Improved GPS antenna modules hit the streets

Antenova has announced the general availability of the second generation of its industry leading GPS Radionova RF antenna module for embedded GPS applications.

Antenova has announced the general availability of the second generation of its industry leading GPS Radionova RF antenna module for embedded GPS applications.

The company's modules are being designed into GPS enabled handheld consumer products to be available for Christmas 2007.

"The GPS Radionova RF antenna module has gained a tremendous amount of interest from the OEMs as well as the leading GPS chipset vendors", says Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova.

"Our new module design with the RF components integrated between the two-part antenna has further optimised the performance and efficiency of the earlier version module".

"This new design provides even greater bandwidth - making it easier to implement into more devices and handsets without any customisation required".

"Field tests have proven excellent performance under all conditions, including urban canyons and tree-lined avenues".

"In addition, time to first fix (TTFF) from a cold start is 30-45 seconds, depending on the customer's system configuration".

Antenova's GPS Radionova RF antenna module is the world's first single package solution to combine RF and passive antenna on the same module.

The GPS Radionova is a highly integrated GPS RF antenna module suitable for L1-band GPS and A-GPS systems.

The device integrates a high performance and low power receiver IC with Antenova's high efficiency patented GPS antenna technology.

GPS Radionova consists of a GPS radio IC, Antenova's patented single feed two-part antenna and all RF front-end components in a single 35 x 7 x 4mm package laminate base module.

A low profile connector for vertical mounting is located in the centre of the module - offering improved mechanical stability.

GPS Radionova operates on a single 3V positive bias supply with low operating current and sleep mode feature to further reduce current during idle mode.

McCray adds: "In addition to the improved performance and efficiency, we have been able to achieve both cost and size reduction with this new design".

"Needless to say, the benefits of high performance, small size, low cost and ease of integration in a true drop-in module with the antenna and RF is a very attractive solution for our OEM customers and GPS IC partners".

"The first GPS Radionova enabled consumer products will ship in Q307 in time for the Christmas season".

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