Synclify gesture control on 2400 MHz linkÂ
Gesture control data
- Customer: ASM Syncrotec GmbH
- Website: Â https://www.syncrotec.de/
- IoT application: Synclify gesture control for lighting and drive controls with radio link at 2400 MHz at https://synclify.de/
- Radio technology/radio protocols used: Nordic Semiconductor SoC with proprietary radio protocol
-  Frequency range: 2400–2483.5 MHz
- Â Type of antennas: Optimised inverted F antenna (IFA) on PCB, matched to small ground plane
- Special features: Integration into conductive and non-conductive materials; near-field influence through glass, plastic and ceramic control elements; high sensitivity increase (+15 dB compared to the original layout)
Optimisation of a gesture control
Synclify gesture control from ASM Syncrotec sets new standards for intuitive operation in design products. The challenge lay in the radio integration of a Nordic SoC with 2.4 GHz. The sensor surfaces are often located behind dense materials – such as wood, glass or tiles – which significantly attenuate the electromagnetic field. As a result, the first layout showed insufficient range and harmonics.
Our task was clear: maximum range with minimum size, despite the difficult environment. We developed an optimised inverted F antenna, precisely tuned to the small ground plane and the surrounding materials. The antenna behaviour in the near field was particularly critical, especially the capacitive coupling to conductive structures near the operating surfaces. Careful matching and matching of the antenna base and short-circuit arm of the IFA resulted in a dramatic improvement.
The original IFA antenna was replaced with a new, improved structure. The folded and curved antenna structure was replaced with a rounded meander. The shorting arm and feed were also rounded. To avoid losses in the FR4, the FR4 was milled out under the antenna. Furthermore, the layout of the Bluetooth SoC was optimised. The layout data was transferred as a ‘digital stamp’. If the customer does not change the PCB material, they can insert this stamp into all their PCBs without modification. This is much cheaper than using Bluetooth modules
The result:
- Reduction of the BOM
- Sensitivity increase of 15 dB compared to the previous design
- Increase in range by more than a factor of 4
- Clean spectrum with reduced harmonics
- Stable radio connection even behind non-conductive controls
The customer’s reaction speaks for itself: enthusiasm after the first test run. synclify.de impressively demonstrates how electronics and design merge – elegantly and invisibly.
Outlook
Are you ready to equip your own IoT device with precisely tuned antenna technology? We support you with antenna matching, the development of integrated antenna solutions and circuit optimisation for your devices. Contact us – and get the most out of your radio module with the right antenna.
