▪ Quick and easy installation
▪ Adhesive holds to surface during humidity
exposure and hot/cold cycles
▪ RoHS-compliant
Frequency (MHz)
Peak Gain (dBi)
Average Gain (dBi)
VSWR (MHz)
Impedance (Ω)
Polarization
Antenna Type
▪ Can be installed in the following ways:
– On different non-conductive surfaces
and thicknesses
– Near metals or the human body
– On flat or curved surfaces
2400 - 2480
+2.0
> -1.5
< 2.0:1
50
Linear
Flexible Planar Inverted F Antenna (FlexPIFA)
Dimensions – mm (inches)
40.1 x 11.0 x 2.5 (1.58 x 0.43 x 0.098)
Weight – g (oz.)
1.13 (0.040)
Color
Clear yellow
3M 100MP
Adhesive
MHF1 (U.FL)
MHF4L
Connector Mating Height (max) – mm
2.5
1.4
Operating Temperature – °C (°F)
-40 to +85°C (-40 to +185°F)
Material Substance Compliance
RoHS
001-0014
001-0022
001-0025
EFB2400A3S-13MHF1
EFB2400A3S-22MHF1
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
130 mm
220 mm
MHF1
MHF4L
MHF1
MHF1
MHF1
Note: Specifications are based on the 100mm cable length, standard antenna version with MHF1 / U.FL connector. Varying the cable length
or type or connector will cause variations in these antenna specifications.
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Figure 1: FlexPIFA mechanical drawing of 001-0014, 001-0022, and EFB2400A3S-22MHF1
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Figure 2: FlexPIFA mechanical drawing of 001-0025
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Figure 3: FlexPIFA mechanical drawing of EFB2400A3S-13MHF1
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Antenna measurements such as VSWR were measured with an Agilent E5071C vector network analyzer. Radiation patterns were measured
with a CMT Planar 804/1 vector network analyzer in a Howland Company 3100 chamber equivalent. Phase center is nine inches above the Phi
positioner.
Flat surface measurements were done with the antenna centered on a 1.5 mm-thick plate of polycarbonate. Curved surface measurements
were taken by placing the antenna on the inside and outside of different diameter PVC tubing.
Figure 4: Antenna chamber
Figure 5: Antenna VSWR measured on a 1.5 mm-thick plate of polycarbonate
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Z
Y
X
Figure 6: Flat surface setup
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Gain - Vertical Polarization at 2400.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
10
120
60
0
-10
150
Gain - Horizontal Polarization at 2400.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
90
30
-20
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
120
Gain - Total at 2400.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
90
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
120
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
-30
-30
0
180
210
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
-30
180
Theta (deg)
90
0
180
0
330
210
240
330
330
300
240
270
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2400.0 (MHz)
210
min: -28.3 (dBi)
max: +1.4 (dBi)
240
300
avg: -5.5 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2400.0 (MHz)
min: -25.9 (dBi)
300
270
270
max: -2.7 (dBi)
avg: -8.0 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2400.0 (MHz)
min: -13.3 (dBi)
max: +1.9 (dBi)
avg: -1.6 (dBi)
Figure 7: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain patterns – 2400 MHz
Figure 8: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain plots – 2400 MHz
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Gain - Vertical Polarization at 2440.0 (MHz)
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
Theta (deg)
10
120
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
180
0
0
330
330
240
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
120
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
-30
180
210
210
Theta (deg)
90
-30
-30
240
Gain - Total at 2440.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
90
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
120
Gain - Horizontal Polarization at 2440.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
90
300
180
0
210
330
240
300
300
270
270
270
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
min: -22.5 (dBi)
max: +1.3 (dBi)
min: -29.9 (dBi)
max: -2.8 (dBi)
avg: -8.0 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
min: -12.1 (dBi)
max: +1.9 (dBi)
avg: -1.5 (dBi)
avg: -5.1 (dBi)
Figure 9: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain patterns – 2440 MHz
Figure 10: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain plots – 2440 MHz
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Gain - Vertical Polarization at 2480.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
120
Gain - Horizontal Polarization at 2480.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
90
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
120
0
-10
30
-20
0
210
330
0
210
330
240
300
min: -20.8 (dBi)
120
avg: -4.8 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2480.0 (MHz)
300
min: -28.5 (dBi)
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
180
0
210
330
240
270
max: +1.8 (dBi)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
-30
180
270
Theta (deg)
90
-30
180
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2480.0 (MHz)
60
150
Gain - Total at 2480.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
-30
240
Theta (deg)
90
300
270
max: -2.4 (dBi)
avg: -7.8 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2480.0 (MHz)
min: -13.1 (dBi)
max: +2.5 (dBi)
avg: -1.1 (dBi)
Figure 11: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain patterns – 2480 MHz
Figure 12: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain plots – 2480 MHz
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Z
Y
X
Figure 13: Outer diameter setup
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Gain - Vertical Polarization at 2440.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
10
120
