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- December 4, 2022
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 05 mins
PCB antenna – definition, working and designing
An antenna is used in radios, televisions, cell phones, and other devices to emit or receive signals, it basically converts electromagnetic radiation into electric signals. PCB antenna is one of the most common types that are used. You will learn about PCB antennas what they are, the various types, and some design tips. You will also discover how to select the best material for your antenna’s needs within this article.
What is a PCB antenna?
A PCB antenna is a conductor that is printed on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). It helps to convert current waves into electromagnetic (EM) waves. The antenna can be as simple as a single loop, or it can be a more complex design with multiple loops.
PCB antennas are an attractive option because they are lightweight and can be easily customized to fit the application’s specific requirements. They are also relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. However, the performance of a PCB antenna can be affected by the type of material used for the PCB, the layout of the traces, and the thickness of the copper foil.
What are PCB antennas used for?
PCB antennas are used for a wide range of purposes. For militaries, PCB antennas can provide covert communication between units or troops in the field. They can also be used for battlefield surveillance, tracking enemy troop movements, and locating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
For civilians, PCB antennas can be used for a wide range of purposes such as phone calls, text messages, internet access, watching TV or movies, listening to the radio, and getting directions from GPS navigation systems. etc.
Types of PCB antennas
Loop
A Loop PCB antenna is an antenna that is made out of a PCB (printed circuit board). It is usually rectangular or square in shape, and the two short sides are attached to the PCB. The long side of the loop antenna is then stretched out and used as the radiating element.
Patch
A Patch antenna is an antenna that is designed to be mounted on the surface of a flat, rectangular metal sheet. The metal sheet functions as the ground plane for the antenna. Patch PCB antennas are often used in wireless communications applications.
Inverted-F
An Inverted-F antenna, also known as a folded dipole antenna, is an antenna that consists of a single element that is bent in the shape of the letter “Z”. The element is fed at the center, and the two ends extend out in opposite directions. This type of PCB antenna is often used for short-range applications such as Amateur Radio communications.
Meander line
Meander line antennas are constructed by etching a meandering wire line on the surface of a dielectric substrate. This wireline creates a series of slots in the dielectric that act as antennas. The individual antennas are spaced apart from each other, which reduces radiation leakage and increases the bandwidth of the antenna.
What is the difference between a chip antenna and a PCB antenna?
The main difference between a chip antenna and other types of PCB antennas is that the former is designed to be integrated into electronic circuits, whereas the latter is not.
Chip antennas are made from metal traces that are etched onto a silicon chip. They are very small and can be tuned to resonate at the desired frequency. This makes them ideal for use in portable devices, such as cell phones and GPS receivers, where size and weight are critical factors.
How do you calculate PCB antenna gain?
PCB antenna gain is calculated by taking the ratio of power radiated by the antenna in a given direction to the power that would have been radiated by a hypothetical isotropic antenna (an antenna that radiates equally in all directions).
The calculation is done for each of the three spatial dimensions, and then the values are averaged to give an overall gain figure. For example, if an antenna has a gain of 5 dB in a given direction, it means that it radiates five times as much power as an isotropic antenna in that direction.
PCB antenna’s basic formulas
The wavelength, antenna length, and frequency are all intertwined with one another while the antenna is in operation. The relationship between time and frequency can be expressed as T = 1/f, where f equals frequency and T equals time. To calculate the wavelength of an antenna, you can utilize the formula λ = c/f. Here, c stands for the speed of light.
How to design PCB antennas?
There are a few different ways to design a PCB antenna, but the most common is to use a software program that can create a 3D model of the antenna.
Once you have created a 3D model of the antenna, you can then use that model to create a layout for the PCB. You will also need to specify the dimensions and materials for the antenna, as well as any ground planes or other features that need to be included in the design.
Finally, you will need to generate a file that can be used by a manufacturer to create the antenna. This file will include all of the information needed to create the antenna, including the dimensions, materials, and layout.
How to choose PCB material for antennas?
When it comes to antennas, the PCB material you choose is critical. You want a material that has good electrical conductivity and low loss so your signal is transmitted and received as clearly as possible. You also want a material that is resistant to corrosion and won’t fade in the sun or weather.
Some of the best materials for a PCB antenna include copper, brass, and aluminum. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll need to decide which is best for your specific application. Copper is a great choice for high-frequency signals, brass has low loss at lower frequencies, and aluminum is strong and weather-resistant.
A PCB antenna is a conductor that is printed on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). It helps to convert current waves into electromagnetic (EM) waves. The antenna can be as simple as a single loop, or it can be a more complex design with multiple loops.
- Loop
- Patch
- Inverted-F
- Meander line
The main difference between a chip antenna and other types of PCB antennas is that the former is designed to be integrated into electronic circuits, whereas the latter is not.
Summing up
To sum up, PCB antenna is becoming more popular due to its many advantages: they are easy and cheap to manufacture, can be miniaturized easily, and perform well. By following the guidelines in this guide, you too can take advantage of the benefits of a PCB antenna.
