GNSS Antenna

A GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antenna is a device designed to receive signals from navigation satellites such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. It converts these radio signals into electrical signals that can be processed by a GNSS receiver to determine position, velocity, and time.

The main types include:

• Patch antennas – compact and cost-effective, commonly used in handheld devices.

• Helical antennas – good multipath resistance, ideal for drones and mobile use.

• Choke ring antennas – high precision and multipath rejection, often used in reference stations.

• Geodetic antennas – designed for high-accuracy surveying and scientific applications.

GNSS antennas can receive one or more frequency bands, typically:

• L1 (around 1575 MHz)

• L2 (around 1227 MHz)

• L5/E5 (around 1176–1207 MHz)

Multi-frequency antennas improve accuracy and robustness by receiving multiple bands.

• Single-frequency antennas receive only one signal band (e.g., L1).

• Multi-frequency antennas receive multiple bands (e.g., L1, L2, L5), allowing for faster signal acquisition, better accuracy, and reduced ionospheric error.

Antenna gain measures how well the antenna focuses received energy in a particular direction. Higher gain typically improves signal reception, especially in challenging environments, but may narrow the reception pattern.

Multipath interference occurs when GNSS signals reflect off nearby surfaces before reaching the antenna, causing positioning errors.
It can be minimized by:

• Using antennas with ground planes or choke rings

• Mounting the antenna away from reflective surfaces

• Using antennas designed for multipath rejection

For best performance:

• Mount it on a stable, level surface

• Ensure a clear view of the sky (minimum obstruction)

• Use proper grounding and cable management

• Avoid placing it near large metal objects or RF sources

A ground plane is a conductive surface placed beneath an antenna to reflect and shape the signal reception pattern. It improves signal strength, reduces multipath, and stabilizes phase center variation—especially for patch antennas.

The phase center is the effective point from which the antenna receives signals. It may vary slightly depending on the satellite’s direction. For precise applications (e.g., surveying), antennas with stable and calibrated phase centers are used.

Performance can be influenced by:

• Antenna design and quality

• Mounting position and environment

• Obstructions and reflections

• Cable losses and connectors

• Signal interference (e.g., RF noise or jamming)

Consider factors like frequency bands required, gain, size, mounting method, environmental conditions, and whether the application is stationary or in motion.

To place an order for GNSS antenna or any other RF antenna please contact us and we will help you!