A Comprehensive Analysis of RF Antenna Frequency Ranges (Band-Based Classification, with Core Applications)

RF antennas cover frequencies from 3kHz to 300GHz (corresponding to electromagnetic wave wavelengths of 100km and 1mm). The industry categorizes them into eight major classes based on frequency band characteristics. Each class exhibits significant differences in antenna design, penetration capability, and transmission distance. The core classification and practical information are as follows:

I. Band-Based Classification: Core Parameters + Typical Antennas/Applications

1. Ultra-Low Frequency (ELF): 3kHz to 30kHz

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 100km to 10km, extremely strong diffraction, deep penetration (can penetrate strata/seawater), extremely low data rate (only transmits low-speed data), antennas require extremely large size (kilometer-scale).

Typical Antennas: Long wire antennas, loop antennas (mostly custom-made, no commercially available miniaturized products).

Core Applications: Military submarine communication, geological exploration, earthquake monitoring.

2. Extremely Low Frequency (SLF): 30kHz-300kHz

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 10km-1km, excellent diffraction/penetration, slow attenuation, still requires antennas in the hundreds of meters range, relatively low data rate.

Typical Antennas: Large loop antenna, vertically grounded antenna (mainly for research/military use).

Core Applications: Long-distance military communication, underwater equipment data transmission, power line carrier communication (partial).

3. Low Frequency (LF): 300kHz-3MHz

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 1km-100m, strong penetration of buildings/ground layers, long transmission distance, large antenna size (tens of meters), good anti-interference.

Typical Antennas: Whip antenna, loop antenna (commercially mature).

Core Applications: AM broadcasting, ship navigation (LORAN system), smart water/electricity meters (wireless meter reading), low-frequency RFID (125kHz).

4. Intermediate Frequency (MF): 3MHz-30MHz

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 100m-10m, daytime transmission via ground wave (short distance), nighttime transmission via sky wave reflection (long distance), moderate penetration, medium antenna size (several meters).

Typical Antennas: Vertically grounded antenna, dipole antenna.

Core Applications: Medium-wave broadcasting, maritime communication, emergency communication.

5. High Frequency (HF): 30MHz-300MHz (Shortwave + some VHF)

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 10m-1m, primarily sky wave reflection, intercontinental transmission possible, weak penetration, susceptible to ionospheric interference, antenna miniaturization feasible.

Typical Antennas: Shortwave dipole, Yagi antenna, rubber rod antenna (commercial mainstream).

Core Applications: Shortwave radio, amateur radio, aviation communication, some RFID (868MHz/915MHz are at the high-frequency end, classified as UHF practical application), 315MHz/433MHz wireless remote control.

6. Very High Frequency (VHF): 300MHz-3GHz (UHF Core Band)

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 1m-10cm, line-of-sight propagation (line-of-sight communication), weak penetration through buildings, poor diffraction, mature antenna miniaturization (centimeter-level), improved data rate.

Typical Antennas: Yagi antenna, helical antenna, patch antenna, fiberglass antenna (Ebix's main frequency band).

Core Applications: FM broadcasting, television signals, drone communication (FPV), walkie-talkies (136-174MHz), some IoT modules (470MHz LoRa).

7. Ultra High Frequency (UHF): 3GHz-30GHz (Microwave Entry-Level Band)

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 10cm-1cm, line-of-sight propagation, extremely poor penetration (easily blocked by walls/obstructions), wide bandwidth, high data rate, antenna miniaturization possible (millimeter-level), susceptible to rain attenuation.

Typical Antennas: Patch antenna, array antenna, horn antenna, directional high-gain antenna.

Core Applications: Mobile communication (4G/5G main frequency bands), WiFi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth, Zigbee, satellite communication, industrial IoT (5.8GHz devices), radar.

8. Ultra-High Frequency (SHF): 30GHz-300GHz (millimeter wave)

Key Characteristics: Wavelength 1cm-1mm, straight-line propagation, extremely weak penetration (severe attenuation in rain/fog/walls), extremely wide bandwidth, extremely high data rate, ultra-miniaturized antennas (integrated), high technical threshold.

Typical Antennas: Integrated patch array antennas, lens antennas (mainly custom-designed).

