Multi-Band GNSS Antenna - Neptune
Last Updated: 29/04/2024 08:16 Created at: 29/04/2024 08:16
Final Presentation of NAVISP Project EL2-129 now available:
On Monday, April 22nd , 2024 Taoglas presented the results of the NAVISP EL2-129 project "Neptune".
According to a recent IoT study by statista (2023), the global count of IoT/IoE connected devices is projected to double until 2030 to around 30 billion IoT devices, indicating substantial anticipated growth. Furthermore, there's an increasing utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the expanding IoT market, driven by the convergence of M2M/IoT technologies. As IoT sensors become smaller and more cost-effective, they increasingly integrate location data to transmit multi-modal information to central platforms. This situation highlights the growing importance of precise geographic data. Additionally, the mobility market, particularly the micro-mobility sector, is experiencing significant expansion. This growth, coupled with the rise of automation and vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-network technologies, demands centimetre-level tracking accuracy provided by multi-constellation GNSS systems. Such capability is essential for accurately positioning vehicles in various operational environments. In this context, project NEPTUNE aimed to develop antennas capable of equipping a portion of these sensors with highly accurate GNSS tracking and device location capabilities.
During the project, four distinct antennas were developed:
- Compact Omni-directional GNSS Multiband SMD Ceramic Antenna: The antenna was design is suitable for handheld and wearable devices. It operates on multiple GNSS bands and is right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP), ideal for mobile applications requiring dynamic orientation.
- External Combination Antenna with Multiband GNSS Antenna Solution: This antenna offers a combined solution for Cellular/Wi-Fi functionality alongside multiband GNSS reception. It is intended for outdoor applications like vehicle roof or fleet management, simplifying integration and ensuring optimal performance across multiple radio technologies.
- Embedded Multiband GNSS with WiFi/ISM Technology: This embedded, modular antenna provides high-accuracy multiband GNSS reception along with Wi-Fi and ISM services. It enables cm-level positioning for surveying systems, vehicles, or fleet management, with interchangeable ISM antennas and a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi antenna.
- Multiband GNSS Antenna for Marine Application: Designed specifically for maritime use, this compact and precise antenna aims to improve GNSS location tracking for vessels. It targets recreational vessels with a robust, cost-effective, and small-form-factor solution.
The project successfully achieved all of its goals. By integrating navigation signals from multiple satellite sources and utilizing GNSS correction services, the antennas support precise positional accuracy down to centimetre level. This advancement in antenna technology enhances tracking and asset positioning capabilities, particularly beneficial for industries requiring high precision. Additionally, the project has broadened Taoglas' expertise in manufacturing and performance, enabling the integration of antennas with other products, expanding customer options and fostering growth for the company. Taoglas aims to include multiband GNSS technology in its product portfolio, transitioning from single-band to multi-band antennas. Thus, three of the developed products have been selected to be shortly released on their website and will be soon made available for sale shortly.
The project was part of NAVISP Element 2, which aims to maintain and improve the capabilities and competitiveness of the participating States' industry in the global market for satellite navigation and, more broadly, PNT technologies and services.
Additional detailed information on the covered constellations and frequencies can be found in the Final Presentation slide deck.