Functions of The PCB Loop Antenna in A Printed Circuit Board

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY
Functions of the PCB Loop Antenna in a Printed Circuit Board

A PCB antenna transforms current in high frequency into electromagnetic
waves that end up propagating into the air. A high frequency circuit board
has two different PCB antennas which are embedded in the circuit board.
One of the antenna functions as the transmitted radio frequency signal
while the other one functions as the RG signal receiver.
The base materials of the circuit board transfer the signals to the antenna
when the high-frequency PCB produces radio frequency waves. High
frequency circuit and PCB antennas make up the RF system of the
high-frequency circuit board. There are different types of PCB antennas.
We have the loop antenna, patch antenna, slot antenna, and more.
However, our main focus here is the loop antenna. We will be giving some
detailed explanations about PCB loop antenna.
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Table of Contents
What is a PCB Loop Antenna?
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RFID PCB antenna
Antennas are used in developing a high-frequency PCB. These antennas
are embedded in the circuit board. To have a clear understanding of how
PCB loop antennas, one must read more about them.
The loop antenna is a type of PCB antenna whose simple closed loop is
linked with transmitter or receiver terminals. This type of PCB antenna has
round shape. The copper materials used in the antenna design and the
size of the loop determine the efficiency of PCB loop antenna.
PCB loop antennas are inefficient when you compare them with the
wavelength. Therefore, they are not ideal for transmitting signals but can
serve as receptors.
The PCB loop antenna comes with a directional pattern which makes it
very easy to locate the transmitter also known as radio direction finding
(RDF). You need to fix a capacitor in parallel with a PCB antenna. To

achieve maximum efficiency, there is a need for an impedance matching
network.
This antenna is usually created by bending a uniform wire in a loop form.
The RF coil is usually bent to different shapes like eclipse, circle, square,
and rectangle. Therefore, a loop antenna is simply a current-carrying coil
bent in the form of loops. These loops can have different shapes. Also,
PCB loop antennas are inexpensive, versatile, and simple. Therefore, these
antennas have different applications.
The antenna can form various types of loops by bending the wires into
various shapes forms. This loop can be rectangular, elliptical, circular,
triangular, etc. Circular PCB loop antenna is commonly used. This is
because circular PCB loop antennas provide a level of simplicity in
construction and also analysis.
What are the Types of a PCB Loop Antenna?
A PCB loop antenna forms a conducting path between a two-wire
transmission line. This antenna is in three different categories which are
small, medium, and large. A loop antenna is said to be small if its
circumference is below one forth of a wavelength.
Furthermore, the majority of directional receiving loops are about 10% of
a wavelength.

Small loop antenna
A small loop antenna is more sensitive to the magnetic components of an
electromagnetic wave. This is one reason why it is called the magnetic
loop. However, this loop antenna has less sensitivity to electric noise that
is close. It is possible to increase the received voltage of a small loop
when it is brought into resonance.
When a signal gets to the axis of the loop, it will induce an equal voltage
in each limb in order to account for symmetry. The loop’s output should
be zero since it is the difference in voltage between the two limbs.
Medium loop
A loop antenna is categorized as a medium loop antenna for two reasons.
The first reason is when you mount a half-wavelength loop on a horizontal
plane. This results on an antenna that evenly emits power in the
horizontal plane.
The second reason occurs when a full-wavelength loop emits on its axis.
These medium loops are often considered as elements of the quad
antennas. Also, they are polarized based on the feed point’s position.
Large loop antenna

The third type of loop antenna is the large loop antenna. This type of
antenna is a dipole antenna linked at the ends to create a triangle, circle,
or a square. Loop antenna formed in the shape of a triangle is a delta loop
antenna.
The loops formed into a circle have almost 10% higher gain than any of
the other shapes. However, these loops can be very difficult to support
due to their shape. Therefore, the square and triangle loops more
common than the circular loop. Furthermore, large loops always better
signal in the plane of the loop. This is very true as long as the loop
maintains a good shape and size.
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How to Design a PCB antenna

