Radiocrafts
Embedded Wireless Solutions
RCxxxxHP-DK
2020 Radiocrafts AS
RCxxxxHP-DK User Manual (rev. 3.04)
Page 10 of 13
Antenna selection versus range performance
The choice of antenna is crucial for achieving the maximum range for any radio system. Due
to the small size of the PCB and the off-centre placement of the onboard SMA connector the
Development Boards will not demonstrate the maximum range or omnidirectional radiation.
To improve this, a larger ground plane and a centred placement of the antenna above this
ground plane is required. One possible solution for maximum radiation is shown in the figure
below. With the addition of two different SMA adaptors and one sufficiently large ground plane
(radius ≥ L, length of the antenna) and a good electrical connection to the GND-layer, an
optimum performance of the antenna following the kit is achieved.
Other antenna solutions can be tested by connecting to the existing SMA female connector
on the Development Board via one of the methods below:
1. Solder the feeding point of the antenna to be tested directly to an SMA male
connector and fasten to the SMA female connector
2. Connect to an external antenna (or board with antenna) via a shortest possible 50
Ohm coax cable with minimum insertion loss
Figure 7: Extending size of ground plane with extra PCB
Radiocrafts Demo
Board
SMA male/male
adaptor
SMA female/female
adaptor in drilled
hole
Antenna
PCB with solid bottom
GND layer
Proper connection
betwen GND plane
and adaptor outer
shielding
Antenna length L
Minimum radius of
GND plane = L
