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Electronics => RF, Microwave, Ham Radio => Topic started by: VinzC on June 19, 2024, 06:11:55 pm

Title: FM receiver antenna made of a single (insulated) wire
Post by: VinzC on June 19, 2024, 06:11:55 pm

Hi.

I'm currently designing an FM receiver module based on a Si4705 (https://www.digikey.be/en/products/detail/skyworks-solutions-inc/si4705-d60-gu/2686992). The receiver will be placed in a device that is made of an aluminium enclosure, about 10-20cm long and 5-6cm diameter. Not all faces might be metallic but let's assume they'll all be, which rules out the possibility of an embedded antenna inside the device.

Unfortunately Skyworks design guidelines do not seem to provide any hint about using a single wire as an antenna, like many portable radio receivers I've seen that are designed that way. I imagined several possibilities, which includes piercing a whole in the enclosure and let the (insulated) antenna wire pass through it but I don't like that idea very much as it would damage the wire in the long run (unless I mount some protective ring/gasket around the wire).

I am also considering a connector; but then what? A panel-type connector that is mounted onto the enclosure? If so, what connector type makes sense? And how about the path between the connector and the PCB? I guess another connector on the PCB is overkill, right? On the other hand, soldering a wire between that connector and the PCB might make the whole device a little bit more fragile, e.g. when tearing it apart. Or would it?

So I'm a bit out of ideas. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it, I don't know.

What kind of practical options are available?

Thanks in advance for any hint/suggestion.