Abracon Corporation's APAM series of active patch antenna provides a low-cost, easy-to-use system level solution for GPS based architectures. The internal active patch antennas are composed of a passive GPS patch antenna that is installed on a GND plane, featuring an LNA with matching circuitry (PCB) and a metal cover to protect the PCB, RF cable and IPEX connector. These internal active patch antennas are flat, lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to mount.

The electrical connection with the PCB is secured by pressing the IPEX connector on the receptacle - on board connector. Subsequently, the RF signal propagates through the PCB to excite the patch antenna.

The internal active GPS patch antennas are already tuned to their GND plane and are ready for end-user application. The APAM series is ideal for adding to existing designs with minimal to no changes. Since patch antennas are strongly affected by the surrounding components, the APAM series is recommended for applications where the radiation pattern is distorted if the patch is placed directly on the PCB.

Abracon’s APAM series is offered as a complete module containing a LNA and matching circuitry, eliminating the need for in-circuit matching in GPS based solutions. This series is available in a variety of patch sizes, ranging from 9 mm x 9 mm to 27 mm x 27 mm. The cable length can be modified according to end-user’s application. In such cases, a custom part number is assigned for future orders.