A br acon PT M I ntroduction to Passive and A ctive Patch A ntennas 1 WWW.ABRACON.COM W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM I ntroduction Pur pose • C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s To Introduce Different Types of Antennas Offered by Abracon Objective • Presenting an overview of Applications and Characteristics of Patch Antenna , External Active GPS Antenna , External GSM Antenna, External Active GPS+GSM Antenna and Internal Active GPS Antenna. C ontent • 27 pages L ear ning T ime • ~30 minutes 2 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Patch A ntenna C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • A patch antenna is formed by overlaying two metallic plates, one larger than the other, with a dielectric sheet in the middle • Ideal for applications where the antenna sits on a flat surface. • Easily blends into most backgrounds. • Patch antennas are simple to construct, modify or customize. Pin Larger Metal Plate Dielectric Sheet Smaller Metal Plate 3 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Passive Patch A ntenna Ser ies (A PA E ) • C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • • • • The APAE Series covers a wide range of frequency bands including GPS, GLONASS, WLAN, SDARS, and RFID. Low Profile, Light Weight, Pin Type, Inexpensive RHCP to be compatible with the propagated GPS signals. Variety in Size (From 9x9mm to 80x80mm) Optimization offered on all types to match customer’s design 4 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Positioning the Passive Patch A ntenna C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • The ideal position for the patch antenna is on top of the GPS receiver in the center of the printed circuit board. • This technique helps eliminate the transmission line on the PCB between the input of the GPS receiver and the feed point on the antenna. • It also limits the radiation plot distortion caused by the potential impedance mismatch. • It is recommended to mount the patch on the center of the ground plane to maintain circular polarization since the propagated GPS signals are circularly polarized. 5 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM E lectr ical connection with the boar d C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • Electrical connection with PCB is accomplished by soldering the silver pin through the hole on the PCB. Subsequently, the RF signal propagates through the PCB to excite the patch antenna. • During final board assembly, only the silver pin is soldered onto the PCB, by placing it through the hole and soldering it on the back side of the PCB. The adhesive tape only helps to fix the antenna on the PCB. It is not recommended to put the patch antenna through reflow process. 6 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Patch A ntenna G ain Patch antenna is a passive component and therefore, its gain is defined as antenna directivity times the radiation efficiency. • The antenna efficiency is defined as the ratio of the radiated/received power to the input power. • A Patch antenna reaches its highest gain towards the zenith since it can receive all propagated GPS signals. • The larger patches have higher gain than the smaller patches and a larger ground plane enhances overall antenna gain. Antenna Gain vs Ground Plane Size 5 4 3 Gain (dBic) C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • 2 1 0 -1 30 50 70 -2 -3 GND Plane Size(mm) Note: GND plane is square Plot (1) 90 Antenna Type GPS Glonass GPS RFID SDARS GPS GPS GPS GPS Glonass Glonass GPS Patch Size 25x25x4mm 25x25x4mm 25x25x2mm 25x25x4mm 25x25x4mm 20x20x4mm 18x18x4mm 18x18x2mm 15x15x4mm 13x13x4mm 13x13x5mm 13x13x4mm Gain 4.5dBic 4.5dBic 4.3dBic 4.5dBic 5.0dBic 3.8dBic 3.3dBic 1.4dBic 1.2dBic -2dBic -2dBic 0.6dBic Table (1) 7 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Patch A ntenna F requency C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s Center Frequency vs GND plane Center Frequency (MHz) 1600 1596.6 1595 1593.5 1591.0 1590 1589.2 1585.2 1585 1580.1 1580 1575.4 1575 1570 25 35 45 55 65 75 GND Plan Size (mm) Note: Ground plan is square 8 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Tuning (Optimization) C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • • Antenna’s performance is affected by the environment • Tuning methods include moving the feed point, changing the shape of the top silver electrode, and scratching the corners or sides of the top silver plate. • Customers who tried the standard patch in their application send their PCB and samples of patch antenna for fine tuning. • A custom part number and custom data sheet are issued based on the tuning results for mass production. Subsequent orders are manufactured in accordance with the custom data sheet. Almost in all cases, tuning is required after the patch antenna is mounted in the end-application. 