Generally, antennas are sensitive to their environment and as such, when
installed into a circuit board, it is crucial to consider the layout and design
as regards the requirements. This is because these factors may affect the
functioning of the wireless device. Simple factors such as layer thickness,
material, and layer count can even affect the performance of a PCB loop
antenna.
Therefore, there are different steps to take when designing a circuit board
antenna. These steps will help you to achieve a functioning PCB antenna.
Antenna positioning
There are different operation modes for antennas. Therefore, the
antenna’s radiation level will determine their placements. For instance,
they can be positioned in a PCB’s corner, along the short side or the long
side of a board. The PCB corner is one of the most suitable places to place
an antenna. This position enables the PCB antenna to experience
clearance in about five spatial directions
There are different types of antenna designs that are ideal for various
positions. Therefore, PCB designers need to understand the principles of
antenna positioning. Also, they need to choose the appropriate antenna
based on their layout and application.
Keep-out area

It is crucial for PCB designers to avoid placing components in the near field
close to the antenna. Otherwise, this may cause signal interference, which
will have a negative impact on the circuit’s functionality. Furthermore, they
should ensure spacing between the area around the antenna and the
metallic objects.
Furthermore, a PCB antenna usually emits signal against a ground plane.
This ground plane works with the operational frequency of the antenna.
Therefore, proper spacing and size is crucial for the ground plane of the
antenna. While many designers ignore the keep-out area, this can cause
problems during the design process.
Size of the ground plane
The PCB ground plane size is crucial when designing a PCB antenna. This
is because wires integrated for communicating with various batteries and
devices may alter. Therefore, designers need to ensure that the size of the
ground planes is appropriate as it helps the connection of the batteries
and cables to that device would have lesser effects on that antenna.
Some PCB antennas depend on ground planes. This means the circuit
board serves as the ground area of the antenna in order to strike a
balance between the lower PCB layers and antenna currents. In the long

run, this may make the antenna to perform poorly. In cases like this, PCB
designers need to avoid placing battery close to the antenna.
Distance from other PCB components
When designing a circuit board, it is important to keep the antenna far
from other components that may disrupt the radiation of the antenna.
This will help in avoiding any further problem with the components.
The width and height of the PCB components determine the distance
between the antenna and other components. Furthermore, components
such as LCDs and batteries, different connectors such as Ethernet cables
feature switching speeds. This could increase the likelihood of signal
interference when the device is in operation.
Designing the transmission line
PCB antennas have a transmission line. The transmission line is the radio
frequency trace that transmits the radiofrequency energy which transfers
the signal to the reception. Designers need to design the transmission line
at 50 Ω. Otherwise; these lines may reflect signals to the reception which
may result in a degraded signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Therefore, designers must pay attention when designing the transmission
line. They must ensure this line is straight since there is a chance for

increase in signal loss if there are any bends or corners. To achieve
reduction in signal losses, the designer must place vias along the two sides
of the trace. This will help to isolate noise that travels along nearby traces
and as such improving performance.
How to Achieve Better Performance
There are different ways you can enhance the efficiency of an antenna and
have better results. Some useful ways for achieving this include:
 Tuning the antenna with matching networks will help to
compensate for any factor that may have an effect on the
performance of the antenna.

 Ensuring the selected the ground plane is appropriate. This will
result in crosstalk between the signals otherwise. In such a case, the
antenna will have to be placed in the edge of the circuit board.
 Avoid doing the antenna’s external casing since the antenna signals
don’t pass through metal.
 The antenna shouldn’t be placed near plastic surface as this can
affect the performance of the antenna. This is because plastic
features a high dielectric constant which dampens the radio
frequency signal and as well creates losses. This will increase the
antenna’s electrical length of the antenna and minimize the
radiating frequency of the antenna.
 A high-quality FR4 is a great option. You can make use of this
laminate in order to achieve excellent RF performance.
Other Types of PCB Antennas
Apart from the PCB loop antenna, there are other types of PCB antennas.
Patch antenna
Patch antenna has a rectangular or circular shape. The patch antenna’s
span is almost one-half of the wavelength of radio waves. Since it has
short wavelengths, the patch antenna is usually integrated in microwave
frequencies. Most portable devices integrate patch antennas because of

its ease of design. Patch antennas are ideal for portable devices with
wireless functionality.
There is another variant of the patch antenna known as the planar
inverted type. Phased arrays and WLAN antennas integrate this variant in
order to achieve maximum gain.
The planar inverted type has a bandwidth problem. However, the use of a
thicker dielectric between ground and patch plane can increase the
antenna’s bandwidth.
Meander Line Antenna
The construction process of this type of antenna involves folding the
conductors to make the antenna shorter. This construction leads to a
smaller compact size. However, the loss of resistance, radiation, and
efficiency contribute to the size. Several experiments are usually carried
out to choose the perfect combination for a particular application. To
achieve impedance matching, external components are crucial.
Inverted-F antenna
The WLAN hardware on cell phones integrates the Inverted-F PCB antenna.
This antenna is omnidirectional and as such features a large ground plane

