Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
ANTENNA BASICS –
Basic Antenna Design Information
b) Helical:
A helical element is a wire coil usually wound from copper, brass or steel. Compared to the
monopole, which is essentially a two-dimensional structure, the helical antenna is a 3-
dimensional-structure but is nothing else as a “shorter quarter wave”. Its radiation pattern
is similar in nature to the monopole. This provides an optimum condition for portable com-
munications. A small helical significantly reduces the physical size of the antenna; however
this reduction is not without a price. Because a helical has a higher Q factor, its bandwidth
is narrower and its ideal gain is as a matter of principle lower than a “full size” quarter-
wave whip. In many cases, the helical antenna will perform as well as the elongated ¼
wave antenna. The distributed capacity of the helical ¼ wave antenna acts as an imped-
ance matching section that is not present in the full size ¼ wave antenna and minimizes
the effect of the underground.
ANTENNA BASICS
Conclusions:
1. Any piece of conducting material is also an antenna. The antenna efficiency is a critical
component to a system’s performance and should be considered early in the design
process. It should be recognized that data sheet and specifications of a “standalone” an-
tenna will not necessarily reflect its performance in the final product. This is most a re-
sult of design-specific factors, such as those presented here, as well as differing refer-
ences, methods of test, and specification formats among antenna suppliers.
2. An important factor when designing an antenna is also his gain, shape, placement and
orientation. Propagation within buildings is influenced by the following factors: attenua-
tion due walls, reflection and diffraction from walls, ceiling, floor, etc. With this in mind
and because mostly the transmitter has to be mounted at a pre determinated location
(like a wireless light switch on the wall for example), it is the best to mount for example
ANTENNA BASICS
the receiver antenna higher than any obstacle between the transmitter and receiver.
Any metal surfaces that fully or partially surround the antenna will disturb the radiation
pattern.
3. Quarter wavelength whips are good, but should be used only if the final product has an
enough large ground plane and place for the antenna. Small housings and ground
planes makes 1/4 wavelength monopole antennas unstable, and any object close to the
an-tenna changes its performance. The best quarter wavelength whip is almost useless
if it is not straight up or if any object touches it.
4. Other antennas, such as helical or even a 1/8 wavelength monopole may offer a much
better overall performance in this case. A 1/8 wavelength antenna for example has ap-
proximately half the size of a 1/4 wavelength antenna, which makes it attractive for
small designs where it can be easier implemented. Because of the reduced dimensions
their efficiency is lower, but it is not as sensitive to proximity effects as a quarter wave-
length whip. However their design is not so easy, since they have a dominant reactive
element in their impedance that needs to be taken into account in the matching net-
work. A very small antenna cannot be efficient and tolerance-insensitive at the same
time.
5. As a general physical rule, the antenna’s efficiency is directly proportional to its volume,
while the length of an antenna is directly related to the wavelength.
6. For example, a stretched quarter wavelength whip will be basically better as any small
helical, while in a small housing a well designed helical can achieve a better
performance as a poor shaped whip. A well matched helical can achieve an excellent
overall perform-ance while maintaining a very compact size. The helical is therefore
very popular, since well designed it can provide excellent range at very small size.
7. Common problems with antennas usually involve insufficient free space around the an-
tenna. The antenna should not run close to ground plane, shield or any other trace. This
includes also traces on the other side of the board, batteries or any other near metallic
object.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this document describes typical features of the EnOcean radio system and should not
be misunderstood as specified operating characteristics. No liability is assumed for errors and / or omissions. We
reserve the right to make changes without prior notice. For the latest documentation visit the EnOcean website at
www.enocean.com.