Design and measurement of integrated antennas for embedded systems

This paper highlights the meaning of a proper antenna design for embedded systems. To use the available space very efficiently these antennas should be integrated in the systems. They can then be matched to the subsequent RF chain in a way that the radiated power is optimised and the receiving sensitivity is improved. Also the surrounding environment of the antenna (PCB, housing, other PCBs, large metal parts etc) can be included in the design process. Most of these antennas have to be adapted to their usage scenario. Additionally, the measurement of this small antennas needs special methods to achieve a reliable and repeatable result. Fraunhofer IIS has developed a methodology to measure these small antennas. It addresses a meaningful cabling method, a matched mounting principle and advanced data acquisition methods. This measurement approach uses spherical near-field scanning to get all information about the antenna.