12 Feb 2007

Fractus awarded key Space-Filling technology patent

Barcelona, 12 February 2007—Fractus, the pioneer developer of fractal antenna technology, has been granted key patents for Space-Filling antenna technology. This new approach results in smaller antennas thereby enabling new smaller handsets or existing models that have the capacity to accommodate new in-demand multimedia features. In addition the technology allows small antennas to operate on lower frequency cellular standards that have formerly required a bulky internal antenna or even an external design.

The Space-Filling Antenna patents have been granted in the US under patent #7148850, #7164386 and in other strategic markets. The technology is based on fractal geometry meaning that antennas can occupy a small space in the most efficient way possible. This results in far smaller antennas – and therefore devices – or given a fixed size specification, an antenna that can operate on lower frequencies than existing designs.

This new technology will create extra physical space for various other technologies increasingly entering the mobile handset such as digital cameras and MP3 players as well as the variety of technologies required for more powerful smart phones. There are also a range of other applications including the ability to more discretely wirelessly enable laptops, USB modems, PC cards and other devices such as watches.

Additionally, there is currently significant operator interest in lower frequencies which enable far larger cell sizes thus reducing the cost of network roll-out as well as improved in-building penetration. GSM, CDMA and FLASH-OFDM are being deployed at 450MHz as well as numerous mobile TV standards in the sub-600MHz range, but these lower frequencies typically require larger antennas and therefore larger end-user devices. Fractus’ technology allows existing terminals which operate at higher frequencies to be re-purposed for these low-frequency standards.

“We live in an exciting age where new cellular standards are enabling compelling new features and services. However, accommodating these standards into a small attractive device is no mean feat – this is where we’re beginning to make a name for ourselves,” said Dr. Carles Puente, Fractus’ CTO.

“Global recognition of our Intellectual Property by patent offices worldwide proves Fractus’ invention in antenna design and development and its relevance to the industry as a whole.”

Fractus’ patent portfolio encompasses 49 inventions including 140 national patent and patent applications world wide. 10% of Fractus employees hold a PhD and 60% are telecoms engineers.

Fractus has published 50 IEEE papers and spoken at dozens of international conferences on the latest advances in mobile device and base station antenna technologies. Its customers include global leaders, such as Samsung, Sagem, CSR, Atheros Communications, Philips Semiconductors and Siemens.

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About Fractus
Fractus designs and manufactures miniature and multi-band antennas for wireless applications that are easy to integrate, cost-effective and provide high performance. Using the unique space-filling and multi-level properties of fractals, Fractus antennas are used in mobile phones, wireless consumer electronics using Bluetooth®, WLAN and UWB, and base stations. Fractus holds an IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) portfolio of 49 inventions protected through 140 patents and patent applications. Its technology is applied globally in Samsung, Sagem, ST Microelectronics, Atheros Communications, CSR and Philips Semiconductors devices. For more information please visithttps://www.fractus.com.