Antennas enable reliable GPS fix in compromised environments, quicker cold starts and are useful for miniature covert tracking devices.
Las Vegas – CTIA – March 22, 2010 – Taoglas, the leading M2M antenna provider, (www.taoglas.com) today launched the AP.35a, a powerful 35x35mm square GPS antenna for compromised environments where next-generation miniature tracking devices are placed, deep inside vehicles and assets. The AP.35a antenna is embedded securely in any GPS device, eliminating the need for an external antenna. Taoglas also launched the ALA (Active Loop Antenna) series, the lowest profile active antenna solution for M2M devices that need a slim profile.
The AP.35a is made from a uniquely formulated high-grade ceramic and is only 5.5 mm thick. With its own ground-plane, it can hover over the main-board of the device allowing for a much higher gain and resistance to noise than existing passive patch antennas. In addition, it does not take up valuable board space. Combining high-zenith gain and low-axial ratio, the antenna can now pick up very weak signals at low elevation satellites, giving the greatest GPS sensitivity. A SAW filter reduces noise entering from the device system, 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 AP35.a cuts up to five seconds off the market cold-start performance of Taoglas’ existing antenna the AP.25B. 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.
Taoglas also unveiled the ALA (Active Loop Antenna) series technology in its GPS antenna range. The first product in the range, the ALA.01 at 45mm*10mm*2.3mm is the lowest profile active antenna solution for the M2M market. Omni-directional and lightweight, this is a great antenna for devices which must have a slim profile. For the first time a GPS antenna can now be placed perpendicular to the main-board with a couple of millimeters of clearance and still deliver performance comparable to an active 18mm patch antenna.
"Taoglas has focused on producing the highest performance GPS antennas for the M2M market," said Dermot O’Shea, Director, Taoglas. "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 AP.35a and ALA series we have distilled five years of experience working with the needs of the world’s top automotive and tracking companies into the design."
For more information about Taoglas visit: www.taoglas.com/news/. Samples of the AP.35A.01 and ALA.01 are available now from Taoglas direct, online. Contact sales@taoglas.com.
About Taoglas
Taoglas, the leading M2M antenna provider, delivers an extensive range of automotive, utility, telemedical, tracking and remote antenna solutions. Taoglas also provides wireless device services including, antenna and device RF consultancy, custom antenna design, device noise debugging and testing services, and device certification and approval. Founded in 2004, Taoglas has offices in Ireland, Taiwan, South Africa and USA. Taoglas’ antenna design and development is carried out in all locations with production managed through Taoglas Taiwan. Taoglas customers include top tier automotive, tracking, metering and medical
companies worldwide. For more information visit: www.taoglas.com.