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Quatech, Inc. AirborneDirect™ User Manual
28 2/21/2011 100-8510-110
wish to utilize the FCC/IC modular approval the connector choice must comply
with FCC regulations. These state that a non-standard connector, e.g. RP-
TNC/RP-SMA, is required. TNC/SMA connectors are not allowed.
8.3 Host 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.
8.4 Embedded 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
Features
Cost
Size
Availability
Performance
PCB Embedded
Lowest
Largest
Custom
Poor
Chip
Low
Small
Standard
Poor
Flying Lead
Low
Small
Standard
Fair