AN768 ANTENNA SELECTION GUIDE FOR THE 868 MHZ EZRADIO AND EZRADIOPRO DESIGNS 1. Introduction This document describes the nine different 50 single-ended antenna types used in the easy-to-use 868 MHz Antenna Matrix (WES0030-01-AMS868-01), which is dedicated to the EZRadio and EZRadioPRO family. Using the development tool, the reader can test the performance of the Silicon Labs RFIC radio family with different types of antennas and then find the best solution for the application in terms of shape, size, cost, and expected range. The antenna types in the matrix are selected for the most common application areas in the 868 MHz band. The antennas are optimized and tuned for the antenna PCB + Pico Board + Motherboard (MSC-WMB930 Wireless Motherboard) structure (see Figure 1). The input impedance, radiation pattern, and antenna gain of every antenna type in the Matrix are measured with the above configuration. The outdoor range is also checked using two identical antenna modules at the two sides of the link. The results are given in a separate document containing measurement reports for each antenna type. In typical costumer cases the antennas are applied without the nearby Pico Board and Motherboard, and therefore their effects disappear. Since all customer applications are different, the right solution may not be found among these fixed size, fixed form factor Matrix antennas. For these outlying cases, Silicon Labs recommends the user modify/tune the printed ILA (Inverted L Antenna) and IFA (Inverted F Antenna) types, which are customizable in terms of length and performance. Silicon Labs provides an easy-to-understand, simple, step-by-step tuning process description in the Application Note entitled Antenna Design Guide for Single-Ended 50 Antennas. Use this Application Note to customize and optimize the performance of these antennas. The current Matrix is designed for 50 single-ended solutions. Another matrix will be devoted to the differential, high-impedance antennas, which are supported by the Si4010 /12/ RF IC family. Figure 1. Typical Measurement ConfigurationAntenna Board, Pico Board, and Wireless Motherboard Rev. 0.2 1/15 Copyright 2015 by Silicon Laboratories AN768AN768 2. General Notes The following apply. EZRadio and EZRadioPRO family of products are supported RF Pico Boards equipped with Si4x55, Si4456, or Si446x can be used with these antennas RF connectors are matched to 50 Boards are equipped with female SMA connectors Antenna can be connected to the Pico Board using an SMA male-to-male straight adapter MSC-WMB930 Wireless Motherboard serves as the driving interface of the Pico Board (Figure 1) 41 mm wide Pico Boards -> max. 41 mm wide antenna panels All PCB antennas are designed on 1.55 mm thick FR4 substrate 2 Rev. 0.2