Asset Tracking places its own demands on the antenna: the link budget, the interference environment and the physical install all differ from a generic smart metering and ami antennas deployment. This page works through those requirements and maps them onto specific models.
What the application demands
This deployment sets its own constraints on the antenna: the link budget, the interference environment, the physical mounting and the environmental exposure all have to be specified together rather than one at a time.
Turning that into a specification
- Take the operating band from the radio datasheet, including any guard at the band edges.
- Decide the coverage shape first, omnidirectional or sector, and only then take the highest gain that still fits it.
- Measure the feedline run and subtract its loss before comparing antenna gain figures.
- Confirm the connector on the radio and order the matching interface rather than adapting in the field.
Models used for Asset Tracking
| Model | Band (MHz) | Gain | Polarization | Length | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW-FPC2458-4 | 2400–5850 | 4 dBi | Linear | 55 mm | IPEX MHF (U.FL) |
| AW-FPC0827-3 | 698–2700 | 3 dBi | Linear | 55 mm | IPEX MHF (U.FL) |
| AW-PCB0827-2 | 698–2700 | 2 dBi | Linear | 55 mm | Solder pad |
| AW-CP-BD-2535 | 1561–1606 | 28 dBi | RHCP | 25 mm | IPEX MHF (U.FL) |
| AW-CP-GPS-2525 | 1575–1576 | 4 dBi | RHCP | 25 mm | Solder pad |
| AW-BL0827-3 | 698–2700 | 3 dBi | Vertical | 110 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-CP-GPS-1818 | 1575–1576 | 3 dBi | RHCP | 18 mm | Solder pad |
| AW-CL0827-2 | 698–2700 | 2 dBi | Linear | 50 mm | IPEX MHF (U.FL) |
| AW-CP-BD-MINI-1212 | 1561–1606 | 2 dBi | RHCP | 12 mm | Solder pad |
| AW-CP-GPS-1212 | 1575–1576 | 2 dBi | RHCP | 12 mm | Solder pad |
| AW-SPR0827-2 | 824–960 | 2 dBi | Linear | 26 mm | Solder pad |
Grounding and surge protection
Pole-mounted collector antennas on the distribution network should include surge protection coordinated with the utility grounding practice.