Bluetooth antenna for beehives
Bluetooth antenna for beehive key data
- Client: Xentronics (on behalf of an end customer) in Australia
- Website: https://xentronics.com.au/
- IoT application: Monitoring of beehives (temperature, humidity, etc.)
- Radio technology/radio protocol: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Frequency range: 2.4 GHz
- Type of antenna: Chip antenna (u-blox NINA-B1) or customised track antenna
- Special features: Compact design for integration between honeycombs. Influence of wax, honey, wood and moisture on the radio linkÂ
Optimisation of a Bluetooth antenna iside beehive
Xentronics, an Australian company with extensive experience in the development of IoT devices, has set itself the goal of developing a sensor for smart beehives. This sensor is to be integrated into the hive frame and provide important data about the bee colony. Unlike previous complex designs that were integrated into 3D-printed frames, the new sensor is a slim add-on module in a plastic enclosure that is simply inserted between the honeycombs.
The main challenge is to ensure a reliable Bluetooth LE connection (2.4 GHz) despite the harsh conditions in the hive. Wax, honey, wood and moisture can significantly impair radio transmission. Despite using a BLE module (u-blox NINA-B1) with an integrated antenna, the size and shape of the PCB may not be optimal for RF performance. The goal is a range of 20-30 metres was reached.
To achieve the best possible performance, Xentronics is considering developing a customised PCB antenna instead of the standard chip antenna. A customised antenna could improve RF performance and increase range. We reached the goal with a loop antenna with 0 USD BOM.
Advantages for this IoT beehive project
- Reliable data transmission from the hive, despite difficult environmental conditions
- Optimum HF performance thanks to customised antenna adaptation
- Cost-efficient solution by utilising the existing Bluetooth LE infrastructure
Antenna customisation and IoT development
Are you looking for customised antenna solutions for your IoT project? Our experienced team will be happy to support you in the development and optimisation of antennas for your specific requirements. Whether antenna customisation, complete antenna development or the design of entire IoT devices – we offer you the know-how and experience for innovative and high-performance solutions. Contact us today to take your IoT project to the next level!
