Okayama, Japan-By implementing manufacturing capabilities common to micro-miniature switches and other electronic components, Panasonic has introduced a flexible antenna system offering multiple elements, a wide frequency range, and high sensitivity.

Three processes contribute to the antenna's "press-coil" construction: punching, forming, and insert molding. The punching and forming processes permit a flat, rather than wound-wire, coil. Consequently, the press-coil antenna can have a larger coil diameter than conventional wound-wire helical antennas of the same outer dimensions.

Coil pitch can also be precisely kept wider thanks to the high-precision punching and forming. This feature, plus a large coil diameter, gives the press-coil antenna more stable characteristics, a higher sensitivity, and a wider bandwidth than helical antennas manufactured in the conventional manner.

High-precision punching and forming offer a third advantage: For dual-band antennas such as GSM/DCS, two elements can easily be incorporated into one antenna body. Most competing designs offer only one element for two bands, requiring a matching circuit. Because of its ability to cover a broad range of frequencies with two elements, the press-coil antenna allows development of more compact and lightweight equipment.

After punching and forming, the insert molding process encases, reinforces, and protects the coil prior to detachment from the frame. First application for the press coil design? Panasonic says it is initially targeting the cellular phone industry.

Additional details

Contact Koji Sako, Matsushita Electric Co. Ltd.;111-1 Shimokannuki.Kawanabe Tsuyama, Okayama Japan 708-8517; Tel: +81 868 26 3917; Fax: +81 868 26 5609; Email:
[email protected]