
feed.
to create as much ground plane as possible in proximity to the base
of the antenna. In cases where the antenna is remotely located, or
the antenna is not in close proximity to a circuit board, ground plane,
or grounded metal case, a metal plate may be used to maximize the
antenna’s performance.
5. Place the antenna as far as possible from potential interference
sources. Any frequency of sufficient amplitude to enter the receiver’s
front end will reduce system range and can even prevent reception
entirely. Switching power supplies, oscillators, or even relays can also
be significant sources of potential interference. The single best weapon
against such problems is attention to placement and layout. Filter the
module’s power supply with a high-frequency bypass capacitor. Place
adequate ground plane under potential sources of noise to shunt noise
to ground and prevent it from coupling to the RF stage. Shield noisy
board areas whenever practical.
6. In some applications, it is advantageous to place the module and
antenna away from the main equipment. This can avoid interference
problems and allows the antenna to be oriented for optimum
Always
performance. OPTIMUM use 50-ohm coax, like RG-174, for the remote
NOT RECOMMENDED
USABLE
CASE
NUT
Figure 27: Remote Ground Plane
– 25 –
GROUND PLANE
(MAY BE NEEDED)