USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 1
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224) – A standard antenna solution
for mobile frequency bands
Fractus Antennas specializes in enabling effective mobile communications. Using Fractus
Antennas technology, we design and manufacture optimized antennas to make your wireless
devices more competitive. Our mission is to help our clients develop innovative products and
accelerate their time to market through our expertise in antenna design, testing and
manufacturing.
RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster
FR01-S4-224
Fractus Antennas products are protected
by Fractus Antennas patents.
All information contained within this
document is property of Fractus Antennas
and is subject to change without prior
notice. Information is provided “as is” and
without warranties. It is prohibited to copy
or reproduce this information without prior
approval.
Fractus Antennas is an ISO 9001:2015
certified company. All our antennas are
lead-free and RoHS compliant.
ISO 9001: 2015 Certified
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 2
INDEX OF CHAPTERS
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-224 .......................................................................... 4
2. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ............................................................................................. 5
3. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960 MHz and 1710-2690MHz) ............................................... 5
4. CAPABILITIES AND MEASUREMENTS SYSTEMS ........................................................ 10
5. MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS FR01-S4-224.......................................................... 11
6. ASSEMBLY PROCESS .................................................................................................... 13
7. PACKAGING .................................................................................................................... 15
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-224 .......................................................................... 4
2. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ............................................................................................. 5
3. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960 MHz and 1710-2690MHz) ............................................... 5
3.1. MATCHING NETWORK .............................................................................................. 6
3.2. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY .............................................................................. 7
3.3. RADIATION PATTERNS (824-960 MHz), GAIN, AND EFFICIENCY .......................... 8
3.4. RADIATION PATTERNS (1710-2690 MHz), GAIN, AND EFFICIENCY ...................... 9
4. CAPABILITIES AND MEASUREMENTS SYSTEMS ........................................................ 10
5. MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS FR01-S4-224.......................................................... 11
5.1. DIMENSIONS, TOLERANCES AND RoHS .............................................................. 11
5.2. COLOUR RANGE FOR THE INK ............................................................................. 11
5.3. RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT FOR THE FR01-S4-224 ......................................... 12
6. ASSEMBLY PROCESS .................................................................................................... 13
7. PACKAGING .................................................................................................................... 15
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 4
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-224
The RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster has been specifically designed for providing multiband
performance in wireless devices (in particular in mobile devices), enabling worldwide coverage
by allowing operation in the communication standards GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800/DCS,
GSM1900/PCS, UMTS, LTE850, LTE900, LTE1700, LTE1800, LTE1900, LTE2000, LTE2100,
LTE2300, LTE2500, and LTE2600.
TOP
Material: The RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster is built on glass epoxy substrate.
APPLICATIONS
BENEFITS
• Handsets
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Phablets
• Laptop PCs
• Netbooks
• Modules
• Routers
• eBook readers
• High efficiency
• Small size
• Cost-effective
• Easy-to-use (pick and place)
• Multiband behaviour (worldwide
standards)
• Off-the-Shelf Standard Product (no
customization is required)
The RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster belongs to a new generation of antenna solutions based
on the Virtual AntennaTM technology owned by Fractus Antennas. The technology is mainly
focused on replacing conventional antenna solutions by miniature and standard components.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020
research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 674491
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 5
2. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Technical features
824 – 960 MHz
1710 – 2690 MHz
Average Efficiency
> 65 %
> 70 %
Peak Gain
2.8 dBi
1.8 dBi
VSWR
< 3:1
Radiation Pattern
Omnidirectional
Polarization
Linear
Weight (approx.)
0.19 g.
Temperature
-40 to + 125 ºC
Impedance
50
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
12.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 2.4 mm
Table 1 – Technical Features. Measures from the Evaluation Board. See Figure 1. Note that for obtaining
comparable results, a ground plane length larger than 100 mm is recommended.
3. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960 MHz and 1710-2690MHz)
This Evaluation Board integrates a UFL cable to connect the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster
with the SMA connector. The RUN mXTENDTM provides operation in two frequency regions,
from 824 MHz to 960 MHz and from 1710 MHz to 2690 MHz, through a single input/output port.
Measure
mm
A
131
B
120
C
60
D
8.0
E
5.0
Tolerance: ±0.2 mm
D: Distance between the RUN
mXTENDTM antenna booster
and the ground plane.
Material: The evaluation board
is built on FR4 substrate.
Thickness is 1 mm.
Clearance Area: 60 mm x 11
mm
Figure 1 – EB_FR01-S4-224-1B-2RJ-1P. Evaluation Board providing
operation from 824 MHz to 960 MHz and from 1710 MHz to 2690MHz.
