Dataeagle Antenna 101

Antenna 101
Contents
Title Page
1. Introduction 03
2. Technical terms 04
2.1 Antenna gain 04
2.2 The radiation characteristics of an antenna 05
2.3 Omnidirectional antennas 06
2.4 Directional antennas 07
2.5 Transmitting power 07
2.6 Link budget 08
2.7 Fresnel zone 08
2.8 Polarization 09
2.9 Reflection 09
3. Antenna assembly 10
3.1 DATAEAGLE device connector 10
3.2 Antenna cabling 11
3.3 Connections 12
3.4 Antenna cables 13
3.5 Antenna splitter 14
3.6 Overvoltage protection 14
4. Guidelines for antenna assembly 15
4.1 Antenna separation 15
4.2 Height requirements 16
4.3 Direction 17-18
4.4 Radiation 19
4.5 Separation and free radiation 19
4.6 Line-of-sight connection 20
4.7 Get out of the control cabinet 20
4.8 Wall mounting 21
4.9 Mast mounting 21
4.10 Consider the protection class (IP) 22
4.11 Polarization 22
4.12 Mounting materials 23
5. Use cases 24
5.1 Two fixed objects or with linear movement 24
5.2 Two turning objects or mobile applications 24
5.3 One fixed and one turning object 25
6. Antenna accessories 26
6.1 Omnidirectional antennas for 2,4 GHz 26-27
6.2 Directional antennas for 2,4 GHz 28
6.3 Omnidirectional antennas for 869 MHz 29-31
6.4 Directional antennas for 869 MHz 32
6.5 Omnidirectional antennas for 915 MHz 33-35
6.6 Omnidirectional antennas for cellular radio 36-38
6.7 Antenna cables 39
6.8 Adapters 40
6.9 Antenna splitter 41
6.10 Mounting accessories 41
7. Closing remarks and contact info 42
 Contents
1. Introduction
What does an antenna do? It transmits and receives electro magnetic waves. To transmit,
the antenna converts electric energy, for instance from a DATAEAGLE device, into electro
magnetic waves. To receive, it works the other way round, converting electro magnetic waves
into electric energy. You need to choose the right antenna and to mount it correctly to ensure
the best transmission path and thus optimal conditions for data transfer.
In this Antenna 101 guide you can find all relevant technical terms explained. Also, we describe
the specific antennas suited for different kinds of radio technologies. All antennas are tested
and recommended by us. Furthermore you can find an overview over our antenna accessories,
important information about antenna mounting together with useful mounting examples.
03
 Contents
2. Technical terms
2.1 Antenna gain
The gain of an antenna indicates the increase of its transmission energy. Gain is a result of
transmission energy focused through the antenna in horizontal and/or vertical direction
(see 2.2 opening angle).
A ball emitter emitting transmission energy uniformly in all directions has no antenna gain
(0 dBi or 0 dBd). The ball emitter is a theoretical concept used for calculating antenna gain.
Omnidirectional antennas radiate transmission energy horizontally in a 360° radius, while
less than 360° on a vertical axis. This results in an antenna gain of e.g. 2.5 dB for the antenna
with article number 10926
Half-wave dipol reference antenna Isotropic reference antenna

Antenna gain = dBd Antenna gain = dBi
Higher antenna gain means longer reach,

but with a comparatively narrower opening angle.
04
 Contents
2. Technical terms
2.2 The radiation characteristics of an antenna
The radiation characteristics of an antenna, also called opening angle or beam width,
is a graphical representation of the directivity of an antenna. The opening angle refers to
the area in which you have at least half of maximum radiated power available.
Vertical opening angle Horizontal opening angle 360°
The narrower the opening angle, the longer the reach.

The larger the opening angle, the shorter the reach.
05
 Contents
2. Technical terms
2.3 Omnidirectional antennas
An omnidirectional antenna has an even radiation pattern horizontally in all directions.

