determining gain of trace antenna

[jwsherwin]

I have a BLE circuit utilizing an NRF52832 cpu/integrated radio, necessary impedance matching network and a single ended micro-strip "L" antenna. How can I determine the gain mathematically? Is there an estimated number?

[AmbystomaLabs]

If you have a highly accurate model, most EM simulation packages can give you a reasonable estimate of peak gain. The model is only as good as your assumptions for dielectric constants, ground planes, copper conductivity, copper thickness, loss tangent, etc.

Most antenna types have rough guesstimates of their theoretical peak gain. However this number could easily be +/- 3-6dB different from your actual implemented design. So, if you are not too picky then just google your antenna type and read up on it. Otherwise, you'll have to do an accurate EM simulation.