# The Role of Antennas in IoT & How to Pick the Right One  | Field Theory Consulting's Tadd Scarpelli | Internet of Things Podcast

- Show: [IoT For All Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast)
- Published: 2022-12-08
- Length: 20m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iot-for-all/episodes/The-Role-of-Antennas-in-IoT--How-to-Pick-the-Right-One---Field-Theory-Consultings-Tadd-Scarpelli--Internet-of-Things-Podcast-e28bk15

## Summary

Tadd Scarpelli, CEO of Field Theory Consulting, explains that antennas are the 'lifeblood' of IoT connectivity, determining both device form factor and range. He warns that using off-the-shelf directional GPS antennas on moving tracking devices often leads to degraded GPS fixes due to poor beamforming alignment, advocating instead for custom omnidirectional designs. Scarpelli details the simulation-to-prototype workflow and highlights coexistence issues in small devices with multiple radios, while noting a shift toward 5G and millimeter-wave phased array designs.

## Chapters

- [2:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t#t=130) Introduction: Tadd Scarpelli and Field Theory Consulting
- [6:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t#t=407) The Role of Antennas in IoT: Form Factor and Range
- [10:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t#t=644) Pitfalls of Wrong Antenna Selection: Directional vs. Omnidirectional
- [12:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t#t=736) The Design Process: Simulation, Prototyping, and Integration
- [15:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t#t=922) Challenges of Late-Stage Integration and Band-Aid Fixes
- [17:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-12-08-the-role-of-antennas-in-iot-how-to-pick-the-right-one-field-theory-consultings-t#t=1070) Future of Antenna Design: Coexistence and Phased Arrays

## Topics

- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Field Theory Consulting (company)
- Motorola (company)
- CST (tool)
- Remcom XFDTD (tool)
- GPS (product)
- 5G (product)
- LTE (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with JP Norair](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-05-19-an-interview-with-jp-norair) (The Amp Hour)
- [#025: Powered by Sunlight, Fenced by Software: Inside Monil's Cattle Collar](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-10-05-025-powered-by-sunlight-fenced-by-software-inside-monils-cattle-collar) (Coredump Sessions)
- [An Interview with Pete Bevelacqua](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2019-06-10-an-interview-with-pete-bevelacqua) (The Amp Hour)
- [39: I Blame Space](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-02-19-39-i-blame-space) (Embedded.fm)
- [Space Age Bluetooth with Alex Haro](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-07-09-space-age-bluetooth-with-alex-haro) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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