That means it has a horizontal opening angle of 360°. Therefore it is often used for rotating
or mobile applications.
Tilt refers to the shifting of the vertical opening angle of an omnidirectional antenna in a
specific direction, related to the horizontal level. The image below shows a vertical opening
angle of 40° with a tilt of 20°. This means the vertical opening angle has shifted 20° upwards.
View from above Side view
40° 40°
Tilt 20°
360° horizontal opening angle E.g.: 40° vertical opening angle
06
 Contents
2. Technical terms
2.4 Directional antennas
A directional antenna focuses its radiation density in a specific direction. Due to its directivity,
interfering transmitters placed outside of primary or secondary lobes are muted, and the antenna
increases its reach in beam direction. Consequently the antenna radiates in one direction only,
with an opening angle of e.g. 80°.
View from above Side view
80° 80°
Example: horizontal/vertical opening angle 80°
2.5 Transmitting power
Transmitting power, or EIRP (equivalent isotropically radiated power) indicates the actual
output of the antenna. This value is a combination of the transmission power coming from
the source (in this case the DATAEAGLE), minus attenuation loss coming from cable, adapter,
lightning protector, plus antenna gain.
The equivalent transmitting power is regulated by law. The maximum values allowed differ
depending on which frequency band is used, such as 100 mW / 20dBm on Bluetooth 2,4 GHz.
07
 Contents
2. Technical terms
2.6 Link budget
Link budget measures the difference between radiation power (EIRP) and receiver sensitivity.
The link budget allows you to estimate the reach of the signal. To get a correct estimate you have
to take a number of factors into account:
- Radiation power
- Antenna gain
- Receiver sensitivity
- Free space loss
- Cable attenuation
2.7 Fresnel zone
A Fresnel zone is a 3-dimensional ellipse drawn between transmitter and receiver. The radius
of this zone is made up by transmission frequency and distance between the antennas. In an
ideal setting there should not be any objects inside this zone. Objects inside the Fresnel zone have
a negative influence on transmission range. Too many objects inside the Fresnel zone can block
the connection entirely.
Example: At 2,4 GHz (DATAEAGLE with Bluetooth) and with a distance of 100m between antennas
the Fresnel zone has a maximum radius of approx. 2m. At a frequency of 2,4 GHz, to ensure
best possible operating conditions and longest reach, the antenna should be mounted at a height
of 4 m.
Fresnel zone
Distance
08
 Contents
2. Technical terms
2.8 Polarization
Polarization indicates the direction of vibrations created by the electric field. You distinguish
between horizontal and vertical linear polarization (VP), and right hand circular polarization
(RHCP). The transmitting and the receiving antenna should have identical polarization. If you
install unequally polarized antennas you can experience loss or no radio connection at all.
We use antennas with vertical linear polarization (VP) or right hand circular polarization (RHCP).
An RHCP antenna is suitable for directional antennas with sight connection. For all other
applications we recommend VP antennas.
Vertical Linear Polarization Right Hand Circular Polarization
2.9 Reflection
Reflections are disturbances that occur when radio signals meet obstacles on their way.
The radio signal can be overlapped by reflections, thus causing interference.
09
 Contents
3. Antenna assembly
3.1 DATAEAGLE device connector
The DATAEAGLE lines Compact, Classic and X-Treme all have a SMA-female port.
10
 Contents
3. Antenna assembly
3.2 Antenna cabling
You can mount antennas directly on the DATAEAGLE or connect them via cable, e.g. on a
control cabinet or mounted on a mast.
1. 2.
1. Connect the antenna cable via the antenna connection on the wireless modem (DATAEAGLE)
2. Attach the antenna at the designated spot, e.g. outside the control cabinet
Control cabinet
A
Mast
B
D
C
Max. length of cable 10m
A: SMA-female port C: SMA-female port

B: SMA-male port D: SMA-male port
11
 Contents
3. Antenna assembly
3.3 Connections
SMA-male and SMA-female
SMA plug connectors are suited for frequency bands from 1 GHz to
18 or 26,5 GHz (depending on the model). SMA plug connectors are
rather small, but yet very robust due to their screw lock.
FME-male and FME-female
These miniature plug connectors have an electrical impedance of 50Ω

for frequencies up to 2 GHz.
TNC-male and TNC-female
These are coaxial plug connectors for high frequencies up to approx.

