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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Taoglas Launches GPS, Cellular and WiFi Antenna for Telematics
IT Expo and CTIA – October 6, 2010 – Taoglas, the leading M2M antenna provider, (www.taoglas.com), today launched the Spartan MA.600 antenna, a heavy-duty, waterproof external M2M antenna for use in telematics, transportation and remote monitoring applications. The Spartan is unique in the market because it combines a 3in1 GPS, Cellular (2G and 3G) and WiFi, heavy-duty antenna with 40% efficiency in a compact format. The antenna screws down permanently onto a roof or metal panel and can be pole or wall-mounted with a metal bracket.
For industries such as commercial vehicle telematics, remote monitoring, smart meter systems and construction equipment, the Spartan provides a robust, rugged antenna that is durable, even in extreme environments. The Spartan antenna delivers over 40% efficiency and 2dBi+ peak gain at the connector on three meters (10 ft) of cable on frequency ranges of 824-2170 GHz for cellular, 2.4/4.9~6 GHz for WiFi/Public Safety/Zigbee, and 5dBi for GPS. All while still maintaining 20dB isolation between antennas. It uses high-shielded PTFE dielectric ultra low-loss cables that maintain low attenuation at all frequency bands, with an average 0.3dB per meter (0.1dB per foot), compared to 0.7dB for RG58 and 1.2dB for RG174. Because of this, the Spartan maximizes chances of passing PTCRB and network approvals first time.
At a height of 50mm (2inches) and a diameter of 150mm (6 inches), the Spartan is a ribbed, curved, low-profile antenna that suits roof mounting on vehicles or covert installations for outdoor equipment. It also has a heavy-duty, extra thick thread and nut, which prevents the antenna being snapped off, damaged or vandalized. The base and thread is made of one-piece of machined steel functioning as a highly efficient integral ground-plane, removing the need for an external ground-plane to couple to. This setup also prevents noise interference from the RF module or nearby electronic equipment entering the antenna. It also directs antenna radiation away from the module increasing isolation.
The cable cannot be accessed externally once the antenna is mounted so cannot be cut. The antenna is salt and UV resistant. An internal O-ring structure rated to IP67 prevents water ingress and protects against humidity. A Japanese synthetic rubber foam solution with 3M adhesive provides the final seal for the antenna to its mounting surface, which prevents water entering the mounting hole.
“We took all we learned in the external M2M antenna market with our smaller Hercules range and brought this knowledge to bear for this antenna. Transportation applications are now using our Spartan antenna with great results, and we are already seeing a lot of interest for this antenna which solves a host of real market problems,” said Dermot O’Shea, Director, Taoglas. “Companies have come to us asking for a heavy-duty antenna that delivers the highest efficiency that can also pass approvals. People don’t want fin or whip antennas, which are susceptible to breaking. The housing can also be used to incorporate a mixture of high efficiency antennas at other frequency bands. The Spartan MA.600 meets all of these needs and displays our ability to pioneer high-quality antenna solutions for the M2M market.” The Spartan MA.600 is available immediately. For more information visit www.taoglas.com
About Taoglas
Taoglas enables optimum M2M antenna solutions through its pioneering, high-performance products. Taoglas delivers an extensive range of automotive, tracking and remote antenna solutions and has a problem-solving approach towards partners and end customers. Taoglas also provides full wireless devices services including, antenna and device RF consultancy, custom antenna design, device noise debugging and testing services, and device certification and approval. Founded in 2004, Taoglas has facilities in Ireland, Taiwan, South Africa and USA. Taoglas’ antenna design and development is carried out by Taoglas in Ireland, USA and Taiwan with production managed through Taoglas Taiwan. Taoglas customers include top-tier automotive, tracking, metering and medical companies worldwide. For more information visit: www.taoglas.com.
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