APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 1
Navigate globally with RUN mXTENDTM
- Antenna Component: RUN mXTENDTM FR01-S4-224
- Dimensions: 12.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 2.4 mm
- Frequency regions: 1561 MHz, 1575 MHz, and 1598 MHz to 1606 MHz
With more than 80% of efficiency,
the new RUN mXTENDTM chip
antenna component covers the
frequency ranges used for operating
at the global navigation systems:
GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.
This new reference design illustrates
a full satellite navigation
performance, tested in two different
evaluation board sizes, that allows
location signal usability anywhere in
the world.
The miniature size (12.0mm x 3.0mm x 2.4 mm) and the high level of flexibility of the
standard component makes this solution one of the best options for any application to be
developed where global navigation systems are involved. The RUN mXTENDTM provides
operation in three frequency regions: 1561 MHz (BeiDou E1 band), 1575 MHz (GPS L1 band)
and from 1598 MHz to 1606 MHz (GLONASS L1 band).
The RUN mXTENDTM chip antenna component and other Fractus Antennas products based on
its proprietary Virtual AntennaTM technology are protected by one or more of the following
Fractus Antennas patents.
All information contained within this document is property of Fractus Antennas and is subject to
change without prior notice. Information is provided “as is” and without warranties. It is
prohibited to copy or reproduce this information without prior approval.
Fractus Antennas is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. All our antennas are lead-free and
RoHS and REACH compliant.
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-224 .......................................................................... 3
2. EVALUATION BOARD GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou ................................................................ 4
2.1. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ..................................................................................... 4
2.2. EVALUATION BOARD ................................................................................................ 4
2.3. MATCHING NETWORK .............................................................................................. 5
2.4. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY .............................................................................. 5
2.5. RADIATION PATTERNS (1561, 1575 and 1598-1606 MHz), GAIN, AND
EFFICIENCY .......................................................................................................................... 6
3. EVALUATION BOARD CR80 GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou ...................................................... 7
3.1. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ..................................................................................... 7
3.2. EVALUATION BOARD ................................................................................................ 7
3.3. MATCHING NETWORK .............................................................................................. 8
3.4. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY .............................................................................. 8
3.5. RADIATION PATTERNS (1561, 1575, and 1598-1606 MHz), GAIN, AND
EFFICIENCY .......................................................................................................................... 9
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 3
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-224
The RUN mXTENDTM Antenna Booster has been specifically designed for providing multiband
performance in wireless devices enabling worldwide coverage. It is a multipurpose antenna
solution capable of being adapted, with a high level of flexibility, to the antenna designer needs.
The same antenna part can be used to cover different frequency ranges, since it offers the
antenna designer the flexibility of selecting the frequency regions to operate through just the
customization of the matching network. In particular, this application note illustrates how to use
it for operating the global navigation systems: GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.
TOP
BOTTOM
Material: The RUN mXTENDTM Antenna Booster is built on glass epoxy substrate.
APPLICATIONS
• GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou modules
• Navigators
• Track systems
• Handsets and Smartphones
• Tablets
• Digital Cameras
• Smart Watches
The RUN mXTENDTM Antenna Booster belongs to a new generation of antenna solutions based
on the Virtual AntennaTM technology owned by Fractus Antennas. The technology is mainly
focused on replacing conventional antenna solutions by miniature and standard components.
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 4
2. EVALUATION BOARD GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou
2.1. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Technical
features
1561 MHz
1575 MHz
1598 – 1606 MHz
Average
Efficiency
> 75 %
> 80 %
Peak Gain
2.9 dBi
3.0 dBi
3.3 dBi
VSWR
< 1.5:1
Radiation
Pattern
Omnidirectional
Polarization
Linear
Weight (approx.)
0.19 g.
Temperature
-40 to + 85 ºC
Impedance
50
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
12.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 2.4 mm
Table 1 – Technical Features. Measures from the Evaluation Board. See Figure 1.
