Hard PCB Antenna (Green Type) – Types, Specifications & Applications

Introduction

A Hard PCB Antenna (Green Solder Mask Type) is a hard printed circuit board antenna made of FR4 substrate with a standard green solder mask covering. These antennas are commonly used in Wi-Fi, GSM, LTE, GPS, Bluetooth, and IoT devices due to their small size, consistent radiation performance, and low cost.

Unlike flexible PCB antennas, rigid PCB antennas have greater structural strength and are ideal for fixed installations inside enclosures, routers, industrial devices, and embedded systems.

Hard PCB Antenna – Types, Specifications & Applications

What is a Hard PCB Antenna?

A Hard PCB antenna is a stiff antenna made from copper traces on a FR4 PCB board. The green hue originates from the solder mask layer, which is used to shield the copper traces from oxidation and environmental damage.

These antennas are intended for:

  • Internal device integration.
  • Stable RF performance.
  • Long-term durability.
  • Wireless modules are compact.

Types Of Hard PCB Antenna Variants :

Hard PCB antennas are available in a variety of design combinations based on frequency range and application.

1. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi PCB Antenna

  • Designed for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • Optimized for 2400-2500MHz.
  • utilized in routers, IoT modules, and smart devices.

2. Dual Band Wi-Fi PCB Antenna (2.4G + 5G)

  • Covers: 2400-2500 MHz and 5150-5850 MHz.
  • Used in current dual-band routers.
  • Higher data throughput applications

3. GSM/LTE PCB Antenna

  • Supports: 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz.
  • Used in cellular communication modules.
  • Suitable for M2M and industrial IoT.

Types Of Hard PCB Antenna Variants

4. GPS/GNSS PCB Antenna

  • Tuned to 1575.42 MHz (L1)
  • Used in tracking and navigation systems.

5. LoRa/ISM Band PCB Antenna

  • 433 MHz; 868 MHz; 915 MHz
  • Long-range Internet of Things applications

6. Custom multi-band PCB antenna.

  • Designed for combined Wi-Fi + LTE + GPS

  • Application-specific tuning

Key Features of Hard PCB Antenna :

  • Rigid FR4 substrate construction 
  • Green solder mask protection layer 
  • Compact and lightweight - Cost-effective manufacturing
  • Stable radiation pattern - Simple internal mounting
  • Customizable shape and size 
  • Compatible with U.FL, IPEX, and SMA connections.

Technical Specifications (Typical Values)

Parameter Specification
Frequency Range 433 MHz – 6 GHz (Variant Dependent)
Gain 2 – 5 dBi (Typical)
Impedance 50 Ohm
VSWR ≤ 2.0
Polarization Linear
Radiation Pattern Omni-directional (Design Dependent)
Substrate Material FR4
PCB Thickness 0.8 mm – 1.6 mm
Connector Type IPEX / U.FL / SMA (Optional)
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C

Applications of Hard PCB Antenna

Applications of Hard PCB Antenna :
 

1. Wi-Fi Routers and Access Points.

  • Internal antenna solutions for tiny devices.

2. Internet of Things Devices

  • IoT modules for smart homes, smart cities, and industrial applications.

3. Cellular Communication Devices

  • LTE routers, GSM modules, and M2M devices.

4. GPS Tracking Systems

  • Vehicle and asset tracking devices.

5. Industrial Automation

  • Wireless monitoring and control systems.

6. Vehicle Telematics

  • Wi-Fi, LTE, and GPS modules are installed inside the vehicle.

Advantages of Hard PCB Antennas over Flexible Antennas :

  • More durable and stiff.
  • Better structural integrity.
  • Cost-effective for mass production.
  • Consistent RF performance
  • Suitable for fixed mount designs.

Conclusion

Hard PCB Antennas (Green Solder Mask Type) are dependable and cost-effective internal antenna solutions commonly employed in the wireless communication industries. These antennas offer a variety of frequency versions, including Wi-Fi, LTE, GPS, and LoRa, allowing for flexible integration with modern electronic equipment.

Their solid structure, stable impedance matching, and adjustable design make them excellent for embedded wireless applications that require long-term endurance and consistent performance.

Contact Us

Eteily Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.

📫 Address: B28 Vidhya Nagar, Near SBI Bank,
 📍  District: Bhopal, PIN: 462026, Madhya Pradesh
🌐 Website: https://eteily.com


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