Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Antennas for miniature tracking devices

26 May 2010 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Taoglas recently released the AP.35a, a powerful 35 x 35 mm square GPS antenna for compromised environments where next-generation miniature tracking devices are placed deep inside vehicles and assets.

The antenna is embedded securely in any GPS device, eliminating the need for an external antenna. Taoglas also launched the ALA (active loop antenna) series, a low-profile active antenna solution for M2M devices that require a slim profile.

The AP.35a is made from a uniquely formulated high-grade ceramic and is only 5,5 mm thick. With its own ground plane, it can hover over the main board of the device, allowing for a much higher gain and resistance to noise than many passive patch antennas. Combining high-zenith gain and low-axial ratio, the antenna can pick up very weak signals at low elevation satellites, giving enhanced GPS sensitivity. A SAW filter reduces noise entering from the device system, important when considering the close proximity of cellular transmitters and circuitry in today’s miniature devices.

These characteristics combine for quicker cold starts and more accurate position and location information. With a cold start of 21 seconds in open sky conditions with the uBlox 5 module, testing has confirmed that the AP.35a cuts up to five seconds off the market cold-start performance of Taoglas’ existing AP.25B antenna. Maximum C/N ratio of 51 with 12 simultaneous locked satellites has been recorded over 24 hours, an improvement from 10.

Taoglas also unveiled the ALA (active loop antenna) series technology in its GPS antenna range. The first product in the range – the ALA.01 – at 45 x 10 x 2,3 mm is one of the lowest profile active antenna solutions for the M2M market. Omnidirectional and lightweight, this is a suitable antenna for devices which must have a slim profile. It can be placed perpendicular to the main board with a couple of millimetres of clearance and still deliver performance comparable to an active 18 mm patch antenna.

For more information contact Andrew Hutton, RF Design, +27 (0)21 555 8400, [email protected], www.rfdesign.co.za



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