Alpha Micro expands GPS antennae portfolio with launch of the AMC-ANTGSP35X4

Design-based distributor Alpha Micro Components has today announced the addition of the AMC-ANTGPSAP35X4, the latest GPS antenna from the leading M2M antenna developer, to its product portfolio. The AMC-ANTGPSAP35X4 is a powerful active 35mm x 35mm GPS antenna and has been developed for use in compromised environments where next-generation tracking devices are placed, including deep inside vehicles and assets.

Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director at Alpha Micro, said: "AMC-ANTGPSAP35X4 antenna is the ideal addition to Alpha Micro's extensive range of GPS antennas. Its practical design allows it to be securely embedded into any GPS solution, providing comparable performance normally only achieved when using an external GPS antenna. The AMC-ANTGPSAP35X4 fits in nicely with our extensive range of wireless products and complements our GPS solutions from u-blox."

The The AMC-ANTGPSAP35X4 is a complete GPS antenna solution made from a uniquely formulated high-grade ceramic supplied with its own ground-plane and can be terminated with the customer's choice of connector.   In addition, it does not take up valuable board space as it can hover over the main-board of the device, saving space and also allowing for a much higher gain and resistance to noise than existing passive patch antennas.  Combining high-zenith gain and low-axial ratio, the antenna is capable of receiving very weak signals at low elevation satellites, giving the greatest GPS sensitivity. An internal SAW filter reduces noise entering from the device system, which is important when considering the close proximity of cellular transmitters and circuitry in today's miniature devices.

These results combined lead to quicker cold starts and more accurate position and location information.   With a cold start of 21 seconds in open sky conditions with the uBlox 5 module, testing has confirmed that the AMC-ANTGPSAP35X4 cuts up to five seconds off the market cold-start performance of the existing AMC-ANTGPSAP25X4 antenna. Max C/N ratio of 51 with 12 simultaneous locked satellites has been recorded over 24 hours, an improvement from ten. All told, these incremental changes result in substantial improvements in reliability and accuracy for the discerning professional GPS system designer at the forefront of the industry.

"Alpha Micro has focused on producing the highest performance GPS antennas for the M2M market," said Nick Robins, Technical Director, Alpha Micro.  "These antennas add to our strong line-up of active and passive antenna solutions. M2M market feedback and requirements help us to continuously improve and optimize this line of products. With the ANTGPSAP35X4 we have distilled five years of experience working with the needs of the world's top automotive and tracking companies into this design."