The Ebyte TX4G-FPC / TX5G-FPC series is an industrial flexible internal antenna with 5dBi gain and 50 ohm impedance, covering 4G/LTE (698-2700MHz) and full-band 5G Sub-6GHz (690-7000MHz) with VSWR <=1.5/2.0, low-loss RF1.13 coaxial cable, IPEX-1 generation connector, and strong adhesive backing for compact IoT routers, gateways, and wireless terminals.
Key Features & Advantages
- Wideband Cellular Coverage (4G/LTE & 5G Sub-6GHz): Supports full 4G LTE frequency bands (698~960MHz, 1710~2700MHz) for TX4G-FPC-8121, and ultra-wideband 690MHz~7000MHz coverage for TX5G-FPC-9016, enabling multi-band compatibility across 2G/3G/4G/5G/NB-IoT networks.
- High 5dBi Gain & Low VSWR (≤1.5 / ≤2.0): Features high radiation efficiency and omnidirectional linear polarization, ensuring superior cellular signal reception and stable high-speed data transmission even inside shielded terminal enclosures.
- Flexible FPC Substrate with Industrial 3M Adhesive: Ultra-thin, bendable FPC material with high-bond adhesive backing allows seamless curved or planar installation inside plastic housings of handheld devices, smart meters, and compact industrial gateways.
- Standard IPEX-1 Generation Connector & RF1.13 Cable: Pre-fitted with high-frequency RF1.13 low-loss coaxial cable (109mm / 120mm) and gold-plated IPEX-1 generation connectors, providing secure snap-in connection to cellular modules.
Core Specifications
| Parameter | Specification / Value |
|---|---|
| Antenna Type | Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) Built-in Internal Antenna |
| Frequency Bands | TX4G-FPC-8121: 698 ~ 960 MHz / 1710 ~ 2700 MHz (4G/LTE) TX5G-FPC-9016: 690 ~ 7000 MHz (5G / 4G / Sub-6GHz Full Band) |
| Peak Antenna Gain | 5 dBi |
| Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) | TX4G-FPC-8121: ≤ 1.5 | TX5G-FPC-9016: ≤ 2.0 |
| Input Impedance & Polarization | 50 ohm | Linear Polarization | Omnidirectional Radiation |
| Power Capacity | 2 W |
| Interface Connector | IPEX-1 Generation (IPEX-I MHF1) |
| Feeder Cable Type & Length | RF1.13 Coaxial Cable | TX4G: 109 mm | TX5G: 120 mm (Customizable) |
| Operating Temperature | -30 deg C to +75 deg C |
| Dimensions & Weight | TX4G: 81 * 21 mm (1g) | TX5G: 90 * 16 mm (1g) |
Product Selection Guide
Notice for Selection: Choose TX4G-FPC-8121 (81*21mm, VSWR ≤1.5) for dedicated 4G/LTE cellular routers, DTU units, and NB-IoT/Cat-1 terminals; choose TX5G-FPC-9016 (90*16mm, 690-7000MHz ultra-wideband) for next-generation 5G NR terminals, high-throughput industrial gateways, and multi-mode cellular modems.
| Model SKU | Target Network | Frequency Range | Gain | VSWR | Dimensions | Cable & Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TX4G-FPC-8121 | 4G / LTE / Cat-1 / Cat-4 | 698~960MHz / 1710~2700MHz | 5 dBi | ≤ 1.5 | 81 * 21 mm | RF1.13 (109mm) + IPEX-1 |
| TX5G-FPC-9016 | 5G NR / 4G / Sub-6GHz | 690 ~ 7000 MHz (Full Band) | 5 dBi | ≤ 2.0 | 90 * 16 mm | RF1.13 (120mm) + IPEX-1 |
Industrial Installation & Wiring
The TX4G-FPC and TX5G-FPC antennas feature high-performance industrial adhesive backing on the reverse side. For optimal RF radiation and minimal impedance mismatch, adhere the flexible antenna flatly against the non-metallic inner wall (such as ABS or polycarbonate plastics) of the device enclosure. Ensure a minimum 10mm to 15mm clearance from internal metallic ground planes, batteries, LCD displays, and shielded components. Connect the RF1.13 coaxial cable directly to the IPEX-1 generation antenna receptacle on your cellular module (such as Ebyte 4G/5G DTUs and wireless transmission modules) with vertical alignment until fully seated.
Practical Application Scenarios
1. Industrial 4G/5G IoT Cellular Routers & Remote Communication Gateways
In smart grid distribution boxes, water treatment plants, and solar telemetry stations, compact cellular DTUs and industrial edge computing gateways require embedded antennas to maintain high ingress protection (IP65/IP67) ratings without external antenna protrusions. Integrating TX4G-FPC-8121 or TX5G-FPC-9016 antennas inside plastic gateway housings provides stable, omnidirectional cellular uplinks for remote PLC monitoring and Modbus telemetry.
2. Smart Metering, Automated Utilities & Remote AMR Systems
Smart electricity meters, gas leak detectors, and municipal water flow meters are often installed in tight utility cabinets or underground meter wells. The thin, flexible form factor of the TX4G/TX5G FPC antenna fits seamlessly along the inner curve of meter housings, delivering 5dBi gain to pierce through residential concrete and utility vaults.
3. Handheld POS Terminals, Mobile Scanners & Smart Payment Devices
In logistics warehouses and retail stores, mobile Android POS machines and RFID handheld terminals require reliable 4G/5G data connectivity for real-time barcode scanning and cloud payments. The lightweight 1g design and flexible substrate allow engineers to position the antenna around battery compartments without adding bulk or weight.
4. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Delivery Drones & Fleet Telematics
Intralogistics transport robots, delivery drones, and vehicular OBD-II tracking boxes require robust vibration-resistant cellular telemetry. The adhesive-bonded FPC antenna coupled with the secure IPEX-1 snap-in connector withstands high mechanical shocks and vibrations, ensuring uninterrupted LTE/5G vehicle tracking and cloud dispatch.
FAQ Section
1. How does an FPC internal antenna compare to traditional external whip antennas?
FPC antennas are embedded directly inside device enclosures, eliminating external antenna rods that are prone to accidental breakage, vandalism, or water leakage. With high 5dBi peak gain, optimized FPC antennas achieve comparable communication performance to external rubber duck antennas while maintaining an aesthetically clean, ruggedized enclosure.
2. Can the TX5G-FPC-9016 antenna be used for 4G LTE and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi applications?
Yes. The TX5G-FPC-9016 is an ultra-wideband antenna engineered for 690MHz to 7000MHz. It natively covers legacy 2G/3G, all mainstream 4G LTE bands, 2.4GHz/5.8GHz Wi-Fi, and global 5G Sub-6GHz cellular frequency bands (including n1, n28, n41, n77, n78, n79).
3. What installation precautions must be taken to prevent cellular signal degradation?
Never paste the FPC antenna onto metallic surfaces or near large metal components (such as shielding cans, batteries, or ground pours), as metal will detune the antenna resonance and severely reduce radiation efficiency. Maintain at least 10mm to 15mm clearance between the antenna radiating element and any conductive metal.
4. Is the coaxial cable length and connector type customizable for OEM projects?
Yes. While standard models feature 109mm or 120mm RF1.13 coaxial cables with IPEX-1 generation connectors, Ebyte provides custom cable lengths (e.g., 50mm to 300mm), alternative coaxial line gauges (RF0.81 / RF1.37), and different micro-RF connectors (IPEX-4 / MHF4, SMA, U.FL) for volume OEM/ODM manufacturing.
