Posted to News on 12th Oct 2007, 18:57
Low-cost ZigBee antennas come in numerous configurations
CTi is launching two new series of low-cost ZigBee antennas that provide designers with a wide choice of configuration options. Both series are suitable for use with any IEEE 802.15.4 standard 2.4GHz ZigBee wireless system and can accommodate vertically and horizontally polarised signals. Typical ZigBee wireless applications include low-speed data acquisition from remote sensors in industrial process control systems, and environmental monitoring and control in homes and buildings.
The CTI-SB series of stubby ZigBee antennas comprises three models, with a choice of straight and right-angle SMA male and SMA male RS connectors. For applications that demand increased signal strength, the slightly longer CTI-RA series of rubber ZigBee antennas provide a gain of up to 9dBi. These employ co-linear elements - contained within a robust, semi-flexible rubber housing - to maximise RF efficiency, and feature an integral swivel joint to facilitate orientation. The CTI-RA series offers a choice of SMA male RS and TNC male RS connectors.
For designers of ZigBee systems intended for operation in the 868MHz European or 915MHz American ISM bands, CTi has a large selection of embedded and peripheral GSM antennas that operate at these frequencies. The company also offers a range of adaptor cables that simplify system integration significantly; they are particularly useful for connecting the type of sub-miniature U.FL or W.FL connectors commonly used on preassembled ZigBee modules to external antenna.
All CTi ZigBee antennas feature high-quality gold-plated connector pins to ensure signal integrity, have a nominal 50ohm output impedance, and exhibit an output VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio) of less than 2:1.