Core Applications: 5G millimeter wave communication, high-end radar, medical imaging, satellite broadband, quantum communication.

II. Mainstream Commercial Frequency Bands (Key Focuses for IoT/Industrial/Consumer Use)

Daily selection focuses on 300kHz and 6GHz (mature technology, abundant products). Key high-frequency bands include:

125kHz/134kHz: Low-frequency RFID (access control, asset positioning)

315MHz/433MHz: Wireless remote control, low-power IoT (long-range short data transmission)

470-510MHz: LoRa Industrial IoT (smart agriculture, park communication)

868MHz (European standard)/915MHz (US standard): LoRa/WiFi IoT, industrial sensing

2.4GHz: WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, consumer IoT (smart home)

5GHz/5.8GHz: High-speed WiFi, high-speed industrial communication, drones

6GHz: WiFi 6E/7, High-end IoT (High Bandwidth Requirements)

III. Core Selection Logic

1. Frequency Band Matching: The antenna frequency must completely cover the module's operating frequency band (e.g., a 433MHz module must use a 410-460MHz antenna; frequency band mismatch will result in signal attenuation of over 90%);

2. Scenario Adaptability: For long-distance/wall-penetrating applications, choose low-frequency bands (315/433/470MHz); for high-speed transmission, choose medium-high frequencies (2.4G/5G/6G);

3. Antenna Type: For built-in applications, choose FPC/PCB antennas (for small devices); for external applications, choose glue rod/fiberglass antennas (for long-distance/industrial scenarios, higher gain, and stronger weather resistance).

EBYTE Core Mainstream Frequency Band Antenna Selection Guide (with Model Parameters + Scenario Adaptation)

Focusing on three core frequency bands used in industrial IoT/consumer applications: 470MHz (mainstream LoRa), 2.4GHz (multi-protocol compatible), and 868MHz/915MHz (overseas LoRa), this guide selects mature mass-produced models from EBITE, covering built-in/external and industrial/consumer scenarios. Precise parameters allow for direct selection.

I. 470MHz (Domestic Mainstream LoRa Frequency Band, 470-510MHz)

Core Features
Low-frequency, long-range advantage; strong wall/obstruction penetration; slow attenuation; suitable for long-distance, low-power industrial scenarios (transmission distance 13km, up to 5km+ in open areas); antenna gain primarily around 28dBi; seamless compatibility with LoRa modules (E32 series, etc.).

Selected Models + Core Parameters

1. External Adhesive Rod Antenna (Industrial/Outdoor First Choice, High Gain and Weather Resistance)

Model: TX470-BLG-150

Frequency Range: 470-510MHz

Gain: 5dBi (Omnidirectional)

Interface: SMAK (Mainstream industrial interface, threaded locking to prevent detachment)

Dimensions: 150mm (Length), 8mm (Diameter) (Portable Installation)

Protection Rating: IP65 (Waterproof and dustproof, suitable for outdoor/workshop use)

Suitable Scenarios: Smart Agriculture (sensor data transmission), Park Security, Industrial Remote I/O, Outdoor Meter Reading

Model: TX470-BLG-300

Frequency Range: 470-510MHz

Gain: 8dBi (Omnidirectional, Long-Range First Choice)

Interface: SMAK/NK (Optional, NK is more vibration resistant, suitable for industrial equipment)

Dimensions: 300mm (Length), 10mm (Diameter)

Protection Rating: IP67 (Strongly waterproof, suitable for harsh outdoor environments) Suitable Scenarios: Long-distance factory communication, rural IoT, outdoor base station coverage

II. 2.4GHz (Multi-protocol compatible, 2400-2483.5MHz)

Core Features

Compatible with multiple protocols including WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and 2.4G LoRa; high transmission rate (suitable for medium-to-high-speed data); moderate penetration (primarily short-range, 10-30m indoors); mature antenna miniaturization; 15dBi gain; covers both consumer and industrial applications.

