Global navigation technologies now play a central role in smartphones, autonomous systems, industrial equipment, and defense platforms. Accuracy, reliability, and signal sensitivity depend heavily on the quality and type of antenna integrated into the device. A GPS GNSS antenna determines how effectively the system receives satellite signals across multiple constellations, manages noise, and maintains positional stability in challenging environments. As next generation devices expand into fields like precision agriculture, fleet management, surveying, and unmanned platforms, choosing the right antenna type has become a key engineering decision. Prestonics supports companies developing advanced RF systems by helping them evaluate antenna technologies that align with operational and environmental demands.
Compact Consumer and Industrial Devices
One of the most common solutions in modern electronics is the ceramic patch antenna. Its compact size, lightweight design, and excellent performance in fixed position applications make it ideal for mobile devices, IoT sensors, and embedded modules. Patch antennas deliver strong performance when the device orientation is stable, and they can be optimized for specific GNSS bands including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. Their mechanical stability allows them to withstand vibration and temperature changes while maintaining good signal reception. Prestonics often works with engineering teams to identify patch antenna options that meet strict size constraints while still providing the sensitivity required for accurate location tracking in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Helical and Quadrifilar Designs
When applications require superior multipath rejection and consistent performance regardless of device orientation, helical or quadrifilar antennas become strong candidates. Their three dimensional structure enables circular polarization, which significantly improves signal reliability in urban canyons, forested regions, or near reflective surfaces. These antenna types are commonly used in professional surveying equipment, drones, and emergency communication systems where accurate location data is essential. A GPS GNSS antenna based on a helical or quadrifilar structure can deliver better sky visibility and maintain a stable satellite lock even under dynamic motion. Engineers select these solutions when precision and robustness take priority over compactness.
Active Antennas for Enhanced Signal Strength
Many devices benefit from active GNSS antennas that combine the radiating element with an internal low noise amplifier. This design reduces the impact of cable loss, boosts weak satellite signals, and improves overall signal to noise ratio. Active antennas are particularly valuable in automotive systems, asset tracking devices, and remote sensing platforms where long cable runs or electrically noisy environments may degrade signal quality. Their integrated amplification helps maintain stable performance without requiring additional external components. Designers must consider factors such as power supply, noise figure, and filtering when selecting these antennas, ensuring that the active circuitry complements the system’s RF architecture.
Prestonics continues to assist design teams by providing high quality components and technical guidance that support next generation navigation and positioning systems. For more details, please leave your contact information on the website and we’ll contact you shortly.
