QUESTION

Question

HI,

We are developing a 2.5G ski tracker, what antenna and GPS would you recommend for a PCB size of 50 mm x 40 mm?

I see from you online selection that the efficiency is reduced with such a small PCB?

Answer 1

Hi Pete,

Sinica or Agosti will work well on a PCB of these dimensions. Best performance would be Sinica placed in the centre of the long edge.
Many Thanks

Steve

Comments

Thanks Steve,

Your specifications document shows efficiency below a 60mm long PCB is 45%, is 50mm PCB much worse for the Sinica?

Also what cellular antenna would you propose and it’s best position relative to the Sinica?

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Hi Pete,

I would expect the efficiency to be around 35% on this size PCB. However, we've found that when connected to our GNSS module this efficiency would translate to a good CN level. 

For the cellular antenna, it depends on which bands you require and whether you require certification. Typically, Pharaoh would be the best fit for 4G on small PCBs. Please see suggested layout below. 

Many Thanks

Steve

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Thanks Steve,

We are using 2.5G edge on the 900 band. Also a quectel BG95 chip. what would work best? Also how far away from batteries should we look to keep both antennas?

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Hi Pete,

Pharaoh would be the best antenna here. Typically we would recommend a 10mm gap between antenna and battery/other reflective/conductive parts, however it may be possible less clearance will still work - in order to judge this we would need to see PCB layout and 3D drawings. We offer a free design review service and our FAEs can help you integrate our products to get the best possible performance.

Many Thanks

Steve

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Thanks Steve,

Your SR4L049 - L is it any good on such a small PCB?