2.2. EVALUATION BOARD
This Evaluation Board EB_FR01-S4-224-1561-1606 integrates a UFL cable to connect the RUN
mXTENDTM Antenna Booster with the SMA connector. The RUN mXTENDTM provides operation
in three frequency regions, 1561MHz (BeiDou E1 band), 1575 MHz (GPS L1 band) and from
1598 MHz to 1606 MHz (GLONASS L1 band), through a single input/output port.
Measure
mm
A
126.5
B
120
C
60
D
2.5
Tolerance: ±0.2 mm
D: Distance between the RUN
mXTENDTM Antenna Booster and the
ground plane.
Material: The evaluation
board is built on FR4
substrate. Thickness is 1 mm.
Figure 1 – EB_FR01-S4-224-1561-1606. Evaluation Board providing
operation at BeiDou E1 band (1561 MHz), GPS L1 band (1575 MHz)
and for GLONASS L1 band (from 1598 MHz to 1606 MHz).
This product and its use are protected by at least one or more of the following patents PAT. US
9,130,259 B2; PAT. US 8,237,615 B2. Other domestic and international patents pending.
Additional information about patents related to this product is available at
www.fractusantennas.com/virtual-antenna/.
B
A
C
D
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 5
2.3. MATCHING NETWORK
The specs of a Fractus Antennas standard product are measured in their evaluation board,
which is an ideal case. In a real design, components nearby the antenna, LCD’s, batteries,
covers, connectors, etc. affect the antenna performance. This is the reason why it is highly
recommended placing pads compatible with 0402 and 0603 SMD components for a matching
network as close as possible to the feeding point. Do it in the ground plane area, not in the
clearance area. This provides a degree of freedom to tune the RUN mXTENDTM Antenna
Booster once the design is finished and taking into account all elements of the system
(batteries, displays, covers, etc.).
Please notice that different devices with different ground planes and different components
nearby the RUN mXTENDTM Antenna Booster may need a different matching network. To
ensure optimal results, the use of high Q and tight tolerance components is highly
recommended (Murata components). Please, if you need assistance contact
info@fractusantennas.com for more information related to the antenna booster matching
service.
1561 MHz, 1575 MHz and 1598 – 1606 MHz
Value
Part Number
9.1 nH
LQW18AN9N1G80
3.9 nH
LQW15AN3N9B80
Figure 2 – Matching Network implemented in the evaluation board (Figure 1).
2.4. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and Total Efficiency versus Frequency (GHz).
Figure 3 – VSWR and Total Efficiency for BeiDou E1 band (1561 MHz), GPS L1 band (1575 MHz) and
GLONASS L1 band (1598 – 1606 MHz) (from the evaluation board (Figure 1)).
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 6
2.5. RADIATION PATTERNS (1561, 1575 and 1598-1606 MHz), GAIN, AND
EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up
Evaluation Board in Plane XY
= 90º Plane XY at 1.561 GHz, 1.575 GHz and
1.602 GHz
= 0º Plane XZ at 1.561 GHz, 1.575
GHz and 1.602 GHz
= 90º Plane YZ at 1.561 GHz, 1.575 GHz and
1.602 GHz
BeiDou
Gain
2.9 dBi
Efficiency
78.4%
GPS
Gain
3.0 dBi
Efficiency
79.3 %
GLONASS
Gain
Peak Gain
3.3 dBi
Average Gain across the band
3.2 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
3.1 <–> 3.3 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
84.9 %
Average Efficiency across the band
83.8 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min, max)
82.7 – 84.9 %
Table 2 – Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the evaluation board (Figure 1) for BeiDou E1 (1561
MHz), GPS L1 (1575 MHz) and GLONASS L1 (1598 – 1606 MHz) bands. Measures made in the Satimo
STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
X
Y
Z
θ
X
Y
Z
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 7
3. EVALUATION BOARD CR80 GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou
3.1. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Technical
features
1561 MHz
1575 MHz
1598 – 1606 MHz
Average
Efficiency
> 80 %
> 85 %
Peak Gain
3.1 dBi
3.3 dBi
3.6 dBi
VSWR
< 1.5:1
Radiation
Pattern
Omnidirectional
Polarization
Linear
Weight (approx.)
0.19 g.
Temperature
-40 to + 85 ºC
Impedance
50
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
12.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 2.4 mm
Table 3 – Technical Features. Measures from the Evaluation Board. See Figure 4.
