Article #1 of Mastering RF Engineering: RF technology powers everything from wireless communication to radar and circuit design. It involves spectrum behavior, key components, interconnects, and system design that together define how modern wireless and high-frequency systems operate and evolve.

An Introduction to RF Theory, Practices, and Components

<p id="isPasted">Mobile communication has evolved tremendously in recent decades, from the 1G analog networks and bulky cellular devices of the 1980s to the 5G networks that currently support our ultra-fast Internet and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. At the foundation of all this mobile communication are antennas, effectively the bridge between electronic devices and wireless networks. Now, as we prepare to enter into a new era of 6G network technology—defined by even faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and more sophisticated IoT devices—the demand for higher-performing antennas is increasing, along with the demand for raw materials used in antenna production, such as silver and other precious metals. </p><p>In light of this antenna market growth, the question of cost and sustainability is paramount. Specifically, we must contend with how to meet this increasing production demand while mitigating environmental impact and cost challenges through the reduction of valuable raw material consumption and energy usage. Sweden-based DP Patterning, inventor of the Dry Phase Patterning (DPP) manufacturing process for flexible electronics, is positioning its technology as a solution.  </p><h2>The hurdles on the road to green antennas</h2><p>Methods like wet chemical etching, and silver ink printing have traditionally been used to manufacture antennas. Unfortunately, these processes fall short when it comes to sustainable antenna production. As Duncan Platt, Unit Manager of Printed Electronics at the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE), explains: “Wet etching and chemical-based processes generate hazardous waste and consume significant amounts of water and energy. Silver ink printing, for its part, requires several steps—printing, drying, and curing—that take time and add complexity.” </p><blockquote><table><tbody><tr><td>“DP Patterning provides a cleaner, lower-energy, chemical-free process. The metal swarf removed by milling is recyclable. According to an independent study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute, the DP Patterning solution, if applicable, can reduce the equivalent carbon dioxide footprint by approximately 98%.”<br /><br /><strong>Duncan Platt, Unit Manager of Printed Electronics at the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE)<br /></strong></td><td><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1758009004489-1758009004489.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /></td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><p>Common antenna production approaches are also plagued by other challenges. For instance, CNC milling is notoriously slow, which limits the scalability and throughput of antenna production in high-volume applications. From a material standpoint, the use of conductive materials like silver inks can drive up production costs, particularly as material prices are subject to market volatility. “The supply of printed circuit boards and precious metals like silver can present sourcing issues in times of geopolitical turbulence,”  Duncan emphasizes. “Furthermore, printed silver traces often achieve only 10–30% of bulk silver conductivity, affecting performance.”</p><p>Meeting the growing demand for high-performance antennas required for widespread 6G rollout—in a sustainable way—thus requires a different approach, one that delivers on scale, cost, and efficiency. That’s where Dry Phase Patterning comes in. </p><h2>DPP unlocks sustainability, cost savings, and productivity</h2><p>DP Patterning’s patented DPP technology offers an alternative to more conventional antenna production techniques that is more sustainable, cost-efficient, and productive. </p><p>The technology is based on a roll-to-roll mechanical milling process that uses a cliché to pattern an aluminum, copper, or copper-clad aluminum laminate. Once the pattern (with a minimum gap width of 100 µm and pattern pitch down to 400µm) has been applied to the laminate, a precision milling wheel mills away the pattern from the top layer of the laminate, resulting in a substrate with conductive traces. As a mechanical process, DPP does not require the use of any hazardous chemicals, inks, or freshwater. On top of that, the metal removed in the milling process can be fully recycled, resulting in virtually no waste.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1758010314773-dppatterning_process.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /><span class="fr-inner"><span id="isPasted">The technology is based on a roll-to-roll mechanical milling process that uses a cliche to pattern an aluminum, copper or copper-clad aluminum laminate.