Quatech, Inc. | AirborneDirect™ User Manual |
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wish to utilize the FCC/IC modular approval the connector choice must comply with FCC regulations. These state that a
8.3Host Chassis Mounted Antenna
Host Chassis mounted antennas require no work on the host PCB. They utilize an antenna type called ‘flying lead’. There are two types of flying leads; one which provides a bulkhead mounted antenna connector and one which provides a bulk head mounted antenna. The type you choose will be determined by the application.
A flying lead system connects a U.FL coaxial lead to the radio’s U.FL connector. The other end of the coax is attached to either a bulkhead mounted antenna connector or directly to an antenna that has an integrated bulkhead mount.
In either of the two cases, the use of this approach significantly reduces the antenna system development effort and provides for greater flexibility in the available antenna types and placement in the host system chassis.
When using the flying lead antenna (integrated bulk head mounting), there are no connector choice restrictions for use with the FCC/IC modular certification. However if the flying lead connector is used, the same restrictions as identified for the Host Mounted Antenna apply.
There are many suppliers of flying lead antenna and connectors. Quatech’s Airborne Antenna product line offers a range of antenna solutions.
8.4Embedded Antenna
Use of Embedded antenna can be the most interesting approach for M2M, industrial and medical applications. Their small form factor and absence of any external mounting provides a very compelling argument for their use. There is a downside to this antenna type and it comes with performance. Antenna performance for all of the embedded options will, in most cases, be less that that achievable with external antenna. This does not make them unusable; it will impact choice of antenna type and requires more focus on placement.
The three main embedded antenna types are PCB embedded, chip (PCB mounted) and flying lead; each has its advantages and disadvantages (See Table 13).
Table 13 - Embedded Antenna Options
Antenna Type
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Cost | Size | Availability Performance |
PCB Embedded | Lowest | Largest | Custom | Poor |
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Chip | Low | Small | Standard | Poor |
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Flying Lead | Low | Small | Standard | Fair |
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28 | 2/21/2011 |
