ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1

## **ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1** 

## **Ceramic Patch GNSS Antenna** 

The GNSSCP-TH18L1 is an 18 mm x 18 mm square ceramic patch antenna for GPS/GLONASS/ GALILEO/BeiDou global navigation satellite system (GNSS) operation. It provides excellent gain and radiation pattern performance supporting solutions with high location accuracy, rapid satellite signal reception and lock, and quick time to first fix. 

The GNSSCP-TH18L1 offers an extended temperature range to +105 °C for compliance to automotive standard AEC-Q200 Grade 2. The antenna is mounted via attached adhesive patch and has a solder pin signal connection. 

## **FEATURES** 

- Performance at 1567.24 MHz to 1583.60 MHz 

   - VSWR: ≤ 2.8 

   - Peak Gain: 5.1 dBi 

   - Efficiency: 66% 

- Directional radiation pattern orthogonal to antenna surface 

- Right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) 

- Extended operation to +105 °C 

- AEC-Q200 Grade 2 compliance 

- Adhesive mounting to PCB 

## **APPLICATIONS** 

   - Global navigation GNSS 

      - GPS L1 

      - Galileo E1 

      - GLONASS I L1 

      - GLONASS II L1 

      - Beidou B1-BOC 

      - Beidou B1-2 

      - QZSS L1 

   - Timing solutions 

   - Automotive location 

- Solder pin signal connection 

## **ORDERING INFORMATION** 

|Part Number|Description|
|---|---|
|ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1|GNSS ceramic patch antenna with pin-type solder connection|



Available from Linx Technologies and select distributors and representatives. 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

## **ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS** 

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GPS L1, GALILEO E1,<br>GNSSCP-TH18L1 GLONASS II L1, Beidou  Beidou B1-2 GLONASS II L1<br>B1-BOC, QZSS L1<br>Center Frequency 1575.42 MHz 1589.74 MHz 1602 MHz<br>Frequency Range 1567.24 MHz to 1583.60 MHz 1587.69 MHz to 1591.79 MHz 1593.31 MHz to 1608.68 MHz<br>VSWR (max) 2.8 3.2 2.9<br>Peak Gain (dBi) 5.1 2.8 4.0<br>10 Deg. Elevation<br>2.5 1.7 1.3<br>(dBi)<br>Axial Ratio (dB) 12.2 9.6 12.3<br>Average Gain (dBi) -2.2 -3.8 -2.3<br>Efficiency (%) 66 44 65<br>Polarization RHCP<br>Radiation Omnidirectional<br>Max Power 8 W<br>Wavelength 1/4-wave<br>Electrical Type Ceramic Patch<br>Impedance 50 Ω<br>Electrical specifications and plots measured with a 70 mm x 70 mm (2.76 in x 2.76 in) reference ground plane.Connection Pin Type (Through hole)<br>Operating Temp.<br>-40 °C to +105 °C<br>TABLE 2. MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS Range<br>Weight 6.0 g (0.21 oz)<br>Dimensions 18.0 mm x 18.0 mm x 4.0 (0.71 in x 0.71 in x 0.16 in)<br>ESD Sensitivity NOT ESD sensitive. As a best practice, Linx may use ESD packaging.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Electrical specifications and plots measured with a 70 mm x 70 mm (2.76 in x 2.76 in) reference ground plane. 

## **Product Dimensions** 

Figure 1 provides dimensions of the GNSSCP-TH18L1. 

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Adhesive pad,<br>NITTO 5015 adhesive<br>OD 16 mm (0.63 in)<br>ID 7.5 mm (0.30 in)<br>18.0 mm  Thickness 0.12 mm (0.005 in)<br>(0.71 in) 4.0 mm<br>(0.16 in)<br>18.0 mm  1.8 mm<br>T E C H N O L O G I E S (0.71 in) (0.07 in)<br>ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1<br>1.7 mm  Ø3.0 mm  Pin<br>(0.67 in) (0.12 in) Ø0.9 mm<br>(0.04 in)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 1. GNSSCP-TH18L1 Antenna Dimensions 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **VSWR** 

Figure 2 provides the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) across the antenna bandwidth. VSWR describes the power reflected from the antenna back to the radio. A lower VSWR value indicates better antenna performance at a given frequency. Reflected power is also shown on the right-side vertical axis as a gauge of the percentage of transmitter power reflected back from the antenna. 

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5<br>40<br>4<br>30<br>3<br>20<br>2<br>10<br>1 0<br>1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610<br>Frequency (MHz)<br>1567 1575 1584 1587 1590 1592 1593 1601 1602 1609<br>VSWR<br>Reflected Power (%)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 2. GNSSCP-TH18L1 VSWR 

## **RETURN LOSS** 

Return loss (Figure 3), represents the loss in power at the antenna due to reflected signals. Like VSWR, a lower return loss value indicates better antenna performance at a given frequency. 