</span></span></span></span></p><p>Duncan explains the ecological significance of this process: “DP Patterning provides a cleaner, lower-energy, chemical-free process. The metal swarf removed by milling is recyclable. According to an independent study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute, the DP Patterning solution, if applicable, can reduce the equivalent carbon dioxide footprint by approximately 98%.”</p><p>DPP is also more cost-efficient than competing processes for antenna design and production. This is primarily driven by material costs, as aluminum is far cheaper and more cost stable than bulk copper and silver. DP Patterning reports that companies can significantly reduce costs by using aluminum laminate instead of silver ink. </p><p>Of course, conductivity is an important consideration for any antenna, and copper is king when it comes to this specific property. With this in mind, Duncan specifies that DP Patterning can provide patterned aluminum with conductivity levels equivalent to conventional copper printed circuit boards if that level of conductivity is required simply by increasing the design thickness. Generally, though, a standard aluminum substrate provides a sufficient degree of conductivity (for example, the standard 9µm thick aluminium can reach two to three times the conductivity of printed silver ink). In tests comparing a DPP RFID tag to a conventional RFID tag, DP Patterning found that they had the same frequency range, while the former also benefited from a smaller CO2 footprint.</p><p>In terms of productivity, DPP has the capacity to produce up to 30 meters of patterned single-layer substrate per minute—up to 10 times faster than conventional processes. Using a magnetic roll-to-roll system and an easy-swap tooling system, DP Patterning’s solution can also easily switch between pattern designs, unlocking design flexibility and customization. The rate at which DPP hardware can turn out antennas is also reinforced by the fact that antenna manufacturers can benefit from localized production thanks to DP Patterning’s micro plants, minimizing the reliance on unstable global supply chains and dramatically reducing lead times and emissions associated with logistics and transport. </p><h2>DPP antenna applications </h2><p>Antenna geometries and topologies vary greatly depending on performance factors like signal strength and frequency range, as well as overall goals like durability, sustainability, and cost. DP Patterning’s technology is equipped to manufacture a range of different antenna designs, from miniaturized, mass-produced antennas integrated into IoT devices, to large-area array antennas used for radar and satellite communications.</p><p>The table below covers a selection of the antenna types that Dry Phase Patterning is well-suited for:</p><div><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Antenna Type</p></td><td><p>Benefits of DPP</p></td><td><p>Application Examples</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) antennas</p></td><td><p>DPP offers a high level of cost-efficiency and throughput</p></td><td><p>RFID readers and tags used for for real-time asset tracking (i.e. inventory management,</p><p>supply chain management)</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Internet of Things (IoT) devices</p></td><td><p>DPP enables high-volume production of lightweight, flexible antennas at a low cost</p></td><td><p>Smart packaging, smart meters, integrated sensors in products.<br /><br /></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Wearable sensors</p></td><td><p>DPP can produce thin, flexible, and conformable antennas </p></td><td><p>Smart clothing, wearable electronics, health monitoring devices</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Large-area phased-array microstrip patch antennas</p></td><td><p>DPP can rapidly, scalably  produce microstrip patch antennas to assemble into a large-area array </p></td><td><p>High-bandwidth connectivity required for 5G and 6G, radar systems, satellite communications</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Large-area uniform circular array antennas</p></td><td><p>DPP can rapidly, scalably, and economically produce antennas to be arranged in a circular array</p></td><td><p>High-performance applications like radar, satellite communication, navigation</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>“Antennas are almost ubiquitous these days so the DP Patterning technology can support the innovation drive, as a sustainable alternative, towards all kinds of applications with a growing demand for high-performance, low-cost antennas, such as 5G/6G, smart infrastructure, and more,” Duncan says. Looking forward, DPP technology could play an important role in transitioning antenna manufacturing towards greater efficiency and sustainability. </p><p class="highlight-box"><strong>Are you attending the European Microwave Week?</strong> Visit DP Patterning at Stand B138 to learn more about DP Patterning’s patented DPP technology and how it can benefit the manufacturing process for specific antenna applications, <a href="https://dppatterning.com/contact/">get in touch with the company today.</a></p>