11 GHz. They are connected to each other by screw threads.
N-male and N-female
These coaxial plug connectors with screw lock are suited for
frequencies up to 11 GHz. They are among the most widely used plug
connectors in high-frequency engineering.
12 Socket: female, Plug: male

 Contents
3. Antenna assembly
3.4 Antenna cables
To keep attenuation at a minimum, keep the antenna cable as short as possible. However,
the most important thing is to find the perfect spot for your antenna, even if it requires a longer
cable. We recommend that you keep cable length below 10m, as transmission power will
decrease significantly if you choose a longer cable.
SMA-male SMA 90°-angled-male FME-female N-male
Antenna cables are very delicate and should not be bent. When installing the
cable please observe its maximum bending radius of 30mm. Antenna cables
should only be hand-tightened, without using tools.
13
 Contents
3. Antenna assembly
3.5 Antenna splitter
Antenna splitters offer you the opportunity to connect multiple antennas in parallel. For
instance, antenna splitters are used when one antenna is mounted outside a building and
another inside, e.g. at an entrance gate.
When using splitters transmission power is distributed between the connected antennas.
Reach is reduced accordingly.
3.6 Overvoltage protection
The overvoltage protection is placed between the radio unit (DATAEAGLE) and the antenna.
B1 B2 C1 C2 D1 D2
A E
10915 10914
10517
A: Antenna cable, SMA-male C2: Overvoltage protection, TNC-male
B1: Adapter, SMA-female D1: Adapter, TNC-female
B2: Adapter, TNC-male D2: Adapter, SMA-female
C1: Overvoltage protection, TNC-female E: Antenna cable, SMA-male
Transmission and receiving power of the antenna is dampened by the overvoltage

protection and by the adapters.
14
 Contents
4. Guidelines for antenna assembly
4.1 Antenna separation
If you want to install multiple transmission paths in parallel the antennas should ideally be placed
2m apart. This minimum clearance does not apply to the distance between a sending and a
receiving antenna. However, you have to keep in mind that the opening angles have to overlap
(e.g. the ball antenna 10361). See also 4.4 Radiation.
Master 1 Slave 1
Master 2 Slave 2
ideally keep distance of 2m

no minimum clearance needed here
15
 Contents
4.2 Height requirements
Antennas (without tilt) in a transmission path are to be placed at an appropriate height.

