Patch Antennas for GNSS and RTK Applications
Patch antennas are widely used for automotive, stationary, and other precision applications like GNSS, RTK, and GPS. Known for their cost-effectiveness and high-quality performance, patch antennas are essential for accurate positioning. Though patch antennas are relatively heavier compared to alternatives like spiral (helix) antennas, they are much more affordable. One of the key advantages of patch antennas is their ability to operate efficiently on a metal ground plane, such as the roof of a vehicle.
Understanding Patch Antennas and Their Applications
Patch antennas are typically used in situations where the antenna must be lightweight yet durable and highly functional. They are essential in various industries including automotive, agriculture (precision farming), and surveying, especially in GNSS-based applications. Below, we review the types of patch antennas available and their corresponding features and specifications.
Patch L1 GPS Antennas
Patch L1 antennas are narrowband antennas that primarily receive GPS L1 signals, offering basic, cost-effective functionality for GPS receivers. These antennas have a small ground plane and are limited in their capability to receive other signals such as Galileo E1 and Beidou B1C, though they perform well in proximity to powerful transmitters.
- ELT0011: Magnetic mount, dimensions 48x40x13 mm, gain - 29dB, weight 42 grams (without cable), includes a 3-meter cable, SMA connector.
- ELT0176: Enclosure-less, wideband (L1/L2/L5), dimensions 13.4x3.4x6 mm, gain - 28dB, adhesive mount, weight 2.2 grams, 4.5 cm cable, IPEX connector. This model features an SAW filter for better protection against out-of-band interference, making it ideal for use near GSM transmitters.
Patch L1 Antennas for All-Frequency GPS Receivers
These antennas are perfect for single-frequency receivers as they cover all signals within the L1 range. However, they do require an external ground plane for optimal performance.
- ELT0180: Enclosure-less, dimensions 28x28x7 mm, gain - 33dB, adhesive mount, weight 14g, 5cm cable, IPEX connector.
- ELT0181: Enclosure-less, dimensions 38x38x7 mm, gain - 38dB, adhesive mount, weight 16g, 5cm cable, IPEX connector.
- ELT0182: Enclosure-less, dimensions Ø56x7.7 mm, gain - 28dB, screw mount, weight 34g, 5 cm cable, IPEX connector.
Dual-Frequency and All-Band Patch Antennas
Patch antennas designed for dual-frequency receivers, such as those operating on L1/L2 or L1/L5 frequencies, are essential for more accurate GNSS positioning in professional applications. These antennas are ideal for precise surveying, drone operations, and precision agriculture.
Patch L1/L2b Antennas
These antennas receive dual-frequency signals, offering improved performance for receivers that work across the L1/L2 frequency bands.
- ELT0012: Dimensions 82x60x22.5 mm, gain - 28dB, magnetic and screw mount, weight 173 grams (including cable), 5-meter cable, SMA connector.
- ELT0153: Mushroom-shaped, dimensions: 46xØ66.5 mm, gain - 28dB, hole mount, weight 150 grams (without cable), 5-meter cable, TNC-K connector.
- ELT0157: Dimensions 63x63x25 mm, gain - 33dB, magnetic and double-sided tape mount, weight 220g, 5-meter cable, SMA connector.
Patch L1/L5a Antennas
These antennas provide support for dual-frequency receivers operating on both L1 and L5a frequencies, ideal for modern GNSS systems.
- ELT0140: Dimensions 82x60x22.5 mm, gain - 29dB, magnetic and screw mount, weight 164g, 5-meter cable, SMA connector.
Universal and Multi-Frequency Patch Antennas
For applications requiring a broad range of frequency coverage, such as multi-band receivers, universal patch antennas are essential. These antennas are perfect for all-band or dual-band receivers, providing versatility across numerous frequency bands.
Patch L1/L2/L5 Universal Antennas
These antennas support a wide range of frequencies, making them perfect for all-band receivers.
- ELT0123: Stationary, dimensions Ø160x66.5 mm, gain - 38dB, screws onto a geodetic rod, weight 400g (without cable), 5-meter cable, TNC-K connector.
- ELT0149: Enclosure-less, dimensions 56x56x14.8 mm, gain - 38dB, four-screw mount, weight 95g, 20 cm cable, IPEX connector.
- ELT0193: Enclosure-less, dimensions Ø80x22.5 mm, gain - 38dB, four-screw mount, weight 102g, 10 cm cable, IPEX connector.
- ELT0194: Stationary, dimensions Ø100x36.5 mm, gain - 38dB, screw/tape mount, weight 290g (without cable), 5-meter cable, TNC-K connector.
