What are PCB-Mount Antennas?

Meet the Antenna: PCB-mount Antennas

PCB-mount antennas are integrated directly into a PCB (printed circuit board). Rather than attaching to the PCB as a separate component, the antenna structure is part of the PCB itself. This makes the antenna less susceptible to damage compared to external antennas. Wireless communication applications such as IoT devices, wireless routers, Bluetooth modules, and other devices for wireless communication applications use PCB antennas as a compact solution for transmitting and receiving RF signals. Eliminating the need for an additional external component saves space and cost, making these antennas ideal for small, compact devices.

Adam Tech PCB antenna

Design Notes 

The design of a PCB-mount antenna must consider radiation pattern, size limitations, and frequency range. The desired electrical performance dictates the dimensions and shape of the antenna trace on the PCB. The various wireless protocols — Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, GNSS, cellular network, ultra-wideband, ISM, and NFC — correspond to the operating frequencies.

Molex chip antenna

PCB antennas come in multiple types to fit a variety of applications. These include:

Monopole: A single conducting element, typically a straight wire or a metal trace on a PCB, vertically oriented, relies on the ground plane to create a reference for radiation.

Dipole: Two symmetrical conducting elements (straight wires or metal traces) of equal length and aligned along the same axis. The center of the dipole antenna is the point of maximum radiation.

Slot: A slot cut into a PCB, or other conductive surface, acts as a resonator, radiating electromagnetic waves when excited by an RF signal. Various shapes and sizes achieve specific radiation patterns and frequency characteristics.

Patch (or microstrip): A flat antenna typically made of a metal patch or strip, usually square, rectangular, or circular and fed by a transmission line, compact and lightweight.

Planar (PIFA): Compact and low-profile metal patch located above a ground plane with a shorting pin or strip connecting them.

Chip antennas: Not considered PCB antennas; however, these small, ceramic components, can be soldered onto the PCB.

TE Connectivity PCB Antenna

Connectors: The U.FL connector, a miniature coaxial connector, is commonly used to connect antennas to PCBs. It allows for a compact and reliable connection between the antenna and the board. U.FL connectors are often used with pigtail cables, which are short, flexible coax cables that terminate in a larger, more accessible connector like SMA or RP-SMA.

Markets and Applications 

Industrial, Consumer, Automotive, Telecommunications, Medical, and Military/Aerospace

IoT devices, wireless routers, Bluetooth modules, handheld devices, wearables, and smart home products.

Suppliers 

TE Connectivity, Adam Tech, KYOCERA AVX, Molex, Taoglas (Mouser Electronics), Hirose Electric

Related products 

Chip antennas

External antennas

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