IIT Kanpur develops ‘Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas’; breakthrough for communication industry

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has recently developed the 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas'. This innovation by Saurabh Shukla, a PhD student and Professor Ayyangar Ranganath Harish holds great potential for the communication industry and can be considered a breakthrough.

The introduction of 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' represents a significant advancement in the communication industry, offering a range of applications. One of the key advantages of this innovative antenna structure is its ability to generate both omnidirectional and directional patterns, enabling it to radiate and receive energy in a 360° horizontal plane or focus wave power in a specific direction, respectively.

This exceptional versatility opens up a multitude of opportunities for various market segments which include telecommunication, healthcare, consumer electronics, aerospace, defence and more.

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Speaking about the innovation, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “This is a significant development in technology and has far-reaching implications for India’s communication and other industries. The technology showcases the ingenuity and expertise of our researchers at IIT Kanpur. Its capability to produce both omnidirectional and directional patterns gives it an edge over the market alternatives. We believe that this invention will revolutionize the way antennas are used in a wide range of applications, contributing to the advancement of wireless systems and meeting the growing demand for smart antennas.”

The 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' technology provides a novel antenna solution with diverse applications in areas such as WIFI, WLAN, RFID, indoor communication systems, radar systems, and more. In contrast to the existing bulky 3D knot antennas available in the market, this invention offers a compact and cost-effective alternative. It can be seamlessly integrated into printed circuit boards (PCBs), occupying minimal space.

"While the market potential is promising, there are certain challenges to overcome, including manufacturing costs and the bulky structure of traditional antennas. However, the 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' address these limitations, providing a practical and efficient alternative. With the successful development of the 'Planar Trefoil Knot Antennas' and the grant of the Indian Patent, IIT Kanpur reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology", reads the official release.