Suggested Title: How to choose a GNSS Antaena – know 5 considerations

Choosing the right GNSS antenna or module is often a difficult task. As the most popular or trending GNSS module is not always the suitable choice for your application, it is better to keep several considerations in mind. Among the pool of GNSS systems and navigation technology, selecting the right GNSS antenna is truly challenging.

Applications Engineer at Symmetry Electronics - Augustine Nguyen – describes the considerations that a GNSS buyer should know.

OEMs should know what to ask before selecting the best GNSS module. Here are the top 5 questions to consider: 

1. Which regions require the support of a GNSS module or antenna?

GPS may be easier to explain but what about BeiDou or Galileo? The type of GNSS system varies with the region as GNSS systems are used locally. You need to build around the relevant GNSS system if your product requires a regional base.

Augustine Nguyen explains that regional support is an essential consideration while designing a product. If your product requires the support of multiple GNSS applications based on regions, it needs continuous testing during the product development process. Regulation and operation of a GNSS system in any region demand certification to run the product in that area. Undoubtedly, it is a time-consuming and expensive procedure and a project manager should take it into account before proceeding to the development stage.  

GNSS systems available or planned to be available in the future are GPS (USA), Galileo (European Union), BeiDou (China), GLONASS (Russia), NAVIC (India), and QZSS (Japan).

2. Does your project require the support of single GNSS systems or multiple ones?

It all depends upon the worldwide approach of the application. Will the product be operated in a certain region and treated as a domestic product? Or will the product be used globally?

Do you want to develop a product that features a GNSS system and supports multiple regions globally? It will decide the essential demographics for the selling of your product. Further, it also finalizes the versatility and adaptability of the upcoming product.

For instance, if you are going to develop a mobile phone it requires location tracking regardless of the region. So, you need the support of multiple GNSS systems to track anywhere in the world. On the other side, an application that facilitates domestic farmers with its GNSS system surely requires a single regional approach. So, access to a single GNSS system in that certain region will keep the price of the product lower and quicker to develop. 

3. What will be the dimensions of the product?

The dimensions of the product and the size of the PCB need to take into account. Furthermore, Augustine reveals that the size and dimension of the upcoming product will determine the location of the antenna. The antenna’s performance is affected by the inaccurate location of the antenna in the product. Further, With the change in antenna output, efficiency, and sensitivity; the size and design of the antenna also affects.    

4. What will the location of the antenna be?

The radiation pattern and efficiency of the product is directly affected by the antenna’s location. The size of your product’s PCB ground plane should be matching with the type and size of antenna to install.  Antenna manufacturer uses specific size of boards to refer to product performance. So, the buyers often get a vague idea of how the final product will behave.

The antenna’s location also affects the design and outlook of the product. Have you ever found GNSS antennas externally in your mobile phone? Obviously no. It will affect the outlook of the product. Well, the product developers need to take into account the aesthetic structure of the product while installing the essential hardware. 

5. how to select the best GNSS system?

Antennas differ from one brand to another. Every manufacture tries to develop a unique system to satisfy the buyers and enhance the user’s experience. For developing a product, always select the quality GNSS system. A trusted distributor helps the buyer to select the most suitable antenna as per the product’s requirement.  

Conclusion

List out the requirements and essential parts of the product and go on in an organized manner. The dimensions of the product also determine the type and size of the antenna. So, consider the size of the antenna and regional access of the system before adding the GNSS system to your product.