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| Increased efficiency gives the Cellmax aerial a 40 per cent wider range on top of which energy consumption is reduced by about 30 per cent. |
The aerials are built up around aluminium extrusions with integrated functions such as signal conductors and casing.
Traditional aerials used in the mobile telephone network generally lose between 30 and 50 per cent of the signal strength between the ground base station and the aerial. Using so-called low-loss technology, Cellmax Technologies in Stockholm has developed a highly effective aerial that cuts the signal loss and has an energy efficiency as high as 96 per cent! Instead of the conventional cabling and circuit cards used in ordinary aerials, Cellmax works with thick conductors and a design where the feeder network is integrated into an aluminium extrusion.
More economical and environmentfriendly
Increased efficiency gives the Cellmax aerial a 40 per cent wider range on top of which energy consumption is reduced by about 30 per cent. This makes a complete mobile telephone system significantly more economical through better coverage, fewer base stations and masts, and less power consumption. The last is very significant both economically and environmentally as the electricity consumed by mobile telephone networks worldwide represented two per cent of the total global energy consumption in 2007.
Expansion of the 3G network
Development work started in 2001 and the new aerial was launched in 2004. The main markets today are Asia and the USA, and in Europe the new aerial is used for the expansion of the new 3G network. Cellmax is a sales and development company that outsources its production to Swedish suppliers. During the past few years the company has developed dramatically and recently opened its own sales office in the USA.
“The technique in itself is well established,” says Cellmax’ managing director Jan Matti, “but we are the first in the world to supply aerials that are as effective and energy efficient as this. The principle is simple but producing it in volumes is not easy. Our niche is high frequency mobile networks in the range 1700 to 2100 MHz which is about half the market.”
Aluminium extrusions at the centre
The reverse side of the aerial consists of an aluminium extrusion which also forms the feeder network to each aerial unit. The design of the extrusion is optimised for radio performance and is equipped with integrated functions for running cables, fastening to the mast and the attachment of protection against the weather. The extrusion is also designed for stability and torsional stiffness, very important for ensuring minimal aerial movement even in high winds. The extrusions and aerials are tested and approved for wind speeds of up to 220 km/hr.
Finished components
Hydro Aluminium Profiler, who took part in the development of the new aerials, supplies finished extrusion components ready to be assembled by Cellmax. The extrusions are made in two widths, most often in two-metre lengths. The final machining is carried out by Hydro Aluminium Alube in Vetlanda, specialists in advanced machining.
“The machining is done with very tight tolerances,” says Mikael Fasth, project manager at Hydro Aluminium Alube. “It involves cutting, drilling, milling and tapping from six sides in a multi-operation CNC machine.”
Dynamic development
Cellmax has developed dynamically during the last few years, repeatedly doubling its turnover. And the trend appears to be continuing. With its well conceived product concept further success is only to be expected.
“By using our products, our customers get a complete solution with a better performance that is more economical compared to conventional systems,” says Jan Matti. “Greater efficiency and better radio coverage means fewer masts, and lower power consumption means lower running costs – to the benefit of both company finances and the environment!”
Cellmax reaches even further – thanks to aluminium extrusions!
