SUSU scientists have presented a universal modular antenna capable of operating with any communication standard, from 3G to 6G. This development, supported by the Foundation for Innovations Support and the V.B. Khristenko grants program, combines the properties of a "construction kit": adding or removing layers allows the device's characteristics to be instantly modified to suit new tasks.
The basic version of the antenna operates in two frequency bands, providing a horizontal coverage circular pattern. This means the device receives and transmits signals evenly in all directions.
"The development is a dual-band omnidirectional antenna with horizontal polarization, which could become a universal solution for wireless communication systems. This device has already passed the computer modelling stage. The project team is now preparing to manufacture working prototypes," explains the project's author Sviatoslav Dudarev, Associate Professor of the Department of Radio Engineering and Communication Systems at the SUSU Institute of Engineering and Technology.
The main difference between this new development and traditional antennas is its modular, multilayer design. The basic dual-layer antenna is ready for operation in the existing cellular standards (3G, 4G, 5G). The use of additional layers, including various metastructures, allows for:
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improving matching with the feeder;
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increasing cross-polarization;
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reducing the dimensions of the antenna and screen;
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changing the electromagnetic characteristics without completely redesigning the design.
"Existing antennas are often suitable only for one specific task. If the task changes, a new one needs to be developed, which is expensive and time-consuming. Our technology allows us to change the characteristics in the shortest possible time thanks to the design features," explains Sviatoslav Dudarev.
According to the project's author, the antenna's applications are extremely broad, ranging from civilian needs to the space industry. The new development can be used for:
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creating antenna array elements for cellular communications;
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enhancing indoor signal strength (offices, industrial facilities);
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developing communication systems for mobile objects of any type;
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using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to control equipment over large areas.
Although the antenna is too large for use in smartphones, it is easy to mass-produce. It is based on inexpensive printed circuit technology using readily available foil-clad dielectrics (such as Russian FR4 or affordable Chinese equivalents). The higher the production volume, the lower the price of the kit. Thanks to the availability of materials in Russia, the development is import-substituting.
A positive decision has already been received from Rospatent to issue a patent for the "Multilayer Antenna" utility model. A scientific article is being prepared for publication in a top-ranking scientific journal.
The research continues thanks to Viktor Khristenko's "Step into the Future" grants program. An application on dual-polarization omnidirectional antennas has been submitted to the Russian Science Foundation (RSF).
"Modular metastructure technology is not just a routine improvement, but a global trend that enables a global transformation of antenna device characteristics, ushering in an era of truly flexible antenna systems," notes Sviatoslav Dudarev, developer of the new device.
The immediate plans include the production and testing of three types of prototypes, filing additional patent applications and, in the long term, commercialization of the development.