Sweden-based DP Patterning, inventor of the Dry Phase Patterning (DPP) manufacturing process for flexible electronics, is positioning its technology as a solution to the challenges of efficiency and sustainability of traditional antenna manufacturing.

Solving the sustainability and efficiency challenges of next-gen antennas with DP Patterning's patented Dry Phase Patterning (DPP) process.

Green Antennas for Blue Skies

In this episode, we explore how tiny wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication with groundbreaking precision.

Podcast: Tiny Antennas for Big Cellular Insights

Have you considered how modern communication systems, like GSM networks, satellite communications, and broadcasting, manage multiple signals with precision? RF diplexers and duplexers make seamless signal sharing and optimal performance possible. Let’s explore the technology in this article.

Duplexer vs Diplexer: A Technical Guide to RF Signal Management Components

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Reliable and efficient antenna technology is crucial in today’s interconnected world, with growing demands for smart connectivity across industries and applications such as IoT, smart metering, and industrial applications. However, conventional designs often fall short of meeting the technological needs of stable connectivity and seamless communications, as they often struggle to support multi-frequency bands and adapt to modern protocols like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and LPWANs (Low Power Wide Area Networks). This incompatibility can lead to reduced device efficiency, increased power consumption, and challenges in maintaining stable connections across varied environments. To lower the complexity and costs of managing multiple antennas and components, the demand for an omnidirectional antenna among design engineers and specialists is higher than ever.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Addressing today’s connectivity needs, Ignion's OMNIA mXTEND™ offers a multi-radio antenna solution designed to improve communication efficiency across Cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE networks. This device ensures efficient communication by using a high-performance, multiband chip antenna that supports a wide range of frequencies across Cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE technologies, allowing seamless integration and robust connectivity. Its omnidirectional radiation pattern and simplified design enable reliable performance across various applications, minimizing complexity and ensuring consistent signal quality. This is especially beneficial in industries such as asset tracking, smart metering, and industrial IoT that require a scalable antenna solution.</p><p dir="ltr">In this article, we’ll introduce OMNIA mXTEND™ product based on Virtual Antenna® technology and go through its use cases to better understand the importance of omnidirectional linearly polarized antennas.&nbsp;</p><h2 dir="ltr">Current Challenges in the Antenna Landscape</h2><p dir="ltr">Fragmentation is one of the key challenges engineers face while designing antennas. If a device has to use different communication protocols, then it often requires multiple separate antennas. For example, a device that needs to communicate through GNSS, Cellular, and Wi-Fi/BLE, usually needs different antennas to handle each protocol. As a result, the cost of production will increase, the size will be bigger, and the setup will be complex.</p><p dir="ltr">Another issue is the limited connectivity. Maintaining an omnidirectional and uninterrupted signal is especially essential for industrial IoT and smart metering in challenging areas such as remote areas or densely populated cities. Some traditional solutions rely on external antennas, which are vulnerable to mechanical damage or theft.</p><p dir="ltr">Furthermore, as IoT networks expand rapidly, the demand for versatile and reliable connectivity solutions becomes more pressing across various industries. Manufacturers seek efficient, multiband antenna components like the OMNIA mXTEND™ to ensure their devices can seamlessly connect across different networks, simplifying production processes and reducing costs while maintaining top-tier performance in diverse and challenging environments. Conventional antennas often struggle to maintain performance across large deployments. So, to efficiently scale IoT systems, breaking barriers in antenna design is necessary.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Introducing The OMNIA mXTEND® multi-radio chip antenna component</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Ignion: Pioneers in Antenna Innovation</h3><p dir="ltr">With over two decades of experience leading innovation in the antenna industry, Ignion has set out to reach the goal of simplifying the process of antenna design and offering enhanced connectivity across multiple communication methods. To do so, Ignion focuses on tackling complex connectivity challenges with its adaptable, multi-band Virtual Antenna® technology [1-5], designed to streamline antenna integration across Cellular, GNSS, and Wi-Fi/BLE standards. This approach eliminates the need for custom antenna designs, cutting down development time and costs while offering reliable performance across a wide frequency range. With its continuous advancements, Ignion supports industries like IoT, automotive, and smart metering by simplifying antenna design, enabling efficient scaling, and providing dependable wireless communication that meets the advancing demands of connected applications.