Measure the quality of PCB on-board antenna

In order to measure the performance of a PCB-mounted antenna, there are several key metrics that can be used. These include measures of the antenna's gain, efficiency, bandwidth, and radiation pattern. By carefully analyzing these parameters, an engineer can determine whether a given antenna design is suitable for its intended application.

The first metric to consider is gain, which refers to the amount of power radiated by the antenna in a particular direction. This can be measured using a network analyzer or a specialized antenna measurement system. The results are typically expressed in decibels (dB) and can be used to compare different antenna designs.

Efficiency is another important parameter to consider, as it reflects the antenna's ability to convert input power into radiated power. This can be measured using the same equipment as gain, and is expressed as a percentage. A higher efficiency indicates that less power is being lost to heat, which can improve overall performance.

Bandwidth is another key factor to consider, as it reflects the frequency range over which the antenna can operate effectively. It can be measured using a frequency sweep, which involves sweeping a signal across a range of frequencies and measuring the antenna's response. The results are typically plotted on a graph, with the bandwidth represented as the range of frequencies over which the antenna exhibits acceptable performance.

Finally, radiation pattern is important to consider, as it reflects the directionality of the antenna's radiation. This can be measured using a specialized antenna measurement system that allows the engineer to visualize the antenna's radiation in 3D space. A well-designed antenna will have a radiation pattern that is appropriate for its intended application, such as a directional pattern for a point-to-point link or an omnidirectional pattern for a wireless access point.

In conclusion, there are several important metrics to consider when measuring the performance of a PCB-mounted antenna. By carefully analyzing these parameters, an engineer can determine whether a given design is suitable for its intended application and make any necessary modifications to improve performance. With the right tools and expertise, it is possible to design and optimize high-performance antennas for a wide range of applications.