GPS Antennas

GPS Antennas

Marine Grade Options: All vehicle mount types within our GPS antennas category are suitable for marine use. They attach flush to flat surfaces and feature a durable ABS radome. This includes the "puck" styles as well as the cone styles: ALGLNA2c3FT/ 9ft /18ft.

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Frequency Bands

GPS satellite signals, which consist of ranging signals and navigation messages, provide essential time and spatial data. These signals can be received by GPS antennas operating on several key frequency bands. Please note that certain legacy bands and modernized signals are also available for civilian use, derived from the fundamental frequencies of atomic clocks onboard the satellites:

1. L1: 1.57542 GHz with a bandwidth of 15.345 MHz
2. L2: 1.2276 GHz with an 11 MHz bandwidth
3. L5: 1.17645 GHz with a 12.5 MHz bandwidth

Conversion to Iridium Satellite Coverage: For all antennas covering the GPS frequency of 1.5GHz, we can customize the 1.5GHz GPS antenna to convert it to 1.6GHz, allowing compatibility with the Iridium satellite frequency. This procedure requires an additional four weeks of production and incurs an added cost of $1.75 per antenna.

Understanding GPS Antennas

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Antennas are radio-frequency devices engineered to receive and amplify microwave signals transmitted by GPS satellites. The GPS signal received is transformed into an electronic signal, which GPS receiving devices utilize to compute positional data.

GPS is primarily a military satellite-dependent radio-navigation system managed by the United States Government, specifically operated by the United States Space Force. Initially launched in the 1970s, this system has evolved into a robust network supporting up to 31 actively orbiting satellites, delivering comprehensive global coverage with remarkable accuracy of within 30 centimeters (11.81 inches).

Formerly referred to as Navstar GPS, this system is among a number of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) available globally for both military and civilian applications, including emergency services, marine, automotive, and aviation sectors. Civilian access to GPS is granted at the discretion of the US Government and can be limited or withdrawn as necessary; there have been noteworthy instances of selective availability or service degradation in the past.

Compatibility with Other GNSS

GPS is not the only satellite-based radio-navigation system. The following GNSSs exhibit compatibility with GPS:

We take pride in being the leading supplier of the Mushroom GPS Timing Antenna. Our team is dedicated to helping you find exactly what you need.

• GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS): A Russian system and the primary alternative to GPS. GPS antennas can simultaneously utilize GLONASS and GPS data, allowing for quicker and more accurate positioning.
• The Galileo Positioning System: Developed by the European Union, this system is designed to work alongside upgrades to the GPS system.
• BeiDou Navigation Satellite System: Originating from China.
• NAVigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC): This is India's satellite navigation system.

Data Transmitted by GPS

The data communicated on GPS frequencies includes:

• Ephemeris data: Provides positional information for each orbiting satellite.
• Almanac: Contains data regarding the overall status of the GPS satellite constellation.
• Pseudorandom noise (PRN).
• Precision code: This provides precision positioning services.

The L frequency bands can penetrate atmospheric conditions such as clouds, precipitation, and vegetation, enabling GPS antennas to receive accurate data at any time—day or night. However, concrete structures and dense vegetation may weaken the GPS signal, leading to potential inaccuracies.

The sub-2 GHz frequencies utilized in the L bands significantly reduce ionospheric delays. The bandwidth allocated for GPS is sufficient to accommodate PRN codes.

GLONASS operates on similar frequencies, facilitating its compatibility with GPS and usability by GPS antennas.

Enhancing GPS Signals

Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) can enhance GPS signal reception. These devices work to amplify the GPS signal without bringing along additional noise. GPS antennas typically have a Minimal Discernible Signal (MDS) level, but employing an LNA allows for increased sensitivity with minimal noise introduction to amplify the signal. This is a common feature seen in GPS antenna setups.

Frequently, GPS antennas are installed together with Long Term Evolution (LTE or 4G) antennas. In such configurations, a GPS antenna acts as an auxiliary element, boosting the performance in Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) scenarios by improving stability, reception, and throughput while minimizing interference. The antennas connect through the LTE-main and LTE-AUX coax connections.

Applications of GPS Antennas

GPS antennas serve a plethora of navigational and mobility functions and are often installed on vehicles to facilitate navigation on the move. The antennas may take on various forms, including:

• Patch antennas: These consist of a metal patch mounted on a ceramic substrate, typical of puck-style antennas.
• Quad helix antennas: These comprise several longitudinal helices.

Both antenna types are omnidirectional.

If you seek additional information, please visit Multi-GNSS Timing Antenna.