subject: A Guide To Knuckle Antennas [print this page] Knuckle antennas are external mount antennas with a joint in them; the joint is similar to the joins in your fingers. This is how the knuckle antenna got its name, and this is the uniqueness of the knuckle antenna is that it can be bent to direction it or to move it into an 'in use' position.
Because knuckle antennas can be bent, this means that when designers are designing the device, they can design it with an antenna that sticks out, but then can be folded away to fit into a casing. This can make the design smaller and compact whilst also protecting the antenna from damage when the device isn't in use.
However the knuckle isn't simply a design feature to make the device more compact. The knuckle-swivel feature allows articulated adjustment of the antenna so that it can be vertically positioned, regardless of the orientation of the device. Which means if you are having trouble locating a frequency or network, the antenna can be re-positioned for a better reception.
Knuckle antennas usually look like whip antennas or rubber duck antennas. However, knuckle antennas can also be stubby antennas, but these are usually described as stubby antennas with a knuckle.
The Delta 6 range of antennas are knuckle antennas. The Delta 6 family of antennas offer multiband swivel antenna covering GSM, WiFi, Wimax and 3G networks.
The Delta 6B is a high gain compact size 2.4GHz WiFi swivel antenna. With the gain at 5dBi and the length at 196mm makes the Delta 6B a competent performer.
Terminated with an SMA male connector, the unique knuckle adjusts through a 0 / 45 and 90 degree angle and swivels to ensure a vertical polarity when fitted to the radio module.
The radiating element consists of a two part design and is over moulded in black, high grade rubber giving a rugged, stylish finish.
The DELTA 6B is a popular antenna for customers requiring a straightforward to fit, reliable product and is qualified and used with many of all of today's WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee products where a higher gain is required with a sensible size and cost.
