Skip to content
Merged
Changes from 3 commits
Commits
File filter

Filter by extension

Filter by extension

Conversations
Failed to load comments.
Loading
Jump to
Jump to file
Failed to load files.
Loading
Diff view
Diff view
52 changes: 52 additions & 0 deletions docs/guides/tscircuit-essentials/draw-a-wifi-antenna.mdx
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
---
title: Draw a WiFi Antenna
description: >-
Draw an open-ended PCB antenna shape from a chip pin with a manual trace path.
---

import CircuitPreview from "@site/src/components/CircuitPreview"

# Draw a WiFi Antenna

Use a manual trace path when you want to draw open-ended copper from an RF pin,
such as a simple WiFi antenna or antenna feed. Instead of using `from` and `to`,
provide a `path` with the RF pin selector and define the copper shape with

Copy link
Copy Markdown
Contributor

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Suggested change
provide a `path` with the RF pin selector and define the copper shape with
provide a `pcbPath` with the RF pin selector and define the copper shape with

`pcbPath`.

<CircuitPreview leftView="code" rightView="pcb" code={`
export default () => (
<board width="32mm" height="16mm">
<chip name="U1" footprint="qfn32" />
<trace
path={[".U1 > .pin1"]}
width="0.3mm"
pcbPath={[
".U1 > .pin1",
{ x: -2.5, y: 4.2 },
{ x: 4.0, y: 4.2 },
{ x: 4.0, y: 6.6 },
{ x: 15.0, y: 6.6 },
{ x: 15.0, y: 5.2 },
{ x: 6.0, y: 5.2 },
{ x: 6.0, y: 3.8 },
{ x: 15.0, y: 3.8 },
{ x: 15.0, y: 2.4 },
{ x: 6.0, y: 2.4 },
{ x: 6.0, y: 1.0 },
{ x: 15.0, y: 1.0 },
]}
/>
</board>
)
`} />

The `pcbPath` points are PCB coordinates in millimeters. This example draws a
meandered printed antenna near the board edge. Adjust the points to change the
overall length, spacing between runs, and feed location.

:::caution
This controls the antenna geometry in tscircuit, but it does not calculate RF
performance. For a production WiFi antenna, tune the dimensions, trace width,

Copy link
Copy Markdown
Contributor

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Remove this tip

clearance, stackup, and ground keepout for your target frequency and PCB
manufacturer.
:::
Loading