Fractus, the fractal antenna technology company, has launched a family of internal passive DVB-H antennas that enable handsets far smaller than current DVB-H devices.
The move toward implementing DVB-H in mobile handsets brings a new set of challenges for RF designers and handset manufacturers.  DVB-H operates on a lower frequency (470MHz – 862MHz) than traditional cellular systems, as well as utilising a broader bandwidth. It therefore requires a much larger antenna than is used for either 3G (1900-2025MHz & 2110-2200MHz) or GSM (890-915MHz & 1710-1785MHz) systems.
The first generation of DVB-H handsets is far larger than non-DVB-H models. Operators continue to demand improved functionality without compromising on the form factor, so it is down to handset manufacturers to implement innovative antenna design technologies to create a smaller, second generation of DVB-H handsets, with greater appeal.
Fractus has applied its experience in developing specialised, low-profile internal passive antennas for handset manufacturers such as Samsung, Sagem and other OEMs to create the new range of passive DVB-H antennas. Fractus is also working closely with OEMs and ODMs to manage interferences that result from the coupling of DVB-H and cellular antennas, to achieve optimal device performance.
“DVB-H is changing the way handsets are designed and built says Fractus Director of Mobile Handset Antennas, Josep Puig. After all, nobody wants to pay a premium for a new service if they struggle with a large archaic-looking device. Fractus enables OEMs and ODMs to reconcile ever greater consumer demand for multimedia functionality and connectivity in a handset that is increasingly small and fashionable.” 
Fractus has developed different DVB-H demonstrators for varying handset form factors, as antennas operate differently in separate usage scenarios. Fractuss DVB-H demonstrators include a 95 x 45mm clamshell phone with an 8 x 35 x 7mm antenna and a 100x45mm candy bar phone with a 10 x 43 x 7mm antenna.