Telecommunications

World's smallest TV antenna gets the job done

World's smallest TV antenna gets the job done
The antenna is reportedly the smallest in the world
The antenna is reportedly the smallest in the world
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The antenna is reportedly the smallest in the world
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The antenna is reportedly the smallest in the world
The antenna can be split among multiple TVs
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The antenna can be split among multiple TVs

Researchers have developed the world's smallest television antenna without having to compromise on reception or the conditions under which it can operate. The dual antenna created at the University of Morelos (UAEM) in Mexico receives analog TK and digital broadcast channels while measuring just 11 centimeters long, 6.5 cm wide, 6 mm thick and weighing only 12 grams (when coated, the weight reaches 80 grams).

The outdoor antenna is a compact rectangle that actually contains an array of small antennas. It is designed to be fixed to a roof without an attached mast, and operate under even very low temperatures. It can also be used indoors without any attachment and can be run through a signal splitter to connect to multiple TVs. It does not require electricity to operate.

The antenna can be split among multiple TVs
The antenna can be split among multiple TVs

"The idea came from applying new materials and new geometries, to create a smaller antenna in comparison to those that already are available," says Dr. Margarita Tecpoyotl Torres, leader of the project at UAEM.

She says that when the antenna was tested in California it was able to pick up 70 signals, and was also capable of picking up 28 digital signals in Mexico City.

The development of the antenna led to the creation of a spin-off company, INNTECVER, S.A. de C.V., which is looking for opportunities to commercialize and mass produce the new technology.

Source: Investigación y Desarrollo

2 comments
2 comments
EH
It looks like a very interesting design - is the pseudo-random surface pattern the antenna? How is it designed, made? There is no link to find out more about it.
Captain Obvious
You can't see what's inside. I'd expect a fractal or even just a bowtie, covered with a plastic radome. At any rate, claims of "picking up X signals" are useless to judge performance of an antenna. Show me polar plots of gain at different frequencies.
There's just so much signal passing through an area, and increasing aperture size is the only way to capture more of it. But if you're in a high signal strength area, a very simple antenna will do the job.