Many common electronic devices rely on antennas to communicate wirelessly. Antennas are transducers that convert electromagnetic waves to electric current or vice versa. Antennas can be used in outer space, underwater, rock, or soil. Most common applications use air as the typical propagation medium. While it takes many years to become an expert antenna designer, several basic antenna specifications are described to enable a starting point for antenna selection. Standard antenna solutions are also presented for several common applications.

1. Antenna
Selector &
Design Guide
Many common electronic devices rely on antennas to communicate
wirelessly. Antennas are transducers that convert electromagnetic waves
to electric current or vice versa. Antennas can be used in outer space,
underwater, rock, or soil. Most common applications use air as the typical
propagation medium.
While it takes many years to become an expert antenna designer, several
basic antenna specifications are described to enable a starting point for
antenna selection. Standard antenna solutions are also presented for several
common applications.
Basic Antenna Specifications The ideal dipole radiator
Bandwidth (Frequency band): Bandwidth refers to the range of frequencies over which the antenna is effective. The bandwidth can
be centered at one resonant frequency or, more commonly, many resonant frequencies which gives wider bandwidth antennas.
Radiation pattern and gain: The ideal antenna is an isotropic radiator, radiating equally in all directions. Antenna performance is
usually specified relative to the ideal isotropic antenna. An antenna’s 3-dimensional radiation pattern is typically graphed in separate
vertical and horizontal plots to show the relative field strength against a single variable angle. The antenna’s directivity and sidelobes
can be visually determined by the polar coordinate plots. The antenna peak gain is the maximum point of field strength around of the
polar plot and is indicated in the datasheet in dBi; dB relative to an isotropic radiator.
Return Loss: Power not radiated by the antenna is reflected back
to the network. The ratio of the reflected signal relative to the input
signal is called return loss and is a measure of how well matched the
antenna is to the network. Minimal return loss across the desirable
frequency band maximizes radiated power.
VSWR: The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is a unit-less
measure of the maximum voltage to the minimum voltage of a
standing wave in the transmission line. Standing waves result
from the mismatched complex impedances between the antenna
and transmission line, causing reflections that sum with the input
signal. An ideal VSWR is 1.0:1. A VSWR of 2.5:1 corresponds to a
Elevation Plane Azimuth Plane
return loss of -7.4 dB. VSWR is usually specified worst case but
will vary by frequency, so it is helpful to have VSWR characterized Nearly isotropic embedded antenna radiation patterns.
across the entire band of interest. VSWR can be converted to
return loss as follows:
Return Loss = 20 log ( VSWR – 1
VSWR + 1 )
Feed Point: The feed point is where the electric current enters or leaves the antenna. A balanced feed point has two conductors,
with equal currents in opposite directions. An unbalanced feed point has just one conductor and a ground. Baluns are used to
convert balanced impedances to unbalanced impedances (or vice versa). They can also provide impedance transformation.
Polarization: This term refers to the orientation of the electric field of the radio wave with respect to the Earth’s surface. Polarization
is determined by the physical structure of the antenna and by its orientation.
Power Handling: Embedded antennas may have limited power handling capability, usually specified in the datasheet.

2. te connectivity embedded Antennas ease Selection Process
In an effort to shorten the antenna design and selection process, TE connectivity has developed a complete family of standard antennas
targeted at many of today’s common applications. The ability to embed a TE antenna inside the device without loss of performance is
the most important feature. This, coupled with the small size and light weight, provides the designer with a low cost, attractive alternative to
the conventional whip antenna. These antennas can mount via standard surface mount process or via through-hole tabs.
