Scot firms partner up to accelerate commercialisation of ‘smart antenna’

07/03/2020
Sofant Technologies is a leading-edge radio technology company based in Edinburgh

SOFANT, a leader in the development of radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) technology, addresses several of the technical challenges currently facing the future of wireless communication.

Joining forces with fellow Scottish company memsstar, Sofant can now upscale production of the innovation.

Its initial target markets include SatCom and 5G antenna systems where it will reduce the power consumption by more than 70%. 

Sofant’s extremely low power, low cost platform also solves the most pressing power consumption and heat problems in 5G and satellite communications antenna systems.

David Wither, CEO of Sofant Technologies, said: “While the MEMS market globally is mature with several consumer applications for the technology, radio frequency MEMS are still relatively early in the adoption cycle due to the challenges of manufacture and production at scale.

“The manufacturing process is critical and has a major impact on the cost and performance of the device. Sofant’s technology is produced in a conventional high-volume MEMS foundry and recent progress in the manufacturing approach has taken a leap forward as a result of our partnership with memsstar. This collaboration has dramatically reduced the development risk and cleared the path for volume production.”

Tony McKie, CEO of memsstar said: “For the next generation of advanced MEMS devices, process technology will be more critical than ever to meet performance, reliability and yield targets. It’s exciting to see Sofant Technologies moving into volume production as a result of our collaboration, validating our MEMS platform and process expertise as well as our approach to MEMS development and manufacturing.”

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