for optimal efficiency. Copper isn’t used in some part of F antenna.
However, it is a plane surface that increases the antenna’s bandwidth.
Slot Antenna
Due to the construction of this antenna, it is called slot. Its construction
comprises a metal plate with several cuts or slots or in it. Just like dipole,
slot antenna has opposite magnetic and electric fields. Due to the features
of slot antennas, they are commonly used in phased arrays and aircraft
radars.
Conclusion
The PCB loop antenna comes with a directional pattern which makes it
very easy to locate the transmitter also known as radio direction finding
(RDF). You need to fix a capacitor in parallel with a PCB antenna. To
achieve maximum efficiency, there is a need for an impedance matching
network.
A PCB loop antenna forms a conducting path between a two-wire
transmission line. The loop antenna plays a significant role when
integrated in a PCB. It offers more benefits than other types of PCB
antennas. However, it is crucial that a PCB designer considers the
applications and requirements of a PCB antenna before to determine the
best PCB antenna.

Related Posts:
1. Functions of a PCB Controller in a Circuit Board
2. What are the Types and Functions of WiFi Antenna?
3. PCB Bluetooth Antenna for Circuit Board Designs
4. Features, Functions, and Benefits of 2.4 GHz Patch Antenna
https://www.raypcb.com/pcb-loop-antenna/

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RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Functions of the PCB Loop Antenna in a Printed Circuit Board

One of the antenna functions as the transmitted radio frequency signal

while the other one functions as the RG signal receiver.

when the high-frequency PCB produces radio frequency waves. High

frequency circuit and PCB antennas make up the RF system of the

high-frequency circuit board. There are different types of PCB antennas.

detailed explanations about PCB loop antenna.

Request Antenna PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

What is a PCB Loop Antenna?

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

RFID PCB antenna

Antennas are used in developing a high-frequency PCB. These antennas

are embedded in the circuit board. To have a clear understanding of how

PCB loop antennas, one must read more about them.

size of the loop determine the efficiency of PCB loop antenna.

(RDF). You need to fix a capacitor in parallel with a PCB antenna. To

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

achieve maximum efficiency, there is a need for an impedance matching

This antenna is usually created by bending a uniform wire in a loop form.

and rectangle. Therefore, a loop antenna is simply a current-carrying coil

antennas have different applications.

various shapes forms. This loop can be rectangular, elliptical, circular,

triangular, etc. Circular PCB loop antenna is commonly used. This is

because circular PCB loop antennas provide a level of simplicity in

construction and also analysis.

What are the Types of a PCB Loop Antenna?

A PCB loop antenna forms a conducting path between a two-wire

transmission line. This antenna is in three different categories which are

small, medium, and large. A loop antenna is said to be small if its

circumference is below one forth of a wavelength.

Furthermore, the majority of directional receiving loops are about 10% of

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

Small loop antenna

A small loop antenna is more sensitive to the magnetic components of an

electromagnetic wave. This is one reason why it is called the magnetic

is close. It is possible to increase the received voltage of a small loop

when it is brought into resonance.

be zero since it is the difference in voltage between the two limbs.

A loop antenna is categorized as a medium loop antenna for two reasons.

The first reason is when you mount a half-wavelength loop on a horizontal

plane. This results on an antenna that evenly emits power in the

These medium loops are often considered as elements of the quad

Large loop antenna

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

antenna is a dipole antenna linked at the ends to create a triangle, circle,

or a square. Loop antenna formed in the shape of a triangle is a delta loop

maintains a good shape and size.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

How to Design a PCB antenna

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

Generally, antennas are sensitive to their environment and as such, when

functioning of the wireless device. Simple factors such as layer thickness,

There are different operation modes for antennas. Therefore, the

antenna’s radiation level will determine their placements. For instance,

an antenna. This position enables the PCB antenna to experience

clearance in about five spatial directions

positions. Therefore, PCB designers need to understand the principles of

antenna positioning. Also, they need to choose the appropriate antenna

based on their layout and application.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

will have a negative impact on the circuit’s functionality. Furthermore, they

Furthermore, a PCB antenna usually emits signal against a ground plane.