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0<br>-2<br>-4<br>-6<br>-8<br>-10<br>-12<br>-14<br>-16<br>-18<br>-20<br>1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610<br>Frequency (MHz)<br>1567 1575 1584 1587 1590 1592 1593 1601 1602 1609<br>Return Loss (dB)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 3. GNSSCP-TH18L1 Return Loss 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **PEAK GAIN** 

The peak gain across the antenna bandwidth is shown in Figure 4. Peak gain represents the maximum antenna input power concentration across 3-dimensional space, and therefore peak performance at a given frequency, but does not consider any directionality in the gain pattern. 

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10<br>5<br>0<br>-5<br>-10<br>1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610<br>Frequency (MHz)<br>1567 1575 1584 1587 1590 1592 1593 1601 1602 1609<br>Peak Gain (dBi)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 4. GNSSCP-TH18L1 Peak Gain 

## **AVERAGE GAIN** 

Average gain (Figure 5), is the average of all antenna gain in 3-dimensional space at each frequency, providing an indication of overall performance without expressing antenna directionality. 

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10<br>5<br>0<br>-5<br>-10<br>1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610<br>Frequency (MHz)<br>1567 1575 1584 1587 1590 1592 1593 1601 1602 1609<br>Average Gain (dBi)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 5. GNSSCP-TH18L1 Antenna Average Gain 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **AXIAL RATIO** 

Axial ratio provides a measure of the quality of circular polarization of an antenna, the lower the value (in dB), the better the circular polarization. A circularly polarized antenna field comprises two orthogonal E-field components. These fields are ideally of equal amplitude, resulting in an axial ratio equal to unity (0 dB). In practice, no antenna is perfectly circular in polarization, the polarization is elliptical as one field has larger magnitude. As the axial ratio increases the antenna gain degrades away from the main beam orthogonal to the antenna surface. The axial ratio for the TH18L1 antenna is shown in Figure 6. 

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20<br>15<br>10<br>5<br>0<br>1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610<br>Frequency (MHz)<br>1567 1575 1584 1587 1590 1592 1593 1601 1602 1609<br>Axial Ratio (dB)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 6. Axial Ratio of the GNSSCP-TH18L1 

## **RADIATION EFFICIENCY** 

Radiation efficiency (Figure 7), shows the ratio of power delivered to the antenna relative to the power radiated at the antenna, expressed as a percentage, where a higher percentage indicates better performance at a given frequency. 

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100<br>90<br>80<br>70<br>60<br>50<br>40<br>30<br>20<br>10<br>0<br>1560 1570 1580 1590 1600 1610<br>Frequency (MHz)<br>1567 1575 1584 1587 1590 1592 1593 1601 1602 1609<br>Efficiency (%)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 7. GNSSCP-TH18L1 Antenna Radiation Efficiency 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **RADIATION PATTERNS** 

Radiation patterns provide information about the directionality and 3-dimensional gain performance of the antenna by plotting gain at specific frequencies in three orthogonal planes. Antenna radiation patterns are shown in Figure 8 using polar plots covering 360 degrees. The antenna graphic at the top of the page provides reference to the plane of the column of plots below it. Note: when viewed with typical PDF viewing software, zooming into radiation patterns is possible to reveal fine detail. 

XZ-Plane Gain 

YZ-Plane Gain 

XY-Plane Gain 

## **1567.24 MHz to 1583.60 MHz (1576 MHz)** 

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35 36 5 1 2 3 35 36 5 1 2 3 35 36 5 1 2 3<br>34 0 4 34 0 4 34 0 4<br>33 -5 5 33 -5 5 33 -5 5<br>32 -10-15 6 32 -10-15 6 32 -10-15 6<br>31 -20 7 31 -20 7 31 -20 7<br>-25 -25 -25<br>30 -30 8 30 -30 8 30 -30 8<br>-35 -35 -35<br>29 -40 9 29 -40 9 29 -40 9<br>-45 -45 -45<br>28 -50 10 28 -50 10 28 -50 10<br>27 11 27 11 27 11<br>26 12 26 12 26 12<br>25 13 25 13 25 13<br>24 14 24 14 24 14<br>23 15 23 15 23 15<br>22 16 22 16 22 16 1567 MHz<br>21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 1576 MHz1584 MHz<br>XZ-Plane Gain YZ-Plane Gain XY-Plane Gain<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **1587.69 MHz to 1591.79 MHz (1590 MHz)** 

