QUESTION

Question

We are building a new version of our IoT gateway,
previous version used a pcb trace antenna for 868MHz and external GSM antenna.
Our pcb is  82mm x 99mm, plastic housing.

For the new device we want all antenna's fixed to the pcb (no external antennae).
We were offered a metal sheet antenna for 868MHz that claims to offer
good RX/TX performance but is also very easy on external influences of where the system
is mounted (close to wall, vertical/horizontal).

Antenova claims to have a SMD solution that is robust (little influence of device surroundings),
but how does this compare to metal sheets (e.g. ProANT onboard 868 )
http://www.proant.se/en/catalog/embedded-antennas/--onboard-smd-antenna/onboard-smd-868915-antenna-pid55.htm

And what type Antenova would provide best performance: Velox ISM?

As for GSM, we have a LTE-M1 SIM7000E, what Antenova SMD antenna will offer
best perfomance?
Tri-Band (800,900,1800) FDD-LTE B3/B8/B20.
LTE-M1
LTE-NB1
GPRS/EDGE 900/1800Mhz (EGSM900, DCS1800)

Answer 1

My favuritefor cellular is Lucida https://www.antenova.com/product/lucida-antenna-for-lte-cellular-and-mimo/
Your request is for band 3, 8 and 20. If this is enough, then Calvus is maybe nicer https://www.antenova.com/product/calvus-a10340h/
As less bands the antenna has to support as better is often the return loss. Just compare the two data sheets.

For 868 MHz you should use a 90 degree angle for the antenna to get a resonable antenna isolation. My recommendation is to develop 2 empty PCBs with antennas and battery in the final enclosure, to check return loss and to mesur the antenna isolation.