Frequently Asked Questions

What is RF technology?

RF technology is the branch of electrical engineering and includes areas of radio and television technology, antenna technology, and transmitting and receiving equipment.

What frequency range covers the high-frequency technology?

In high-frequency technology, the frequency range of about 30 kHz to 300 GHz extends. Components’ and assemblies’ sizes lie roughly in the order of wavelength.

What special features characterize high-frequency technology?

In the high-frequency technology components no longer respond as expected. There are added features such as parasitic capacitive and inductive losses. Moreover, the realization of circuits with discrete components is no longer possible at high frequencies. That is why the use of new components is as SMD, waveguide or microstrip lines, and for example, the replacement of coils and resistors by lines is required.

What are the application areas of high-frequency technology?

RF technology is in communications technology used, for example, in the preparation, processing, and transmission (wireline or wireless) of analog and digital signals at the hardware level. Especially in the wireless transmission of data and information such as the radio, TV, mobile and satellite communications, wireless, positioning and navigation (radar, GPS), and on printed circuit boards in electronic devices is the high-frequency technology its application. Further fields of application are basic research in physics, material testing (RF signals feel fine cracks in conductive materials, automated and non-destructive testing), heating (microwave oven), identification (RFID), and medicine (magnetic resonance imaging).

In which frequency range the ANTONICS antennas are located?

ANTONICS covers with its antennae an area of ​​approximately 130 MHz - from 6 GHz. The most important frequency bands are the 2m band, TETRA, LTE, GSM, UMTS, GPS, GLONASS, and Wi-Fi.

Technical questions for professionals

How big does the distance between two antennas have to be?

Since the influence of the two antennas depends on numerous parameters, no universal answer can be given. To achieve good decoupling of two antennas, the distance based on the lowest frequency f and thus the highest wavelength λ should be approx. 2-3 λ as a guide value. Ideally, a measurement should be carried out in which the return loss and the decoupling between the antennas as well as the directional characteristics can be determined.

Do I need a ground plane and if so, how big does it have to be?

A ground plane, also known as a counterpoise, is a conductive surface, usually consisting of individual wires, which simulate the conductive earth if it is of low conductivity or if the distance to the antenna is too large. A ground plane is not necessarily connected to the ground. It serves to reflect the radiation. The antenna and ground plane must be matched to each other, considering the dimensions and the electrical conductivity of the ground plane, since the geometry and dimensions of the ground plate have a decisive influence on the radiation behavior of the antenna. A ground plane should have a radius of at least λ/4 or greater. In addition, the properties of the ground plane depend on the electrical conductivity of the material used.

At what point on the vehicle roof should an antenna be best positioned?

To ensure omnidirectional radiation, an antenna should be in the middle of the vehicle roof. This enables a clear view from all sides. There are usually obstacles (e.g., air conditioning) that restrict radiation from all sides. Then the antenna can be attached to an elevation. Depending on the installation options, the distance to metallic elements should be at least 3 λ according to the distance rule.

Which frequency ranges or how many radiators can I use in one antenna?

In principle, there are no restrictions. However, to ensure sufficient decoupling between two radiators, the radiators should comply with the distance rule (approx. 2-3 λ) and not overlap in the frequency range or have directly adjacent frequency ranges.

About ANTONICS

What does ANTONICS produce?

ANTONICS is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative antenna system technology and supplies in particular planar antennas with the essential orientation in the direction of mobile system solutions and stationary mobile radio technology.

What is the focus?

As a manufacturer of railway antennas and railway radio antennas of the OmPlecs & DiPlecs brands, ANTONICS is primarily active as a railway outfitter.

Who are our customers?

We work with numerous large and medium-sized companies in the transport sector, especially bus and train.

References

What differentiates ANTONICS from other manufacturers?

The ANTONICS principle. These include INNOVATION, PRECISION, ECONOMY, and the German RAILWAY APPROVAL

Through the constant further development of our products, we offer innovative solutions for our customers. This is how we produce an extremely flat and therefore space-saving P L A N A R antenna system. Thanks to the multi-band technology with selective pin assignment, these can be used very flexibly and ensure a high gain and efficiency through metallic exciter structures without lossy components such as ceramics / PCB.

How and where can I get in touch with ANTONICS?

ANTONICS can be reached by email or by phone Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except on public holidays).

A company visit north-west of Berlin to the Velten business park is also possible on request.

ANTONICS Hotline