LISLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Molex Incorporated has announced that researchers from Aalborg University and antenna experts from Molex are conducting measurements in dense environments to ensure realistic results. The indoor experiments conducted in downtown Aalborg with prototypes of next generation LTE mobile phones will help give consumers better data connections to the portable devices of the future.
“We are trying to see how much more we can get out of the next-generation mobile phones when we have several antennas in them. The location has a great influence on the performance and the most difficult scenario is indoors in the city with tall buildings around. So we tested those specific environments,” says Professor Gert Frølund Pedersen from Aalborg University’s Department of Electronic Systems.
As a collaboration between Aalborg University and the Molex antenna research department located in Nørresundby, Denmark, the ongoing measurement campaign previously focused on outdoor reception on the streets of Aalborg. Testing in the antenna radio anechoic lab is suitable for some types of applications, but the 4G technology has to function in a different and tough reality. The measurements conducted in the city are an opportunity to test prototypes and measurement equipment in real-life environments.
“If you just take measurements in a lab you get misleading results. We know these devices have to be used in the real world, so we need to include all factors that affect this type of radio signal. With the next generation 4G and LTE systems, the influence of the radio propagation environment has an enormous impact on the performance you experience as a user of the product,” explains Morten Christensen, RF Research Manager, Molex.
The measurements being taken are some of the first in the world without traditional cables connected to the prototype phones. The challenge in using a copper coaxial cable is that it acts as an extra-long antenna. This can yield unrealistically good reception and thus impair measurement quality. Aalborg University and Molex have developed a solution using fiber optics instead, thereby eliminating an important source of error.
Results of the research are part of the four-year CAMMP project (Converged Advanced Mobile Media Platforms) with support from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation. The program has a total budget of DKK 42.5 million and is focused on the convergence of the Internet, digital television, radio and mobile communications.
“We have produced several terabytes of data that have to be analyzed, but we expect to have some conclusions during the next three months,” adds Morten Christensen.
The measurements generate an enormous amount of data that must be handled before the researchers and developers can judge the quality of the different types of antenna designs in the tested prototypes. Then it is up to the IT and mobile industry to determine how quickly the results will benefit consumers. There may be devices on the market utilizing the Aalborg test results within a year.
“These are antennas that are expected to be in new devices that are already in the design phase. We are testing which of these are the best. The cycle is somewhat shorter now that we are beginning to see the standard for the new 4G system, so it may be only six months,” estimates Gert Frølund Pedersen.
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About Molex Incorporated
Providing more than connectors, Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions for a number of markets including data communications, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, military, lighting and solar. Established in 1938, the company operates 39 manufacturing locations in 16 countries. The Molex website is www.molex.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/molexconnectors, watch our videos at www.youtube.com/molexconnectors, connect with us at www.facebook.com/molexconnectors and read our blog at www.connector.com.
About Aalborg University
Aalborg University is a dynamic and innovative research and educational institution oriented towards the surrounding world. It is characterized by combining a keen engagement in local, regional, and national issues with an active commitment to international collaboration. More than 14.000 students are enrolled at Aalborg University, ranging from students at preparatory courses through doctoral-level candidates. Of these are approximately 10% international students. Aalborg University employs approximately 2000 faculty and 800 administrative and technical staff.
Molex is a registered trademark of Molex Incorporated.