FWT Antenna Directivity

Antenna directivity is often expressed in terms of dBi, referencing the broadcast power to an isotropic or point source. The ½-wavelength dipole antenna has a well known value (1.8 dBi) and hemispherical distribution and is the standard baseline.

Any classic antenna element can be placed near a reflective ground plane to direct the majority of the energy into a portion of a hemisphere. However, FWT designs make it possible to place and control a ground plane near an antenna element, increasing directivity as shown below from left to right.

FWT uses classic antenna elements and dielectric material, with an integral substrate to produce larger than normal gain at smaller size

FWT products achieve full ½-wavelength antenna performance in a much smaller size! The technology works through encapsulation of the antenna element(s) in a dielectric material that transforms transmission and reception of electromagnetic energy as if the elements themselves were much longer. Furthermore, the technology allows shaping of the external skin of the dielectric to form a lens to actually focus (or de-focus) the radiated energy. This performance selectively can increase or decrease the broadcast power in a given direction. This feature is not available in conventional antennas of any size.

Product designers can take advantage of FWT benefits in various ways; In one application, a full-length classic (dipole) antenna, using the FWT technology, gives the antenna much greater gain (>> 6 dBi), to operate at significantly further distances. In another application, one can obtain reduced power for the same range, thus increasing battery life. In still another, miniaturization will be paramount. The planar and conformal nature of the designs enable inclusion of radio communications components directly onto the antenna substrate, freeing space in the rest of the product envelope, while maximizing broadcast power and communication distance.