In the world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN), performance is often constrained by size. Integrating a high-gain, reliable antenna into a compact, sleek device chassis without sacrificing signal integrity is a critical challenge. Whether you are building a smart city sensor, a medical tracker, or an industrial monitor, your device needs to reach kilometers away while remaining discreet and robust.
Introducing our high-efficiency 868MHz Internal Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) Antenna. This solution is purpose-built to deliver best-in-class, omnidirectional performance in the crucial European (EU868) and global Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. Designed for seamless integration, it provides the powerful range of a larger antenna in a wafer-thin, flexible form factor. Coupled with an ultra-miniature 1.37mm coaxial cable, this antenna ensures maximum flexibility in placement and minimal signal attenuation, finally allowing your long-range application to achieve its full potential without compromise.
Precision Engineering: Core Features and Specifications
This antenna system is engineered for the highest level of integration and RF performance, specializing in the Sub-GHz frequency bands that define modern LPWAN technology.
Optimized 868 MHz Band Performance
The 868 MHz frequency is the backbone of LoRaWAN and Sigfox deployments across Europe and various other regions, prized for its excellent building penetration and kilometer-spanning range.
Frequency: 868 MHz (Optimized for 863 MHz to 870 MHz operation).
Antenna Type: Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) Dipole Antenna. This construction ensures high-efficiency radiation in a remarkably thin, lightweight package.
Polarization: Linear.
Radiation Pattern: Omnidirectional (360∘ coverage), ensuring consistent signal transmission regardless of the device's orientation.
Impedance: 50 Ω standard, ensuring perfect compatibility and maximum power transfer with all leading RF transceivers and modules.
VSWR: Low Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) across the band, guaranteeing minimum signal reflection and maximum radiated power.
Ultra-Thin 1.37mm Coaxial Cable Assembly
The cable assembly is the key to flexible integration, providing the necessary distance between the RF module and the optimal antenna placement location.
Cable Type: 1.37mm Micro Coaxial Cable. This is an industry-leading ultra-fine coax known for its mechanical flexibility and minimal diameter (1.37mm).
Cable Length: 868mm (0.868 meters). This generous length provides critical flexibility, enabling engineers to position the radiating element far from noise sources like batteries, metal shields, or digital circuitry, which can severely degrade performance.
Connector: Typically terminated with a U.FL/IPEX/MHF connector (or customizable), facilitating a secure, snap-on connection to the device's main PCB.
Flexibility & Routing: The 1.37mm cable is far more pliable than thicker alternatives, making tight-radius bends and complex routing paths inside compact or irregularly shaped enclosures straightforward.
Integration and Durability
The mechanical design is focused on ease of installation and long-term reliability in harsh environments.
Mounting: Features a high-quality 3M Adhesive Backing for simple, permanent peel-and-stick attachment to non-metallic surfaces (plastic or glass enclosures).
Form Factor: Wafer-thin and lightweight, minimizing the impact on your product's overall size and weight budget.
Environmental Range: Robust operating temperature range (e.g., −40∘C to +85∘C), suitable for everything from frozen logistics containers to sun-baked industrial equipment.
Application Scenarios: Where Discretion Meets Distance
The 868MHz FPC Antenna is the preferred choice for any product that must be sealed, compact, and communicate over long distances in the European ISM band.
Smart Utility & Metering (AMI)
Smart Meters (Water, Gas, Electric): The FPC is integrated inside the sealed meter housing. Its flexibility and low profile ensure it doesn't interfere with internal components, while the 868MHz frequency provides the range needed for centralized data collection across neighborhoods. The internal placement guarantees protection against weather and tampering.
Remote Infrastructure Monitoring: Devices for monitoring pipelines, bridges, or environmental conditions need to be discreetly placed and highly durable. The FPC antenna system ensures the enclosure remains completely sealed (IP67/IP68 rating).
Logistics and Asset Tracking
Internal GPS/LoRa Trackers: Used in shipping containers, vehicles, or valuable cargo trackers. The FPC antenna is adhered to the inside of the tracking unit's casing, offering a robust, fully protected design that is invisible from the outside, preventing accidental damage or intentional removal.
Pet and Livestock Tracking: Embedded in small collars or ear tags, where a protruding antenna would be a hazard. The ultra-small form factor is vital for animal comfort and ruggedness.
Security and Home Automation
Wireless Security Sensors: Integrated into door/window contacts, smoke alarms, or motion detectors. These devices require a clean aesthetic and reliable indoor/outdoor range to communicate with a central hub. The FPC design enables a slim, attractive product design.
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Used in wearable medical or safety pendants. The flexible design conforms to small device housings, and the 868MHz band ensures the critical alert signal can reach help reliably from deep inside a building.
The Design Advantage: Why Internal FPC?
Choosing an FPC antenna over a rigid PCB antenna or an external whip antenna offers clear advantages for next-generation product design.
Aesthetics & Usability: Eliminating external antennas creates a cleaner, more consumer-friendly product design.
Durability & Safety: Protecting the antenna within a sealed enclosure drastically increases the device's lifespan by shielding it from physical impact, moisture, dust, and UV exposure.
Tuning Flexibility: The 1.37mm cable allows for precise placement of the antenna element to achieve the best possible performance after the enclosure is finalized, a crucial step often impossible with directly PCB-mounted antennas. This facilitates tuning the antenna away from battery packs and metal components—the two most significant causes of RF performance degradation in compact devices.
Don't let design constraints limit your long-range wireless product. Choose the 868MHz Internal FPC Antenna with 1.37 Cable for an optimal blend of performance, flexibility, and discretion.
