UK’s integrated antenna solutions provider Antenova has unwrapped the GPS RADIONOVA RF antenna module for embedded GPS applications for mobile handsets, personal navigation devices (PNDs), PDAs and laptop computers. It integrates a high-performance and low-power receiver IC with the maker’s high-efficiency, single-ended internally balanced antenna technology.

“Antenova’s balanced antenna technology enables GPS RF antenna modules to operate independent of component placement and the ground plane size,” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova. “Integration of the antenna and RF provides optimized performance, placement flexibility and reduced BOM costs -- thus making it a lower risk and simpler solution for OEMs to design into their own hardware module solutions. Further benefits include reduction in development cost and faster time-to-market for handset designers and manufacturers.”

The module consists of a GPS radio IC and the company’s patented single-feed balanced antenna in a small 7 x 34.5 x 4 mm package with a low profile connector for vertical mounting. Because of its small size and balanced antenna technology, Antenova’s GPS RF antenna module only requires a PCB with a groundplane as small as 20 mm x 40 mm for efficient operation.

According to Antenova, GPS RADIONOVA is the first in its range of RF antenna modules, which will be followed by GSM/CDMA, 3G, dual-mode GPS/GSM and dual-mode WiFi/GSM RF antenna modules.