A br acon PT M I ntr oduction to Passive and A ctive Patch A ntennas

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Terence Summers
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1 A br acon PT M I ntr oduction to Passive and A ctive Patch A ntennas 1

2 I ntroduction Pur pose To Introduce Different Types of Antennas Offered by Abracon O bj ective 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

Patch A ntenna 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

3 Patch A ntenna 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

P assive P atch A ntenna Ser ies (A PA E ) The APAE Series

be compatible with the propagated GPS signals.

4 P assive P atch A ntenna Ser ies (A PA E ) 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

5 Positioning the Passive Patch A ntenna 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

During final board assembly, only the silver pin is soldered onto the PCB, by placing it through the hole and soldering it on

6 E lectr ical connection with the boar d 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

7 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. Gain (dbic) Antenna Gain vs Ground Plane Size GND Plane Size(mm) Note: GND plane is square Antenna Type Patch Size Gain GPS 25x25x4mm 4.5dBic Glonass 25x25x4mm 4.5dBic GPS 25x25x2mm 4.3dBic RFID 25x25x4mm 4.5dBic SDARS 25x25x4mm 5.0dBic GPS 20x20x4mm 3.8dBic GPS 18x18x4mm 3.3dBic GPS 18x18x2mm 1.4dBic GPS 15x15x4mm 1.2dBic Glonass 13x13x4mm -2dBic Glonass 13x13x5mm -2dBic GPS 13x13x4mm 0.6dBic Plot (1) Table (1) 7

8 Patch A ntenna F requency Center Frequency vs GND plane 1600 Center Frequency (MHz) GND Plan Size (mm) Note: Ground plan is square 8

Tuning (Optimization) Antenna s performance is affected by the environment Almost in all cases, tuning is required after the patch antenna is mounted in the

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.

9 Tuning (Optimization) Antenna s performance is affected by the environment Almost in all cases, tuning is required after the patch antenna is mounted in the end-application. 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. 9

I mpedance M atching The concept of VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) is introduced as a measure of how well-matched an antenna is to the transmission line.

10 I mpedance M atching 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

11 I mpedance M atching (C ontinue) 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

12 R adiation Patter n & I mpact of A djacent A ntennas 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

13 I mpact of Sur r ounding C omponents 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

Design R ecommendation The GPS signal is below the noise floor. The best solution to avoid digital noise is isolation. A low-noise power source is required for LNA to properly function.

14 Design R ecommendation The GPS signal is below the noise floor. 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. 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. Figure (6): Layout of a simplified GPS-receiver 14

15 P r oduct O ver view No. Abracon Part # Pr oduct center F r eq. Patch Size Pr oduct A pplication B andwidth min V SW R max G ND Plane Size 1 APAE868R2540JBDB2-T 868MHz 25x25x4mm RFID(EU) 3MHz x70mm 2 APAE915R2540ABDB1-T 915MHz 25x25x4mm RFID(USA) 3MHz x70mm 3 APAE1575R1240ABDD1-T MHz 12x12x4mm GPS 4MHz x50mm 4 APAE1575R1340ABDD6-T MHz 13x13x4mm GPS 5MHz x50mm 5 APAE1575R1540AZDB2F-T MHz 15x15x4mm GPS 5MHz x50mm 6 APAE1575R1820ABDC1-T MHz 18x18x2mm GPS 5MHz x40mm 7 APAE1575R1840AADB7-T MHz 18x18x4mm GPS 5MHz x40mm 8 APAE1575R1840BADB1F-T MHz 18x18x4mm GPS 5MHz x40mm 9 APAE1575R2040ABDD2-T MHz 20x20x4mm GPS 8MHz x40mm 10 APAE1575R2520ABDD7-T MHz 25x25x2mm GPS 15MHz x70mm 11 APAE1575R2540AADBE-T MHz 25x25x4 GPS 15MHz x70mm 12 APAE1575R2540BBDB1-T MHz 25x25x4mm GPS 15MHz x70mm 13 APAE1590R2540AKDB1-T MHz 25x25x4mm GPS/GLONASS 15MHz x70mm 14 APAE2338L2540DDDB1-T 2338MHz 25x25x4mm SDARS 56MHz x70mm 15 APAES915R80C16-T 915MHz 80x80x6mm RFID(USA) 20MHz x120mm 16 APAES868R8060C16-T 868MHz 80x80x6mm RFID(EU) 20MHz x120mm 17 APAES923R4560C16-T 923MHz 45x45x6mm RFID(USA) 7MHz x50mm 18 APAES923R3640C16-T 923MHz 36x36x4mm RFID(USA) 5MHz x70mm 19 APAES915R6460C16-T 915MHz 64x64x6mm RFID(USA) 15MHz x70mm 20 APAEA1575R0940K14-T MHz 9x9x4mm GPS/WLAN 5MHz 1.5 JL03V APAES1575R1040J34-T MHz 10x10x4mm GPS/WLAN 5MHz 1.5 JL01 PCB 15

