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Software driven Smart Antenna powered by RF MEMS Technology

Objective

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 (up to 90%) and up to 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 wireless communication market. With increased specification - 20-megapixel camera, large display, thin form factor (only 8 mm thick), 4G LTE and upcoming 5G, 13 frequency bands and five operating modes, these are features that consumers demand in their smartphone. 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 the 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 communication. Sofant’s addressable markets are in the mobile phone, routers, base stations, small cells, consumer electronics, automotive and defence equipment sectors. The mobile market is expected to grow from 1 billion to 2 billion units within the next 3 years and mobile 5G infrastructure is expected to reach US$2 billion by 2019. Sofant’s aim is to create a European based global design and IP licencing business with manufacturing capability in Europe.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-SMEInst-2014-2015

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Coordinator

SOFANT TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 972 361,13
Address
5TH FLOOR, 125 PRINCES STREET
EH2 4AD EDINBURGH
United Kingdom

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Scotland Eastern Scotland Edinburgh
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 817 658,75
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