Emergency workers in rugged rural areas may never again lose a cell phone call thanks to a new antenna developed by Montana State University researchers in collaboration with Advanced Acoustic Concepts Inc. The device -- a cylinder about three inches in diameter and a foot long -- weighs less than eight pounds. It is considered a "smart" or "adaptive array" antenna because it uses a computer chip to automatically aim the message transmission beam in the right direction, chooses the most appropriate signal strength, optimizes the strength of transmitted beams and adapts to the environment. The automatic control allows users to communicate in rugged terrain while on the move.
Unlike normal antennas, which broadcast in all directions simultaneously, smart antennas maintain a direct signal between individuals users, which could mean fewer dropped calls and the ability to move more data, such as streaming video. And unlike most commercial smart antennas that have a limited range of 120 degrees or less, the MSU antenna can rapidly process signals in a 360-degree range.
The MSU antenna is also capable of high bandwidth transmissions such as sending live video. Users might want to optimize communications by integrating the antenna with other antennas to form a "meshed" network in a back-country environment for emergency response.
"We designed this intentionally to be small. It could be used in many applications where having something small and light is very desirable," said Richard Wolff, Gilhousen Telecommunications Chair in MSU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Yikun Huang, a research associate professor in electrical and computer engineering, came up with the idea for the antenna about five years ago. Nick Zelver, with the MSU Technology Transfer Office, is the licensing contact. More information is available here.
