How to Design a Simple Antenna

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find out what frequency you want (for Wi-Fi you are using 2.45GHz = 2

   This is needed because this determines the length of your antenna.
2. 2

   Step 2: 000Hz).

   For the example we can use a copper wire and a piece of copper plating.
   
   Also you will need a co-axial cable (75 ohm is better than 50 ohm, for Wi-Fi 50 ohm is better than 75 ohm). , This is done by using the frequency value from step 1 to find the wavelength of the signal.
   
   To do this you simply need to divide the speed of light (c = 299 792 458 m/s) by the frequency (f).
   
   In the case of
   2.45GHz the wavelength is
   12.236 centimeter (4.8 in).
   
   Usually monopole antennas are quarter-wavelength structures, so the length of the wire should be
   12.236/4 =
   3.0509cm , This way you can pare it back based on performance. , This is basically used to form a theoretical mirror image of the antenna.
   
   Simply use the copper plate that you picked up earlier.
   
   It should be at least half a wavelength square. ,,, The ground conductor is now above the ground-plane.
   
   Fold the ground conductor back and solder it to the copper ground plane. ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Get a good conductor.

4. 4

   Step 4: Work out the length you need the wire to be.

5. 5

   Step 5: Cut the wire a little bigger than you need

6. 6

   Step 6: about 6.5 centimeter (2.6 in) or so.

7. 7

   Step 7: Form a "Ground-Plane".

8. 8

   Step 8: Drill a hole in the center of the plate just big enough for the co-axial cable to fit through.

9. 9

   Step 9: Pare the Co-ax cable to reveal it's ground

10. 10

    Step 10: which can be pulled back to reveal the inside insulator.

11. 11

    Step 11: Push the cable through so that the start of outer insulation is flush with the hole.

12. 12

    Step 12: Pare the inside insulation back to reveal the signal conductor.

13. 13

    Step 13: Solder the copper wire to the signal conductor of the co-ax.

Detailed Guide

About the Author