Antenova has added an ultra-compact dual-band Wi-Fi antenna to its range, measuring 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5mm.
Named Minuta and numbered SRC2W006, it operates over 2.4-2.5GHz and 4.9-5.9GHZ, and works with Wi-Fi 802.11a/h/j/n/p/ac standards.
Average efficiency is ~60% according to the firm.
“It offers designers some useful flexibility in the layout of a PCB, as it does not need a position on a corner, it can be placed along one of the long edges of a board,” said the firm. “The antenna is ideal for access points and portable devices, and in particular for wearable technology and body-worn devices because it is less susceptible to de-tune when used close to the human body.”
Antenova has some advice on how to start thinking about designing antennas into wearables, which includes:
Wireless connectivity can’t simply be added on in the final stages of product design, without having a serious impact on the user experience of a device.
- If your wearable is in direct contact with the skin, make sure your antenna technology is suited for this and doesn’t draw unnecessary power.
- To guarantee the dependability of your wearable, look into how little energy you need your wireless transmitters and receivers to consume.
- If your wearable needs to move with the user, think about radiation patterns of any wireless solution you choose – maybe an omni-directional antenna would be more appropriate.
