Key Features of the Newly Developed Flexible Radio Wave Absorber
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Ultra-thin design leveraging FPC manufacturing technology: Achieves thicknesses of tens to hundreds of micrometers and weights of tens to hundreds of grams per square meter, enabling placement in narrow areas and complex curved surfaces of devices.
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Flexible frequency selection: Proprietary circuit design allows for targeting specific frequencies, primarily in the millimeter-wave band. Over 99% absorption has been achieved in the 28GHz band.
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Mass production capability using existing lines: Utilizes existing FPC production lines, such as Roll-to-Roll processes, to enable stable mass production.
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Heat resistance: Possesses heat resistance comparable to FPC.
Background of Development
With the proliferation of 5G communication and the development of next-generation communication technologies, the use of high-frequency radio bands is becoming widespread. As electronic devices continue to miniaturize and require less space, the need for reliable noise suppression technologies within limited internal spaces has grown significantly. Mektec addressed this next-generation demand by integrating its high-frequency FPC technology with metamaterial technology, achieving an ultra-thin structure less than 0.1mm. This product is intended to support the stable operation of advanced devices in areas such as next-generation communication, mobility, smart devices, and humanoids, thereby contributing to the development of next-generation technologies.
Projected Applications
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Next-generation high-speed communication devices (5G millimeter-wave / 6G)
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Next-generation base stations (HAPS, NTN, etc.)
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Aerospace (communication satellites, etc.)
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Automotive and next-generation mobility
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Humanoids and next-generation robotics
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Wearable devices
Participation in the Metamaterial Research Innovation Consortium (Meta-RIC®)
Accurate measurement and evaluation of radio wave absorption performance for ultra-thin metamaterial structures, such as this product, have traditionally been challenging due to their extreme thinness. To overcome this hurdle, Mektec has been participating in the Meta-RIC® consortium since 2024, conducting research under the guidance of Professor Yoshiaki Kanamori, Director of the Research Center for Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. This collaboration has led to the establishment of practical measurement and evaluation methods. This industry-academia partnership has confirmed the high absorption performance of over 99% in the 28GHz band, directly enhancing product reliability.
Definitions
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Metamaterial: Artificially designed microstructures that control the behavior of radio waves and light. In this product, precise patterns arranged on the sheet’s surface enable the absorption of specific radio wave frequencies.
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Millimeter-wave band: Radio waves with wavelengths primarily between 1 and 10mm (frequencies between 30 and 300GHz). They are mainly used in cutting-edge fields requiring high-capacity and high-speed communication, such as 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication systems), next-generation communication (6G), and automotive radar for autonomous driving.
About Mektec Corporation
Founded in 1969 as a subsidiary of NOK Corporation specializing in flexible printed circuit board manufacturing, Mektec provides products and technologies under the “MEKTEC” brand that enable the miniaturization, weight reduction, and thinning of electronic devices such as mobile phones and HDDs, with manufacturing and sales bases worldwide. In 2024, marking its 55th anniversary, the company unified its globally recognized brand name and corporate name to Mektec Corporation.
About NOK Group
The NOK Group operates under the philosophy of “Essential Core Manufacturing – Crafting indispensable core technologies for society,” supporting the fundamental safety and comfort of a prosperous society. Approximately 37,000 employees across 14 countries and regions achieve product development based on accumulated fundamental research and high-quality, stable mass production. The group continues to provide technologies and products to all industrial sectors, including automotive and other mobility, electronic devices like PCs and smartphones, medical and healthcare equipment, industrial robots, and artificial satellites.
For more information about Mektec Corporation, please visit their official website:
