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¶ General Description
The Echo 26A is a compact, embedded ceramic patch antenna optimised for high-accuracy GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) applications with additional support for Galileo E1, BeiDou B1C, and QZSS L1.Despite its small 18 mm patch form factor, the Echo 26A achieves strong performance with an RHCP gain across the top hemisphere of 22 dBiC. The integrated 18 dB LNA delivers robust signal reception while maintaining low noise performance, resulting in faster satellite acquisition and stable tracking.
Its low power consumption and small footprint make it an excellent choice for space-constrained applications such as asset tracking devices, UAVs, and portable GNSS equipment.
¶ Key Features
- Supports GPS L1, Galileo E1, BeiDou B1C, QZSS L1
- 22 dBiC RHCP gain
- Integrated LNA with 18 dB gain (typical)
- Compact 19.7 × 19.6 × 6.6 mm embedded ceramic form factor
- Low voltage, low current design for power-sensitive devices
¶ Typical Applications
- IoT and asset tracking devices
- UAVs and drones
- Portable GNSS receivers
- Compact navigation modules
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GPS
L1 Antenna
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UAV Optimised
Ideal for Aerial Platforms
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RHCP Gain
22 dBiC
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Embedded
Installation
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Active
Integrated LNA
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¶ Electrical Specifications
| Impedance: | 50 Ω |
| Polarisation: | RHCP |
| Frequency Range: | 1575.42 MHz |
| Return Loss: | −15.9 dB |
| VSWR: | 1.38 typ. |
| Required Ground Plane: | 70 x 70 mm |
| Peak RHCP Gain Top Hemisphere: |
21.54 dBiC |
| LNA Gain: | 18 dB typ. |
| Noise Figure: | 1.5 dB typ. |
| Supply Voltage: | 2.3 – 5.5 V DC |
| Current Consumption: | 6.6 – 16 mA (depending on Vcc) |
¶ Environmental Specifications
| Operating Temperature Range: | −40 °C to 90 °C |
| Storage Temperature Range: | −40 °C to 90 °C |
| Relative Humidity: | 10 – 95% |
¶ Mechanical Specifications
| Dimensions: | 19.7 × 19.6 × 6.6 mm |
| Weight: | 7 g |
| Cable Type: | 1.13 mm coax |
| Cable Length: | 100 mm |
| Connector: | U.FL/I-PEX |
| Mounting Method: | Embedded |
¶ Spectrum Coverage*
| ↑ Suitable band | □ Adequate band in good signal conditions | ↓ Likely to be unsuitable |
¶ GNSS Standards Band Support
| Electrical Interface | Spherical RF Measurements | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Frequency (MHz) | VSWR | Return Loss (dB) | Average RHCP Gain (dBiC) | Peak RHCP Gain (dBiC) |
| 1575.42 | 1.3819 | -15.8999 | 17.76 | 22.18 |
| Top Hemisphere RF Measurements | Zenith RF Measurements | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Frequency (MHz) | Average RHCP Gain (dBiC) | Peak RHCP Gain (dBiC) | RHCP Gain at Zenith (dBiC) |
| 1575.42 | 18.98 | 21.54 | 21.09 |
¶ RF Matching Performance
This section illustrates the antenna's impedance matching characteristics across the operating frequency range using VSWR and Return Loss measurements.
¶ RF Zenith
¶ RF Top Hemisphere
¶ RF Spherical
The following graphs display the Average and Peak RHCP Gain across the entire spherical coverage of the antenna. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of the antenna’s ability to receive signals from satellites at all elevations and directions.
Consistently high gain across the sphere ensures strong and stable GNSS reception in a variety of operating conditions.
¶ Test Setup (on 100 x 100 mm Ground Plane)
¶ 2D Radiation Plots (1575.42 MHz)
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¶ 3D Radiation Plots (1575.42 MHz)
¶ Ordering Details
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| ECHO26A/0.1M/IPEX/S/S/15 |
19 x 19 mm Active Ceramic Patch GPS L1 Embedded Antenna 100 mm Cable and U.FL/I-PEX Connector |