explosive areas
Phoenix Contact
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Updated versions of the Cellulink outdoor cellular router product range from Phoenix Contact are now available; they have been specially developed for use in Zone 2 potentially explosive areas.
Read more...
Power the next wave of IoT innovation
Links Field Networks
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Links Field Networks’ portfolio includes connectivity platforms, edge devices, and network management tools designed to support secure, resilient IoT deployments across a range of use cases.
Read more...
Move to smart agriculture
Otto Wireless Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for precision agriculture, the RAKwireless SensorHub is a modular, industrial-grade IoT platform that collects real-time environmental and soil data across farming operations.
Read more...
printer friendly version