Important role of GPS antenna

1、 Function of GPS antenna

The function of GPS antenna is to convert the electromagnetic wave energy of the radio signal from the satellite into the current that can be absorbed by the receiver electronics. The size and shape of GPS antenna are very important, because these characteristics determine the ability of antenna to obtain weak GPS signal.

As required, the antenna can be designed to work on a single L1 frequency or on both L1 and L2 frequencies. Because the GPS signal is circularly polarized wave, the GPS antenna is circularly polarized. Despite a variety of constraints, there are still many different antenna types, such as monopole, bipolar, helical, four arm helical, and microstrip antennas.

2、 Classification of GPS antenna

1. Flat panel antenna

Because of its durability and relatively easy fabrication, flat panel antenna has become the most widely used kind of antenna. Its shape can be round, square or rectangular, just like a copper clad printed circuit board. It is composed of one or more metal sheets, so the most common shape of GPS antenna is block knot, like a pancake. Because the antenna can be made very small, it is suitable for aviation applications and personal handheld applications.

2. Four arm helical antenna

The four arm helical antenna consists of four specific curved metal lines. No grounding is required. It has the characteristics of zapper antenna and vertical antenna. This ingenious structure enables the GPS antenna to have 3dB gain in any direction and increases the receiving time of satellite signals.