16 Summar y of Passive Patch A ntenna K ey Specifications Low profile, Flat, Light weight, Easy to mount High Gain, Narrow Bandwidth Customization available via the tuning process Target M arkets and Applications 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

17 E xter nal A ntenna M odules O ffer ed by A br acon 17

18 A ntenna M odules Types and A pplications G PS E xter nal A ctive A ntenna M odule 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

G PS E xter nal A ctive A ntenna A GPS receiver has a built-in antenna to decipher satellite signals and decode them into the tracking data or maps on the screen.

19 G PS E xter nal A ctive A ntenna 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

G PS A ntenna M odule C omposition Top cover GPS Active Antenna Waterproof seal Base and magnetic A GPS active antenna has a patch antenna element on one side of the PCB and LNA soldered on the other

20 G PS A ntenna M odule C omposition Top cover GPS Active Antenna Waterproof seal 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

In the United States, different wireless providers use slightly different frequencies for 3G network.

21 E xter nal G SM A ntenna 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( MHz) and 5700~5900MHz(GSM5800 or WIFI) 21

GPS+GSM tracking devices update the position by collecting information from the cellular tower that is closest to the GSM +GPS tracking device.

22 E xter nal G PS+G SM A ntenna 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

23 P r oduct O ver view No. Abracon Part # 1 APAMS APAMS APAMS-103 P r oduct C enter F r eq. (G P S) N/A N/A N/A 4 APAMS-104 N/A 5 APAMPS MHz P r oduct F r eq. R ange (GSM ) M odule Size Pr oduct A pplication 820~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1990MHz(GSM1800) 115x22 x7mm GSM 820~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 1850~1990MHz(GSM1900) 1900~2170MHz(UMTS) 138x21x6mm GSM 870~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 78 x25x3.8mm GSM 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHZ(GSM1800) x Ø30.0 mm GSM 806~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) Ø76.8x15.8mm GPS+GSM 6 APAMPS MHz 806~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) Ø75x14.1mm GPS+GSM B andwidth C onnector T ype M ounting T ype 140MHz (@900MHz) 280MHz (@1800MHz) 140MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) 140MHz(@1900MHz) 170MHz (@2000MHz) 90MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) >10MHz(GPS) >10MHz(GPS) FME-J3 SMA-J3 SMA-J3 SMA-J3 GPS: SMA-J3 GSM: FME-k3 GPS: SMA-J3 GSM: SMA-J3 Adhesive Base Adhesive Base Adhesive Base Adhesive Base Adhesive Base Screw Mount+Adhesive Base 7 APAMP MHz N/A 48.6x39.2x15.2mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 8 APAMP MHz N/A 54.5x44.5x14.8mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 9 APAMP MHz N/A 50.6x50.6x15.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 10 APAMP MHz N/A 49.20x 40x15.20mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Adhesive Base 11 APAMP MHz N/A 38.3x35x12mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 12 APAMP MHz N/A 46.0x38 x15mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 13 APAMP MHz N/A 38.0x34.0x12mm GPS >10MHz FAKRA-C Adhesive Base 14 APAMP MHz N/A 26.0x23x12mm GPS >5MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 15 APAMP MHz N/A 40.0x35.0x13.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Adhesive Base 16 APAMP MHz N/A 44.0x37x14.5mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Adhesive Base 17 APAMPG /1602MHz N/A 44.0x37mm 18 APAMS-118 N/A GPS+GLONA SS 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 108.1xØ10.0mm GSM >8MHz(GPS) >16MHz(GLONASS) 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA-J3 SMA-J3- strait/right angle flexible Adhesive Base Through Connector 23

