Simple, reliable antenna design

RE: Simple, reliable antenna design

Andreas — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 11:34:18 GMT

Hi,

We have this on how to design a printed quarterwave monopole: https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/pdf/nwp_008.pdf?cp=14_17

But that is a design that requires length tuning and thus requires spinning the layout during the tuning process. Also it is fairly large,for a module design, but this is up to you.

Best regards,

Andreas

RE: Simple, reliable antenna design

AAnc — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:01:06 GMT

Perfect, that whitepaper is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you very much! Is there also something like that for pcb antenna design? Thank you for your help!

RE: Simple, reliable antenna design

Andreas — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 13:39:43 GMT

Hi,

No matter which antenna you choose, trace or SMD, PCB antennas will be detuned by different substrate, ground plane size and shape, and encclosure/surroundings. You will have to tune the antenna to the specific board and assembly: https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/pdf/nwp_017.pdf?cp=14_13

A advantage with SMD/ceramic antennas though is that there will only be a BOM update (antenna matching components), you do not need to adjust the layout with different antenna dimensions. There are some 'predesigned' PCB antennas also where as a general rule the antenna layout shall not be changed, where you only can adjust the matching. See e.g. the nRF52840 Dongle antenna: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Development-Kits/nRF52840-Dongle/Download#infotabs

Nordic can also assist in tuning the RF part for you.

Best regards,

Andreas