Linx Technologies, a company that specializes in wireless communication solutions, has developed a range of flexible stick-on antennas for sub-6GHz 5G New Radio, LTE, LTE-M, and NB-IoT. These antennas, which are part of the TE Connectivity family, are designed to be ground plane-independent dipoles with an adhesive backing that makes them easy to mount on RF-transparent enclosures, such as plastic ones.
Measuring 120 x 20mm, the ANT-5GW-FPC antennas come in two types: the ANT-5GW-FPC-V with the cable emerging from one end and the ANT-5GW-FPC-LH with the cable emerging from one side. They are 50Ω linearly-polarized omni-directional half-wave antennas that can handle up to 2W of power when attached to a 2mm thick plastic substrate.
The antennas can operate over a frequency range of 617MHz to 5GHz and a temperature range of -40 to +85°C. The ANT-5GW-FPC-LH types have a VSWR of ≤1.9 and a peak gain of 5dBi, with an efficiency of 76%, for frequencies ranging from 617MHz to 698MHz. For frequencies ranging from 3.3GHz to 4.2GHz, they have a VSWR of ≤1.7, a peak gain of 6.2dBi, and an efficiency of 78%. On the other hand, the ANT-5GW-FPC-V types have a VSWR of ≤2.6, a peak gain of 4.6dBi, and an efficiency of 64% for frequencies ranging from 617MHz to 698MHz. For frequencies ranging from 3.3GHz to 4.2GHz, they have a VSWR of ≤1.6, a peak gain of 6.3dBi, and an efficiency of 70%.
Depending on the version, the other end of the coaxial tail of the antennas is un-terminated, terminated in a U.FL (MHF1) plug, or terminated in a MHF4 plug. The cables are available in lengths of 50, 100, 150, or 200mm, although not every combination of orientation, cable length, and termination is available.
These flexible stick-on antennas are a promising solution for those looking to design wireless devices that require reliable, high-performance connectivity in sub-6GHz frequency bands. With their ease of mounting and high efficiency, they could potentially be used in a variety of applications, including wearables, smart home devices, and IoT sensors.
