Transparent Antennas - Product Market Fit & A Technology Update
Abstract
The rollout of 5G is necessitating the installation of more antennas closer to the point of use to achieve high-bandwidth line of sight connections. In addition, manufacturers are seeking to retrofit IoT connectivity in a broad range of devices. The current antenna solution for these products is copper phased array antennas, which must be etched onto a PCB laminate with low loss tangent at such high frequencies. One issue is that 5G requires a significant increase in antenna population to compensate for high losses at higher frequencies. This has driven an interest in transparent antennas to avoid “visual blight”.
CHASM completed the Flextech Project FT19-21-203 “Transparent Antennas for 5G and Beyond”, demonstrating a match to “higher end” substrates such as ISOLA MT77 over a broad frequency range up to ~ 5.8 GHz. To continue the expansion of capability, CHASM is now engaged in a Phase 2 project, “Transparent Antennas; 5G+ For Phase Array & Directed Beam Applications”. Goals of this project include optimizing performance, assessing cost and manufacturing processes.
Beyond the technology topic, one important aspect of the project is to research the product/market fit to ensure ultimate commercial success. This presentation will cover the market analysis to-date and the current technology aims behind the drive towards Phased Array/Directed Beam systems.
Biography
Mr. Praino has more than 45 years of experience commercializing products and developing advanced manufacturing processes, including work at Stone & Webster, Polaroid, Presstek, Vitex Systems, and Precision Lithograining. He has a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from WPI and an MBA from Boston University. In 2005, Bob co-founded Chasm Technologies, a consulting firm that helped its clients commercialize new products through smart application of materials science and process technology. He is a world expert in the field of roll-to-roll manufacturing, including atmospheric and vacuum thin film coating, web handling, product system design, fluid interfacial science, and drying processes. In 2015, Bob co-founded Chasm Advanced Materials, with a mission to develop & manufacture Carbon Nanotube Hybrids, creating new product categories that enable penetration into large existing markets for advanced materials in the printed electronics, energy storage, and cement/construction industries. He has led the ISO 9001 certification of multiple facilities, encompassing both R&D and manufacturing operations.