Taoglas has launched the SGP series, the SMT (surface mount) GPS antenna products that are suitable for M2M (machine-to-machine) telematics devices. The GPS antennas are delivered in tape and reel package and can be mounted during the standard reflow process. Automatic assembly enables quicker and accurate assembly and consistency of electrical connection. In this new design, the company has taken the traditional patch antenna technology, mounted the antenna onto a PCB and delivered the feedpoint out to the side of the patch without exposing the feedline. The antennas are resilient enough to withstand temperatures of -40 to +105°C, and vibrations of 20G for cars and motorcycles.
There are four sizes offered: 25x25x5mm, 18x18x5mm, 15x15x5mm and 12x12x4.5mm. As these antennas are mounted onto a PCB, there is no pin sticking out. The antennas and modules can be mounted on the same side of the board and are suitable for mobile devices. Components can be placed directly on the other side of the board from the patch antenna. Pads are used for soldering the antenna to the board keeping it stable and enabling it to withstand high temperature, humidity and environmental tests.
GPS patch antenna technology can offer high gain, a narrow bandwidth and can be right-hand circularly polarised, matching the characteristics of the actual signal itself. With the new generation of receivers, patch antennas can pick up signals when also placed upside-down.
