New LDS cap antenna for satellite IoT applications

Kyocera AVX has launched a new LDS cap antenna and evaluation board optimised for Iridium satellite IoT applications and designated as Iridium Qualified Antenna products for Iridium Certus 9704 modules.

Developed to provide Iridium with an embedded antenna optimised for LEO satellites used to provide seamless connectivity and data exchange for IoT devices anywhere in the world, the new LDS cap antenna outperforms the ceramic patch antennas traditionally used in these applications. Manufactured using LDS technology – an efficient process for creating complex, compact, lightweight, wide-bandwidth, and high-gain 3D antenna designs on myriad substrates – the new LDS cap antenna is smaller and lighter than ceramic patch antennas. It exhibits excellent RHCP and superior gain from zenith to horizon, which maximises satellite visibility and reliability and is especially beneficial for improving the connectivity of LEO satellites at low elevation angles. It also exhibits wider bandwidth and higher radiation efficiency than patch antennas.

This innovative on-board antenna has a small, lightweight form factor with a unique design that measures 35.7mm in diameter and 17.98mm high, weighs 6.85g, facilitates easy SMT assembly, and enables device manufacturers to locate components on its underside, saving space on the main PCB board.

The new LDS cap antenna supports GNSS (1,559-1,610MHz) and Iridium (1,616-1626.5MHz) frequencies with ~2dBi peak gain and 60% efficiency, and delivers reliable performance in challenging environments, including over metal. It’s rated for 4W power handling, 50Ω feed point impedance, and operating temperatures extending from -40C to +85C. It is also proven to withstand exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, and salt spray, compliant with the latest RoHS and REACH directives, and packaged and shipped on tape and reel for automated assembly with reflow soldering.

The new antenna is expressly designed for satellite connectivity, targeted for satellite IoT applications, and well-suited for applications including telematics, asset tracking, remote monitoring, smart farming, and smart city applications.

Both the Kyocera AVX LDS cap antenna and its 70mm x 70mm x 32.5mm (L x W x H) evaluation board – designed to enable seamless integration and support quicker time to market – have also been designated as Iridium Qualified Antenna products for Iridium Certus 9704 products, including the Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module and Iridium Certus 9704 satellite IoT developer kit. The Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module with Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) technology is the company’s smallest, most powerful module. It’s ideal for satellite IoT applications that require real-time data analysis, analytics, and automated decision-making – enabling IIoT, M2M, predictive maintenance, remote asset tracking, remote sensing, and uncrewed aircraft, vehicle, and vessel command and control applications with larger file size transfers and faster messaging speeds than previous Iridium IoT modules. It can also help organisations embrace the integration of AI and the IoT: the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT).

“The Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module packs tons of crucial and value-added capabilities into a small form factor to better support the growing satellite IoT market,” said Omid Nia, PhD, associate director of Product Engineering and Certification at Iridium. “KYOCERA AVX’s LDS antenna performance is excellent. It meets all defined Iridium performance and compliance requirements and is officially qualified for use with the Iridium Certus 9704.”

“Iridium is the global leader in satellite IoT applications, so we’re honoured to have had the opportunity to collaborate with them on the development of our latest innovative LDS cap antenna and enable their cutting-edge satellite IoT solutions,” said Carmen Redondo, director of Global Marketing – Antennas at Kyocera AVX. “Our team’s expertise in antenna design allowed us to help the Iridium team overcome challenges posed by traditional ceramic patch antennas and satisfy the unique demands of satellite IoT applications. Our antenna’s RHCP and constant gain from zenith to horizon are especially advantageous for LEO satellite connectivity at low elevation angles, and its peak gain of approximately 2dBi and 60% efficiency ensures reliable performance in challenging environments in various industries. We also optimised its size, performance, and integration flexibility to quicken customers’ time to market, and, like Iridium, are excited to see how customers implement this new technology and the Iridium Certus 9704 IoT solutions it enables.”