Ignion, a provider of virtual antenna technology for IoT and wireless devices, helps manufacturers overcome complex RF design challenges with compact, multi-band antenna solutions and engineering expertise. One recent collaboration involved Shenzhen Eview GPS Technology Co. Ltd., which integrated Ignion's antenna technology into its latest Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (mPERS) wearable to achieve reliable long-range connectivity within an ultra-compact design.
The project centered on Eview GPS’ EV-12 mPERS pendant, a lightweight wearable emergency response device designed primarily for elderly users. The pendant allows users to trigger an SOS alert with the press of a button while transmitting real-time location information to caregivers through GNSS positioning and LoRa communication. Delivering these capabilities within a fully sealed, wearable device measuring just 53 x 30 mm presented several engineering challenges.
Eview GPS needed to integrate multiple wireless technologies into a compact PCB while maintaining stable GNSS reception, dependable LoRa connectivity, and long battery life. The device also had to support multiple regional frequency bands for deployment across Europe, the United States, and Australia without requiring different hardware versions. At the same time, the design needed to eliminate external antennas to preserve an IP67-rated enclosure and simplify manufacturing.
To address these requirements, Ignion worked closely with Eview GPS from the early design stages. The engineering teams selected a dual-antenna configuration that combined Ignion's DUO mXTEND antenna for GNSS reception with the ONE mXTEND antenna for LoRa communication. The miniature antennas enabled both positioning and long-range wireless communication while fitting within the limited PCB space required by the wearable device.
EV-12 mPERS pendant
Beyond component selection, Ignion provided engineering support throughout the design process. The company reviewed Gerber files before prototype development, recommended Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) implementation strategies to improve GNSS signal reception, and advised on antenna placement to minimize interference between densely packed wireless components. This collaborative approach helped integrate the antennas directly into the PCB layout, eliminating the need for external antenna structures while preserving the product's compact and lightweight form factor.
Ignion's engineers also developed a customized matching network using carefully selected inductors and capacitors to optimize impedance and maintain consistent multi-band performance. The design review process focused on preserving signal quality despite the close integration of GNSS, LoRa, batteries, and other electronic components within the enclosure.
According to the project results, the final antenna implementation achieved GNSS radiation efficiency exceeding 50 percent while maintaining a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) below 2 during validation. The optimized RF design also contributed to lower power consumption, extending operating time between battery charges, an important consideration for wearable emergency response devices intended for continuous outdoor use.
The multi-band antenna solution also enabled the EV-12 to support LoRa frequency bands used across Europe, Australia, and the United States without requiring antenna redesigns or multiple hardware variants. This simplified global deployment while reducing inventory complexity and accelerating product rollout across different regions.
Key Features:
- Robust GNSS and LoRa performance for real-time emergency tracking
- Extended battery life, critical for outdoor safety
- Multi-band compliance across key regional frequencies without hardware redesign
- Simplified assembly with a fully sealed, lightweight design
The collaboration demonstrates how compact antenna technologies, combined with early-stage RF engineering support, can help manufacturers integrate advanced wireless capabilities into increasingly smaller IoT devices. By addressing connectivity, power efficiency, manufacturability, and regional compliance within a single antenna architecture, Ignion helped Eview GPS bring its wearable emergency response device to market with reliable GNSS and LoRa performance in a fully sealed, ultra-compact design.
“Its flexible multi-band support covers the frequency bands in Europe, the US, and Australia, allowing us to adapt to network requirements without changing antennas," said Flynn Deng, Product Manager, Eview GPS.
Click here to learn more about this integration from Ignion.