The larger the opening angle, the larger the possible height offset.
16
 Contents
4.3 Direction
Ideally, you need to direct the antennas in a transmission path in parallel to each other,
e.g. all vertical and never head-to-head (see also 2.2 The radiation characteristics of an antenna).
17
 Contents
4.3 Direction
18
 Contents
4.4 Radiation
When mounting antennas please be aware of their opening angles and the need for overlap.
4.5 Separation and free radiation
To avoid radiation disturbances and reflections do not install antennas close to metal parts,
engines or frequency converters.
19
 Contents
4.6 Line-of-sight connection
The antennas in a transmission path should have line-of-sight connection, to ensure optimal
data transfer quality (see 2.7 Fresnel zone).
4.7 Get out of the control cabinet
Please mount the antennas outside the control cabinet. If made of metal, the cabinet causes
a significant damping of the transmission signal, thus reducing transmission reach. If the control
cabinet is made of synthetic material you can place the antenna inside the cabinet, as this
material only has low impact on signal strength.
20
 Contents
4.8 Wall mounting
To achieve the best result, mount directional antennas on a wall. An omni-directional antenna can
also be mounted on a wall in case its radiation pattern is required for a short range. Wall mounted
omnidirectional antennas cause reflections that reduce ransmission quality and reach.
Omnidirectional antenna Directional antenna
Wall fix Wall fix
4.9 Mast mounting
Ideally, choose a free standing mounting point for an omnidirectional antenna, e.g. on top of a
mast, to achieve consistent horizontal radiation in all directions.
Mast
21
 Contents
4.10 Consider the protection class (IP)
When you are installing outdoor antennas, please note that water must not be allowed to get
inside the antenna. Furthermore you have to consider the protection class of the particular antenna
you want to install.
Water Water
4.11 Polarization
Antennas in a transmission path should ideally have similar polarization. Exception: For specific
applications it can make sense to combine an antenna with a clockwise polarization – as a fixed
station antenna – with a vertical polarizing antenna mounted on a mobile turning object.
22
 Contents
4.12 Mounting materials
Please use the mounting accessories offered by us for the optimal positioning and orientation
of directional antennas. The mounting materials match our antennas. By combining two mounting
brackets (10519) you can pivot the antenna bilaterally.
Side view Top view
Wall fix Wall fix
Side view Top view
Mast Mast
23
 Contents
5. Use cases
5.1 Two fixed objects or with linear movement
Optimally, you use a directional antenna between two fixed objects, or with an object in linear
motion, e.g. inclined lifts, elevators or ceiling cranes that move in one direction only.
Side view
Mobile object
Wall fix
5.2 Two turning objects or mobile applications
You combine two omnidirectional antennas when you want to connect turning objects or mobile
applications that move around independently, e.g. automated guided vehicles.
Ceiling fix
Mobile
object
24
 Contents
5. Use cases
5.3 One fixed and one turning object
For this application you combine a directional antenna mounted on a fixed object with an
omnidirectional antenna mounted on a turning object. This is the case in sewage treatment plants
with scrapers moving around in the wastewater basins. Please note the opening angles of both
antennas.
Side view
Wall fix Turning object
25
 Contents
6. Antenna accessories
6.1 Omnidirectional antennas for 2,4 GHz
Omnidirectional antenna 10926_OD

Opening angle h: 360° v: 60°
Polarization Vertical
Antenna gain 2,5 dB
Protection class (IP) IP20
Port SMA-male
Mounting Direct assembly on DATAEAGLE X-treme
Suitable antenna cable -
Optional mounting material -
Dimensions in mm Length: 110
Scope of delivery Antenna
Antenna Frequency 2310 - 2485 MHz
Omnidirectional antenna 10926

Opening angle h: 360° v:60°
Antenna gain 2,5 dB
Port SMA-female
Mounting 10959 or on control cabinet
Suitable antenna cable 10284, 10273, 10279, 10589, 10629, 10935
Optional mounting material 10959 (antenna base for wall mount)
Scope of delivery Antenna, Antenna base, Nut, O-Ring, Washer

Opening angle h: 360° v:120°
Antenna gain 2 dB
Port SMA-female on adapter (N-male on antenna)
Mounting Mounting on control cabinet
Antenna Frequency 2000 – 2700 MHz
26
 Contents
6.1 Omnidirectional antennas for 2,4 GHz

Antenna gain 2,5 dB / approx. 5 dB compared to ¼ wave
Port SMA-male
Mounting 90° direct assembly to DATAEAGLE compact
Scope of delivery Antenna, SMA-male 90° angle

Opening angle h: 360°, v:22°
Antenna gain 6 dB
Port N-female
Mounting Wall or mast assembly
Suitable antenna cable 10528, 10535, 10567, 10667, 11112
Scope of delivery Antenna, mounting material for wall
and mast assembly

Opening angle h: 360° v: 45° Tilt: 20°
Antenna gain 4 dBi
Port SMA-female
Mounting On control cabinet
Dimensions in mm Height: 43, diameter: 86
Scope of delivery Antenna, sealing ring (assembly necessary),
mounting material for wall and ceiling assembly
27
 Contents
6.2 Directional antennas for 2,4 GHz
Directional antenna 10774

