ACE Contest for the smallest and most efficient small antenna

The contest for the smallest and most efficient small antenna is being done within the framework of ACE2, the FP6 Network of Excellence dedicated to antennas. The contest is divided into different classes depending on the frequency band of operation and the design of the antenna. Both single and multi band antennas are considered. Special prizes for the winners in the different classes will be given.

The physical limitations of small antennas are normally characterized in terms of their Q-value. Unfortunately, this approach is not very practical and does not account for losses and the corresponding radiation efficiency. For these reasons this contest has been concentrated on measurements of the radiation efficiency as a function of frequency. The measured total radiation efficiency will contain both the contribution due to ohmic losses and mismatch, as separate parts and combined. The small antennas in the contest will be provided both by the contributing measurement labs themselves, and by other labs in or outside ACE. All results will be gathered and reported and compared to theoretical limitations for radiation efficiencies of small antennas. To make it more interesting to participate with good antenna designs we will finally select the antennas and labs which are the best in terms of the criteria defined in the document 'ACE contest - Rules'.

Deadline for submitting antennas: August 31, 2007

Contact person: Jan Carlsson (jan.carlsson@sp.se)

Further information is available in the documents listed below.