60
0
-10
150
Gain - Horizontal Polarization at 2440.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
90
30
-20
-10
150
30
-20
0
210
330
300
0
210
330
240
min: -36.9 (dBi)
120
avg: -5.4 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
-10
150
30
-20
180
0
210
330
240
300
min: -26.3 (dBi)
60
0
300
270
270
max: +2.3 (dBi)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
-30
180
270
Theta (deg)
90
-30
180
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
60
0
-30
240
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
120
Gain - Total at 2440.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
90
max: -2.5 (dBi)
avg: -7.7 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
min: -11.9 (dBi)
max: +3.1 (dBi)
avg: -1.0 (dBi)
Figure 14: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain patterns – 2440 MHz
Figure 15: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain plots – 2440 MHz
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Y
X
Figure 16: Inner diameter setup
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Gain - Vertical Polarization at 2440.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
120
Gain - Horizontal Polarization at 2440.0 (MHz)
Theta (deg)
90
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
120
0
-10
30
-20
0
210
330
0
210
330
240
300
min: -28.2 (dBi)
120
avg: -4.0 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
300
min: -33.0 (dBi)
60
0
-10
150
30
-20
180
0
210
330
240
270
max: +2.9 (dBi)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
-30
180
270
Theta (deg)
90
-30
180
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
60
150
Gain - Total at 2440.0 (MHz)
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
10
-30
240
Theta (deg)
90
300
270
max: -3.0 (dBi)
avg: -8.3 (dBi)
Gain Summary (dBi) at 2440.0 (MHz)
min: -19.0 (dBi)
max: +3.0 (dBi)
avg: -1.4 (dBi)
Figure 17: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain patterns – 2440 MHz
Figure 18: Vertical, horizontal, and total gain plots – 2440 MHz
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Main Element
Strong E-Field
Between Plates
Fringing Fields
Ground Plate
Figure 19: E-field radiation from FlexPIFA – taken from CST simulation
The main element should be kept clear of any non-metal objects (such as plastics) on top of it by at least three millimeters (see Figure 20).
Similarly, the two long sides of the FlexPIFA should be kept clear of any non-metal object by at least two millimeters (See Figure 21). A onemillimeter clearance should be observed from the ground wall to any non-metal object. Mounting the FlexPIFA in a situation that does not allow
for these clearance recommendations may change the gain characteristics stated in the datasheet, which could impact overall range of the
wireless system.
Figure 20: Top clearance
Cable-Side
Cable-Side
2 mm
Side Clearance
1 mm
Ground Wall Clearance
Figure 21: Side and ground wall clearance
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The ideal material on which to mount the FlexPIFA is 1.5-millimeter thick polycarbonate for maximum performance. However, as previously
mentioned, the FlexPIFA can tolerate other non-metallic surfaces and thicknesses and still radiate effectively. Depending on the type of
material, the FlexPIFA may be detuned.
The coaxial cable feeding the FlexPIFA should be routed away from the antenna. Do not run the coaxial cable over the top of the FlexPIFA or
near the tip of the main element. The cable should be routed perpendicular to the side of the FlexPIFA (this is the way the cable comes
assembled) or away from the ground wall. These options are shown in Figure 22.
Perpendicular to the side
Away from the ground wall
Figure 22: Recommended cable routing
As with any antenna, care should be taken not to place conductive materials or objects near the antenna (except as described in the next
section). The radiated fields from the antenna induce currents on the surface of the metal; as a result, those currents then produce their own
radiation. These re-radiating fields from the metal interfere with the fields radiating from the FlexPIFA (this is true for any antenna). Other
objects, such as an LCD display, placed close to the antenna may not affect its tuning but it can distort the radiation pattern. Materials that
absorb electromagnetic fields should be kept away from the antenna to maximize performance. Common things to keep in mind when placing
the antenna:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Wire routing
Speakers – These generate magnetic fields
Metal chassis and frames
Battery location
Proximity to human body
Display screen – These absorb radiation
Paint – Do not use metallic coating or flakes
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One of the unique features of the FlexPIFA is its ability to flex. However, due to the adhesive, there are limits as to how much the antenna can
be flexed and remain secured to the device. The FlexPIFA should not be flexed in a convex position with a radius less than 16 millimeters.
Going smaller than this may result in the antenna peeling off the surface over time. Should a tighter radius of curvature be required, contact
Laird Connectivity for assistance.
Figure 23: Convex-mounted
The FlexPIFA should not be flexed in a concave position with a radius less than 25 millimeters. In this scenario, the limiting factor is
performance. The ground plate of the antenna is pressed closer to the main element. As previously discussed in the introduction of this
datasheet, the fringing fields developing off the end of the element are responsible for most of the radiation. In a concave position with a radius
of curvature less than 25 millimeters, the fringing fields are adversely affected, and gain suffers. If a tighter radius of curvature is required,
contact Laird Connectivity for assistance.
