chip vs PCB antenna with SAMR21

[gussabina]

Hello All:
I have a design based on RAMEN 1.3 reference design (SAMR21), which uses PCB antenna. I need to re-spin the design and I'm wondering if it would be better to use a chip antenna instead. The component cost is not much and it would save space in the board, but I'm not sure if it would improve the range or not, which would be great...

I would appreciate any comment or help on this.
Regards;
Gus

[ataradov]

Good chip antenna will have similar performance to that PCB antenna. The only benefit here is board area. And if you don't have the tools and equipment to characterize and tune the antenna, then you will likely get even worse results.

Chip antennas may have somewhat better radiation pattern, but that depends on a type.