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OMRON Introduces World's First Global WiMAX Antenna for Notebook Computers - Multi-radio antenna supports WiMAX service rollouts globally including the Sprint Nextel Xohm network in US -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 10, 2007

In anticipation of major WiMAX roll-outs around the globe, OMRON Corporation (TSE: 6645, US: OMRNY; 'OMRON') has announced the introduction of a new, global WiMAX band polymer antenna, the HAWK-WMX, for laptops, notebooks, tablet and ultra-mobile PCs. Significantly smaller than competing products, the HAWK-WMX fits under the lid of notebook PCs, enabling computer manufacturers to design smaller and lighter models for highly mobile users.

The HAWK-WMX, which employs the high dielectric polymer material and precision molding technology used in OMRON's award-winning UWB antenna range, measures just 30 mm x 6.6 mm but can deliver uniform RF performance across three global WiMAX bands (2.3-2.8 GHz, 3.3-3.8 GHz and 5.25-5.85 GHz). The HAWK-WMX is WiMAX MIMOi compliant, and with its global band attributes can also be used as a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n) MIMO antenna.

"As society becomes increasingly mobile, consumers are demanding devices that offer global connectivity in ever smaller and lighter formats," said Masaharu Tsujimoto of OMRON's Advanced Components Division. "WiMAX offers a powerful next-generation solution for providing wireless mobility, but the frequencies on which WiMAX services are offered differ from country to country and sometimes region to region. Meanwhile, computer OEMs and ODMs are already supporting multiple wireless protocols such as 3G, Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi and UWB, each of which usually requires a separate antenna. With mounting space at a premium, there is a clear need for ultra-small antennas that will enable products to function in any region with consistently high performance. The HAWK-WMX delivers a small footprint without compromising performance and can replace five notebook antennas for WiMAX and Wi-Fi with three smaller ones."

What Is WiMAX?

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a long-range, high-bandwidth wireless technology that provides faster wireless throughput, longer range and a higher quality of service than Wi-Fi for consumers and enterprisesii . Freeing people from the need to be near a Wi-Fi 'hotspot' to access broadband services, WiMAX is currently being rolled out in Australia, Egypt, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam in addition to the US.

In 2007, Sprint Nextel Corporation announced the rollout of Xohm™, a mobile WiMAX Internet network operating at 2.5GHz.across the United States.

"Embedded WiMAX antennas are one of the cornerstones of our embedded device strategy to enable multiple WiMAX devices for consumers," said Michael Ha, Director of WiMAX Embedded Device Management, Xohm Business Unit, Sprint-Nextel. "OMRON's HAWK-WMX antenna product is a direct outcome of the Sprint WiMAX Chipset Ecosystem Initiative launched at CTIA WIRELESS 2007® this past April. We welcome OMRON's timely development to complement Sprint's rollout of the Xohm service."

i MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology spatially increases the bandwidth for wireless communications by combining multiple antennas, thus making wireless communications even faster.
The use of more than one antenna also stabilizes transmission and improves communications. ii WiMAX technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 family of standards directed for wireless metropolitan area networks. Mobile WiMAX is based on the IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard and can be used in a truly nomadic fashion, by users of notebook PC's and other similar devices.

Specifications

The HAWK-WMX is the latest in OMRON's WiPLADS (Wireless Polymeric Advanced Devices) series of high dielectric, multi-radio antennas for notebooks, tablets and ultra-mobile computers. The series includes UWB and Wi-Fi antennas.

Global Band Specifications

Model No. WXA-HKFT
Size (L x H x D) 30 x 6.6 x 3.6 mm
Frequency range 2.3 to 2.7 / 3.3 to 3.8 / 5.25 to 5.85 GHz
VSWR 3 max.

Dual Band Specifications

Model No. WXA-HKFD
Size (L x H x D) 16 x 5.5 x 5 mm
Frequency range 2.3 to 2.7 / 5.25 to 5.85 GHz
VSWR 3 max.

Note: In both specifications, 'H' refers to the height of the portion of the antenna that extends above the LCD and into the computer lid.

For media related enquiries, please contact:
James Seddon (james_seddon@omron.co.jp)
Sarah Hall (sarah_hall@omron.co.jp)
at OMRON Corporate Communications Department
Telephone: +81 3 3436 7202
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