Antennas¶
Antenna selection and design is 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 types of antennas are not fully omni-directional, consider the radiation pattern of the antenna when placing/positioning it so that it is most efficient in the desired directions. The antenna may be of the type that is terminated with a connector, usually of the TNC or SMA type. You will then need a cable assembly like the one shown below to connect the antenna to the module's on-board I-PEX/U.FL connector.
The other option is to use an antenna fitted with a cable assembly terminated with an I-PEX/U.FL connector that mates with the RF connector on the module.
Cable handling¶
Not only is the antenna important, but so is the RF path between the antenna and the module. The RF path should be a transmission line with an impedance of 50 ohm. All cables and connectors forming part of the transmission line should be handled with care. It is recommended that, to the greatest extent possible, not to twist or bend the cable.
The onboard U.FL/I-PEX connector requires attention to get a good mating. Ensure it is snapped in place, but avoid using force.
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 with and affect the RF performance.
If you are using a patch-type (stick-on) antenna, it shall be mounted on plastic (preferably PC/ABS if not stated otherwise by the manufacturer) and have proper clearance to surrounding objects, especially ground planes and other metallic objects. If possible, keep any parallel surfaces free from metallic objects. For example, if the PCB is placed right underneath the antenna surface, keep that area free from copper and components. At the very least, apply minimum clearance distances as shown below:
Recommended antennas¶
When selecting an antenna for use in the European market, it is essential to ensure that the output power does not exceed 20 dBm, as required by European market regulations. The W-Modbus module has been tested against FCC and IC regulatory requirements and is approved with the antennas described in the following subsections (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. When combined with the W-Modbus module, 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. When combined with the W-Modbus module, 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. Its small size (28.4 mm) makes it ideal for use with smaller products. When combined with the W-Modbus module, 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. When combined with the W-Modbus module, 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 W-Modbus module 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 |
LumenRadio order code: 104-1027
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 |
LumenRadio order code: 104-1023