An antenna for radio frequency (RF) applications comprising: a dielectric element including a dielectric material; an active element attached to a first external surface of the dielectric element; a cavity in the dielectric element; a radio device deposited in the cavity and adapted for coupling to the active element; and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield positioned in the cavity and between the radio device and the dielectric element, the EMI shield configured for inhibiting EMI between the radio device and the active element.