Polarization RHCP
Antenna gain 8,5 dBi
Port SMA-female
Mounting Wall mount
Optional mounting material 10519, 10882
Dimensions in mm 101 x 95 x 32
Scope of delivery Antenna, mounting material for wall assembly

Polarization RHCP
Antenna gain 14 dB
Port N-female
Mounting Mast mount
Dimensions in mm 203,20 × 203,20 × 40,64
Scope of delivery Antenna, mounting material
for mast assembly
28
 Contents
6.3 Omnidirectional antennas for 869 MHz

Opening angle h: 360°
Antenna gain 0 dB
Port FME-male
Dimensions in mm Height: 82

Antenna gain 5 dB
Port SMA-male
Scope of delivery Antenna, 2m antenna cable
Omnidirectional antenna 11085_MD

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-female
Mounting 10959 or assembly on control cabinet
Antenna Frequency 824 - 960 MHz, 1710 - 1990 MHz
29
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-male

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-male
Mounting 90° directly to DATAEAGLE compact
Omnidirectional antenna 11124_W90

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Mounting 90° direct mount on DATAEAGLE compact
Antenna Frequency 750 – 960 MHz, 1700 – 2150 MHz, 2370 – 2650 MHz
30
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Mounting 10959 or mount on control cabinet

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
31
 Contents
6.4 Directional antennas for 869 MHz

Antenna gain 8 dBi
Port N-female
Mounting Wall mount
Dimensions in mm 190 × 190 × 30
Directional antenna 11051_OH

Antenna gain 8 dBi
Port N-female
Mounting Wall mount
Optional mounting material

Polarization RHCP (circular, right)
Antenna gain 3,5 dBi
Port SMA-female
Mounting Wall mount
32
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-female

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-male

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-male
33
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Mounting 90° direct mount to DATAEAGLE compact

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Scope of delivery Antenna, Feedthrough
34
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Omnidirectional antenna 10549-SMA

Opening angle h: 360° v: 55° - 75°
Antenna gain 0 dBi bis +5 dBi
Protection class (IP) IP69K
Port 3m cable RG174 with GSM/UMTS – SMA (m)
Mounting Roof and control cabinet
Scope of delivery Antenna, 3m antenna cable SMA-male
Antenna Frequency GSM 850 - 2100 MHz UMTS/LTE Band
35
 Contents
6.6 Omnidirectional antennas for cellular radio

Antenna gain 2 dBi typ. (900 MHz) / -1 dBi typ. (1800 MHz)
Port 3m cable RG174 with GSM – FME (f)
Scope of delivery Antenna, 3m antenna cable FME-female
Antenna Frequency GSM 900 / 1800 MHz
Omnidirectional antenna 10549-SMA

Antenna gain 0 dBi bis +5 dBi
Port 3m cable RG174 with GSM/UMTS – SMA (m)
Scope of delivery Antenna, 3m antenna cable SMA-male
Antenna Frequency GSM 850 - 2100 MHz UMTS/LTE Band

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-female
Scope of delivery Antenna with feedthrough
36
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-male

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA-male

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Mounting 90° direct mount to DATAEAGLE compact
37
 Contents

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
Scope of delivery Antenna, Feedthrough

Antenna gain 0 dB
Port SMA- male
38
 Contents
6.7 Antenna cables
Item number Antenna cable ports Cable length
10258 SMA-male to FME-female 0,5
10278 SMA-male to FME-female 1
10567 SMA-male to N-male 1
10589 SMA-male to SMA-male 0,5
10629 SMA-male to SMA-male 1
39
 Contents
6.8 Adapter
Item number Adapter character
10371 FME-male to N-male
10372 FME-male to SMA-male
11123 N-female to SMA-male
10668 N-male to SMA-female
11122 SMA-female to FME-male
10937 SMA-female to FME- female
10261 SMA-female to SMA-female
10673 SMA-female to SMAR-female
10914 SMA-female to TNC-female
10915 SMA-female to TNC-male
10481 TNC-female to BNC-male
10544 TNC-female to TNC*-female (*feedthrough)
10536 TNC-female to TNC-female
10473 TNC-male to FME-male
For more information regarding different ports, please see page 12.
40
 Contents
6.9 Antenna splitter
Double splitter item number 10297

