Sigfox Antennas

What are Sigfox antennas?

Sigfox antennas are antennas designed specifically for the Sigfox Internet of Things (IoT) communication system for long-range, low-power wireless communications.

Sigfox is a low-power communication technology designed specifically for the Internet of Things. It utilises LTE-like but more energy-efficient wireless communications, with an emphasis on real-time and low energy consumption, for areas where efficient, low-latency connectivity is required, such as sensor networks, telemedicine and smart homes.

Sigfox utilises the 192kHz spectrum and transmits each message only 100Hz wide at 100 or 600 bit/s, depending on the area configuration.Sigfox antennas are used to receive and transmit signals within the Sigfox network.

How Sigfox antennas work?

The Sigfox antenna works in a similar way to a regular wireless antenna, but is optimised for the specific needs of Sigfox technology.
The main principles of operation include the following.

Signal reception and transmission

The Sigfox antenna is responsible for receiving signals from the Sigfox base station and converting these signals into digital data that the device can understand. It also converts the data sent by the device into electromagnetic wave signals and radiates them into space for reception by the Sigfox base station.

Ultra-narrowband modulation

Sigfox technology uses a spectral bandwidth of 192kHz for communication, with each message transmitted at a width of only 100Hz. this ultra-narrowband modulation allows Sigfox antennas to communicate over long distances with low power consumption.

Asynchronous transmission and frequency dispersion

The Sigfox network uses asynchronous transmission, where the device sends a message at a randomly selected frequency and sends copies of the message on different frequencies. This frequency dispersion technique improves the reliability of communication and reduces the risk of signal interference.

Sigfox antenna features and benefits

Long range communication

Sigfox antennas are able to achieve communication distances of several kilometres or even more, thanks to the ultra-narrowband modulation and optimised network architecture of Sigfox technology.

Low power consumption

Thanks to the ultra-narrowband modulation and asynchronous transmission, Sigfox antennas are able to maintain a long operating time with low power consumption.

High interference immunity

Sigfox antenna adopts frequency dispersion and time dispersion technology, which improves the anti-interference ability of communication and enables the equipment to maintain stable communication connection in complex environments.

Easy to deploy

Sigfox network adopts public frequency band for communication, no need to apply for spectrum resources, which reduces the deployment cost. At the same time, the connection between Sigfox antenna and equipment is relatively simple, which is convenient for large-scale application.

What are main frequency bands of Sigfox antenna?

The Sigfox antenna band primarily uses a 192kHz spectral bandwidth and is modulated with ultra-narrowband (UNB) modulation.Sigfox communicates using the licence-free ISM RF band, which typically operates in the Sub-1 GHz frequency range.

Sigfox technology uses a public frequency band with a 192kHz spectral bandwidth to transmit signals. The frequency band used by Sigfox antennas varies in different regions.

European Sigfox frequency bands

The main frequency band used by Sigfox in Europe is 868~868.2MHz.

United States Sigfox frequency band

In the United States, Sigfox mainly uses the frequency band of 915MHz.

Other regions Sigfox frequency bands

In other parts of the world, the frequency band used by Sigfox is usually in the range of 902~928MHz. However, the specific deployment should be decided according to the local laws and regulations.

What are the types of Sigfox antennas?

Sigfox antennas can be categorized into various types according to their design, purpose, and shape such as spring helical antennas, ceramic chip antennas, PCB antennas, flexible PCB antennas, microstrip antennas, rubber duck antennas, magnetic mount antennas, adhesive patch antennas, yagi antennas, sector antennas, fiberglass antennas, parabolic grid antennas, panel antennas, and so on.

Sigfox antenna applications

Sigfox antenna is widely used in various IoT scenarios, such as smart city, logistics tracking, smart home, energy management, health monitoring and industrial automation. Especially in the scenarios that require long-distance, low-power and multi-node connections, Sigfox antennas have significant advantages.

Who manufactures Sigfox antennas?

C&T RF Antennas Inc. manufactures indoor-outdoor Sigfox antenna styles for your choice. Contact us for off-the-shelf Sigfox antennas or design customizations.