Antennas¶
Antenna selection and design is most crucial to achieve satisfactory RF performance of your product. It shall be selected for narrow bandwidth, for use in the 2.4G ISM band (2.4-2.48 GHz) and have minimum loss (typically expressed in S11 parameter or VSWR).
The antenna shall be mounted according to the manufacturer’s data sheet. Most antenna types are not completely omni-directional, observe the antenna’s radiation pattern when placing/positioning the antenna, so that it is most efficient in the wanted directions.
The antenna can be either of the kind that is terminated with a connector, usually TNC or SMA type. Then you will need a cable assembly like the one below to connect the antenna to module’s on-board I-PEX/U.FL connector:
Or it can be equipped with a cable assembly terminated with I-PEX/U.FL connector, which will mate with the RF connector on the module.
Cable handling¶
The RF path between the module and the antenna is maybe as important as the antenna itself. It shall be a transmission line of 50 ohm impedance and all cables and connectors being part of the transmission line shall be handled with care. To most possible extent, avoid twisting and bending of the cable:
The onboard U.FL/I-PEX connector requires some attention to get a good mating, ensure it is snapped in place, but avoid using force.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The U.FL/I-PEX connector is surrounded by three isolation capacitors to ensure galvanic isolation between the antenna and the radio module. Be mindful of cable orientation so that no accidental short path is created between the U.FL connector shield and GND or signal pads of the capacitors, as this may result in electrical interference, damage to the equipment, or compromised system performance.
Antenna Placement¶
A general rule is to allow as much clearance and free space around the antenna as possible. Any object within the path of radiation will interfere or effect the RF performance.
If using a patch type (stick on) antenna, it shall be mounted on plastic (preferably PC/ABS if not stated differently by manufacturer), and have proper clearance to surrounding objects, especially ground planes and other metallic objects. If possible, keep any paralell surfaces free from metallic objects. E.g. if the PCB is placed right underneeth the antenna surface, keep that area free from copper and components. At least apply minimum clearance distances as shown below:
Recommended antennas¶
For the use in the European market, please be cautious when selecting an antenna to ensure that the output power does not exceed 20 dBm as required by European market regulations.
The MWA-N3 has been tested against FCC and IC regulatory requirements and is approved with the following antennas (or electrically equivalent antennas):
LumenRadio, 2.15 dBi dipole omnidirectional antenna¶
The LumenRadio 2.15 dBi dipole omnidirectional antenna delivers outstanding performance and orientation flexibility.
The antenna can be tilted and swiveled and comes with a rugged RP-TNC connector.
Together with MWA-N3 the total maximum radiated power is 21.65 dBm (146.2 mW).
| Electrical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2400-2483.5 MHz |
| Gain | 2.15 dBi |
| V.S.W.R | <2 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Polarization | Vertical |
| Max Power | 25 W |
| Connector | RP-TNC |
| Length | 144 mm |
| Randome material | TPEE |
| Randome Color | Black |
LumenRadio order code: 104-1001
Molex, 3.2 dBi balanced flex antenna¶
The molex 3.2 dBi balanced flex antenna is an adhesive omnidirectional flexible antenna.
The antenna comes with a 50 mm long cable terminated with a U.FL/ I-PEX MHF connector.
Together with MWA-N3 the total maximum radiated power is 22.7 dBm (186.2 mW).
| Electrical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2400-2483.5 MHz |
| Gain | 3.2 dBi |
| Return Loss S11 (dB) | <-10 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Polarization | Linear |
| Connector | U.FL/ I-PEX MHF Connector |
| Length | 50 mm |
| Mounting Style | Adhesive |
| Packaging Type | PET Film |
| Randome Color | Black |
LumenRadio order code: 104-1008
Microchip Technology, 0.56 dBi whip monopole antenna¶
The Lumen Radio 0.5 dBi whip antenna is a high-efficiency compact antenna with exceptional performance characteristics.
The antenna is of small size 28.4 mm long which can fit with small size products.
Together with MWA-N3 the total maximum radiated power is 20.06 dBm (101.4 mW).
| Electrical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2400-2500 MHz |
| Gain | 0.56 dBi |
| V.S.W.R | <1.3 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Connector | RP-SMA Male |
| Length | 28.4 mm |
| Randome material | TPEE |
| Randome Color | Black |
LumenRadio order code: 104-1034
LumenRadio, 5 dBi outdoor puck antenna¶
The LumenRadio 5 dBi dipole omnidirectional antenna is well-suited for products enclosed within metal shield.
The antenna comes with a 1 m long RG-174 cable terminated with a RP-SMA male connector.
Together with MWA-N3 the total maximum radiated power is 24.5 dBm (281.8 mW).
| Electrical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2400-2483.5 MHz |
| Gain | 5 dBi |
| V.S.W.R | <1.5 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Polarization | Vertical |
| Max Power | 25 W |
| Connector | RP-SMA Male |
| Length | 1 m |
| Height | Ø 45 * 25 mm |
| Randome material | ABS |
| Randome Color | Black |
LumenRadio order code: 104-1033
Note: The following antennas are not tested against FCC and IC regulatory requirements and are not approved to be used with MWA-N3 in the North American market:
TE Connectivity, 3.2 dBi dipole antenna¶
The TE Connectivity dipole 3.2 dBi antenna is a dome-type panel mount antenna that is available with different types of termination.
| Electrical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2400-2483.5 MHz |
| Gain | 3.2 dBi |
| V.S.W.R | <1.9 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Max Power | 5 W |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount |
| Randome Color | Black |
Manufacturer order number: ANT-DB1-WRT-
TE Connectivity, 2.1 dBi monopole antenna¶
The TE Connectivity monopole 2.1 dBi antenna is a dome-type panel mount antenna that is available with different types of termination.
| Electrical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2400-2500 MHz |
| Gain | 2.1 dBi |
| V.S.W.R | <2.2 |
| Nominal Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Max Power | 5 W |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount |
| Randome Color | Black |
Manufacturer order number: ANT-DB1-WRT-MON-