&nbsp;</p><h3 dir="ltr">High-Performance Multi-Radio Antenna Solution for Seamless IoT Connectivity&nbsp;</h3><p dir="ltr">Inspired by the Latin term “Omnia,” meaning "all" or "everything," OMNIA mXTEND™ represents a powerful, all-in-one solution for multi-radio connectivity. This technology combines Wi-Fi/BLE, GNSS, and Cellular capabilities within a single unit, offering seamless connectivity across diverse frequencies while simplifying design and reducing installation time.</p><p dir="ltr">Moreover, combining multi-radio capabilities into one compact component provides consistent connectivity across a broad range of frequencies. This means that regardless of the environment or communications protocol that is in work, the chance of an interruption in connection will be much lower than before, be it in a dense urban environment or a remote and distant location. For instance, OMNIA supports multiple networks within the frequency of 790 to 960 MHz for cellular IoT, 1561 to 1606 MHz for GNSS communication, and 2400 to 2500 MHz for Wi-Fi/BLE. By mostly eliminating the need for separate antennas for different communication protocols, this solution allows the manufacturers to streamline their supply chains and minimize hardware and maintenance expenses.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Introducing OMNIA mXTEND™</h3><p dir="ltr">As the first-of-its-kind 3-port antenna, the OMNIA mXTEND™ is a versatile solution suitable for the creation of next-generation wireless devices by supporting Cellular Networks (4G, 5G, NB-IoT, and LTE-M), GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou), and Wi-Fi/BLE in one compact design.</p><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Furthermore, it’s a future-proof solution providing a wide range of frequencies from 400 MHz to 8000 MHz which ensures compatibility with future networks.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzMyNTUyMzgwODEyLWlnbmlvbi1hbnRlbm5hLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></p><h4 dir="ltr">Specifications and technical features of the OMNIA mXTEND™ chip antenna component:</h4><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Compact size with dimensions of 44.1 x 14.6 x 1.0 mm3, designed for efficient use of PCB space.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Omnidirectional radiation pattern that offers reliable connectivity in all directions.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Linear polarization and support of consistent signal quality across all protocols.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The antenna can operate within a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">The average total efficiency of more than 55% for cellular, 75% for GNSS, and 65% for Wi-Fi/BLE</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Peak gain of 0.9 dBi for cellular, 4.0 dBi for GNSS, and 3.5 dBi for Wi-Fi/BLE.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is less than 2.6:1 for cellular, 1.5:1 for GNSS, and 2:1 for Wi-Fi/BLE.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Approximate weight of 1.23 g.</p></li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Applications of OMNIA mXTEND™</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Asset Tracking and Logistics</h3><p dir="ltr">Asset tracking and logistics involve the monitoring and management of valuable assets as they move through supply chains or within operational environments, ensuring their safety, efficiency, and proper handling. In this context, effective communication and real-time data transmission are essential to maintain seamless tracking and improve logistical operations. The OMNIA mXTEND™ solution is ideal for these applications, providing high-performance, multiband coverage that supports the diverse connectivity needs required for reliable asset tracking.</p><p dir="ltr">This versatile antenna technology ensures consistent and robust connections, enabling businesses to optimize their asset management systems with enhanced accuracy and efficiency. OMNIA mXTEND™ supports seamless multi-network connectivity, ensuring that assets can be tracked with precision, no matter the environment. Multi-network capabilities in OMNIA mXTEND™ are perfect for asset tracking, as it can seamlessly connect to various types of networks and ensure reliable tracking across all sorts of environments, such as underground parking lots and remote locations.</p><p dir="ltr">Moreover, this product can significantly reduce the chance of losing assets and experiencing downtime. In addition to that, the cost of the tracking device will be much more affordable due to eliminating the need for separate antennas, and access to continuous monitoring will be achievable through a simpler process of setting up OMNIA mXTEND™. By reducing the complexity and cost of integrating separate antennas, this device streamlines the design process, allowing organizations to enhance their asset management capabilities effectively.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Smart Metering</h3><p dir="ltr">Long-range communication is essential in smart metering, and OMNIA easily provides that thanks to its capabilities to support different critical bands such as LTE. This makes OMNIA mXTEND™ ideal for large-scale smart grid projects. For example, its compact design and multi-frequency capability allow seamless integration into a variety of device sizes and configurations. This adaptability enables its deployment across extensive smart grid networks, supporting thousands of interconnected devices without the need for customized antenna solutions.