SWARM Project

SWARM (Software driven Smart Antenna powered by RF MEMS Technology ) is an HORIZON 2020 project financed by the EU Commission under the call H2020-SMEINST-2-2015. sofant swarm

The project costs are EUR 2,817,658.75 with an EU grant of EUR 1,972,361.13. Sofant's disruptive SmartAntenna innovation is based on a patent-protected programmable RF MEMS (Radio Frequency – Micro Electro Mechanical System). This results in significant energy usage reduction and doubling of battery life within the mobile device while, at the same time, achieving best signal strength consistency through a focused link to the transmission mast. Battery life and connectivity are key problems for the rapidly growing global mobile device market. sofant swarm

With increased specification - 20 megapixel camera, large display, thin form factor (only 8 mm thick), 4G LTE, 13 frequency bands and five operating modes, these are features that consumers demand in their smart phone. Antennae account for a significant portion of power consumption and battery usage within mobile devices.

As screen sizes and device usage increases, there is more pressure on battery performance, in conflict with a desire to produce lighter and more compact devices. At least 50% of smartphone power is consumed by the antenna and communication systems while the screen is off and at least 35% when screen is on but during a call power consumption rises to almost 80%.

Sofant is developing an intelligent Antenna, ‘SmartAntenna’™ to address connectivity issues for the global expansion in mobile devices. Sofant’s addressable markets are in the mobile phone, consumer electronics, automotive and defence equipment sectors. Mobile market is expected to grow from 1 billion to 2 billion units within the next 3 years. Sofant’s aim is to create a European based global IP licencing business with manufacturing capability in Europe.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 711260

Consortium

SOFANT TECHNOLOGIES LTD