Meaning
Signal attenuation caused by the protective cover of an antenna module measures the percentage of radio frequency energy lost as it passes through the material. Minimizing radome insertion loss is critical to ensuring the antenna maintains its range and signal quality. This metric is measured in decibels across the operating frequencies of the radio.
Loss Measurements
Lab tests use a signal generator and receiver to measure the change in signal strength with and without the protective cover in place. If the radome insertion loss is too high, the range and performance of the wireless system will be significantly reduced. This testing is crucial during the early stages of product development to help select the best materials.
Enclosure Sourcing
Hardware designers must choose materials that balance mechanical strength with low signal attenuation. A high radome insertion loss often points to poor material selection or incorrect cover thickness. Sourcing teams use these measurement results to choose between different plastic and composite suppliers.
Choosing the right material ensures that the cover does not degrade the performance of the system.
Signal Quality
Reducing signal loss helps ensure that the final product meets its performance specifications. Keeping the radome insertion loss low ensures that the transmitter and receiver can operate at their maximum ranges. This performance is vital for applications that require highly reliable wireless connections.
