The gain specification of 28 dBi is a standout feature of the mushroom GPS antenna, underscoring its ability to amplify weak signals significantly. Gain, measured in decibels relative to an isotropic radiator (dBi), quantifies the antenna’s ability to focus signal energy in specific directions. A high gain of 28 dBi is particularly valuable for satellite navigation, where signals from space are inherently weak after traveling thousands of kilometers. This amplification ensures that even faint signals from GLONASS, BDS, or GPS satellites are captured and processed accurately, resulting in precise positioning data—essential for applications like autonomous driving, where centimeter-level accuracy is required. For 4G and WIFI, the high gain extends the range of cellular towers and wireless routers, ensuring connectivity in remote areas or locations with limited infrastructure.

The VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) of 2.0 is a critical indicator of the antenna’s efficiency in power transfer. VSWR measures the ratio of maximum to minimum voltage in a standing wave pattern along a transmission line, with a value of 1 indicating perfect matching (no signal reflection). A VSWR of 2.0 means that only about 10% of the signal is reflected back to the source, with 90% being transmitted or received. This high efficiency is essential for maintaining signal integrity, especially in multi-band antennas where interference between frequencies could degrade performance. The mushroom design helps minimize VSWR by optimizing the antenna’s internal structure, ensuring that each frequency band (GNSS, 4G, WIFI) operates with minimal reflection, even when used simultaneously.

The connector options—SMA, FAKRA, MCX— enhance the antenna’s versatility and compatibility with diverse devices. SMA connectors are widely used in industrial and consumer electronics, offering a robust, threaded design that ensures secure connections in high-vibration environments like vehicles. FAKRA connectors, on the other hand, are standard in automotive applications, featuring color-coding to prevent incorrect connections between different signal types (e.g., GPS, 4G, WIFI). This is particularly valuable in vehicle manufacturing, where multiple antennas and cables must be installed quickly and accurately. MCX connectors are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for compact devices or applications where space is at a premium, such as portable navigation systems or IoT sensors. The availability of multiple connector types ensures that the mushroom GPS antenna can be integrated into virtually any hardware configuration, from large trucks to small drones.

The cable specifications—300 mm length with RG174 cable— are tailored to balance flexibility, signal integrity, and installation convenience. RG174 is a lightweight, low-loss coaxial cable commonly used in RF applications, offering good shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This shielding is critical in vehicles, where electrical systems (e.g., engines, alternators) generate significant EMI that could disrupt satellite or cellular signals. The 300 mm length provides enough flexibility to route the cable from the antenna’s mounting point (e.g., roof) to the receiver (e.g., dashboard) without excess slack, reducing the risk of tangling or interference. For applications requiring longer cable runs, RG174 can be extended with compatible connectors, though signal loss may increase—making it important to balance cable length with performance requirements.

The material—ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)— contributes significantly to the antenna’s durability and performance. ABS is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high impact resistance, chemical stability, and resistance to UV radiation. These properties make it ideal for outdoor applications, where the antenna is exposed to harsh weather conditions—rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. The mushroom-shaped housing, made from ABS, protects the internal components (e.g., ceramic resonators, amplifiers, filters) from physical damage, ensuring long-term reliability. Additionally, ABS is easy to mold into complex shapes, allowing manufacturers to optimize the antenna’s form for both aerodynamics and signal reception. The black color of the antenna not only provides a sleek, unobtrusive appearance on vehicles but also helps absorb heat, preventing overheating in direct sunlight—a critical factor for maintaining performance in high-temperature environments.

Polarization is another key feature, with the antenna supporting both RHCP (Right-Hand Circular Polarization) and linear polarization. GNSS satellites transmit signals using RHCP, which minimizes signal loss caused by atmospheric effects, reflections, and Faraday rotation. By matching this polarization, the mushroom GPS antenna ensures maximum signal absorption for satellite navigation, reducing errors caused by polarization mismatch. For 4G and WIFI, linear polarization is used, aligning with the vertical or horizontal polarization of cellular towers and wireless routers. This dual polarization support allows the antenna to optimize performance across different frequency bands, ensuring reliable connectivity for both navigation and communication.

The circular polarization specified for the antenna further enhances its satellite navigation capabilities. Circular polarization ensures that the antenna can receive signals from satellites regardless of their orientation relative to the Earth’s surface. This is particularly valuable in dynamic environments, such as moving vehicles or marine vessels, where the antenna’s orientation changes constantly. Unlike linear polarization, which is sensitive to angle, circular polarization maintains signal strength even when the antenna is tilted or rotated, ensuring consistent positioning data during acceleration, braking, or turns.