FAQ

Questions & Answers

Q1. How does Sarantel's antenna reduce the amount of radio energy absorbed by the human body?

The Sarantel antenna uses patented technology that reduces the near field emissions by over 90% when compared with existing antenna technology. It accomplishes this by storing the bulk of the near field energy within the ceramic core of the antenna.

Q2. How can I reduce my system cost?

The Sarantel antenna acts like a band-pass filter and provides very good isolation from other radio systems that may interfere with the GPS receiver. If your system currently uses a band pass filter Sarantel's technology eliminates the need for this component. Sarantel's antenna may enable the use of a lower cost, lower specification image reject SAW filter on the front end of the GPS receiver. For automotive applications Sarantel's antenna can be embedded with the GPS receiver thus eliminating the expensive RF cabling, connectors and integration costs associated with today's embodiments.

Q3. Can Sarantel's antennas be embedded in a device?

Sarantel antennas are particularly well suited to be embedded because they are very predictable and stable in frequency response. In most cases, Sarantel antennas can be embedded in a device with no detuning effects whatsoever. Some materials may have a small tuning effect if they are within a few millimeters of the antenna, however Sarantel's experienced applications team will work with the customer to determine the correct packaging for optimum performance.

Q4. What design support is available to integrate the Sarantel antenna?

Sarantel provide clear guidelines on how to integrate and support the antenna in a customer housing to ensure the product will pass rigorous drop testing.

Q5. Which GPS chipset or module will the Sarantel antenna work with?

The Sarantel antenna will work with any GPS chipset or module and in many cases without the need for any additional components. Sarantel offers both passive and active antennas depending on the requirements of the chipset or module RF front-end.

Q6. How does Sarantel's antenna improve the global positioning systems (GPS) reliability?

The Sarantel antenna is omni-directional with a very large 3dB beamwidth, allowing it to receive signals from low elevation satellites which are essential for good positional accuracy. Since the antenna is omni-directional, it improves the acquisition and maintenance of satellite signals in handheld or mobile devices. The antenna has good LHCP rejection capability, improving the positional accuracy in the presence of multi-path signals.

Q7. How do I combine mobile telecommunications, Wireless LAN and GPS into one small device?

Sarantel's antenna has an integral balun which isolates the antenna from the device ground plane and allows it to resonate independently. Additionally, the small near field of the antenna enables it to be installed within millimeters of other antennas without coupling. These are significant advantages because they directly address both conducted and radiated noise isolation challenges associated with tight integration.

Q8. If the Government insists that all mobile products must be labeled with SAR (specific absorption rate) levels, how will it affect me?

The debate by medical experts on emissions affecting health will continue. By designing mobile products with lower SAR, companies are able to offer their customers a choice. If your application demands a low SAR antenna solution then Sarantel has the best technology available!

Q9. Could I use the Sarantel antenna in other forms of communication device?

Yes, Sarantel's engineering teams are happy to discuss use of the technology in various other applications.