te Antenna Selector Guide
Part Number 1513156-1 1513164-1 1513168-1 1513169-1 1513247-1 1513259-1 1513273-1 1513317-1 1513349-1
38.10 x 38.1 x 38.1 x 38.1 x 37.59 x 35.56 x 49.90 x 18.03 x
DimeNsioNs 16.09 x 6.05
6.6 x 1.57 15.24 x 1.57 15.24 x 1.57 15.24 x 1.57 11.94 x 1.57 17.65 x 1.57 20.27 x 1.58 3.76 x 1.57
Peak GaiN +1 dBi +4 dBi 0 dBi +2 dBi 0 dBi, +3 dBi +1 dBi +2 dBi +3 dBi 0 dBi
VsWr < 2.5:1 < 2.5:1 < 2.0:1 < 2.5:1 < 3.0:1 < 3.0:1 < 3.0:1 < 3.0:1 < 2.0:1
mouNtiNG SMT SMT Puck Tab Tab Tab SMT Tab Tab SMT
baNDs Single Band Dual Band Single Band Single Band Dual Band Quad Band Quad Band 5-Band Single Band
FrequeNcy
usaGe reGioN 1513156-1 1513164-1 1513168-1 1513169-1 1513247-1 1513259-1 1513273-1 1513317-1 1513349-1
baND (mHz)
824 - 894 GSM / CDMA 850 Americas x x x x x
880 - 960 GSM 900 EU x x x
868 - 870 ISM / ZigBee EU x
902 - 928 ISM / ZigBee US x x
1565 - 1585 GPS Global
1710 - 1880 GSM 1800 EU x x x
1850 - 1990 GSM / CDMA 1900 Americas x x x x
1920 - 2170 UMTS Global x
Global
2300 - 3800 WiMAX
by Band
2400 - 2483.5 Bluetooth / WLAN / ZigBee / Wi-Fi Global x x
3100 - 6000 UWB Americas
Global by
5150 - 5875 WLAN / Wi-Fi x
Channel
customized Solutions - Molded interconnect Devices (MiD)
two Shot molding is a mature and well understood process that
remains viable for cost effective and repeatable production of
MIds. The basic process has only two steps, injection molding
of two distinct thermoplastic polymers and the electroless plating
process, resulting in a selectively plated component. In order to
achieve the selectivity during plating, a catalyst doped “plateable”
resin is molded in conjunction with a standard non-plateable resin
to define the desired area to be plated. This area is metallized
initially with copper, followed by nickel and, optionally, gold plating.
The following are just a few of the several advantages that MId 2-Shot
technology delivers compared to alternative technologies:
» design flexibility for complex 3-d geometries
» Ability to integrate multiple functions into
one component
» Tightest tolerance for pattern registration
to carrier
» Fewest manufacturing steps and processes
2 AntennA SeLectoR AnD DeSiGn GuiDe © 2011 AVnET, Inc. All RIghTS RESERVEd.

3. It is important to note that most of these embedded antennas have been optimized to operate in conjunction with a minimum
specified groundplane or counterpoise length. Please refer to the individual datasheets for minimum groundplane requirements for
optimum performance.
1 1513353-1 1513381-1 1513430-1 1513431-1 1513434-1 1513472-5 1513504-1 1513634-1 1513797-1 2118016-1 2118059-1 2118060-1
14.96 x 29.0 x 12.85 x 12.85 x 38.1 x 29.0 x 8.45 x 18.9 x 36.85 x 41.24 x
16.0 x 6.05 16.0 x 6.05
7 12.70 x 0.79 12.0 x 10.0 3.76 x 0.79 3.76 x 0.79 15.2 x 1.57 12.0 x 10.0 6.4 x 0.79 6.2 x 0.79 30.60 x 0.304 29.60 x 0.304
+2 dBi +4 dBi 0 dBi 0 dBi 0 dBi, +1 dBi +3 dBi +2 dBi 0 dBi +1 dBi +2 dBi +4 dBi +2 dBi
< 2.0:1 < 3.0:1 < 2.0:1 < 2.0:1 < 2.5:1 < 3.0:1 < 2.5:1 < 3.0:1 < 2.5:1 < 3.0:1 < 3.0:1 < 3.0:1
Universal Universal
Flex PCB w/ Flex PCB w/
Tab Antenna SMT SMT Tab Antenna SMT Puck SMT Puck SMT SMT
U.FL U.FL
Module Module
d Single Band Single Band Single Band Single Band Dual Band Dual Band Single Band Single Band Single Band Dual Band Single Band Dual Band
1 1513353-1 1513381-1 1513430-1 1513431-1 1513434-1 1513472-5 1513504-1 1513634-1 1513797-1 2118016-1 2118059-1 2118060-1
x
x
x
x x
x x x x x x x x x
x
x x x
Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) is an exciting technology used
to create Molded Interconnect devices (MId). Through the use
of the dedicated laser system and a variety of resins, it opens up
many possibilities to create 3-dimensional MIds with finer line
width and spacing than what is possible with the conventional MId
processes. The ldS is a three step process. First, the antenna
is molded in a standard single shot mold using one of the ldS
resins. Second, the desired pattern is directly structured onto the
antenna by the 3-d laser system. Finally, the pattern is plated
using the industry-standard methods where the plating adheres
only where the plastic that has been activated by the laser, thus
