PCB ANTENNA DESIGN

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Unlocking the Potential of PCB Antenna Design

In today’s interconnected world, PCB antenna design is essential for the reliable performance of IoT devices, which are often deployed in diverse and challenging environments. Understanding the unique aspects of PCB antenna design is crucial to unlocking its full potential.

Read more about our antenna design process and philosophy

1. The Importance of Choosing the Right PCB Material

Selecting the appropriate PCB material is critical in PCB antenna design, especially for IoT applications. The choice of material significantly impacts antenna performance, with variations in permittivity potentially causing substantial tuning issues, particularly in narrowband antennas. For applications above 5GHz or for routing RF signals within the PCB, a low-loss laminate is indispensable. It’s essential to avoid changing the selected material without comprehensive testing.

2. Customization Over Copy-Pasting

Unlike off-the-shelf chip antennas, PCB antennas must be tailored to each specific device due to differences in electronics or mechanics. Each PCB antenna design should be a unique solution, even if inspired by previous designs. This customization is necessary to ensure optimal performance for complex IoT devices.

3. Embracing 2D Limitations

PCB antennas, often referred to as microstrip antennas, are two-dimensional structures integrated into the main PCB, sharing the same plane as the ground layer. This limitation constrains the available volume for the antenna design. When surface area is restricted, PCB antennas may exhibit reduced performance compared to other types like LDS, FPC, or stamped metal antennas.

4. Importance of Matching Components

Matching a PCB antenna to 50 ohms solely with an antenna radiator may not be efficient. Antenna matching components are crucial for compensating uncertainties in PCB materials and mechanical design. Without these components, iterations and prototypes can become costly and time-consuming. Adjusting matching components offers flexibility and fine-tuning for each unit, minimizing the need for additional prototypes.

Why Choose PCB Antennas?

PCB antennas can achieve comparable performance to surface-mounted chip antennas while reducing component costs. However, realizing these benefits requires careful attention to material and supplier selection throughout the product’s lifecycle. PCB antenna design is best handled by those with experience.

Radientum’s Expertise in Microstrip PCB Antenna Design

At Radientum, we specialize in maximizing the potential of PCB antenna design. Our process begins with evaluating the feasibility of using a PCB antenna, selecting the optimal location, and utilizing full 3D antenna simulations for your product. Once a prototype is available, we excel in optimizing the matching circuit to achieve peak antenna performance. For future modifications, our re-optimization services keep your product at the cutting edge of connectivity technology.

Contact Us Today

Ready to lower your product’s Bill of Materials (BOM) cost and improve its wireless connectivity? Reach out to Radientum today and explore the possibilities of PCB antenna design!

RADIENTUM
HQ – Tampere
Visiokatu 4
33720 Tampere, Finland
+358 40 501 3535
Design Office – Espoo
Innopoli 2
Tekniikantie 14
02150 Espoo, Finland
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