Case Study: MWF SAR Simulation

Case Study: MWF SAR Simulation

 

The Mobile & Wireless Forum (MWF) was founded in 1998 to foster research, develop industry standards, and facilitate regulatory collaboration in wireless technology. As the industry has evolved, so too has the MWF’s focus. Today, its priorities center on advancing 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and promoting safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. By collaborating with regulators, developing global standards, and distributing reliable information, the MWF supports its members, including industry leaders.

In a world where smartphones have become almost as extensions of our hands, manufacturers face the dual challenge of enhancing performance while meeting stringent safety and compliance standards. MWF members, including Apple, Huawei, Google, Samsung, Honor, Motorola and Sony lead the charge in pushing technological boundaries. But one key question persists: how can performance be expanded without compromising user safety?

When the MWF tasked Convergentia with designing three generic smartphone virtual prototype for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) simulation and analysis and computational exposure assesment, we went beyond compliance in our delivery. Our objective was to create a robust antenna design platform library for optimizing antenna design, enabling member companies to innovate with confidence while adhering to safety standards.

 

Virtual prototype for innovation

To address this challenge, Convergentia developed three virtual prototypes, each engineered to emulate the complexity of modern flagship smartphones. These virtual prototypes were designed as flexible platforms for SAR testing.

 

Virtual prototype framework

Realistic and adaptable design

  • Real-world switching and matching networks to enhance bandwidth
  • Precise structural representation of contemporary smartphones, including accurate placements for displays, cameras, and connectors.

Diverse use cases

  • Use cases for antenna performance
  • SAR Simulation use cases:
    • Cheek, left and right, and body phantoms with 0 mm and 5 mm separation distances. Cheek left and right with hand placement.

Comprehensive antenna architecture

  • Cellular Bands: Low Band (700–960 MHz), Mid Band (1710–2200 MHz), High Band (2300–2690 MHz), Ultra-High Band (3300–4200 MHz).
  • Wi-Fi Bands: Wi-Fi 2.4G (2400–2483.5 MHz), Wi-Fi 5G (5180–5850 MHz), and Wi-Fi 6E (5925–6425 MHz).
  • Cellular antennas were positioned at the base for maximum efficiency, while Wi-Fi and Ultra-High Band (UHB) antennas were placed along the sides to minimize interference.

Performance targets

  • Achieve excellent performance in free-space and phantom scenarios, meeting typical operator requirements.
  • Optimize performance for close proximity to phantoms, including body and flat phantom scenarios.
  • Ensure antenna designs meet operator specifications and pass SAR requirements through precise adjustments in antenna placement and ground plane configuration.

 

Simulation and testing

Comprehensive simulations were conducted to evaluate SAR performance across cellular, Wi-Fi, and UHB antennas. These simulations spanned multiple frequencies and power levels, with meticulous analysis of power loss and material effects. Special focus was placed on real-world use cases, such as cheek proximity and body separation, ensuring compliance with 1g and 10g SAR measurement standards.

 

Key results

Safety compliance

  • All antennas met international SAR limits, even in challenging scenarios such as cheek proximity and minimal body separation.

Optimized antenna efficiency

  • Cellular bands demonstrated consistently high efficiency across free-space and body-hand scenarios, validating the strategic placement and design of antennas.

 

 

Conclusion

Through the development of advanced prototype and comprehensive SAR simulations, Convergentia and the MWF are pioneering robust SAR standards for antenna design and compliance. This initiative ensures safety and regulatory alignment while enabling MWF member companies to push the boundaries of wireless innovation with confidence.

 

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