KYOCERA AVX has launched an LDS cap antenna and evaluation board optimised for Iridium satellite IoT applications.

Developed to provide Iridium with an embedded antenna optimised for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites used to provide seamless connectivity and data exchange for IoT devices anywhere in the world, the antenna is said to outperform the ceramic patch antennas traditionally used in these applications.

Manufactured using laser direct structuring (LDS) technology – a process for creating complex, compact, lightweight, wide-bandwidth and high-gain 3D antenna designs on myriad substrates – the LDS cap antenna is smaller and lighter than ceramic patch antennas and exhibits better right-hand circular polarisation (RHCP) and gain from zenith to horizon, which increases satellite visibility and reliability and is 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 on-board antenna has a small, lightweight form factor with a design that measures 35.7mm in diameter and 17.98mm high, weighs 6.85g, facilitates easy SMT assembly, and allows device manufacturers to locate components on its underside, saving space on the main PCB.

The antenna supports GNSS (1559 to 1610MHz) and Iridium (1616 to 1626.5MHz) frequencies with ~2dBi peak gain and 60% efficiency, and delivers reliable performance in difficult environments, including over metal. It’s rated for 4W power handling, 50Ω feed point impedance and operating temperatures from -40 to +85˚C. 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 antenna (www.kyocera-avx.com/product/9002225l0/) is designed for satellite connectivity, targeted for satellite IoT applications, and suitable for applications including telematics, asset tracking, remote monitoring, smart farming and smart cities.

Both the antenna and its 70 by 70 by 32.5mm evaluation board enable seamless integration and support quicker time to market. They have been designated as Iridium Qualified Antenna products for Iridium Certus 9704 products, including the Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module (www.iridium.com/products/certus-9704-module/) and developer kit. The module with Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) technology is the company’s smallest, most powerful module.

It is 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 (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, associate director at Iridium (www.iridium.com). “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.”

Carmen Redondo, director at KYOCERA AVX (www.kyocera-avx.com), added: “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. 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 it enables.”