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A fractal antenna is a type of antenna that uses a fractal, self-similar design to maximize the effective length, or "load" of the material that can receive or transmit electromagnetic radiation within a given total surface area or volume. Such an antenna takes advantage of the fractal element's ability to resonate at frequencies that are harmonically related, thereby allowing a single antenna structure to receive or transmit effectively over a wide range of frequencies.

In the context of printed circuit boards (PCBs), a fractal antenna can be implemented by etching the fractal pattern onto the PCB itself.

Here are some key characteristics of a fractal PCB antenna:

•Design and Implementation: A fractal antenna is made by applying a fractal design (a geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is a reduced-scale copy of the whole) to the elements of an antenna. There are many possible fractal shapes, but common examples used in antenna design include the Koch snowflake, the Sierpinski gasket, and the Minkowski island.

•Multiband and Wideband Capabilities: Because of their self-similar nature, fractal antennas can resonate at multiple frequencies simultaneously. This makes them useful for wideband and multiband applications.

•Size Reduction: Fractal elements allow an antenna to take up less space than a traditional design while maintaining similar performance. This can be especially beneficial in applications where space is at a premium, such as in mobile devices.

•Applications: Fractal antennas are used in a wide range of wireless communication systems, including cell phones, WiFi devices, and other wireless networking devices. They're also used in radar and broadcasting systems.

Designing a fractal antenna on a PCB requires careful consideration of the intended operating frequencies, the specific fractal geometry to be used, and the materials and layout of the PCB. As always, the antenna should be thoroughly tested after fabrication to ensure that it performs as expected in its intended application.