Space-saving antenna module

Cambridge, UK-based Antenova has launched a new space-saving internal FM antenna module for mobile devices.

The flexible printed circuit (FPC) antenna module will enable designers to incorporate a wireless FM radio receiver in mobile handsets without the need for an external headset antenna.

'Antenova’s M10332 internal FPC FM antenna module has been designed to address the growing market for FM radio functionality in mobile phones, which analysts predict will be included in about 55 per cent of all mobile phones sold in 2011,' said Greg McCray, chief executive of Antenova.

Traditional antenna design approaches require an antenna that is longer than most portable devices, which has resulted in the FM antenna often being integrated into the headphone cable. However, this approach renders the application useless without the headphone and unsuitable for use with Bluetooth headsets.

The company claims that compared to typical existing internal FM antennas, the M10332 internal FM antenna module is 70 per cent smaller in area than those currently available.