Input 1: SMA-male
Output 1: SMA-female
Output 2: SMA-female
6.10 Mounting accessories
Mounting bracket item number: 10959

Mounting bracket for omnidirectional antenna 10926
Dimensions in mm: 50x50x35
Antenna mounting assembly item number: 10519

Mounting bracket for directional antenna
Can be pivoted in one direction
With two mounting brackets it can be
pivoted in two directions (see page 23)
Dimensions in mm: 100x100x70
Fixing kit item number 10882

Mounting material for antenna mounting assembly 10519
Fastening clips ø 84mm
41
 Contents
7. Closing remarks and contact information
For more than 25 years our customers have appreciated our expert knowledge in radio
communication. This appreciation makes us proud and matches our servicing and consulting
ambitions. To share the combined knowledge of the Schildknecht team in an easily accessible
way, we have compiled this manual on Antenna 101. We have done it with great care and
attention, and the manual can assist you in finding the correct antennas and accessories,
since choosing the right equipment is crucial to the quality and performance of a radio link.
Our Antenna 101 manual does not cover all antennas available. But it covers the most important
ones, and above all, the ones most commonly used. Thus you can find a solution for almost any
application you come across when working with radio communication. However, if you have
specific applications or additional questions, please get in touch. We would be happy to help you.
We are looking forward to sharing our expertise with you.
Schildknecht AG
Haugweg 26
D-71711 Murr
Phone + 49 7 144 - 89 71 80
Fax + 49 7 144 - 89 71 82 9
www.schildknecht.ag
[email protected]
Follow us and let us inspire you
© Schildknecht AG
The present text is protected in its entirety by copyright, in particular when it comes to translation, presentation,
reproduction, and storing in electronic media.

Dataeagle Antenna 101

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Dataeagle Antenna 101

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Dataeagle Antenna 101

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Antenna 101

2.1 Antenna gain

Half-wave dipol reference antenna Isotropic reference antenna

Higher antenna gain means longer reach,

2.2 The radiation characteristics of an antenna

Vertical opening angle Horizontal opening angle 360°

The narrower the opening angle, the longer the reach.

2.3 Omnidirectional antennas

An omnidirectional antenna has an even radiation pattern horizontally in all directions.

View from above Side view

360° horizontal opening angle E.g.: 40° vertical opening angle

2.4 Directional antennas

View from above Side view

Example: horizontal/vertical opening angle 80°

2.5 Transmitting power

2.6 Link budget

2.7 Fresnel zone

Vertical Linear Polarization Right Hand Circular Polarization

3.1 DATAEAGLE device connector

3.2 Antenna cabling

A: SMA-female port C: SMA-female port

SMA-male and SMA-female

FME-male and FME-female

These miniature plug connectors have an electrical impedance of 50Ω

TNC-male and TNC-female

These are coaxial plug connectors for high frequencies up to approx.

N-male and N-female

12 Socket: female, Plug: male

3.4 Antenna cables

SMA-male SMA 90°-angled-male FME-female N-male

3.5 Antenna splitter

3.6 Overvoltage protection

Transmission and receiving power of the antenna is dampened by the overvoltage

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.1 Antenna separation

ideally keep distance of 2m

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.2 Height requirements

Antennas (without tilt) in a transmission path are to be placed at an appropriate height.

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.5 Separation and free radiation

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.6 Line-of-sight connection

4.7 Get out of the control cabinet

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.8 Wall mounting

Omnidirectional antenna Directional antenna

Wall fix Wall fix

4.9 Mast mounting

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.10 Consider the protection class (IP)

4. Guidelines for antenna assembly

4.12 Mounting materials

Side view Top view

Wall fix Wall fix

Side view Top view

5.1 Two fixed objects or with linear movement