Antenna Integration Services
Building a wireless product but don't have an RF engineer on staff? You're not alone.
Most hardware startups and small companies run into antenna problems late in development —
poor range, failed compliance testing, or prototype performance that doesn't match the datasheet.
We help you get the antenna right the first time. Dr. Maloney brings 30+ years of antenna design
experience, six US patents, and proprietary simulation tools to your project — without the overhead
of a full-time hire.
How We Work With You
Our antenna integration service follows a proven process designed to minimize prototype iterations
and get your product to market faster:
1. Requirements & Antenna Selection
We start by understanding your product: form factor, frequency bands, operating environment,
regulatory targets, and performance goals. From there we recommend the right antenna approach —
whether that's a commercial off-the-shelf component, a PCB trace antenna, or a custom design.
- Link budget analysis to establish gain and sensitivity requirements
- Antenna type trade study (chip, PCB, FPC, external, cavity-backed, etc.)
- Vendor-neutral component recommendations with rationale
- Ground plane and keep-out zone guidance for your PCB layout
2. Matching Network Design
The antenna is only as good as its match to the radio. We design the impedance matching network
to maximize power transfer, minimize return loss, and maintain performance across your operating band.
- Impedance matching network design (L, Pi, T topologies)
- Component selection with standard values and vendor part numbers
- Simulation-verified performance across the full operating band
- PCB layout recommendations for the matching section
3. EM Simulation & Verification
Before you spin a board, we verify the antenna and matching network performance in simulation.
This catches problems early — ground plane effects, nearby component coupling, enclosure detuning —
when changes are cheap.
- Full-wave electromagnetic simulation of antenna in your device context
- Return loss (S11), radiation pattern, and efficiency predictions
- Sensitivity analysis: what happens when the enclosure changes, or components shift
- Clear go/no-go recommendation before prototype fabrication
4. Test & Tuning Plan
When your prototype arrives, you need to know exactly what to measure and how to fix what you find.
We deliver a step-by-step test plan so your team (or test lab) can validate and tune the antenna
with confidence.
- VNA measurement procedure for return loss and impedance
- Tuning guide: which matching components to adjust and in what order
- Expected vs. acceptable performance criteria
- Troubleshooting decision tree for common failure modes
5. Prototype Support
We don't disappear after delivering the report. When your prototype is on the bench, we're
available to review your measurements, help interpret results, and guide tuning adjustments
remotely.
- Review of VNA measurements and comparison to simulation
- Remote tuning guidance via video call
- Matching network adjustments based on measured data
- Support through to passing regulatory pre-scan
Applications
We've worked with devices across a wide range of wireless technologies and industries:
- IoT & LPWAN: LoRa, Sigfox, NB-IoT, LTE-M — sensor nodes, trackers, meters
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: BLE beacons, Wi-Fi-enabled consumer electronics, wearables
- Cellular: LTE/5G embedded modems, asset trackers, fleet management
- GNSS: GPS/GNSS integration for location-enabled devices
- Sub-GHz ISM: 433/868/915 MHz industrial and agricultural sensors
- Multi-band: devices requiring multiple simultaneous wireless technologies
- Medical devices: implantable and wearable RF systems with regulatory constraints
- Drones & robotics: command/control links, telemetry, video downlinks
Why Work With Us
- PhD-level expertise, startup-friendly approach. You get a principal engineer, not a junior technician. But we speak your language — fast timelines, practical solutions, no ivory tower.
- Proprietary simulation tools. Our custom FDTD solver handles problems that commercial tools struggle with, especially when enclosure effects and nearby electronics matter.
- Vendor neutral. We don't sell antennas or components. Our recommendations are based purely on what's best for your product.
- Remote-first. PCB review, simulation, matching design, and test plans are all delivered remotely. Prototype support via video call. No travel overhead in your budget.
- Fixed-scope engagements. Clear deliverables, predictable cost. No open-ended hourly billing surprises.
What You Get
Every antenna integration engagement includes a written deliverable package:
- Antenna selection report with trade study and recommendation
- Matching network schematic with component values and vendor part numbers
- Simulation report: S11, radiation pattern, efficiency, sensitivity analysis
- PCB layout guidelines (keep-out zones, ground plane, trace routing)
- Test & tuning plan for prototype bring-up
- Prototype support hours for measurement review and tuning guidance
Let's Talk About Your Project
Every device is different. Tell us about your product, timeline, and wireless requirements,
and we'll put together a proposal tailored to your needs.
Important Notes
- No legal advice: This service is engineering consulting only.
- Not a PE stamp service: We do not provide professional engineer (PE) stamped plans unless explicitly contracted.
- Client responsibility: You are responsible for final regulatory compliance and certification.
- Confidentiality: We treat all client designs as confidential. NDA available upon request.