9 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM I mpedance M atching C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • The concept of VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) is introduced as a measure of how well-matched an antenna is to the transmission line. • Standard patch antennas are manufactured by matching to 50Ω input & output impedance on the manufacturers test fixture, in a controlled environment. • When antenna is placed on the end-product PCB, impedance matching in the end-product PCB is required to optimize the reflection coefficients. • The patch antenna impedance decreases as the feed location approaches the center. 10 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM I mpedance M atching (C ontinue) C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • Impedance matching may also involve placement of capacitors and/or inductors onto the PCB. • A popular type of matching network is the PI-network, consisting of two shunt components with one series component in the middle. This method provides flexibility for impedance matching. PI-network allows putting the shunt component either before or after the series component. Figure (4): Two Possible Matching Networks Figure (5): PI Network 11 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM R adiation Patter n & I mpact of A djacent A ntennas C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • A patch antenna has a maximum directivity in the direction perpendicular to the patch. • The 3dB bandwidth is where the directivity has dropped by 3dB; with respect to the maximum directivity. • To avoid interference, the GPS antenna should be placed as far away as possible from other antennas, such as Bluetooth or WWAN, in the end-application. • In order to make sure that the signals from other antennas don’t interfere with the GPS signal, there should be a 10dB or more difference between the transmitted and the received signal from an adjacent antenna. Plot (4): Radiation Pattern 12 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM I mpact of Sur rounding C omponents C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • Performance of patch antennas is affected by proximity of adjacent components, housing, display, etc. • It is recommended that a clearance of 4~10mm is maintained in all directions from adjacent components including housing • The cable between the feed-line and the power source should not be bent more than 30 degrees. • The cable between the feed-line and the power source should be routed away from any noisy components such as Digital Integrated Circuits. • If Radom is used to protect the patch antenna and the LNA, frequency will be shifted down. 13 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Design R ecommendation C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • • • • The GPS signal is below the noise floor. • A GPS grade TCXO with an initial tolerance of no worse than ±2.5 ppm is required for fast time-to-first-fix (TTFF). • SAW BandPass filters can be employed to further improve the overall system performance. The best solution to avoid digital noise is isolation. A low-noise power source is required for LNA to properly function. To improve noise isolation, reactive filtering is recommended between the LNA and the bias stage. Figure (6): Layout of a simplified GPS-receiver 14 Product Over view No. A br acon Par t # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 APAE868R2540JBDB2-T APAE915R2540ABDB1-T APAE1575R1240ABDD1-T APAE1575R1340ABDD6-T APAE1575R1540AZDB2F-T APAE1575R1820ABDC1-T APAE1575R1840AADB7-T APAE1575R1840BADB1F-T APAE1575R2040ABDD2-T APAE1575R2520ABDD7-T APAE1575R2540AADBE-T APAE1575R2540BBDB1-T APAE1590R2540AKDB1-T APAE2338L2540DDDB1-T APAES915R80C16-T APAES868R8060C16-T APAES923R4560C16-T APAES923R3640C16-T APAES915R6460C16-T APAEA1575R0940K14-T