Mini Patch Antenna Suits Portable GPS Applications

Portable global positioning system (GPS) receivers and navigation systems are the targeted applications of the new DAX dielectric patch antenna. Designed specifically for 1575.42 MHz L1 reception, the DAX is said to have excellent stability and sensitivity due to use of high-performance ceramic materials and excellent frequency characteristics due to a silver-plated copper electrode. With its low-profile antenna element, the antenna measures just 18 mm by 18 mm and is only 4.5 mm high. Its rectangular micro-strip design facilitates GPS C/A right-hand circular polarization wave reception. Other features of the antenna include an impedance of 50W and a maximum temperature coefficient of 20 ppm/°C. Priced at less than $3 each/1K, the DAX ships with double-sided adhesive tape for easy mounting to the ground plane.