Why use a GNSS helix antenna for UAVs and drones?
Why use a GNSS helix antenna for UAVs and drones?
As the use of UAVs and drones proliferate across military and industrial applications, a key component in their design is the use of GNSS antennas. The obvious choice is between a GNSS patch style antenna and a GNSS helix antenna. Here are some of the main reasons for choosing a GNSS helix antenna for UAVs and drones.
Compact and Lightweight
Given the environment, the more compact and lightweight the GNSS antenna is the better. Typically, GNSS helix antennas can weigh in the region of 30g to 40g which is ideal for weight critical applications. For example, the ELX1512 antenna weighs 37g including its integral SMA-Male connector. The embedded version weighs just 31g.
Small Footprint
UAV and done designs do not need a square GNSS patch antenna taking up a lot of “real estate” on their platform. By definition, patch antennas are flat and square which is often impractical. GNSS helix antennas in contrast have a small footprint, often based on a SMA connector which can be augmented by further mounting holes on some models. This small footprint makes installation on UAVs and drones a lot more attractive.
Support for multi-constellations
GNSS Helix antennas are very suitable for wideband operation without compromised their compact form factor. GPS L1/L2 or L1/L5 bands are easily covered with excellent RF performance.
Highly accurate
Higher quality GNSS helix antennas have highly focused and consistent phased centres meaning that their inherent stability allows for incredibly precise positioning across multiple frequency bands.
Groundplane independent
As GNSS Helix antennas are often groundplane independent, they work well on non-metal surfaces such as the typically composite structure of a drone or UAV. This characteristic is also beneficial for portable and mobile devices where the enclosure may be polycarbonate or similar and no groundplane is available.
High Gain
GNSS helix antennas can offer high gain across the multi-constellation bands. Incorporating effective and efficient Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), GNSS helix antennas can offer predictable and consistent performance.
For more information on GNSS helix antennas, please contact us or check out a GNSS antenna offering.