APAES1575R1040J34-T Product center F req. Patch Size Product A pplication B andwidth min V SW R max G ND Plane Size 868MHz 915MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1592-1608MHz 2338MHz 915MHz 868MHz 923MHz 923MHz 915MHz 1575.42-1613MHz 1575.42-1613MHz 25x25x4mm 25x25x4mm 12x12x4mm 13x13x4mm 15x15x4mm 18x18x2mm 18x18x4mm 18x18x4mm 20x20x4mm 25x25x2mm 25x25x4 25x25x4mm 25x25x4mm 25x25x4mm 80x80x6mm 80x80x6mm 45x45x6mm 36x36x4mm 64x64x6mm 9x9x4mm 10x10x4mm RFID(EU) RFID(USA) GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS GPS/GLONASS SDARS RFID(USA) RFID(EU) RFID(USA) RFID(USA) RFID(USA) GPS/WLAN GPS/WLAN 3MHz 3MHz 4MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 8MHz 15MHz 15MHz 15MHz 15MHz 56MHz 20MHz 20MHz 7MHz 5MHz 15MHz 5MHz 5MHz 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 70x70mm 70x70mm 50x50mm 50x50mm 50x50mm 40x40mm 40x40mm 40x40mm 40x40mm 70x70mm 70x70mm 70x70mm 70x70mm 70x70mm 120x120mm 120x120mm 50x50mm 70x70mm 70x70mm JL03V2.0 JL01 PCB 15 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Summar y of Passive Patch A ntenna C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • • • • • • • • • • • • • K ey Specifications Low profile, Flat, Light weight, Easy to mount High Gain, Narrow Bandwidth Customization available via the tuning process Tar get M ar kets and A pplications Automotive, Navigation, Marine buoys Surveying equipment, Cell phone, Laptop Healthcare, medical monitoring RFID systems for Logistic and Inventory Management of Retail A br acon’s A dvantage over other competitor s Exceptionally Low cost Optimization is available to fulfill customers’ requirements ____________________________________________________________ • Patch antennas offered by Abracon have a wide range of applications including automotive navigation, satellite radio, medical monitoring, and retail management while keeping the cost exceptionally low compared to the other competitors. 16 E xter nal A ntenna M odules Offered by A br acon WWW.ABRACON.COM 17 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM A ntenna M odules Types and A pplications G PS E xter nal A ctive A ntenna M odule • • C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s Global Positioning System Antenna Automotive Navigation, Automotive Monitoring, Mobile Applications, Asset Tracking, etc. G SM E xter nal A ntenna M odule • • Global System for Mobile Communications Wireless Communications, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, UMTS, Vehicle Monitoring, etc. G PS+G SM E xter nal A ntenna M odule • • Combination of GPS and GSM GPS navigation, Vehicle tracking, Telemetry Applications, Asset tracking, Emergency call systems, etc. 18 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM G PS E xter nal A ctive A ntenna C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • A GPS receiver has a built-in antenna to decipher satellite signals and decode them into the tracking data or maps on the screen. • GPS active antenna is a combination of a GPS antenna and a low noise amplifier (LNA). • In closed-off areas, such as mountains, downtown areas with tall buildings, or inside buildings and cars, signal reception is not as good as free space. Using an external active GPS antenna improves the signal reception. • GPS external antennas also compensate for temporary signal loss to internal GPS antenna, while the vehicle is in motion. 19 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM G PS A ntenna M odule C omposition Top cover GPS Active Antenna Waterproof seal C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s Base and magnetic • A GPS active antenna has a patch antenna element on one side of the PCB and LNA soldered on the other side of the PCB, as well as shielding and cable. • GPS receiver can power up the external antenna. Once the GPS receiver detects the external antenna, the internal antenna is switched off in order to save battery power. 