PCB Antenna Design: Layout, Ground, Matching & Tuning

PCB antenna design showing antenna trace, board edge, and keepout area

PCB antenna design depends on more than the radiator shape. The antenna, ground plane, feed line, matching network, PCB stackup, enclosure, battery, and nearby metal operate as one RF structure. A proven reference antenna is usually the safest starting point, but the complete implementation still has to be transferred and tuned for the final product. […]