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The VLP4 antenna is a multiband transit antenna platform designed primarily for on-vehicle use. Based on a low profile footprint, the VLP4 can be developed to meet customer specifications for VHF, UHF, TETRA and multi-band frequency bands.

Examples of antenna configurations might be LTE450 + LTE 700-2700 MHz, 2 x LTE 450 MHz, TETRA + LTE or LTE450 + LTE 700-2700 + WiFi.

The antenna mounts directly onto a flat metal surface and requires a groundplane to operate correctly. The cable(s) exit underneath through a gland in the base plate.

Please feel free to contact us with your requirements for the VLP4 antenna. Some requirements may require additional chargeable development work depending on the parameters of the project.

You can also use our antenna configurator to help build your customised VLP4 multiband transit antenna platform solution.

EAD puck antennas IP67 rated. EAD is pleased to announce that it’s range of CPx puck antennas is now IP67 rated.

An IP (International Protection or also known as Ingress Protection) rating is a system of classifying the level to which a mechanical casing or electrical enclosure can withstand intrusion by dust and moisture/water. IP67 is a common requirement for outdoor antenna installations and means that it is totally protected against the ingress of dust and also protected against the effect of immersion between 15 cm and 1M.

The range of EAD puck antennas including the following models are all now confirmed to be IP67 compliant when correctly installed onto a flat enclosed mounting surface such as vehicle roof or watertight enclosure:

CPO – GSM/3G puck antenna
CMO – MIMO 4G/LTE puck antenna
CMG – MIMO 4G/LTE + GPS/GLONASS puck antenna
CLG – 4G/LTE + GPS/GLONASS puck antenna
CLW – 4G/LTE + WiFi puck antenna
CLWG – 4G/LTE + WiFi +GPS/GLONASS puck antenna

For more information on any of the above antennas, please contact us.

The WCO-450-WMB is a 450 MHz compact outdoor omni antenna designed for wall-mount applications for providing access to 450-470 MHz LTE or UHF networks.

Based on our WCO-XX-WMB platform, this antenna is comprised of a UV-resistant, flame retardant sheath and stainless steel L-bracket for wall-mounting. This antenna combined with low loss extension cables such as RF240 is an effective and discreet solution for installations where the antenna cannot be located close to the router or radio.

Other versions for the WCO-XX-WMB include 2.4 GHz and 433 MHz. 915 and 868 MHz versions are also available. For WCO-450-WMB pricing and lead times, please contact us.

We can supply other frequencies based on the WCO-XX-WMB platform from 150 MHz to 6 GHz. Please contact us for details.

169 MHz frequency band

The advent of the EU harmonized ISM band at 169 MHz offers utility businesses a viable alternative to using higher frequencies for wireless metering by using 169 MHz ISM band antennas. Using the 169 MHz VHF frequency band, wireless technology can be deployed for longer range applications at relatively low power due to the low frequency of operation. This has many advantages for operations and billing departments.

Challenge

The challenge however comes with specifying 169 MHz ISM band antennas to go with the wireless meters. There are already a number of ISM-band 169 MHz module and terminal vendors on the market and I am sure there are more in development. An interesting example of a terminal/gateway supplier is Meterlinq. From a RF perspective the module/terminal is relatively straightforward, but to supply compact, discreet antennas is not as easy.

A wavelength at 169 MHz is approximately 1.8M in length and therein lies the problem, for even a 1/4 wave monopole would be half a metre in length once the antenna has been housed in a protective sheath and connectorized.

For metering applications in domestic environments, discreet, tamper-proof antennas that cannot be easily damaged are desirable, but not only is making a very low profile 169 MHz hard to achieve, it would also need a large groundplane to function correctly. This is not straightforward on a small-sized utility meter with little metal real estate. The viable options really are to use a 1/4 wave 169 MHz helical antenna either bulkhead mounted with a RF connector or a through-hole mounted antenna (the link shows a through-hole mounted antenna on a bracket) so the antenna cannot be unscrewed from the meter. Both options would be approximately 120mm in overall length and would ideally need a minimum groundplane size of 85mm x 85mm. This size of groundplane could be possible on most meters, but a larger groundplane required by lower profile antennas are more than likely not going to be possible.

Concentrator applications

For concentrator applications (where a number of remote meters communicate with a hub using VHF communications), a wall-mount 169 MHz antenna might come in useful. Designed for outdoor use, ideally these will be of fibreglass construcion to withstand the elements.

It is also important to be wary of very small 169 MHz antennas as invariably some parameter will be compromised, for example small 169 MHz PCB antennas with a gain of -17.6 dB. It is useful to remember that the laws of physics are not going to change and that the wavelength is always going to be 1.8M. Very small antennas are going to massively compromise RF performance, defeating the very object of the exercise.

169 MHz ISM band antennas – a summary

In conclusion, the 169 MHz band is a real opportunity for wireless metering and related applications, however the selection of 169 MHz ISM band antennas and design-in for the meter must be considered early and with the appropriate level of planning to ensure that a suitable antenna design can be accommodated by the meter in terms of available groundplane etc. without comprising performance or aesthetics.