</p><p dir="ltr">Moreover, it ensures accuracy and security while transmitting data by providing consistent, high-efficiency signal strength across multiple frequency bands, which is crucial for real-time data collection and energy management. Its robust design minimizes data loss and signal interference, while the stable 50 Ω impedance ensures reliable connections, reducing the risk of data corruption during transmission. With stringent European regulatory standards, the OMNIA mXTEND™was developed in order to guarantee a consistent performance that ensures the safety, performance, and environmental compliance of electronic components. This includes for example RoHS certification, which restricts the use of hazardous materials, and alignment with CE marking requirements that confirm conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards in the European Economic Area.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Industrial IoT</h3><p dir="ltr">With OMNIA mXTEND™, managing data from interconnected systems becomes easier, thanks to its consistent, multiband connectivity that supports several wireless standards. Its strong signal and wide frequency compatibility facilitate reliable data transmission, minimizing connectivity disruptions and streamlining data management. Built for industrial durability, OMNIA mXTEND™ performs well in challenging environments like secure facilities and remote stations. By supporting multiple network types in one solution, it also reduces costs and simplifies operations, making it ideal for optimizing workflows through real-time data collection and resilient design.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Oxion AI Platform</h2><p dir="ltr">While you need advanced antenna technology to ensure seamless and efficient data transmission across interconnected systems, organizations need a powerful tool to process and extract value from this constant flow of data. This is where the Oxion AI Platform steps in, offering advanced analytical capabilities that enable real-time data interpretation, predictive analytics, and smarter decision-making processes.</p><p dir="ltr">Oxion AI platform simplifies the antenna design process by using digital twin technology to offer users the tools to tweak antenna placement, change PCB size, get estimated performance, and more freely accessible in real-time.</p><p dir="ltr">With the Oxion AI platform, users can receive immediate feedback on performance, as it leverages Ignion’s expertise of over 50 million wireless devices deployed to provide guidance and remove traditional barriers. Overall, the Oxion platform expertly guides both novices and experts from concept to market.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2><p dir="ltr">OMNIA mXTEND™ offers an advanced approach to antenna design, overcoming the limitations of traditional antennas by enabling flexible integration and improved multiband performance. As an omnidirectional, linearly polarized solution, OMNIA is cost-effective, durable, flexible, and reliable. This innovative approach can benefit many industries and applications, such as smart metering, asset tracking, and industrial IoT.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">To ensure that even the most complex IoT solutions can be efficiently designed, the Oxion AI platform is freely accessible. It can even guide novice engineers and product developers through the necessary steps by providing real-time feedback, user-friendly simulations, and intuitive design tools that simplify the process of antenna placement and configuration, ensuring optimal performance without requiring advanced technical expertise.&nbsp;</p><p dir="ltr">Considering it is first-of-its-kind, we can expect continuous improvements, innovations, and support for OMNIA mXTEND™ in the future. Learn more and explore the<a href="https://www.oxion.ai/">&nbsp;Oxion platform</a> to streamline your antenna integration.</p><table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%; width: 50.0000%;"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzMyNjEzODIzMDg1LWZ1bmRlZC1ieS1ldS1sb2dvLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 144px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></td><td style="width: 49.9398%;"><em id="isPasted">The OMNIA mXTEND project was funded by the European Innovation Council Accelerator Program.</em><br></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">This article was contributed to by <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/farhad.pashaei" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Farhad Pashaei</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Efficient antenna technology is critical for IoT, smart metering, and industrial connectivity. This article explores how omnidirectional antennas are now in demand to simplify designs and enhance performance.

antennas

Latest Posts

An Introduction to RF Theory, Practices, and Components

Green Antennas for Blue Skies

Podcast: Tiny Antennas for Big Cellular Insights

Duplexer vs Diplexer: A Technical Guide to RF Signal Management Components

All in One: The Multi-Radio Antenna Technology Simplifying Multi-Network Connectivity