The antenna’s frequency range of 1560-1602 MHz is strategically chosen to cover key civilian GNSS bands, ensuring compatibility with multiple satellite constellations. This range includes GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz), the primary frequency for global positioning, as well as BeiDou B1 (1561.098 MHz) and GLONASS G1 (1602 MHz), expanding coverage in regions where these systems are dominant. This multi-constellation support is critical for reliability: if GPS signals are obstructed by urban canyons or atmospheric interference, the antenna can seamlessly switch to BeiDou or GLONASS, ensuring uninterrupted positioning. For example, in urban China, where BeiDou has strong coverage, the antenna leverages the B1 band to maintain accuracy, while in Russia, GLONASS G1 ensures consistent performance. This versatility eliminates the need for region-specific antenna designs, simplifying inventory management for global OEMs and ensuring that devices work reliably across markets. The broad frequency range also provides a buffer for minor frequency shifts caused by satellite motion or ionospheric activity, ensuring that the antenna remains tuned to the correct signals.

A typical gain of 1.5 dB reflects the antenna’s focus on efficiency in a compact form, balancing signal amplification with the constraints of its small size. While this gain is lower than that of larger external antennas (which may offer 5-10 dB), it is sufficient for built-in applications where the antenna is positioned close to the GNSS receiver, minimizing cable loss. The gain is optimized across the 1560-1602 MHz band, ensuring consistent amplification of signals from GPS, BeiDou, and GLONASS. In practice, this means that even weak signals—such as those penetrating building materials or tree canopies—are amplified enough to be processed by the receiver. For example, in a smartwatch worn by a hiker in a forested area, the antenna’s 1.5 dB gain ensures that satellite signals filtering through the canopy are strong enough to calculate a precise location, supporting features like trail mapping and emergency tracking. The antenna’s gain profile is also designed to avoid amplifying noise, a critical consideration in dense PCBs where electromagnetic interference from other components could corrupt the signal.

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) specifications—2.0 at 1575 MHz and 3.5 at 1602 MHz—provide insight into the antenna’s efficiency in transferring signal power to the receiver. VSWR measures the mismatch between the antenna’s impedance and the 50-ohm standard of most GNSS receivers, with lower values indicating better power transfer. At GPS L1 (1575 MHz), a VSWR of 2.0 ensures that over 90% of the signal power is transferred, minimizing loss and maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio—critical for maintaining accuracy in challenging environments. At GLONASS G1 (1602 MHz), a VSWR of 3.5 is higher, meaning approximately 60% of power is transferred, a compromise made to support multiple bands in a compact design. This trade-off is acceptable because GLONASS often acts as a secondary constellation, supplementing GPS or BeiDou rather than serving as the primary signal source. Manufacturers can further optimize performance by integrating impedance-matching circuits in the receiver, ensuring that even at 1602 MHz, the signal is efficiently processed. For end-users, these VSWR values ensure reliable operation across the antenna’s intended frequency range, with priority given to the most widely used band (GPS L1).

An impedance of 50 ohms aligns the antenna with industry standards for RF systems, ensuring seamless compatibility with GNSS receivers, coaxial cables, and other components in the navigation chain. Impedance matching is critical for maximizing power transfer and minimizing signal reflection, which can cause interference and degrade positioning accuracy. By adhering to the 50-ohm standard, the antenna can be integrated into existing receiver designs without the need for additional matching components, simplifying OEM integration and reducing costs. This compatibility is particularly valuable for manufacturers using off-the-shelf GNSS modules, as it eliminates the need for custom hardware modifications. Whether paired with a budget-friendly receiver in a consumer device or a high-precision chipset in an industrial sensor, the 50-ohm impedance ensures that signal loss is minimized, preserving the integrity of the received data.

The antenna’s compact size—25 x 25 x 4mm—opens up a world of possibilities for integration into space-constrained devices, where every millimeter matters. This miniature form factor fits easily into wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, where it can be embedded in the device’s casing without adding bulk. In drones, it can be integrated into the flight controller, enabling precise positioning for autonomous flight without disrupting aerodynamics. For automotive applications, it fits seamlessly into in-dash navigation systems or ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) modules, where space is occupied by displays, sensors, and control units. The 4mm thickness is particularly noteworthy, allowing the antenna to be embedded in ultra-slim devices like tablet computers or foldable smartphones, where traditional antennas would be too thick. Despite its small size, the antenna’s performance is not compromised: its ceramic radiating element and optimized ground plane ensure that it captures satellite signals with sufficient strength to support accurate positioning.

The RF1.37mm coaxial cable, with a 100mm length, is a critical component in maintaining signal integrity between the antenna and the receiver. RF1.37mm cable is a miniature coaxial variant designed for high-frequency applications, with a small diameter that allows for easy routing within densely packed PCBs. Its construction includes a solid copper center conductor for efficient signal transmission, a dielectric insulator to minimize loss, a braided copper shield to block electromagnetic interference (EMI), and a flexible PVC outer jacket for durability. The braided shield is particularly important in built-in applications, where the antenna is surrounded by noise-generating components like processors and power supplies. By blocking EMI, the shield ensures that the weak GPS signals received by the antenna are not corrupted before reaching the receiver. The 100mm length is optimized for close-range integration: in most embedded systems, the antenna is mounted within centimeters of the receiver, reducing cable loss and ensuring that the signal remains strong. For manufacturers, the pre-attached cable simplifies assembly, as it can be soldered directly to the receiver during production, eliminating the need for manual connector attachment.

The antenna’s operating temperature range of -20°C to +85°C and storage temperature range of -20°C to +65°C ensure reliability in the diverse environments where embedded devices are used. In operating conditions, the ceramic element and PCB substrate remain stable, maintaining their dielectric properties and resonance frequency even as temperatures fluctuate. This is critical for devices like automotive infotainment systems, which are exposed to cabin heat in summer and cold in winter, or outdoor sensors deployed in desert or arctic climates. The IPX connector and RF cable also withstand thermal stress: the cable’s insulation resists hardening in cold temperatures, preventing cracks that could expose the conductor, while the connector’s materials avoid warping in high heat, ensuring a secure connection. During storage, the antenna retains its performance characteristics, with no degradation after extended periods at -20°C to +65°C, a key consideration for OEMs managing inventory or shipping devices across global regions with varying climates.