Rayspan Metamaterial Antennas Reduce Handset Radiation Exposure, Accelerate Testing & Reduce Time to Market

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Rayspan Corporation, the world's only provider of wireless air interface (antenna and RF front-end) technology based on metamaterials, announced that the new LG Chocolate (LG BL40) phone, the first cellular handset to implement the company's metamaterial antenna, was the top performer in a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) comparison of the most popular mobile phones in Europe. With a SAR of 0.21 watts per kilogram (W/Kg), the antenna in the new LG Chocolate exposes the user to almost three times less electromagnetic radiation than that of the next-best performer, the Samsung Omnia II, with a SAR of 0.59. Other phones compared by the British Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6416338/Mobile-phones-SAR-ratings-of-popular-handsets.html) include the Apple iPhone 3GS (0.79), Nokia N97 (0.66) and Blackberry Curve 8520 (1.22).

SAR measures how much radio frequency (RF) energy is absorbed by body tissue while using a mobile phone. In the United States, the level must be less than 1.6W/kg in one gram of tissue. In Europe, it is capped at 2W/kg in 10 grams of tissue. The new LG Chocolate report is available from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Click on the SAR Report: http://bit.ly/5LsZBk

Franz Birkner, president and CEO of Rayspan explained that metamaterial antennas differ from conventional 'physical' ones. Metamaterials allow Rayspan to concentrate the electromagnetic fields and currents near the antenna structures, producing handsets that (1) radiate significantly less RF energy near the head and (2) offer high performance that is unaffected by the user's hand and head intervention.

In addition, handset manufacturers can "print" a metamaterial antenna directly on a conventional printed circuit board (PCB) using a CAD file, unlike a 'physical' conventional antenna, which must be designed, tooled and fabricated as a metal-and-plastic assembly. "Our customers enjoy high-performance, reduced-cost handsets that allow them to reach their markets quickly -, often before target deadlines, because metamaterial antennas are quick and easy to implement and manufacture, and they can reliably achieve mandated SAR specifications and pass field tests exactly as planned," explained Birkner. Metamaterial antenna design-in usually takes just two weeks to a month. Following that, customers pay Rayspan a royalty fee per unit sold, which is almost always less than the cost of the physical conventional antennas that are eliminated.

Metamaterials are composite structures engineered using conventional materials such as PCBs and copper foil that produce unique and highly desirable electromagnetic behavior. These properties enable antenna miniaturization and performance improvement while simultaneously reducing costs and simplifying manufacturing.

Metamaterial antennas operate more efficiently in constrained spaces with fewer RF "hotspots" on the main handset PCB than conventional antennas such as Planar Inverted-F Antennas (PIFAs). In such conventional physical antennas, currents can flow throughout the PCB, but when radiating in the low-frequency cellular bands they are concentrated at the end opposite the physical antenna structure, which is typically found on the bottom, near the chin. Hence, with current concentrated on the 'head' end of the PCB, more RF energy is absorbed by the head. By contrast, Rayspan's Metamaterial technology can confine the currents to the area near the antenna structure, directing much of the RF energy away from the handset user's head and hand.

A metamaterial antenna also helps handset manufacturers deliver multiband functionality in a small form factor. Dr. Woo Paik, president and chief technology officer of LG Electronics, said Rayspan's technology helped them achieve the "slim dimensions" (10.9mm) and "unsurpassed radio frequency capabilities" of its new LG Chocolate Phone.

Typically sized less than 10 by 50 millimeters and as thin as paper, Rayspan's metamaterial antenna can support four to six cellular frequency bands. A penta-band implementation designed for global connectivity covers low-band GSM/WCDMA/HSPA/LTE (700/800/900 MHz) and high-band DCS/PCS /WCDMA/HSPA/LTE (1700/1800/1900/2100 MHz) frequencies. It also enables integration of GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi and WiMax in the same antenna array without undesirable mixing of their signals, and while eliminating the need for multiple large external and internal antennas.

The new LG Chocolate (LG BL40) phone, the fourth handset of the Black Label Series boasts a distinctive 4.0-inch wide screen high-definition LCD with an 800 by 345 pixel resolution for a superb viewing quality. The wide screen breaks away from conventional screen designs with a 21:9 aspect ratio for a panoramic, cinema-like quality and optimal mobile computing experience.

About Rayspan

Rayspan is the world's only developer of miniature antennas and RF front-end components based on metamaterial technology. Compared to conventional wireless air interface technologies, Rayspan's metamaterial devices provide unique and highly desirable electromagnetic propagation properties not found in conventional antennas that enable ultra-small, multiband cellular handsets, Wi-Fi routers and modems with improved speed, range and reliability.

The company is headquartered in San Diego, California with customer-support facilities in Seoul, Korea; Taipei, Taiwan; and Beijing, China. Rayspan Corporation, 11975 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130; 858-259-9596; [email protected]; http://www.rayspan.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2008 global sales of $44.7 billion, LG comprises of five business units - Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both A Global Partner of Formula 1(TM) and A Technology Partner of Formula 1(TM). As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event.

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.

SOURCE Rayspan Corporation