Antenna

The Antenna is a transducer designed to transmit and receive radio waves and a significant contribution to reception quality and clarity of mobile devices.

A common misconception is that antennas produce the radiation in cell phones. However much of the radiation is generated in the transceiver (a chip that converts the sound of voice into a radio wave). Most cell phones operate on 0.75 to 1 watt of power. The position of a transceiver inside a phone is normally located between the display and keypad. However on some older models it may be located within close proximity to the earpiece. On some clamshells, it is located in the lower half of the phone by the keypad.

While position varies depending on the manufacturer, it is usually in close proximity to the antenna. The resulting radio waves are launched by the antenna into the atmosphere and picked up by a cell phone tower. There are only a few types of antennas, offering varying degrees of cosmetic and practical appeal:

Internal - The most cosmetically appealing, the Internal Antenna is concealed within the case, allowing manufacturers to design an exterior without any protrusion taking away from its aesthetic appeal. The Internal Antenna also has about 50% reduced SAR value in comparison with the External Antenna at the expense of decreased reception capabilities.

Stub - The Stub Antenna protrudes from the handset offering improved reception over the Internal Antenna. Fixed in place, the Stub Antenna can send and receive weaker signals for improved function in low level areas at the expense of increased radiation levels.

Stub / Extendable - Similar to the Stub Antenna, the Stub / Extendable Antenna elongates to provided improved transmitting and receiving capabilities over existing fixed Stub Antennas, without added length. The least aesthetic of the group, the Extendable Antenna offers functionality over form.