Use the power of the perfect antenna
Harald Naumann
As the winner of the 5G NTN Antenna Award , I am happy to inform you about my 0 USD antenna concept and more – contact me!
With the rapid growth in the number of IoT device vendors, it has become imperative to consider a number of factors such as cost, performance and size when selecting an antenna. Choosing the right antenna for IoT devices is critical to ensure optimal performance and connectivity. With a better antenna, you can stand out from your competitors.
PCB antennas in IoT devices help reduce costs. Antennas integrated into the main PCB are a popular choice for price-sensitive IoT devices because the initial cost is $0 and integration is easy. They can be designed specifically for the device's PCB layout.
For those looking for low-cost options or preferring a do-it-yourself approach, there are a number of do-it-yourself antennas that can be easily built with simple materials. These antennas sometimes have better performance than commercially available antennas. The best known type of do-it-yourself antenna is the FR4 antenna on the main PCB.
When choosing an antenna, it is important to consider parameters such as antenna gain, bandwidth and size. The antenna gain determines how effectively the antenna can transmit or receive signals. A higher gain generally results in better receiving and transmission. An antenna gain that is too high can lead to an undesired directional characteristic. A gain of 0 to 2 dBi is a desirable value for Sub-GHz frequencies for NB-IoT, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, Mioty, NeoMesh, W-MBus and many others.
The right antenna bandwidth ensures compatibility with the different frequency bands used in IoT applications. It is also important to consider the size of the ground plane in relation to the antenna bandwidth according to Chu's antenna theorem [1]. A larger mass surface can improve efficiency. Too small a mass surface will reduce efficiency.
Finally, when selecting an antenna, it is important to evaluate the total isotropic sensitivity (TIS) and total radiated power (TRP). TIS measures how well an antenna receives signals from all directions, while TRP measures an antenna's ability to transmit power efficiently.
Careful consideration of these factors during the selection process can ensure that IoT devices have reliable connectivity and optimal performance with the right antenna selection.
Excerpt of important parameters for antenna selection:
Frequency range: The resonant frequency of the antenna should match the operating frequency of the radio module used in the IoT device.
Impedance: The impedance of the antenna should match the impedance of the RF circuitry of the radio module. Typical impedance values are 50 Ohm.
Gain: The gain of the antenna determines its ability to transmit or receive signals in a particular direction. Pay attention to the peak and average gain values. The average gain is more important than the peak gain for IoT devices with omnidirectional directionality of the antenna.
Size: The physical size of the antenna is important for small IoT devices with limited space. For example, if there is not enough space for a PCB antenna, a chip antenna should be used.
Efficiency: The efficiency of the antenna is a crucial factor for effectively transmitting and receiving signals. An antenna with higher efficiency ensures better radio performance.
Radiation pattern: The radiation pattern of the antenna determines how the signals are distributed in different directions. A device that requires omnidirectional coverage may require an antenna with a specific radiation pattern.
Matching network: Integrated antennas often require a matching network to optimise performance. Consider any additional components required for impedance matching.
Cost: The cost of the antenna should fit into the overall budget of the IoT device while meeting the performance requirements. PCB antennas offer the lowest price and sometimes better performance than chip antennas.
If there is no space for a PCB antenna, a test setup with two to three different chip antennas, flex PCB antennas or other commercially available antennas should be performed. The values in the data sheet will be different in your own units.
Antenna test setup
A test setup for IoT antennas offers several advantages that allow the performance and reliability of the antennas to be evaluated in a realistic scenario. The test setup should be as similar as possible to the later device. An unassembled PCB with the antennas to be tested and the enclosure is the minimum. If larger components such as batteries or displays are planned for the device, these must be integrated into the test setup.
Advantages of the test setup
Performance evaluation: The test setup allows the performance of the antennas to be evaluated under real conditions. It allows the signal range, strength and stability to be checked in a real environment.