This product and its use is protected by at least one or more of the following patents and patent
applications US 8,203,492; US 8,237,615; PCT/EP2013/064692; WO2014/012842; US
62/028,494; US 62/072,671; and other domestic and international patents pending. Additional
information about patents related to this product is available at
www.fractusantennas.com/virtual-antenna/.
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 6
3.1. MATCHING NETWORK
The specs of a Fractus Antennas standard product are measured in their evaluation board,
which is an ideal case. In a real design, components nearby the antenna, LCD’s, batteries,
covers, connectors, etc. affect the antenna performance. This is the reason why it is highly
recommended placing pads compatible with 0402 and 0603 SMD components for a matching
network as close as possible to the feeding point. Do it in the ground plane area, not in the
clearance area. This provides a degree of freedom to tune the RUN mXTENDTM antenna
booster once the design is finished and taking into account all elements of the system
(batteries, displays, covers, etc.).
Please notice that different devices with different ground planes and different components
nearby the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster may need a different matching network. To
ensure optimal results, the use of high Q and tight tolerance components is highly
recommended (Murata components). If you need assistance to design your matching network
beyond this application note, please contact support@fractusantennas.com, or try our free-of-
charge NN Wireless Fast-Track design service, you will get your chip antenna design including
a custom matching network for your device in 24h
1
. Other related to NN’s range of R&D
services is available at: https://www.fractusantennas.com/rdservices/
824 – 960 MHz and 1710 – 2690 MHz
Value
Part Number
4.0 nH
LQW15AN4N0G80
19 nH
LQW18AN19NG80
0.7 pF
GJM1555C1HR70WB01
0.6 pF
GJM1555C1HR60WB01
12 nH
LQW18AN12NG10
1.5 pF
GJM1555C1H1R5WB01
4.5 nH
LQW15AN4N5G80
Figure 2 – Matching Network implemented in the evaluation board (Figure 1).
1
See terms and conditions for a free NN Wireless Fast-Track service at: https://www.fractusantennas.com/fast-track-
project/
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 7
3.2. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and Total Efficiency versus Frequency (GHz).
Figure 3 – VSWR and Total Efficiency for the 824 – 960 MHz frequency range and for the 1710 – 2690
MHz frequency range (from the evaluation board (Figure 1)).
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 8
3.3. RADIATION PATTERNS (824-960 MHz), GAIN, AND EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up
Evaluation Board in Plane XY
= 90º Plane XY at 890 MHz
= 0º Plane XZ at 890 MHz
= 90º Plane YZ at 890 MHz
Gain
Peak Gain
2.8 dBi
Average Gain across the band
1.9 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
0.3 <–> 2.8 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
78.6 %
Average Efficiency across the band
69.9 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min, max)
54.3 – 78.6 %
Table 2 – Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the Evaluation Board (Figure 1) within the 824 – 960
MHz frequency range. Measures made in the Satimo STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 9
3.4. RADIATION PATTERNS (1710-2690 MHz), GAIN, AND EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up
Evaluation Board in Plane XY
θ = 90º Plane XY at 1.71GHz, 2.2GHz and
2.69GHz
= 0º Plane XZ at 1.71GHz, 2.2GHz and
2.69GHz
= 90º Plane YZ at 1.71GHz, 2.2GHz and
2.69GHz
Gain
Peak Gain
1.8 dBi
Average Gain across the band
1.1 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
-0.2 <–> 1.8 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
86.0 %
Average Efficiency across the band
72.3 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min, max)
57.2 – 86.0 %
Table 3 – Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the Evaluation Board (Figure 1) within the 1710 – 2690
MHz frequency range. Measures made in the Satimo STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 10
4. CAPABILITIES AND MEASUREMENTS SYSTEMS
Fractus Antennas specializes in designing and manufacturing optimized antennas for wireless
applications and providing our clients with RF expertise. We offer turn-key antenna products
and antenna integration support to minimize your time requirement and maximize your return on
investment during your product development efforts. We also provide our clients with the
opportunity to leverage our in-house testing and measurement facilities to obtain accurate
results quickly and efficiently.
Agilent E5071B
VSWR
&
S Parameters
Radiation
Pattern
&
Efficiency
SATIMO STARGATE 32
Anechoic chambers and full equipped in-house lab
2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
Return Los s (dB)
Freque ncy (GHz)
Left Antenna
Right Ante nna
Isolation
VSWR=2
2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6
-20
-18
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-4
-2
0
Return Los s (dB)
Freque ncy (GHz)
Left Antenna
Right Ante nna
Isolation
VSWR=2
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 11
5. MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS FR01-S4-224
5.1. DIMENSIONS, TOLERANCES AND RoHS
TOP
SIDE
BOTTOM
Dimension
mm
Dimension
mm
A
12.0 ± 0.2
B
3.0 ± 0.1
C
0.5 ± 0.1
D
2.0 ± 0.1
H (Height)
2.4
+0.2
-0.1
Figure 4 – RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster dimensions and tolerances.
