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Antenna Guides

GPS and GNSS Antennas: Positioning, Timing and Survey

GPS / GNSS Antennas — GNSS antennas receive right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
GPS / GNSS Antennas

GNSS antennas receive right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou constellations across the L1, L2 and L5 bands, with an integrated low-noise amplifier to overcome cable loss.

Overview

Understanding gps / gnss antennas starts with the physics of the band, then moves through pattern, gain, mounting and the practical constraints of a live deployment. GNSS performance depends less on gain than on phase-center stability, axial ratio and multipath rejection; survey-grade antennas add a choke ring or ground plane to reject reflected signals.

Frequency Bands and Spectrum

The bands most relevant to gps / gnss antennas are listed below. Each band brings different propagation, regulatory and antenna-size implications.

BandRange (MHz)Typical use
GNSS / GPS1176-1606GPS L1/L2/L5, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou

Recommended Antenna Types

The following antenna classes are best matched to gps / gnss antennas:

GNSS / GPS Antenna

Active GNSS antennas for positioning, timing and high-precision survey applications.

Magnetic-Base Mobile Antenna

Magnetic-mount vehicular antennas for telematics and mobile connectivity.

Applications and Use Cases

GPS / GNSS Antennas support a range of deployments. The most common are:

  • GNSS Positioning
  • GNSS Survey / RTK
  • GNSS Timing
  • RTK Reference
  • Telematics / V2X

Mounting and Installation

Antennas are mounted with a clear sky view and away from reflective surfaces; timing and survey installations use a fixed, surveyed monument or rooftop mast.

Lightning Protection and Grounding

Rooftop GNSS antennas use an in-line DC-pass surge arrestor that protects the receiver while passing the antenna bias voltage to the LNA.

Standards and Compliance

Designs and deployments in this area commonly reference:

  • GPS L1 1575.42 MHz / L2 1227.6 MHz / L5 1176.45 MHz
  • GLONASS / Galileo / BeiDou
  • RTCM for RTK corrections

Selection and Comparison

When narrowing down a model for gps / gnss antennas, weigh these trade-offs:

  • Passive vs. active antenna
  • Single-band vs. multi-band L1/L2/L5
  • Patch vs. choke-ring

Typical gain for this category is 28-40 dB (active), usually terminated in a TNC-Female or SMA connector, though the interface can be customized.

Recommended Antennas from astronwireless.com

The following models from our catalog match the requirements discussed above:

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GPS / GNSS Antennas in depth

The pages below break gps / gnss antennas down by band, by antenna class, by application and by how the antenna gets mounted, each with the catalog models that apply.

By frequency band

By antenna type

By application

By installation

Selection and reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What frequency bands do gps / gnss antennas use?

GPS / GNSS Antennas typically operate across GNSS / GPS. The primary band spans 1176-1606 MHz.

What antenna gain is typical for gps / gnss antennas?

A typical gain range is 28-40 dB (active). Higher gain narrows the beamwidth and extends range, so the right value depends on whether you need broad coverage or a focused long-distance link.

Which applications are gps / gnss antennas best suited for?

Common applications include GNSS Positioning, GNSS Survey / RTK, and GNSS Timing. GNSS performance depends less on gain than on phase-center stability, axial ratio and multipath rejection; survey-grade antennas add a choke ring or ground plane to reject reflected signals.

How should gps / gnss antennas be mounted?

Antennas are mounted with a clear sky view and away from reflective surfaces; timing and survey installations use a fixed, surveyed monument or rooftop mast.

What connector do gps / gnss antennas normally use, and can it be changed?

The usual interface is TNC-Female or SMA. The connector and cable assembly can be customized — SMA, N-type, TNC, BNC, FAKRA and IPEX options are available on request.

Do gps / gnss antennas need lightning protection?

Rooftop GNSS antennas use an in-line DC-pass surge arrestor that protects the receiver while passing the antenna bias voltage to the LNA.

Which standards apply to gps / gnss antennas?

Relevant standards and references include GPS L1 1575.42 MHz / L2 1227.6 MHz / L5 1176.45 MHz, GLONASS / Galileo / BeiDou, and RTCM for RTK corrections.

How do I get a quote for gps / gnss antennas?

Use the antenna configurator on this page to specify your frequency, gain, polarization and mounting requirements. Submit the inquiry and an engineer from astronwireless.com will respond within one business day with matched models and pricing.