20 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM E xter nal G SM A ntenna C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • GSM (Global System for Mobile) antenna is commonly used in mobile phones and cell towers. • GSM antennas operate using certain radio frequencies. In the United States, different wireless providers use slightly different frequencies for 3G network. • AT&T and Verizon’s GSM frequencies are 850MHz and 1900MHz. • T-Mobile and Metro PCS use 1700/2100MHz and 1900MHz for their 3G wireless system. • Abracon’s GSM external antenna group covers GSM900, GSM1800, GSM 1900, UMTS(1900-2170MHz) and 5700~5900MHz(GSM5800 or WIFI) 21 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM E xter nal G PS+G SM A ntenna C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • GPS+GSM antennas are mostly used for tracking/monitoring objects, animals, or even people. • Most of GPS tracking devices can transmit position updates through text message, therefore they require GSM network connection. • GPS+GSM tracking devices update the position by collecting information from the cellular tower that is closest to the GSM +GPS tracking device. • Some examples of the situations to use GPS+GSM tracking devices are moving companies who need to keep track of their trucks, Taxi companies, Car dealerships, remote monitoring of children or elderly for safety reasons, and telemetry monitoring. 22 Product Over view No. A br acon Par t # 1 APAMS-101 2 APAMS-102 Pr oduct C enter F r eq. (G PS) Pr oduct F r eq. R ange (G SM ) N/A 820~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1990MHz(GSM1800) 820~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 1850~1990MHz(GSM1900) 1900~2170MHz(UMTS) N/A 870~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) N/A 3 APAMS-103 4 APAMS-104 N/A 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHZ(GSM1800) 5 APAMPS-105 1575.42MHz 806~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 6 APAMPS-106 1575.42MHz M odule Size Pr oduct A pplication 115x22 x7mm GSM B andwidth C onnector T ype M ounting T ype FME-J3 Adhesive Base SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 138x21x6mm GSM 140MHz (@900MHz) 280MHz (@1800MHz) 140MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) 140MHz(@1900MHz) 170MHz (@2000MHz) GSM 90MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA-J3 78 x25x3.8mm 109.5 x Ø30.0 mm GSM 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA-J3 Ø76.8x15.8mm GPS+GSM 806~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) Ø75x14.1mm GPS+GSM >10MHz(GPS) >10MHz(GPS) GPS: SMA-J3 GSM: FME-k3 GPS: SMA-J3 GSM: SMA-J3 Adhesive Base Adhesive Base Adhesive Base Screw Mount+Adhesive Base 7 APAMP-107 1575.42MHz N/A 48.6x39.2x15.2mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 8 APAMP-108 1575.42MHz N/A 54.5x44.5x14.8mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 1575.42MHz N/A 50.6x50.6x15.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base SMA-JW3 Adhesive Base 9 APAMP-109 10 APAMP-110 1575.42MHz N/A 49.20x 40x15.20mm GPS >10MHz 11 APAMP-111 1575.42MHz N/A 38.3x35x12mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 12 APAMP-112 1575.42MHz N/A 46.0x38 x15mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 13 APAMP-113 1575.42MHz N/A 38.0x34.0x12mm GPS >10MHz FAKRA-C Adhesive Base 14 APAMP-114 1575.42MHz N/A 26.0x23x12mm GPS >5MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 15 APAMP-115 1575.42MHz N/A 40.0x35.0x13.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 16 APAMP-116 1575.42MHz N/A 44.0x37x14.5mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Adhesive Base N/A 44.0x37mm GPS+GLONA SS >8MHz(GPS) >16MHz(GLONASS) SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA-J3strait/right angle flexible Through Connector 17 APAMPG-117 1575.42/1602MHz 18 APAMS-118 N/A 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 108.1xØ10.0mm GSM 23 Product Over view (C ontinue) No. A br acon Par t # 19 APAMS-119 20 APAMS-120 Pr oduct C enter F r eq. (G PS) Pr oduct F r eq. R ange (G SM ) N/A N/A M odule Size Pr oduct A pplication 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 78.0xØ12.0mm GSM 2350~2450MHz(GSM2400) 5700~5900MHz(GSM5800) 77.0xØ7.0mm GSM/WIFI B andwidth C onnector T ype M ounting T ype 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA Through Connector 100MHz (@2400MHz) 200MHz (@5800MHz) SMA-RP Through Connector SMA-RP21 APAMS-121 N/A 100MHz (@2400MHz) strait/right 200MHz (@5800MHz) angle flexible 2350~2450MHz(GSM2400) 5700~5900MHz(GSM5800) 86.0xØ10.0mm GSM/WIFI Through Connector 22 APAMP-122 1575.42MHz N/A 48.6x39.2x15.2mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 23 APAMP-123 1575.42MHz N/A 50.6x50.6x15.