creating a conductive pattern. ldS offers the same advantages
as the 2-Shot technology mentioned above plus the following
additional advantages:
» Ability to produce thin (0.15 mm) traces
» Flexibility for pattern changes during production
» Simple/fastest/lowest cost tooling
© 2011 AVnET, Inc. All RIghTS RESERVEd. AntennA SeLectoR AnD DeSiGn GuiDe 3

4. avnEt ELEctronics MarkEtinG
rF & Wireless Design solutions Branch Locations
UnitED statEs
Atlanta 770-623-4400
From design to volume production, Avnet electronics Marketing offers Austin 512-219-3700
products, services and tools that accelerate customer success. As technology Baltimore 410-423-8800
standards evolve and new RF design solutions emerge, electronic original equipment Boston 978-532-9700
manufacturers (EOEMs) and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers must Chicago 847-797-7300
remain compliant with the latest standards while also selecting products that allow for Clearwater 727-507-5000
maximum design flexibility without compromising performance or reliability. Cleveland 440-349-7600
Columbus 614-865-1400
When integrating RF and wireless technologies into an application, developers have Connecticut 203-284-5700
many design options from which to choose. Avnet’s RF design experts act as technical Dallas 214-553-4300
solution consultants, rather than business development or sales managers, by offering the Denver 303-790-1662
engineering community differentiated products and services that accelerate design cycles, Detroit 734-416-5800
augment constrained resources and meet cost and functionalityrequirements. Houston 281-243-7330
Huntsville 256-837-8700
Avnet’s wide selection of products and services is complemented by systems-oriented RF
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Field Application Engineers (FAEs). Avnet RF FAEs give customers of all sizes, regardless of
Irvine 949-789-4100
production volume requirements, access to best-in-class wireless products and first-class
Kansas City 913-663-7900
engineering support, helping to achieve faster time-to-prototype, market and revenue. Long Island 631-582-7700
Los Angeles 818-594-8200
Avnet RF FAe Profile Milwaukee 262-513-1500
Minneapolis 952-346-3000
» Participates in annual factory training programs North Jersey 973-515-1641
» Averages 16 years of design experience Orlando 407-657-3300
» holds an electrical engineering degree Phoenix 480-643-5600
» has knowledge of new product roadmaps, reference designs and development tools Pittsburgh 724-934-6700
» has embedded wireless design expertise Portland 503-526-6200
Raleigh 919-859-9159
» Supports the needs of customers in local markets
Rio Grande 956-631-1610
» Provides insight into technologies, end applications and vertical market segments Rochester 585-350-2800
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Salt Lake City 801-365-3800
Avnet specializes in crafting complete RF and wireless solutions that leverage discrete San Diego 858-385-7500
and/or modular technologies from industry-leading manufacturers and supporting these San Jose 408-435-3500
solutions with associated design-chain and supply-chain services. Seattle 425-882-7000
South Jersey 856-222-6400
Discrete RF & Wireless Products St. Louis 314-770-6300
» Adapters » Phase-locked loops canaDa
» Antennas » Power Amplifiers (PA) Montreal 514-335-1000
» » Ottawa 613-226-1700
Attenuators PIn diodes
Toronto 905-812-4400
» connectors » Power dividers Vancouver 604-444-3810
» couplers, RF crossovers » Receivers Calgary 403-291-5510
» delay lines » RF/IF Integrated Systems
» duplexers » MEXico
SAW Resonators
» Filters » Guadalajara 5233-3134-2300
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Jalisco 656-640-3230
» Frequency Multipliers » Switches
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» Mixers » Transceivers Buenos Aires 54-11-5199-8300 x308
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» Modulators » Transmitters Avnet do Brasil 55-11-5079-2150
» Oscillators
coLoMBia
Bogota 57-1-256-7766
RF Modules
PUErto rico
» 802.11(Wi-Fi) » gSM/gPRS/cdMA Puerto Rico 787-706-1888
» Bluetooth » WiMAX
» gPS » ZigBee
Avnet RF & Wireless Design Solutions
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