Selected Models + Core Parameters

1. External Adhesive Rod Antenna (Consumer/Industrial Universal, Flexible Installation)

Model: TX2400-BLG-50

Frequency Range: 2400-2483.5MHz

Gain: 2dBi (Omnidirectional, Low Power, Short Range)

Interface: SMAK/IPEX (IPEX for small devices, SMA for industrial equipment)

Size: 50mm (Short, Portable, Suitable for Desktop Devices)

Features: Plug and Play, Low Cost, Strong Compatibility

Suitable Scenarios: Smart Home (Routers, Smart Speakers), Desktop Industrial Equipment, Bluetooth Gateways

Model: TX2400-BLG-100

Frequency Range: 2400-2483.5MHz

Gain: 5dBi (Omnidirectional, Mid-Range Enhancement)

Interface: SMAK

Size: 100mm (Length), 8mm Diameter

Features: Significant Signal Enhancement, Suitable for Indoor Mid-to-Long-Range Coverage
Suitable Scenarios: Indoor WiFi extension, industrial Bluetooth networking, Zigbee gateway coverage

III. 868MHz (European Standard) / 915MHz (US Standard) (Overseas LoRa Dedicated)

Core Features

Overseas LoRa standard frequency bands: 868MHz (863870MHz) suitable for parts of Europe/Asia, 915MHz (902928MHz) suitable for the Americas, long-range low power consumption, 27dBi gain, compatible with EBITA overseas LoRa modules (E32868/E32915 series).

Selected Models + Core Parameters

1. External Adhesive Rod Antenna (Universal for Overseas Projects, Compliant)

Model: TX868-BLG-120 (868MHz)

Frequency Range: 863870MHz

Gain: 4dBi (Omnidirectional)

Interface: SMAK

Dimensions: 120mm (Length), 8mm Diameter

Features: Compliant with European CE certification, compliant communication

Suitable Scenarios: Smart Homes, Industrial Sensing, Outdoor Meter Reading in Europe

Model: TX915BLG150 (915MHz)

Frequency Range: 902928MHz

Gain: 5dBi (Omnidirectional)

Interface: SMAK

Dimensions: 150mm (Length), 8mm Diameter

Features: Compliant with US FCC certification, Stable Long-Distance Transmission

Suitable Scenarios: Industrial IoT, Outdoor Monitoring, Remote Equipment Control in the Americas

2. Internal PCB Antenna (Integrated into Small Overseas Devices)

Model: ANT868-PCB-1 (868MHz) / ANT915PCB1 (915MHz)

Frequency Range: 863870MHz / 902928MHz

Gain: 2dBi (Omnidirectional)

Interface: PCB Soldering

Dimensions: 35121.6mm (Small, suitable for overseas micro-devices)

Features: Low power consumption, compliant with overseas frequency bands, high integration

Suitable Scenarios: Overseas small LoRa sensors, portable smart devices, embedded overseas modules

3. Fiberglass Antenna (Overseas Outdoor Long-Term Use)

Model: TX-68-GRB-500 (868MHz) / TX915GRB500 (915MHz)

Frequency Range: 863870MHz / 902928MHz

Gain: 7dBi (Omnidirectional)

Interface: NK

Dimensions: 500mm (Length), 22mm (Diameter)

Protection Rating: IP67 (Waterproof and weather-resistant, suitable for long-term outdoor use overseas) Suitable Scenarios: Overseas outdoor base stations, cross-regional long-distance communication, harsh environment monitoring

IV. Key Selection Tips

1. Precise Frequency Band Matching: Overseas projects must match the corresponding regional frequency band (868MHz in Europe, 915MHz in the US). For domestic LoRa, 470MHz is preferred. A frequency band deviation of >5MHz will result in signal attenuation of more than 50%.

2. Unified Interface: The module interface (SMA/IPEX/PCB) must be completely consistent with the antenna (e.g., E32470 modules are mostly SMAK; select the corresponding interface antenna to avoid conversion losses).

3. Scenarios and Types: For outdoor/industrial applications, choose external adhesive rods/fiberglass (high protection + high gain). For small devices, choose built-in FPC/PCB/surface mount (space-saving).

4. Gain Adaptation Distance: Short distance (<1km) choose 23dBi, medium distance (13km) choose 45dBi, long distance (>3km) choose 68dBi (higher gain means farther signal coverage; needs to be matched with module power).