13
Choosing an Antenna
•
Custom built: a custom-built antenna can be used while the designer
focuses on developing the system. For this case, a 4” wire can be soldered
to a SMA connector.
•
Off-the-shelf: a designer may opt to purchase a pre fabricated tuned
antenna. For this case, the designer needs to consider what frequency
band is going to be used. In the next page are a few web sites that offer US
or European ISM band antennas. Most antenna information can be found
at the following URL
http://www.rfcafe.com/vendors/components/antenna_links.htm
•
PCB antenna: Another alternative is to use a printed circuit board with a
Cu trace as an antenna. There are multiple designs for this and readily
available in different publications.
