Development And Application of GNSS High-precision Antenna

Development And Application of GNSS High-precision Antenna

        In the field of GNSS, high-precision antennas are designed with stringent requirements for phase center stability to achieve centimeter- or millimeter-level positioning accuracy, typically in conjunction with advanced receiver boards. Key performance metrics for high-precision antennas include beamwidth, low elevation gain, circularity, roll-off factor, front-to-back ratio, and multipath mitigation, all of which directly or indirectly influence phase center stability and, consequently, positioning accuracy.

Applications and Classification of High-Precision GNSS antennas

        Originally, high-precision GNSS antennas were primarily used in surveying, providing static millimeter-level positioning for engineering layouts and topographic mapping. With advances in positioning technology, their application has expanded to include continuous operating reference stations (CORS), deformation monitoring, seismic monitoring, UAVS, precision agriculture, autonomous driving, driver training, and various industrial sectors, each with unique antenna specifications.

1. CORS, Deformation Monitoring, and Seismic Monitoring - Reference Station Antennas 

       High-precision antennas deployed in CORS collect accurate positional data over time, transmitting observations to a control center via data communication systems. The control center calculates regional correction parameters, disseminating them through ground, network, or space-based augmentation systems to mobile stations, ensuring users receive precise coordinates. In deformation monitoring and seismic applications, antennas must provide exceptional phase center stability and robust multipath resistance to detect minute deformations and predict natural disasters. Reference station antennas supporting full-band frequency coverage across all available GNSS systems are standard for these applications.

2. Surveying and Mapping - Integrated Measurement Antennas

        In the surveying sector, integrated measurement antennas are designed for easy incorporation into RTK receivers, facilitating real-time high-precision positioning. Critical design considerations include frequency coverage, beam pattern, phase center stability, and antenna dimensions. The growing adoption of network RTK has led to the market dominance of all-in-one antennas with 4G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi capabilities.

3. Driver Education and Autonomous Driving - External Measurement Antennas

        High-precision antennas have transformed traditional driver education methods, transitioning from manual evaluations to intelligent systems that significantly reduce costs and enhance accuracy. The rapid evolution of autonomous driving frequently employs RTK positioning combined with inertial navigation for high accuracy across various environments. These systems often utilize external measurement antennas featuring multi-system, multi-frequency capabilities, robust multipath suppression, and adaptability for reliable outdoor performance.

4. Drones - High-Precision UAV Antennas

        The burgeoning drone industry employs high-precision antennas for applications like agricultural protection, surveying, and utility inspection. Given drones' characteristics of high speed, low payload capacity, and limited endurance, antenna design prioritizes weight, size, and power consumption while maximizing bandwidth within these constraints.

This concise overview highlights the critical role of high-precision GNSS antennas across diverse applications, underscoring their importance in achieving accurate, efficient, and reliable positioning solutions.