MRF24WN0MA Datasheet, PDF (16/36 Pages) Microchip Technology – 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wireless Module

MRF24WN0MA/MB
3.2 Integral PCB Trace Antenna
For the MRF24WN0MA, the PCB antenna is fabricated
on the top copper layer and covered in solder mask.
The layers below the antenna do not have copper
trace.
It is recommended that the module is mounted on the
edge of the host PCB. It is permitted for PCB material
to be below the antenna structure of the module as long
as no copper traces or planes are on the host PCB in
that area. For best performance, place the module on
the host PCB according to the details shown in
Figure 1-6.
The antenna patterns plotted in Figure 3-2 through
Figure 3-5 are the simulated results of the PCB
antenna.
Figure 3-2 illustrates the simulation drawing. The two-
dimensional (2D) radiation pattern is illustrated in
Figure 3-3, whereas Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5 shows
the three-dimensional (3D) radiation patterns.
The calculated average of the radiated field is shown in
Figure 3-3. The radiation pattern for the XZ plane is
shown in red, whereas the YZ plane is shown in violet.
The most powerful radiation occurs in the XZ plane as
represented by the red pattern.
Figure 3-4 shows the relative position of the 3D radia-
tion “donut” with reference to the module orientation.
This is a very useful guide for placement of the module
to obtain the maximum range.
Figure 3-5 shows the 3D radiation pattern with the col-
ored distribution of the radiation magnitude. The values
range from -9 dB to +0.3 dB. This is very useful in inter-
preting the 2D radiation pattern.
FIGURE 3-2:
PCB ANTENNA SIMULATION DRAWING
DS50002410A-page 16
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