2.6.1 PCB Antenna

For the RNWF02PE/PC module, the PCB antenna is fabricated on the top copper layer. The layers below the antenna do not have copper trace. It is recommended that the module be mounted on the edge of the host board and to have no PCB material below the antenna structure of the module and no copper traces or planes on the host board in that area.

The following table lists the technical specification of the PCB antenna when tested with the RNWF02 module mounted on the RNWF02 Add-On Board.

Table 2-3. PCB Antenna Specification for RNWF02 Module
ParameterSpecification
Operating frequency2400-2485 MHz
Peak gain1.18 dBi at 2410 MHz
Efficiency (average)45%(1)
Note:
  1. The size of the RNWF02 Add-On Board is 57.2 mm x 25.4 mm. The antenna efficiency will improve with larger ground plane base boards. The same antenna achieved an average efficiency of 69% with a base board size of 85 mm x 40 mm. If the best case routing guidelines are followed on a larger ground plane application board, the efficiency will be better.

PCB Antenna Radiation Pattern

The following figure illustrates the module orientation in the measurement system for the PCB antenna radiation pattern.

Figure 2-11. Module Orientation for Radiation Pattern Measurement

Antenna Radiation Pattern

The following figures illustrate the 2D cross section of the antenna radiation pattern.

Figure 2-12. Antenna Radiation Pattern when Phi = 0°
Figure 2-13. Antenna Radiation Pattern when Phi = 90°
Figure 2-14. Antenna Radiation Pattern when Theta = 90°