XBee antennas

Antennas are devices that focus energy in a particular direction. The attributes of a given antenna affect not only the range of a module but also its price. The following are some potential antenna options available on XBee modules.

Note Not all XBee modules are available in all antenna options:

	A Chip antenna is mounted directly onto the module and works in conjunction with GND planes on the host PCB.
	A PCB antenna is formed directly on the module with conductive traces. A PCB antenna performs about the same as a wire antenna and within 5% of the whip antenna.
	An integrated wire antenna consists of a small wire (about 80 mm) sticking up perpendicular to the PCB. It utilizes a 1/4-wave wire soldered directly to the PCB of the OEM module.
	A whip antenna is a solid but flexible wire antenna that protrudes about 25 mm above the surface of the XBee PCB. It can be moved around to maximize signal strength, or to stick out of an enclosure. Because it can be moved, it can also be broken off if care is not taken or if the solder connection becomes stressed. It has a range advantage over the chip antenna but only when used outdoors. Note Folding this antenna parallel with the module will greatly reduce range as the module serves as a ground plane.
	A U.FL antenna is a tiny connector for your own external antenna. Typical connection is either a dipole antenna with U.FL connection, or a U.FL to RP-SMA adapter cable. This is a good option if your XBee is in a box and you want your antenna outside the box.
	A RP-SMA antenna (reverse-polarity SMA) is a bigger connector for your external antenna. XBee radios are equipped with an RP-SMA female plug, and the antenna is an RP-SMA male jack. This is another good option if your XBee is in a box and you want your antenna outside the box.