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Antenna Guide

This guide has been organized to help customers buy the correct antennas for specific applications. The following items are included in the antenna guide. Whether customers are new to antenna projects or just need a refresher on antenna connector types, this guide will help customers make a more informed decision on their antenna purchases.

 

Antenna Basics

When using an antenna with a radio the frequency of the antenna must correspond with the operating frequency of the radio. A 900 MHz antenna must be used with a 900 MHz radio; a 2.4 GHz antenna must be used with a 2.4 GHz radio. A 900 MHz antenna should not be used with a 2.4 GHz radio.

When connecting an antenna to a cable or to a radio, the connector on the antenna must pair up correctly with the connector on the cable or radio. This involves 2 main parts. First, an antenna with a certain connector type (SMA, RPSMA, U.FL, etc.) will only connect properly with a cable or radio if the cable or radio has the same connector type as the antenna. For example, an RPSMA connector will only connect to another RPSMA connector. Second, a male connector only connects to a female connector and vice versa.

 

 

Antenna Vocabulary*

Following are some helpful terms to know when trying to find the right antenna for a specific application.

Attenuation The reduction in amplitude and intensity of a signal. Commonly measured in dB of loss/unit length.
dB Abbreviation for “Decibels”. Unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity. An increase of 3 dB corresponds to an approximate doubling of power.
dBi dB (isotropic) — the forward gain of an antenna compared to a fictitious isotropic antenna, which uniformly distributes energy in all directions.
dBd dB (dipole) — the forward gain of an antenna compared to a half-wave dipole antenna.
*Source: Wikipedia.com
 

 

Antenna Styles

Various antenna types are available, each with unique features and uses. By knowing the features of each antenna type, customers can choose the antenna that best fits their application.

Antenna Type Features Uses
Base Station
  • Omnidirectional
  • Low gain (usually < 5dBi)
  • Withstands harsh weather
 
  • Permanently mounted fixed installation
  • Point-to-multipoint networks
  • Where end devices are scattered, portable, mobile, or unknown
 
Directional
  • High signal gain in one direction (7 dBi or more)
  • (Point-to-point networks)
  • Withstands harsh weather
 
  • Long range connection
  • Not well suited for mobile operation, point-to-point links, and point-to-multipoint links (on the multiple point side of the connection)
 
Portable
  • Omnidirectional
  • Low gain
  • Small
  • Usually rugged
 
  • Handheld devices
  • Short range links
 
Mobile
  • Small
  • Rugged
  • Vehicle mountable (in many cases)
  • Sometimes use metal of car as ground plane
 
  • Vehicle installations
 
 

 

Connector Types

Male Female
RPSMA RPSMA male antenna connector RPSMA female antenna connector
SMA SMA male antenna connector SMA female antenna connector
N-Type N-Type male antenna connector N-Type female antenna connector
MMCX MMCX male antenna connector MMCX female antenna connector
U.FL U.FL male antenna connector U.FL female antenna connector
RPTNC RPTNC male antenna connector RPTNC female antenna connector