Figure 24: Concave-mounted
The FlexPIFA is not designed to be twisted or crumpled. The adhesive back should lay flush with the surface on which it is mounted.
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The FlexPIFA can tolerate being mounted on conductive surfaces. There will be some detuning of the antenna, which translates into some gain
reduction. Even though the FlexPIFA is optimized to work on non-metallic surfaces, it still radiates efficiently due to the fringing fields (see
Figure 19). The ground plate of the FlexPIFA carries the adhesive backing; placing the antenna onto a metal surface simply enlarges the size
of the ground beneath the main element. Previously, the fringing fields only interacted with the small ground of the FlexPIFA, however they are
now interacting with the much larger ground. The fringing fields still develop and radiate, but the antenna will no longer tune as well to the 2.4
GHz frequency band. Consequently, the VSWR increases and there is some loss in radiated power. If the FlexPIFA cannot meet your range
requirements after being implemented on a metal surface, contact Laird Connectivity for a custom antenna build to help meet your application
needs.
Figure 25: FlexPIFA mounted on metal
Do not mount the FlexPIFA where metal is within ten millimeters above the main element (see Figure 27). Not only does this severely
limit the radiation pattern (mainly due to the re-radiation problem previously described) it detunes the antenna inside of this range.
Similarly, the two long sides of the FlexPIFA should be kept clear of any metal object by at least five millimeters. These keep out requirements
pertaining to conductive materials only and are different from those listed in the previous sections which apply to non-conductive materials.
In general, it is good practice to always keep metals as far away from the antenna as possible.
For the best performance, a spacer should be placed between the FlexPIFA and the conductive surface (see Figure 26). The spacer should be
1.5 millimeters thick polycarbonate. This will significantly improve performance and tuning of the FlexPIFA on a metal surface. Other nonconductive materials such as ABS plastic can be used; however, polycarbonate provides the best results.
Figure 26: FlexPIFA mounted on metal Surface with 1.5 mm thick polycarbonate spacer
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10 mm
Figure 27: Metal near main element
For body-worn applications, the FlexPIFA can tolerate the presence of the human body. We do not recommend that you mount the antenna
directly on body tissue to avoid detuning the FlexPIFA.
Additionally, the human body is an excellent absorber of 2.4 GHz RF signals. As a result, expect a reduction in range due to the presence of a
body. In a body-worn application, the ground plate of the FlexPIFA should be closest to the body tissue. The main element should be pointed
away from the body. Additionally, for handheld devices, the FlexPIFA should be mounted in a location where it is not covered by the hand. If
the antenna is mounted in a location where the main element is covered or near a human body, ensure that there is at least a ten-millimeter
separation distance between the main element and the body as shown in Figure 27.
Additionally, when the FlexPIFA is mounted very close to body tissue, use a spacer to create separation distance between the body tissue and
ground plate. This ensures maximum performance and prevents the antenna from detuning. As previously mentioned, the ideal spacer material
is 1.5 mm thick polycarbonate.
Quite often this separation distance between the body tissue and the FlexPIFA is already provided by the enclosure. Figure 28 is an example
of a bracelet with the FlexPIFA integrated inside it. The enclosure provides enough spacing between the antenna and body tissue to prevent
any major detuning. The enclosure is made of polycarbonate.
Figure 28: FlexPIFA integrated into bracelet
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Please contact your local Laird Connectivity sales representative or our support team for further assistance:
Support Center
https://www.lairdconnect.com/resources/support
Phone
Americas:
Europe:
Hong Kong:
Web
https://www.lairdconnect.com/internal-antennas
Address
Laird Connectivity
50 S. Main Street, Suite 1100
Akron, OH 44308
sales@lairdconnect.com
support@lairdconnect.com
www.lairdconnect.com
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+1-800-492-2320
+44-1628-858-940
+852 2762 4823
© Copyright 2023 Laird Connectivity. All Rights Reserved. Patent pending. Any information furnished by Laird Connectivity and its agents is believed to be accurate and reliable. All
specifications are subject to change without notice. Responsibility for the use and application of Laird Connectivity materials or products rests with the end user since Laird Connectivity and
its agents cannot be aware of all potential uses. Laird Connectivity makes no warranties as to non-infringement nor as to the fitness, merchantability, or sustainability of any Laird Connectivity
materials or products for any specific or general uses. Laird Connectivity or any of its affiliates or agents shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind. All Laird
Connectivity products are sold pursuant to the Laird Connectivity Terms and Conditions of Sale in effect from time to time, a copy of which will be furnished upon request. Nothing herein
provides a license under any Laird Connectivity or any third-party intellectual property right.
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