Connection and broadcasting in metal enclosure

[Aman_Aim]

Hello,

We are working on one project in which we are planning to place PCBA with BLE module inside metal enclose.

Does it affect broadcasting range and communication if board is enclosed in metal body?

We cannot change metal enclosure so what are the option to maintain proper connections?

What are my options to design Antenna?

 

Please review and any help is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Aman Shah

[Kenneth]

Hi,

The radio will not be able to communicate through metal (or water). So you need some means to attach the antenna externally, for instance using an antenna connector from the inside. I don't really see any other way unless you can make opening in the case where you have plastic window or other opening to allow the radio to communicate.

Kenneth

[Aman_Aim]

Hello Kenneth,

Thank you for your response. We are exploring those options only.

But how to calculate the size of opening/ window, and how far it can be from the window is acceptable.

Also, we are looking into external antenna options and how we can mount from inside.

Please see if you can provide some options.

Thank you.

Aman Shah

[Kenneth]

I don't think having opening in the box is sufficient if you want the device to be able to send data in any direction, if you only have one opening the direction will be very limited to the direction of the location the opening. In terms of size of the opening, I would expect the larger the better in terms of range.

An external antenna is a better option.

Kenneth