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35 36 5 1 2 3 35 36 5 1 2 3 35 36 5 1 2 3<br>34 0 4 34 0 4 34 0 4<br>33 -5 5 33 -5 5 33 -5 5<br>32 -10-15 6 32 -10-15 6 32 -10-15 6<br>31 -20 7 31 -20 7 31 -20 7<br>-25 -25 -25<br>30 -30 8 30 -30 8 30 -30 8<br>-35 -35 -35<br>29 -40 9 29 -40 9 29 -40 9<br>-45 -45 -45<br>28 Ve -50 10 28 (EA -50 10 28 (A -50 10<br>27 11 27 11 27 11<br>26 12 26 12 26 12<br>25 13 25 13 25 13<br>24 14 24 14 24 14<br>23 15 23 15 23 15<br>22 16 22 16 22 16 1587 MHz<br>21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 1590 MHz1592 MHz<br>XZ-Plane Gain YZ-Plane Gain XY-Plane Gain<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **1593.31 MHz to 1608.68 MHz (1601 MHz)** 

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35 36 5 1 2 3 35 36 5 1 2 3 35 36 5 1 2 3<br>34 0 4 34 0 4 34 0 4<br>33 -5 5 33 -5 5 33 -5 5<br>32 -10-15 6 32 -10-15 6 32 -10-15 6<br>31 -20 7 31 -20 7 31 -20 7<br>-25 -25 -25<br>30 -30 8 30 -30 8 30 -30 8<br>-35 -35 -35<br>29 -40 9 29 -40 9 29 -40 9<br>-45 -45 -45<br>28 -50 10 28 -50 10 28 -50 10<br>27 11 27 11 27 11<br>26 12 26 12 26 12<br>25 13 25 13 25 13<br>24 14 24 14 24 14<br>23 15 23 15 23 15<br>22 16 22 16 22 16 1593 MHz<br>21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 21 20 19 18 17 1601 MHz1609 MHz<br>XZ-Plane Gain YZ-Plane Gain XY-Plane Gain<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 8. GNSSCP-TH18L1 Radiation Patterns 

## **GROUND PLANE** 

Ceramic patch antennas are directional in signal transmission and reception orthogonal to the surface plane of the antenna, and require a ground plane for proper operation. The larger the ground plane, the narrower the antenna signal beam, and generally, the better the VSWR performance of the antenna. Relatively smaller ground planes produce wider signal beams. Linx recommends the ground plane size shown in the Electrical Specifications table to achieve performance similar to that shown in this datasheet. Other ground plane sizes and antenna mounting locations are possible. The antenna should be mounted at the center of the ground plane for best performance. Linx offers PCB design reviews to help optimize solution performance. 

## **ANTENNA INSTALLATION** 

The GNSSCP-TH18L1 attaches to the PCB surface using a double-sided adhesive (0.12 mm thick) which consists of a flexible pressure sensitive adhesive that adheres to metal, plastic and other non-porous surfaces. The mounting surface should be clean and free of moisture and oily residues for ideal adhesive strength. The 4 optional PCB solder pads and their dimensions are provided for use where the adhesive used to attach the antenna is not adequate to maintain the bond between the antenna and the PCB such as in installations that are exposed to excessive vibration. To facilitate soldering the adhesive must be removed. 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **RECOMMENDED LAYOUT** 

The recommended printed circuit board (PCB) layout for the GNSSCP-TH18L1 is demonstr ~~at~~ ed by the AEK- GNSSCPTH18L1 evaluation board shown in Figure 9. Contact Linx for availability of PCB layout desi ~~gn fles.~~ 

The recommended layout includes a matching network, ground plane and PCB transmission line from the antenna to the matching network, and to the connector or radio circuitry. The connector used for the evaluation board is optional, the transmission line may be run directly to the radio if on the same PCB. 

Linx recommends inclusion of at least a 3-element, surface mount pi matching network of two parallel capacitors, (C1, C2) and one serial inductor, (L1) in all designs (Figure 10). Surface mount components should be 0603 size. 0402 size components are also supported. The GNSSCP series antennas, as designed, do not require matching, but matching may improve end-product antenna performance depending on the effects of the enclosure, PCB and other electronic components. If no matching is necessary, the serial element may be populated with a zero-ohm resistor and no components in the two capacitor positions. This is the configuration of the Linx evaluation board as supplied. Linx believes in wireless made simple® and offers matching network design support. 

