Mitsubishi Electric has announced that it has developed a prototype of the world's smallest antenna for high-precision satellite-based positioning in four frequency bands used by the world's main satellite-positioning systems and positioning-augmentation services. The highly compact antenna, which is expected to be installed in diverse vehicles and even drones, will accelerate high-precision satellite-based positioning for autonomous driving and many other applications.
Key Features of this Compact Antenna Module
Proprietary technology achieves world's smallest 4-band antenna for diverse vehicles
- The antenna's two folded linear elements are wired three-dimensionally and symmetrically on each of four molded-resin layers, which are perpendicular to the module's horizontal surface. This unique design has resulted in the world's smallest four-band antenna for the high-precision satellite-based positioning of diverse autonomous vehicles, including drones and small tractors as well as automobiles.
- The prototype's L1 bandwidth, which is about triple that of the company's existing model, is achieved with three-dimensional wiring and an antenna configuration optimized for space limitations. Also, the new antenna supports major positioning-satellite systems and positioning-augmentation worldwide.
A unique structure achieves multipath wave suppression for more precise positioning
- Positioning precision is enhanced with the antenna's unique structure, which combines both straight and loop elements to reduce back lobe radiation, thereby suppressing multipath waves reflected from the ground.
- Compactness and multipath wave suppression are achieved without increasing the antenna's size, unlike conventional multipath-wave suppression methods.
Antenna Specifications
| New antenna | Company A's | Company B's | Company C's |
| Size (including case) | Horizontal surface | 59 x 59 mm | 140 x 140 mm | 160 mm diameter | 76 mm diameter |
| Height | 33 mm | 62 mm | 60 mm | 35 mm |
Future Development
Going forward, Mitsubishi Electric will research practical applications by evaluating the prototype's positioning precision in outdoor trials.
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