Low-cost embedded GPS antennas

12th July 2007

CTi Ltd

ES Admin

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CTi Ltd has launched a series of low-cost GPS antennas for embedded applications. Available in five different sizes, from 12mm square to 25mm square, the new PA series of ceramic patch antennas provide electronics designers and system integrators with an inexpensive, ready-made solution for GPS satellite signal acquisition. All five antennas offer a choice of standard 4mm or ultra low 2mm profiles, and can also be supplied as a module with a built-in low noise amplifier and SAW filter for ease of integration and reduced product development times. Intended primarily for use in portable telematics systems, the antennas are also ideal for a wide range of embedded GPS applications, including handheld devices, asset tracking, fleet management, vehicle tracking and marine navigation.

The PA series of antennas feature circular polarisation and are suitable for use with any standard 1575.42MHz GPS receiver. They all have a nominal 50Ohm output impedance and an output VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) of less than 2:1. A choice of 12, 15, 17, 18 and 25mm square models makes it very easy for customers to select the optimum antenna for their particular application. When mounted on a suitable ground plane, the antennas have a gain between 1.5dBic and 3dBic. The optional fully integrated low noise amplifier, which is available for all PA series antennas, provides 26dB gain and operates from any voltage in the range 2.5 to 5Vdc; it also has a very low power consumption – just 75mw – making it ideal for battery-powered applications.

All standard PA series antennas are packaged as planar ceramic devices, designed for single through-hole board mounting. The amplified versions are available with a wide choice of cable lengths and connectors, including the sub-miniature U.FL or W.FL types. For customers ordering production quantities, CTi also offers a fine-tuning service which allows the antenna's 1575.42MHz centre frequency to be shifted slightly, to compensate for any proximity effects of the end-product's housing and other circuitry.