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PCB Top Side PCB Bottom Side<br>70x70mm<br>ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1<br>TECHNOLOGIES<br>ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1<br>Pi matching<br>circuit<br>C2<br>L1<br>C1 SMA jack<br>(female socket)<br>Ground plane<br>on bottom layer<br>for counterpoise<br>AEK-GNSSCP-TH18L1<br>www.linxtechnologies.com<br>Copyright © 2020 Linx Technologies<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 9. ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 Recommended Layout 

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L1<br>C1 C2<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Figure 10. Matching Network Recommendation 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **RECOMMENDED PCB FOOTPRINT** 

Figure 11 shows the recommended printed circuit board footprint for the GNSSCP-TH18L1 antenna. The footprint recommendation should be used in conjunction with the recommended layout configuration shown in Figure 9. 

Figure 11. ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 Antenna Placement on PCB 

## **TRANSMISSION LINES FOR EMBEDDED ANTENNAS** 

For most designs, Linx recommends a microstrip transmission line for the GNSSCP-TH18L1 antenna. A microstrip transmission line is a PCB trace that runs over a ground plane to maintain the characteristic impedance for optimal signal transfer between the antenna and radio circuitry. Linx designs all antennas with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. 

Important practices to observe when designing a transmission line are: 

- Keep all transmission lines to a minimum length for best signal performance 

- Use RF components that also operate at a 50 Ω impedance 

- If the radio is not on the same PCB as the antenna, the microstrip should be terminated in a connector, enabling a shielded cable to complete the antenna connection to the radio 

- For designs subject to significant electromagnetic interference, a coplanar waveguide transmission line may be used on the PCB 

The design of a PCB transmission line can be aided by many commercially available software packages which can calculate the correct transmission line width and gap dimensions based upon the PCB thickness and dielectric constant used. Linx offers PCB design reviews to help optimize solution performance. 

## **PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS** 

The GNSSCP-TH18L1 antennas are packaged in protective plastic trays as shown in Figure 12. Antennas are packaged 25 per tray, 200 antennas (8 trays) are packed in a carton 10.4 in x 6.1 in x 3.8 in (263 mm x 154 mm x 96 mm). 800 antennas packaged in a shipping box 12.9 in x 11.0 in x 8.6 in (327 mm x 280 mm x 218 mm). 

Top View 

Front View 

Figure 12. Packaging Specifications for the ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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## **ANTENNA DEFINITIONS AND USEFUL FORMULAS** 

VSWR - Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. VSWR is a unitless ratio that describes the power reflected from the antenna back to the radio. A lower VSWR value indicates better antenna performance at a given frequency. VSWR is easily derived from Return Loss. 

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Return  Loss<br>20 + 1<br>VSWR =  [10]<br>Return Loss<br>10 20 −1<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Return Loss - Return loss represents the loss in power at the antenna due to reflected signals, measured in decibels. A lower return loss value indicates better antenna performance at a given frequency. Return Loss is easily derived from VSWR. 

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Efficiency ( η ) - The total power radiated from an antenna divided by the input power at the feed point of the antenna as a percentage. 

Total Radiated Efficiency - (TRE) The total efficiency of an antenna solution comprising the radiation efficiency of the antenna and the transmitted (forward) efficiency from the transmitter. 

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Gain - The ratio of an antenna’s efficiency in a given direction (G) to the power produced by a theoretical lossless (100% efficient) isotropic antenna. The gain of an antenna is almost always expressed in decibels. 

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Peak Gain - The highest antenna gain across all directions for a given frequency range. A directional antenna will have a very high peak gain compared to average gain. 

Average Gain - The average gain across all directions for a given frequency range. 

Maximum Power - The maximum signal power which may be applied to an antenna feed point, typically measured in watts (W). 

Reflected Power - A portion of the forward power reflected back toward the amplifier due to a mismatch at the antenna port. 

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DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1 

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decibel (dB) - A logarithmic unit of measure of the power of an electrical signal. 

decibel isotropic (dBi) - A comparative measure in decibels between an antenna under test and an isotropic radiator. decibel relative to a dipole (dBd) - A comparative measure in decibels between an antenna under test and an ideal half-wave dipole. 

Dipole - An ideal dipole comprises a straight electrical conductor measuring 1/2 wavelength from end to end connected at the center to a feed point for the radio. 

Isotropic Radiator - A theoretical antenna which radiates energy equally in all directions as a perfect sphere. 

Omnidirectional -Term describing an antenna radiation pattern that is uniform in all directions. An isotropic antenna is the theoretical perfect omnidirectional antenna. An ideal dipole antenna has a donut- shaped radiation pattern and other practical antenna implementations will have less perfect but generally omnidirectional radiation patterns which are typically plotted on three axes. 

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**09/22   Original** 

DATA AND DEVICES / ANT-GNSSCP-TH18L1