Pulse Engineering space-saving NFC integrates with GSM/UMTS antenna

By Chris Davies/

Adding near-field communications (NFC) to a mobile device isn't just a case of slotting in another chip – you also have to have the accompanying length of antenna if you want it to work.  Considering modern cellphones can have upwards of ten antennas – to deal with various GSM and UMTS bands, WiFi and more – we're glad to see Pulse Engineering thinking ahead; their new NFC antenna piggy-backs on top of a pentaband GSM antenna.

That adds up to a minimal footprint inside the device; manufacturers will obviously have to find room for the NFC chip itself, but as we've seen with devices like the iPhone 4, and the problems the Apple smartphone has had, squeezing in a well-performing antenna can actually be the trickiest engineering issue.

This first so-called NFC Stamp Antenna supports the Euro-friendly 850, 900, 1800, 1900 GSM/EDGE bands together with 2100 WCDMA, though we'd imagine they'll be making a North American version as well.

[via IntoMobile]

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