What Is A 2.4 GHz Antenna?

2.4 GHz Antenna

There is a plethora of wireless communications antennas labeled as a 2.4 GHz antenna, this does not mean that these antennas only operate at exactly 2.4 GHz. It implies that they cover some area of the 2.4 GHz ISM band, which extends from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. In most cases, for the 2.4 GHz antenna, the 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz ISM band is designated the 2.4 GHz ISM band, or 2.4 GHz band as opposed to the 2.45 GHz band, which would be the center frequency of the band.

The 2.4 GHz ISM band is designated for use for fixed communication, mobile communication, radiolocation, amateur, and amateur-satellite services. This band also covers the frequency that many microwave magnetrons are designed for, 2.45 GHz. There are also a variety of other electromagnetic (EM) radiation sources that also appear on this band. Hence, 2.4 GHz electronics, including 2.4 GHz antennas, are often required by regional electromagnetic compliance (EMC) organizations to accept interference in this band.

The 2.4 GHz ISM band is a commonly used band for many wireless networking technologies, proprietary and otherwise. Various Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, and Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) generations have used the 2.4 GHz band for some time. Thread is a more recent 2.4 GHz wireless networking standard that operates in the 2.4 GHz band. Z-wave is a common proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless standard. There are also a range of baby monitors, wireless audio devices, portable speakers/wireless speakers, video cast devices, and a wide range of other audio visual (A/V) devices that operate in the 2.4 GHz band. Other uses include radio control for remote controlled models/toys (aircraft, boats, cars, etc.), and radio-controlled unmanned vehicles, such as “drones”. Car alarms also often operate in the 2.4 GHz band, as well as some radar. Many electrical grid services employ smart power meters that operate at 2.4 GHz, and some wireless power transfer technologies also operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

A 2.4 GHz antenna could be designed for a small frequency range within the entire ISM band or cover the entire ISM band and be able to serve a variety of applications. Some 2.4 GHz ISM band antennas are designed for wideband, narrowband, or even ultra-wideband/-narrowband applications. An example of an ultra-narrowband application is resonant wireless power transfer.