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KYOCERA AVX has launched an LDS cap antenna and evaluation board optimized for Iridium satellite IoT applications and designated as Iridium Qualified Antenna products for Iridium Certus 9704 modules.
The antenna was developed to provide Iridium with an embedded antenna optimized for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites used to provide seamless connectivity and data exchange for IoT devices anywhere in the world. The new LDS cap antenna developed for Iridium outperforms the ceramic patch antennas traditionally used in these applications.
Manufactured using laser direct structuring (LDS) technology — an efficient process for creating complex, compact, lightweight, wide-bandwidth, and high-gain 3D antenna designs on myriad substrates — the new LDS cap antenna is smaller and lighter than ceramic patch antennas and exhibits excellent right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and superior gain from zenith to horizon, which maximizes satellite visibility and reliability and is especially beneficial for improving the connectivity of LEO satellites at low elevation angles. It also exhibits wider bandwidth and higher radiation efficiency than patch antennas.
The new KYOCERA AVX LDS cap antenna developed for Iridium supports GNSS (1,559–1,610MHz) and Iridium (1,616–1626.5MHz) frequencies with ~2dBi peak gain and 60% efficiency, and delivers reliable performance in challenging environments, including over metal. It’s rated for 4W power handling, 50Ω feed point impedance, and operating temperatures extending from -40° to +85°C. It’s also proven to withstand exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, and salt spray, compliant with the latest RoHS and REACH directives, and packaged and shipped on tape and reel for automated assembly with reflow soldering.
The on-board antenna has a small, lightweight form factor with a unique design that measures 35.7 mm in diameter and 17.98 mm high, weighs 6.85g, facilitates easy SMT assembly, and allows device manufacturers to locate components on its underside, saving space on the main PCB board.
The new antenna is expressly designed for satellite connectivity, targeted for satellite IoT applications, and well-suited for applications including telematics, asset tracking, remote monitoring, smart farming and smart city applications. Earlier this year, it was shortlisted for Electronic Specifier’s Electronics Excellence Awards in the passive product category.
