antennas and accessories

8 dBi Tuned Antenna (EU 868)

The 8 dBi optimized antenna is designed for use in Helium and LoRaWAN networks operating in the European 868 MHz band.

Compared to non-optimized VSWR antenna designs, it provides improved forward power transmission and reduced mismatch losses.

Narrowband optimization for EU868

This antenna is specifically tuned for the European 868 MHz frequency band.

Unlike many commercially available antennas designed to operate across both EU868 and US915 bands, this design focuses exclusively on EU868, ensuring higher efficiency and better signal quality.

Improved VSWR performance

The antenna features a VSWR of up to 1.5:1, which reduces reflected power and improves transmission efficiency compared to typical 2:1 designs.

Optimized radiation pattern

In this version, the antenna radiator has been redesigned, modifying the radiation pattern through adjusted element phasing.

The main radiation beam is lowered by approximately 10°, with suppressed upper lobes.

This improves coverage in the area directly below the antenna, which is especially important in real deployments.

Interference reduction (built-in filtering)

Broadband antennas often receive strong signals from GSM 900 MHz transmitters, which can negatively affect LoRaWAN performance.

This antenna includes an integrated bandpass filter that operates without attenuation in the working band while reducing unwanted signals outside the 868 MHz range.

The filter is implemented as a quarter-wave section shorted to ground and a resonant structure in the connector module.

Signal quality and design approach

Unlike designs that use LC matching circuits to artificially improve VSWR, this antenna is based on a clean resonant-resistive design.

This avoids signal distortion and helps maintain stable digital transmission with low noise and improved BER performance.

Real-world performance

The achievable range depends on installation conditions such as mounting height, terrain, cable quality and connector losses.

In optimal conditions, communication range can reach several tens of kilometers.

Grounding and installation

The antenna housing is grounded to protect against electrostatic discharge.

For safe operation, the antenna and mast must be connected to a proper grounding system.

The grounding conductor should be as short as possible and directly connected to the earth system.

For long-term reliability, it is recommended to connect the grounding wire directly to the antenna using an additional M6 nut and washers.

For additional protection, the use of a gas lightning arrester is recommended.