Leading M2M antenna provider, Taoglas has launched the first smart meter
embedded antennas with over 60%
EFFICIENCY designed specifically for the
utility market.
The FXP Freedom Series comprises six off-the-shelf flexible circuit
antennas, and works on three bands, industrial, scientific and medical (ISM)
bands; 868MHz, 915MHz and 2.4GHz.
The range of antennas is designed to enable metering companies to read smart
meters in remote locations where wireless antennas previously did not work,
such as basements, car parks and underground cavities. The FXP freedom
series antennas are mechanically robust, able to withstand extreme
temperature and humidity and have proven long lifetimes. They will also
enable consumers and organizations to both conserve and cut the costs of
energy.
The FXP antenna series is a super-thin 0.1mm flexible circuit antenna.
Similar to a piece of adhesive, it can be stuck directly to the housing or
embedded into any metering device. Each design can be characterized and
optimized for a meter and can even be integrated into existing meters that
are being retrofitted for wireless functionality. The presence of metal in
many meters hinders larger FR4 type antennas, whereas the flexible antenna
enables a greater clearance to be achieved. Unlike other market offerings
that can take months to produce, Taoglas offers a customized antenna at any
frequency that can be produced in three to four weeks or, an off-the-shelf
solution for immediate use at the price that is lower than traditional
antenna solutions. With existing mobile phone antenna efficiency at around
30%, the FXP smart meter antenna at over 60% efficiency transforms current
meters into intelligent wireless devices, says the company.
Dermot O’Shea, director, Taoglas, said: “While the utility industry
currently measures antenna performance using 'gain', at Taoglas, we think
this is an outdated way of rating antenna performance. Antenna gain only
measures performance in one direction in specific environments. Due to the
wide variety of meter designs, housings and installation environments such
as a wall, rail, roof, or pit, it is impossible to predict what direction an
antenna is facing in relation to the base station. Therefore, we take and
apply mobile phone technology and specify 'efficiency' for our antennas
which gives metering companies an antenna performance over 360 degrees – a
much better performance indicator. "We are delighted to launch the first
range of smart meter embedded antennas with high efficiencies to the utility
market. Increasing efficiency increases range and reduces power consumption
by eliminating dropped calls and enables receiving or transmitting
information on the first attempt.“
Flexible antennas are a proven technology for cellular and have been
integrated into mobile phones, tracking devices and medical devices.
Antennas in the FXP Freedom series include the:
• FXP70 (27x25x0.1mm) - Suitable for general devices where an antenna can
be stuck directly onto the device housing where the cable routing does not
affect the performance.
• FXP72 (27x25x0.1mm) - A ground-coupled antenna for devices that lack
space. The FXP72 can be placed directly above or under the battery or main
PCB of the device design.
• FXP73 (47x7x0.1mm) - A narrow rectangular antenna suitable for all
devices. Ideally, it is mounted in the side of the housing at right angles
to the main device PCB, where other antennas normally cannot fit.