24 Product Over view (C ontinue) No. Abracon Part # P r oduct C enter F r eq. (G P S) P r oduct F r eq. R ange (GSM) M odule Size Pr oduct A pplication B andwidth C onnector T ype M ounting T ype 19 APAMS-119 N/A 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHz(GSM1800) 78.0xØ12.0mm GSM 20 APAMS-120 N/A 2350~2450MHz(GSM2400) 5700~5900MHz(GSM5800) 77.0xØ7.0mm GSM/WIFI 21 APAMS-121 N/A 2350~2450MHz(GSM2400) 5700~5900MHz(GSM5800) 86.0xØ10.0mm GSM/WIFI 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) 100MHz (@2400MHz) 200MHz (@5800MHz) SMA SMA-RP SMA-RPstrait/right 100MHz (@2400MHz) 200MHz (@5800MHz) angle flexible Through Connector Through Connector Through Connector 22 APAMP MHz N/A 48.6x39.2x15.2mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 23 APAMP MHz N/A 50.6x50.6x15.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 24 APAMP MHz N/A 49.20x 40x15.20mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Magnet Base 25 APAMP MHz N/A 38.3x35x12mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 26 APAMP MHz N/A 46.0x38 x15mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 27 APAMP MHz N/A 38.0x34.0x12mm GPS >10MHz FAKRA-C Magnet Base 28 APAMP MHz N/A 40.0x35.0x13.1mm GPS >10MHz SMA-J3 Magnet Base 39 APAMP MHz N/A 44.0x37x14.5mm GPS >10MHz SMA-JW3 Magnet Base 30 APAMPG /1602MHz N/A 44.0x37mm GPS+GLONASS 31 APAMS-131 N/A 890~960MHz(GSM900) 1710~1880MHZ(GSM1800) x Ø30.0 mm GSM >8MHz(GPS) >16MHz(GLONASS) 70MHz (@900MHz) 170MHz (@1800MHz) SMA-J3 SMA-J3 Magnet Base Magnet Base 24

25 Summar y of E xter nal A ntenna M odules K ey Specifications: High Gain, High Reliability/ Sensitivity, Compact size, Easy to install, Light Weight, ROHS Compliant Target M arkets and Applications: 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

26 I nter nal A ctive A ntenna M odules 26

I nter nal Active G PS Antenna Str ucture

composed of GPS patch (already installed

matching circuitry), Metal cover, RF Cable

27 I nter nal Active G PS Antenna 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 GND Plane RF Cable IPEX Connector Metal Casing FR4 PCB IPEX Connector Receptacle on Board Connector. 27

28 K ey Specifications 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

29 P r oduct O ver view No. Abracon Part # Pr oduct center F r eq. Patch Size Patch G ain B andwidth (M in) L NA G ain PCB R F C onnector 1 APAM0968JL03V MHz 9x9x6.8mm 2dBic 3MHz 28dB FR4 IPEX 2 APAM1068JL01V MHz 10x10x6.8mm -2dBic 3MHz 18dB FR4 IPEX 3 APAM1268JL02V MHz 12x12x6.8mm 0dBic 5MHz 18dB FR4 IPEX 4 APAM1348YD13V MHz 13x13x5.6mm 1dBic 5MHz 19dB FR4 IPEX 5 APAM1368YB13V MHz 13x13x6.8mm 1dBic 5MHz 19dB FR4 IPEX 6 APAM1568YE15V MHz 15x15x6.8mm 1.5dBic 5MHz 18dB FR4 IPEX 7 APAM1866YA MHz 18x18x7mm 2dBic 5MHz 28dB FR4 IPEX 8 APAM2764YK MHz 27x27x7mm 5dBic 5MHz 28dB FR4 IPEX 29

30 Target M arkets and Applications 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

ACTPAT184 ACTIVE GPS ANTENNA Functional Specification

ACTPAT184 ACTIVE GPS ANTENNA Functional Specification Inventek Systems, LLC 239 Littleton Road, Suite 4D Westford, Massachusetts 01886 978 392 2202 Inventek Systems, LLC ACTPAT184 Functional Specification