UWB antenna suppresses out-of-band noise

Omron Corp. has announced the third model in its line of polymeric antennas for UWB communications—the surface-mounting WXA-N2SL. In anticipation of the first wave of UWB-enabled CE, which will function exclusively in the WiMedia Alliance UWB BandGroup 1 frequency band, this antenna is optimized specifically for the BG1 3.1-4.9GHz bandwidth.

Additionally, the antenna's ability to suppress out-of-band noise by 50 percent or more enables high-quality communications between wireless USB dongles, hubs, PCs, mobile equipment and digital home appliances even under adverse, noisy real-world conditions. The WXA-N2SL antenna will be manufactured at Omron's Kusatsu Factory in Shiga prefecture, Japan, and is available for sale immediately in mass production volumes.

UWB communications provide a convenient means of rapidly transmitting large volumes of data over short distances with low power consumption. As a result, this technology has attracted considerable attention as a solution to meet growing consumer demand for wireless integration of multiple entertainment devices in the home.

The first WiMedia Alliance-certified UWB products are expected to operate in the 3.1 to 4.9GHz frequency range. Until now, a separate filter circuit was required to suppress interference from other electronic appliances and unwanted radiation outside the UWB range. However, the WXA-N2SL has been developed with a "filter-assist" function, allowing it to independently suppress out-of-band noise.