The 2 pads are fully symmetrical to mount it on the PCB. See Figure 6.
The RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster FR01-S4-224 is compliant with the restriction of the use
of hazardous substances (RoHS).
The RoHS certificate can be downloaded from www.fractusantennas.com.
5.2. COLOUR RANGE FOR THE INK
The next figure shows the range of the colours in the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster:
Acceptable color range
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 12
5.3. RECOMMENDED FOOTPRINT FOR THE FR01-S4-224
Assuming that the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster FR01-S4-224 is placed in the clearance
area of the PCB, see below the recommended footprint dimensions.
Figure 5 – Footprint dimensions for the single booster.
For additional support in the integration process, please contact support@fractusantennas.com.
Measure
mm
A
2.2
B
7.8
C
3.2
Tolerance: ±0.1 mm
Clearance Area
Ground plane Area
Matching network +
50 ohm feeding line
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 13
6. ASSEMBLY PROCESS
Figure 6 shows the back and front view of the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster FR01-S4-224.
Due to the symmetry in the product configuration, the feeding pad can be any of the 2 pads.
Figure 6 –Pads of the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster FR01-S4-224.
As a surface mount device (SMD), the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster is compatible with
industry standard soldering processes. The basic assembly procedure for the RUN mXTENDTM
antenna booster is as follows:
1. Apply a solder paste on the pads of the PCB. Place the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster on
the board.
2. Perform a reflow process according to the temperature profile detailed in Table 4, Figure 8.
3. After soldering the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster to the circuit board, perform a cleaning
process to remove any residual flux. Fractus Antennas recommends conducting a visual
inspection after the cleaning process to verify that all reflux has been removed.
The drawing below shows the soldering details obtained after a correct assembly process:
Figure 7 – Soldering Details.
NOTE(*): Solder paste thickness after the assembly process will depend on the thickness of the
soldering stencil mask. A stencil thickness equal or larger than 127 microns (5 mils) is
required.
RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster
PCB
Solder Paste
RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster
PCB
~ 0.1* mm
Mounting Pad (2): solder the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster mounting
pad to the soldering pad on the PCB. This pad must NOT be grounded.
Feed Pad (1): The 2 pads are fully symmetrical. Once the feeding pad is selected (1), the other pad (2)
will become a mounting pad. Align the feed pad with the feeding line on the PCB. See section 5.3.
1
2
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 14
The RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster FR01-S4-224 can be assembled following the Pb-free
assembly process. According to the Standard IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020C, the temperature profile
suggested is as follows:
Phase
Profile features
Pb-Free Assembly (SnAgCu)
RAMP-UP
Avg. Ramp-up Rate (Tsmax to Tp)
3 ºC / second (max.)
PREHEAT
- Temperature Min (Tsmin)
- Temperature Max (Tsmax)
- Time (tsmin to tsmax)
150 ºC
200 ºC
60-180 seconds
REFLOW
- Temperature (TL)
- Total Time above TL (tL)
217 ºC
60-150 seconds
PEAK
- Temperature (Tp)
- Time (tp)
260 ºC
20-40 seconds
RAMP-DOWN
Rate
6 ºC/second max
Time from 25 ºC to Peak Temperature
8 minutes max
Table 4 – Recommended soldering temperatures.
Next graphic shows temperature profile (grey zone) for the RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster
assembly process reflow ovens.
Figure 8 – Temperature profile.
USER MANUAL
RUN mXTENDTM (FR01-S4-224)
Last updated on November 2019
© 2019 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 15
7. PACKAGING
The RUN mXTENDTM antenna booster FR01-S4-224 is delivered in tape and reel packaging.
Measure
mm
Ao
3.3 ± 0.1
Bo
12.3 ± 0.1
Ko
2.8 ± 0.1
W
24.0 ± 0.3
P
8.0 ± 0.1
P0
4.0 ± 0.1
P2
2.0 ± 0.1
E
1.75 ± 0.1
F
11.5 ± 0.1
T
0.3 ± 0.05
Figure 9 – Tape dimensions and Tolerances.
Reel Capacity: 2000 pcs
Measure
mm
A
330 1.0
G
25.5 0.2
tMAX
29.5 0.2
Figure 10 – Reel Dimensions and Capacity.
Figure 11 – Image of the tape.