Related links:

EAD’s SRW169 antenna

EAD’s H169-SMA antenna

Design your own antenna with our Antenna Configurator

Please note: This article was first published on the Specialist Antennas blog and we have updated and enhanced for this issue.

The new CLW LTE WiFi puck antenna is designed to offer concurrent 4G/LTE and WiFi communications in a single low profile antenna enclosure. With one SMA cable for LTE and one RP-SMA for WiFi, the antenna connects to each port on a terminal or router offering multiband connectivity. Cable lengths and connectors are configurable.

The CLW antenna mounts via a robust threaded stub and locking nut from underneath and has a gasket providing a waterproof seal when correctly mounted to a flat surface.

Other products in the same stable are the CMO – 2 x LTE, CLWG – 1 x LTE, 1 x WiFi and 1 x GNSS and the CMG 2 x LTE and 1 x GNSS. For other combinations or variations on the theme, please contact us or use our Antenna Configurator.

The LPO Multiband MIMO antenna has been announced by EAD. Offering 2 x LTE, 2 x WiFi and one active GPS/GLONASS antenna element, the LPO is a robust and practical solution for bus, truck, transit and vehicle applications where 5 antennas for multiband communications need to be installed.

With excellent RF performance in an enclosure 140mm in diameter and 80mm in height, the LPO is permanently mounted via a threaded stud and locking nut underneath. Gain figures for LTE are 3-4 dBi and 5 dBi for both 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi bands.

For more information and availability on the LPO antenna, please contact EAD or your local EAD representative.

The EAD FGO high gain LTE omni antenna has been relaunched. This second generation antenna has an improved mounting bracket for pole or wall-mounting. The fibreglass tube has been retained, although the tube is slimmer than the previous version. Gain figures remain the same at 4-5 dBi across the frequency bands from 690-2700 MHz.

The FGO antenna is terminated in a N-Female connector allowing the installation of low loss jumper cables alongside the FGO. Popular low loss cable choices include RF240 and RF400 cable.

For small volume requirements, you can purchase the FGO via the Connex webshop. For larger or ongoing requirements, please contact EAD or your local distributor.

The unique GPS-Stubby from EAD is the only active GPS stub antenna with either SMA-Male straight or SMA-Male right angle.

Some GPS-based terminal and devices are not suitable for straight GPS stub antennas. Our GPS-Stubby right angle version solves this problem.

The GPS-Stubby is an active antenna with an integrated LNA (low noise amplifier) to enhance signal reception. Housed in a robust, aesthetically attractive sheath, the antenna is ideal for systems where an embedded internal antenna or a magnetic mount antenna cannot be used.

For customers in Europe, you can purchase small quantities of the GPS-Stubby antenna via the Connex Webshop. For all other requests, please contact your local EAD distributor.

The EAD MIMO-Blade is a IP67 LTE MIMO blade antenna designed for fixed and mobile applications. Based on MIMO (2 x LTE element) technology, this antenna is a flat antenna with a variety of mounting options. Ideally suited to inside and outside vehicle, industrial and commercial LTE deployments, the MIMO-Blade is a robust and durable antenna solution.

It is encapsulated in black thermoplastic, fully sealed and waterproof. It has been passed as IP67 by an independent test house and with strain relief at the cable exits, it designed to survive harsher than normal environments.

Supplied as standard with 2 suction cups for mounting, the MIMO-Blade can also be mounted with plastic screws, cable ties, adhesive pads and velcro. The antenna is fed by 2 RG174 cables and a choice of connectors including SMA, TS9, FME and CRC9.

Typical installations cover automotive telematics, telemetry systems, kiosk and vending systems as well as wireless security, CCTV and alarm deployments.

The MIMO-Blade is available through all good EAD distributors and resellers and also available to European customers via the Connex webshop.

EAD is now offering LMO antenna cable bundles with RF400 low loss cables to facilitate longer cable distances from the MIMO antenna to the LTE router. With cables such as BWL195 or RF240, the cable run from the LMO7270 MIMO omni antenna to the router should be no more than 15M. By using RF400, we are able to extend the distance up to 30 metres. This is especially helpful when the router is a server room or location where there isn’t a LTE signal and the antenna cannot be installed close by. For assistance with your longer cable run for your LMO7270 installation, please contact EAD or your local LMO7270 supplier.

The LMO7270 is a dual-polarised 4G LTE MIMO omni-directional antenna suitable for pole, wall or non-metal enclosure mount. Intended initially for fixed wireless broadband access applications, the LMO7270 antenna is now widely used across leisure marine, security and wireless CCTV markets among many others. It can be purchased via your local reseller or if you are in Europe via the Connex webshop.

RF400 is a 1/2″ (10.2mm) diameter low loss RF coaxial cable facilitating longer cable runs for 4G and LTE applications. EAD custom builds RF400 assemblies to order – with cable length and connectors chosen by the customer. Typically assembly turnaround is within 2-3 working days which allows timely delivery for even the most urgent installations. The RF400 cable is often used with external antennas where the antenna is located quite some distance from the router. EAD antennas often installed alongside RF400 include the FGO and LPM8270.

Many customers make use of the LMO antenna cable bundles so they can deploy a system that is specific to their needs and not have to daisy chain cables or to coil up excess cable as part of the installation.

For more information please contact us.