Embedded Antenna Guide

Embedded IoT Antennas — FPC Chip PCB

Antenna selection for IoT product designers integrating cellular, LoRaWAN, GNSS, or WiFi into hardware. FPC flexible, chip SMD, PCB trace.

FPC

Best performance in compact form

Chip SMD

Smallest, lowest gain

PCB trace

Zero cost, layout-dependent

PIFA

Patent-free handset style

Embedded Antenna Technology Comparison

Type	Typical Gain	Size	Cost	Best Use
FPC Flexible	0 to +2 dBi	30-80mm typical	Low-medium	Space allows, performance priority
Chip SMD	-3 to 0 dBi	3-10mm	Low	Minimum footprint
PCB Trace	-5 to -1 dBi	PCB area	Zero	Cost-sensitive, adequate range
PIFA	-1 to +2 dBi	20-60mm	Low-medium	Handset-style, all-round pattern
External via U.FL	+2 to +5 dBi	External	Medium	Best performance, external access

Taoglas Embedded Product Lines

FXP.07 / FXUB66. Wideband FPC cellular antenna covering 700-2700 MHz. Self-adhesive mount. 30x10mm. The standard choice for cellular IoT module integration when module form factor allows.

FW.56. Smaller FPC option for constrained layouts. 47x10mm. Lower performance at band edges but excellent for 800-2100 MHz.

AA.107. SMD chip antenna for NB-IoT and LTE-M modules. 6x3mm. For minimum-footprint Cat-M and NB-IoT designs.

AP.10F / AGGP.35F. Active GNSS patch antennas. Used across the UK fleet tracking and asset management hardware ecosystem. IP67, magnetic or adhesive mount variants.

PCB Layout Considerations

For chip antennas, follow the datasheet keepout zone exactly. The clearance area prevents the ground plane from detuning the antenna. Route traces away from the antenna area. Avoid having battery or power conversion circuitry on the same PCB layer below the antenna.

For FPC antennas, route the coaxial cable tail away from metal enclosure walls. If the product assembly results in the FPC antenna lying against a metal panel, performance will degrade significantly. Use a spacer or design the antenna position on the exterior face of the PCB.

For any embedded design being taken to production, conduct antenna characterisation measurements (TRP/TIS) with the complete assembly before regulatory approval. The antenna performance figures quoted in datasheets are on reference boards, not your product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use an FPC or chip antenna for my IoT product?

FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) antennas consistently outperform chip antennas in real-world performance. The larger physical size of an FPC antenna gives it better radiation efficiency. Chip antennas are appropriate when PCB space is the absolute constraint and range requirements are modest. If you have 30x15mm or more of available space, an FPC antenna will provide meaningfully better coverage.

How does the housing material affect my embedded antenna?

Critically. Metal anywhere near the antenna detunes it and degrades performance. Plastic housing has negligible effect if the antenna is positioned correctly. Batteries and large metal components (cameras, connectors, heatsinks) near the antenna affect its radiation pattern. Always characterise your antenna performance with the complete assembly, not just the bare PCB. Some products need to move the antenna away from PCB components on a flexible tail.

What clearance does a cellular chip antenna need from the ground plane?

This varies by manufacturer specification — always follow the datasheet. Most chip cellular antennas require a keepout zone (no copper pour, no traces) under and around the antenna element, typically 5-10mm. Violating this clearance detunes the antenna and degrades performance in ways that are not obvious on casual inspection. The antenna reference design in the datasheet should be implemented exactly as shown.

Talk to Peter Green

Tell me your router model, location, and application. I will specify the right antenna.

Request Technical Quote Call Direct