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LDS Design Process Overview

Design Stage

Upon project commencement, the customer should provide complete 3D files and material details of the proposed project; housing and its internals. The scope of the project is defined and agreed through close consultation with the customer to evaluate all requirements. The customer provides complete 3D files of the proposed project housing and internals.

A system analysis is then carried out to evaluate the best layout and if a separate carrier is required. Then based on the antenna requirements a hand made sample antenna can be produced onto either the customers housing or carrier or a 3D print. This antenna design is then evaluated and tested for both antenna performance and manufacturing capability.

The design is then transferred into the 3D model of the housing and refined using DFA and DFM techniques before being converted into production drawing files.

custom lds antenna

Production Stage

The plastic housing or carrier is produced using the injection moulding process with a specially modified polymer. Following this, the part is mounted to the LDS laser application machine where the laser trace is etched onto the part. These parts are then transferred for metalization in a plating bath.

Once plated, the parts are then transferred to our quality department where each part is tested to verify both electrical performance and mechanical properties. Following this, the components are carefully packed and dispatched to the customer.

lds antenna uses

What is the LDS?

Injection Moulded

The plastic carrier is an injection moulded component, produced using a specific polymer material. These select polymer blends allow adhesion of metallic antenna traces following activation of the surface by laser. This laser activates the substrate surface generating the antenna trace shape required. The component is then selectively metalized using a chemical solution to produce the conductive traces that form the shape of the antenna.

Dynamic Trace Element

LDS is an excellent alternative to metal stamped or flexible adhesive antenna designs where the shape of the antenna is too complex or when the space allowed for placement is limited.

The Pros and Cons of LDS

The Pros

  • The trace can be conformal to housing/carrier shape
  • The assembly process can be simplified by eliminating additional components as the antenna can be incorporated directly into housing/carrier
  • Superior to flex for complex shapes, compound curves & 3D structures
  • Very fine Trace structures are achievable (0.2mm)
  • Very effective where the space for the antenna is limited
  • The trace geometry can be easily modified/tuned throughout the design process

The Cons

  • Colours and materials of the carrier can be limited
  • It is preferable to begin the LDS project at the early stages of customer housing design
  • The plastic housing/carrier design is the critical component

LDS Implementations

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