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 24 APAMP-124 1575.42MHz N/A 49.20x 40x15.20mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Magnet Base 25 APAMP-125 1575.42MHz N/A 38.3x35x12mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 26 APAMP-126 1575.42MHz N/A 46.0x38 x15mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 27 APAMP-127 1575.42MHz N/A 38.0x34.0x12mm GPS >10MHz FAKRA-C Magnet Base 28 APAMP-128 1575.42MHz N/A 40.0x35.0x13.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 39 APAMP-129 1575.42MHz N/A 44.0x37x14.5mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Magnet Base N/A 44.0x37mm GPS+GLONASS >8MHz(GPS) >16MHz(GLONASS) SMA-J3 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHZ(GSM1800) 109.5 x Ø30.0 mm GSM 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA-J3 30 31 APAMPG-130 1575.42/1602MHz APAMS-131 N/A Magnet Base Magnet Base 24 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Summar y of E xter nal A ntenna M odules • • C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • • • • • • K ey Specifications: High Gain, High Reliability/ Sensitivity, Compact size, Easy to install, Light Weight, ROHS Compliant Tar get M ar kets and A pplications: GPS: Automotive Navigation, Automotive Monitoring, Mobile Applications, Asset Tracking, etc. GSM: Wireless Communications, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, UMTS, Vehicle Monitoring, etc. GPS+GSM: GPS navigation, Vehicle tracking, Telemetry Applications, Asset tracking, Emergency call systems, etc. A br acon’s A dvantage over other competitor s: Exceptionally Low cost Variety in Applications Variety in size , mounting type, and connector ____________________________________________________________ In summary, external antennas offered by Abracon have a wide range of applications such as automotive navigation, asset tracking, wireless communications, and emergency call systems. Abracon guarantees exceptionally low cost compared to the other competitors while maintaining quality and variety. 25 I nter nal A ctive A ntenna M odules WWW.ABRACON.COM 26 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM I nter nal A ctive G PS A ntenna Str ucture Internal Active GPS Antenna module is composed of GPS patch (already installed on a GND plane), PCB (including LNA and matching circuitry), Metal cover, RF Cable and IPEX connector. GPS Patch C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s GND Plane RF Cable IPEX Connector Metal Casing FR4 PCB IPEX Connector Receptacle on Board Connector. 27 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM K ey Specifications C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • • • • • • • • • Compact Light Weight Easy to install Already tuned on a GND Plane (Ready to use) Built in Amplifier IPEX Connector Variety is Size Custom Length Cable Available ROHS Compliant Internal GPS antennas offered by Abracon are compact, light, and easy to install. Cable length can be modified for all parts in this series according to customer’s application. Installation involves securing the module in position and pressing the IPEX connector in receptacle on board connector. 28 Product Over view No. A br acon Par t # Product center F req. Patch Size Patch G ain B andwidth (M in) L NA G ain PC B R F C onnector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 APAM0968JL03V2.0 APAM1068JL01V2.0 APAM1268JL02V2.0 APAM1348YD13V2.0 APAM1368YB13V3.0 APAM1568YE15V2.0 APAM1866YA18 APAM2764YK0175 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 1575.42MHz 9x9x6.8mm 10x10x6.8mm 12x12x6.8mm 13x13x5.6mm 13x13x6.8mm 15x15x6.8mm 18x18x7mm 27x27x7mm 2dBic -2dBic 0dBic 1dBic 1dBic 1.5dBic 2dBic 5dBic 3MHz 3MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 5MHz 28dB 18dB 18dB 19dB 19dB 18dB 28dB 28dB FR4 FR4 FR4 FR4 FR4 FR4 FR4 FR4 IPEX IPEX IPEX IPEX IPEX IPEX IPEX IPEX 29 W W W .A B R A C ON.C OM Tar get M ar kets and A pplications C r ystals Oscillator s F ilter s Precision T iming I nductor s • Automotive Navigation, Automotive Monitoring, Mobile Applications, Asset Tracking, etc. • Easy solution for adding a GPS patch to an existing designs. • Recommended for customers who are interested in having GPS features without going though design troubles. • Recommended for applications when radiation pattern gets distorted if the patch is placed directly on the PCB. A br acon’s A dvantage over other competitor s • Exceptionally Low cost • Variety in Size 30