Frequency range: The enclosure, the size of the PCB, components such as batteries and much more influence the antenna. The data sheet of a chip antenna is only valid for the reference PCB without enclosure and without battery near the antenna.
Signal quality: The test setup allows the evaluation of the signal quality and consistency of the antennas. This is particularly important to ensure that the antenna transmits and receives data reliably.
Comparison of antenna types: The test setup enables the comparison of different antenna types to select the most suitable antenna for a specific IoT device.
Environmental conditions: The test setup allows to evaluate the behaviour of antennas under different environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity or interference.
Interference and shadowing: The test setup allows you to determine how well the antenna handles interference and shadowing that can occur in real environments. A battery nearby is an example of interference in the near field of the antenna or at least shadowing.
Design validation: The test setup helps with the design validation of IoT devices and ensures that the antenna works properly with the rest of the system.
Regulatory compliance: The test setup can be used to verify that the antenna complies with relevant wireless regulations and guidelines.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Fault detection and correction: The test setup enables early detection and correction of antenna performance problems and faults.
Cost-efficiency: The test setup enables potential problems to be identified in advance, thus avoiding redesign costs.
Customer acceptance: Careful evaluation of antenna performance can increase customer satisfaction, as reliable wireless connectivity is critical to a positive user experience.
A well-executed test setup enables IoT device manufacturers to select the optimal antenna solution for their products that delivers the best results in terms of range, signal quality and reliability.
We wish you success and accurate results in evaluating IoT antenna performance in the test setup! May the test setup deliver the optimal antenna solution for reliable wireless connectivity and an excellent user experience.
DIY PCB antenna for 868/915 MHz
The pictures of the PCB antenna simulation comes from the study "Low-Cost PCB Antennas for the Wireless IoT" financed by NeoCortec. This PCB antenna offers better performance than many chip antennas. In addition, the antenna has been optimised to 50 Ohms at the feed point. This has not only reduced the initial cost of the antenna to 0 USD, but also the cost of the components in the matching network to 0 USD. No matching network is needed for this antenna and other antennas in the study. Therefore, there are no losses in the matching network of the antenna. The antenna was developed as a benchmark to show what is technically possible. The study and the DXF file can be downloaded free of charge here:
It paves the way for your own low-cost PCB antennas. Enjoy reading the study and rebuilding the antenna layouts.
Use the power of the perfect antenna
Do you need high-quality antenna advice and service? Then look no further! We specialise in providing customised antennas that are tailored to your exact needs. Whether you need a custom antenna or measurements of antenna patterns in three axes, we have the expertise and experience to deliver exceptional results.
Our expert team has extensive knowledge of antenna matching and can guarantee optimum performance for your applications. We pride ourselves on our fast service without compromising on quality. Our many years of experience in the industry have earned us a reputation for reliable solutions.
Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we have a long list of satisfied customers who attest to the quality of our services. We offer competitive prices without compromising on the quality of our services.
Contact us today if you need a custom antenna or other antenna related services. We will exceed your expectations with our expertise, short delivery times and commitment to exceptional results.
Contact: Harald Naumann, harald.naumann(at)lte-modem.com
References
[1] Chu antenna limit
[2] Low cost do it yourself PCB antennas for the wireless IoT - 80 pages PDF
[3] NeoCortec
Imprint
Emmanuelle VIALAS
As the winner of the 5G NTN Antenna Award , I am happy to inform you about my 0 USD antenna concept and more – contact me!
1yAditya Thakekar thx for like. Excited to experiment with DIY antennas using DXF layouts at download. Time to get hands-on with PCB antennas.
As the winner of the 5G NTN Antenna Award , I am happy to inform you about my 0 USD antenna concept and more – contact me!
1yMathias Mueller thx for like. Selecting the wrong antenna can lead to frustrating communication issues and poor performance. 📡🚫 It's crucial to consider factors like frequency, gain, and radiation pattern to match the application. Don't let a hasty decision limit your project's potential!