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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.

Roof and enclosure-mounted low profile 4G LTE antennas are in demand as the IoT bandwagon rolls on so here are 4 suggestions for permanent mount puck style antennas for your application:

4G LTE MIMO puck antenna

This is  a two element puck antenna, called the CMO,  incorporating two antenna elements operating from 690-960/1710-2690 MHz for 4G LTE applications.  Permanently mount by way of stud underneath and locking nut, this antenna has a gasket underneath that provides a waterproof seal once mounted. The antenna mounts onto a ground plane or metal surface and has one cable for each antenna element. Ideal for Wireless CCTV, security and broadband applications, the CMO offers robust RF performance in a compact package.

4G LTE + WiFi puck antenna

Based on the CMO antenna mechanical design, this antenna is called the CLW. It offers 1 x 4G LTE element and 1 x dual band WiFi element for permanent mounting onto a groundplane or metal surface. Suitable for applications where concurrent LTE and WiFi communications are required, the antenna lends itself well to fixed and/or mobile installations.

4G LTE MIMO + GNSS puck antenna

The CMG antenna is also very much based on the CMO antenna. It offers 2 x 4G LTE elements, but also with an added active GPS/GLONASS antenna element. This enables LTE communications concurrently with GPS/GLONASS positioning. Mounted on a metal vehicle roof, this antenna provides a watertight and robust solution for mobile IoT installations.

4G LTE, WiFi + GNSS puck antenna

The CLWG antenna is based on the same blueprint as the CMG antenna, however we have replaced 1  x 4G LTE with a dual band WiFi element. This delivers 1 x 4G LTE, 1 x WiFi and 1 x GNSS in compact and robust package suitable for multiband telematics application where installing 2 or 3 antennas is undesirable.

All these low profile 4G LTE antennas are based on a proven common platform that can be customised if required. Please feel free to use our Antenna Configurator to request a solution that can be designed for your application.

For more information, please feel free to contact us.

The new W-Flex antenna from EAD is a dual band WLAN flexi antenna. Designed for building-in to WiFi devices and terminals often where flat surface for rigid PCB antennas is not available, the W-Flex is an innovative solution.

Based on compact dimensions and a range of cable/connector options, this new antenna is part of a new portfolio of flexible PCB antennas from EAD. Available connectors can include U.FL, RP-SMA and MMCX and can be customer specified to allow ease of compatibility with a variety of WiFi radio modules.

For more information on the W-Flex, please visit our product page. We also recently introduced the L-Flex antenna, a multi-band LTE flexible PCB antenna.