Introduction
In a wireless network it is important to consider the antennas which are used in order to ensure good quality transmission and reception of signals. Added to performance issues is the increasing awareness on the part of the public about the hazards of radiation. This has resulted in an increases in efforts to design 'safer' antennas.

The Network and Telecommunications Research Group interests extends  to the area of antenna design for the wireless aspects of the The 4th Generation Telephony network

At present the main project in which we are involved is a joint effort between Trinity College Dublin and  the Department of Electronics in the Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street. We both have expertise in antenna design and antenna test and measurement.

Current Project

The Design of Low SAR antennas for GSM/DCS1800
This project involves the design of antennas which reduce radiation to the users head which are suitable for use with GSM/DCS1800 portable cellular phones. In general, exposure standards are based on a measurement called the "specific absorption rate" (SAR). A good design will decrease the SAR in the direction of the user.

Existing Antennas
Conventional commercial antennas for GSM/DCS1800 portable cellular phones are normally quarter wave, half wave or helical monopoles.  When used on cellular handsets, held by the human operator in close proximity to the head, radiation from these antennas impinges on the head.

Alternative Antenna Design
In this project a number of microstrip antennas are designed to reduce the amount of radiation which is directed towards the head of the user but which do not unduly interfere with the performance of the phone. Microstrip antennas, modified planar inverted-F and dual-L antennas are such antennas, which maintain a high efficiency in the presence of the human head.

Antenna Testing
The testing of the new designs involves measuring the in situ radiation patterns, i.e. the radiation pattern of the antenna is measured while in use. Details of the measurement system can be obtained from either of the individuals listed at the bottom of the page. The degradation in performance in a microcellular environment due to a directive antenna has been shown to be minimal but it is necessary also to perform some tests to confirm this in the case of the new designs.

Results
Underway at the moment - will be included here shortly