3.2. EVALUATION BOARD
This Evaluation Board EB_FR01-S4-224-CR80-1561-1606 integrates a UFL cable to connect
the RUN mXTENDTM Antenna Booster with the SMA connector. The RUN mXTENDTM provides
operation in three frequency regions, 1561 MHz (BeiDou E1 band), 1575 MHz (GPS L1 band)
and from 1598 MHz to 1606 MHz (GLONASS L1 band), through a single input/output port.
Measure
mm
A
86
B
79.5
C
54
D
2.5
Tolerance: ±0.2 mm
D: Distance between the RUN mXTENDTM
Antenna Booster and the ground plane.
Material: The evaluation board is built
on FR4 substrate. Thickness is 1 mm.
Figure 4 – EB_FR01-S4-224-CR80-1561-1606 in CR80
standard format. Evaluation Board providing operation for
BeiDou E1 band (1561 MHz), GPS L1 band (1575 MHz) and
for GLONASS L1 band (from 1598 MHz to 1606 MHz).
This product and its use are protected by at least one or more of the following patents PAT. US
9,130,259 B2; PAT. US 8,237,615 B2. Other domestic and international patents pending.
Additional information about patents related to this product is available at
www.fractusantennas.com/virtual-antenna/.
B
A
D
C
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 8
3.3. MATCHING NETWORK
The specs of a Fractus Antennas standard product are measured in their evaluation board,
which is an ideal case. In a real design, components nearby the antenna, LCD’s, batteries,
covers, connectors, etc. affect the antenna performance. This is the reason why it is highly
recommended placing pads compatible with 0402 and 0603 SMD components for a matching
network as close as possible to the feeding point. Do it in the ground plane area, not in the
clearance area. This provides a degree of freedom to tune the RUN mXTENDTM Antenna
Booster once the design is finished and taking into account all elements of the system
(batteries, displays, covers, etc.).
Please notice that different devices with different ground planes and different components
nearby the RUN mXTENDTM Antenna Booster may need a different matching network. To
ensure optimal results, the use of high Q and tight tolerance components is highly
recommended (Murata components). Please, if you need assistance contact
info@fractusantennas.com for more information related to the antenna booster matching
service.
1561 MHz, 1575 MHz and 1598 – 1606 MHz
Value
Part Number
9.5 nH
LQW18AN9N5G80
3.9 nH
LQW15AN3N9B80
Figure 5 – Matching Network implemented in the evaluation board (Figure 4).
3.4. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and Total Efficiency versus Frequency (GHz).
Figure 6 – VSWR and Total Efficiency for BeiDou E1 (1561 MHz), GPS L1 band (1575 MHz) and
GLONASS L1 band (1598 – 1606 MHz) (from the evaluation board (Figure 4)).
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 9
3.5. RADIATION PATTERNS (1561, 1575, and 1598-1606 MHz), GAIN, AND
EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up
Evaluation Board in Plane XY
θ = 90º Plane XY at 1.561 GHz, 1.575 GHz and
1.602 GHz
= 0º Plane XZ at 1.561 GHz, 1.575 GHz
and 1.602 GHz
= 90º Plane YZ at 1.561 GHz, 1.575 GHz and
1.602 GHz
BeiDou
Gain
3.1 dBi
Efficiency
84.7 %
GPS
Gain
3.3 dBi
Efficiency
84.9 %
GLONASS
Gain
Peak Gain
3.6 dBi
Average Gain across the band
3.5 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
3.4 <–> 3.6 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
88.7 %
Average Efficiency across the band
87.6 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min,
max)
86.4 – 88.7 %
Table 4 – Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the evaluation board (Figure 4) for BeiDou E1 (1561
MHz), GPS L1 (1575 MHz) and GLONASS L1 (1598 – 1606 MHz) bands. Measures made in the Satimo
STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
X
Y
Z
θ
X
Y
Z
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
180
240
270
310
330
120
150
0
30
60
90
210
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
180
240
270
310
330
120
150
0
30
60
90
210
180
240
270
310
330
120
150
0
30
60
90
210
180
240
270
310
330
120
150
0
30
60
90
210
180
240
270
310
330
120
150
0
30
60
90
210
APPLICATION NOTES
ISO 9001-2015 CERTIFIED
Last updated on May 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 10
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020
research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 674491