AN768 Datasheet, PDF(1/15 Page) Silicon Laboratories – ANTENNA SELECTION GUIDE FOR THE 868 MHZ

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AN768 Datasheet, PDF (1/15 Pages) Silicon Laboratories – ANTENNA SELECTION GUIDE FOR THE 868 MHZ

AN768

ANTENNA SELECTION GUIDE FOR THE 868 MHZ

E Z R ADIOï AND E Z R ADIOP R O ïï D ESIGNS

1. Introduction

This document describes the nine different 50 ï single-ended antenna types used in the easy-to-use 868 MHz

Antenna Matrix (WES0030-01-AMS868-01), which is dedicated to the EZRadio and EZRadioPRO family. Using the

development tool, the reader can test the performance of the Silicon Labsâ RFIC radio family with different types of

antennas and then find the best solution for the application in terms of shape, size, cost, and expected range.

The antenna types in the matrix are selected for the most common application areas in the 868 MHz band. The

antennas are optimized and tuned for the antenna PCB + Pico Board + Motherboard (MSC-WMB930 Wireless

Motherboard) structure (see Figure 1).

The input impedance, radiation pattern, and antenna gain of every antenna type in the Matrix are measured with

the above configuration. The outdoor range is also checked using two identical antenna modules at the two sides

of the link. The results are given in a separate document containing measurement reports for each antenna type.

In typical costumer cases the antennas are applied without the nearby Pico Board and Motherboard, and therefore

their effects disappear. Since all customer applications are different, the right solution may not be found among

these fixed size, fixed form factor Matrix antennas.

For these outlying cases, Silicon Labs recommends the user modify/tune the printed ILA (Inverted L Antenna) and

IFA (Inverted F Antenna) types, which are customizable in terms of length and performance. Silicon Labs provides

an easy-to-understand, simple, step-by-step tuning process description in the Application Note entitled âAntenna

Design Guide for Single-Ended 50 ï Antennasâ. Use this Application Note to customize and optimize the

performance of these antennas.

The current Matrix is designed for 50 ï single-ended solutions. Another matrix will be devoted to the differential,

high-impedance antennas, which are supported by the Si4010 /12/ RF IC family.

Figure 1. Typical Measurement ConfigurationâAntenna Board, Pico Board, and Wireless

Motherboard

Rev. 0.2 9/13

AN768

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