Tech Chat | What are the Main GNSS Antenna Types & Their Uses

In GNSS related applications, the GNSS antenna is the first crucial step - receiving satellite signals. The GNSS data quality decided the final positioning accuracy in a large range. Whether you're doing centimeter-level land surveying, precision agriculture, or vehicle navigation, understanding the antenna types and selecting the right one can directly impact your positioning performance. So what types of GNSS antennas are commonly used today? What are their features, advantages, and where are they best applied? Let's have a comprehensive knowledge and comparison.

Ⅰ Built-in GNSS Antennas

These antennas are integrated into devices like handheld RTK receivers, UAVs, and smart wearables, offering compact design and portability.

1. Helical Antenna (Internal Type)

• Features: Helical coil structure with good circular polarization.
• Advantages: Lightweight, strong signal reception in complex environments.
• Limitations: Susceptible to multipath errors, relatively lower gain.
• Applications: UAVs, wearable GNSS devices, mapping-grade handhelds.
• Examples: P2 Series GNSS Receivers, Sfaira ONE Series Rovers

2. Geodetic Antenna (Internal Type)

• Features: Miniaturized version of geodetic external antennas.
• Advantages: Higher gain than helical or patch antennas, good multipath suppression.
• Limitations: Increased size and cost.
• Applications: High-precision RTK receivers with compact design.
• Examples: X1-Series GNSS Receivers, Orion ONE-Series GNSS Receivers, Z1 GNSS Receivers, S20 GNSS Receiver, Y1 GNSS Receiver, SA410 Four-in-One GNSS Antenna

3. Ceramic Patch Antenna

• Features: Flat ceramic structure, typically square or circular.
• Advantages: Low cost, low power, easy to integrate.
• Limitations: Narrow beam width, limited signal strength, limited signal channels, weaker in obstructed areas.
• Applications: IoT devices,  consumer GNSS products, asset trackers.
• Examples: Smart phones, normally meter-level accuracy

Ⅱ External GNSS Antennas

These are usually connected via cable and installed separately from the GNSS host device. They offer better performance and flexibility.

1. Helical Antenna (External Type)

• Features: Similar to internal version but with higher quality build.
• Advantages: Maintains strong signal tracking during movement or tilt.
• Limitations: Still more sensitive to multipath than geodetic antennas.
• Applications: Mobile mapping systems, dynamic vehicle-mounted platforms.
• Examples: T8 Pro Tablet, SA180 Helix Antenna, SA200 Helix Antenna

2. Aviation Antenna

• Features: Aerodynamic, rugged, and lightweight.
• Advantages: Optimized for aircraft use, durable under extreme conditions.
• Limitations: High cost, limited compatibility for general land-based use.
• Applications: UAVs, manned aircraft, precision aerial navigation.
• Examples: SA300 Aviation GNSS Antenna

3. Geodetic Antenna (External Type)

• Features: High gain, multi-frequency support, precise phase center stability.
• Advantages: Best-in-class positioning accuracy, excellent multipath suppression.
• Limitations: Bulky and expensive.
• Applications: Surveying base stations, CORS, deformation monitoring.
• Examples: SA102 Geodetic GNSS Antenna, SA100 Geodetic GNSS Antenna

4. Anti-Vibration Antenna

• Features: Shock-resistant structure, reinforced casing.
• Advantages: Withstands vibration, impact, and motion.
• Limitations: A little heavier than standard antennas.
• Applications: Vehicle-mounted RTK, machine control, construction machinery.
• Examples: SA150 Anti-vibration Antenna

5. Choke Ring Antennas: The Ultimate in Precision

Choke ring antennas are a specialized class of high-end antennas designed for reference stations and scientific applications.

5.1 Standard Choke Ring Antenna

• Features: Concentric metal rings around the antenna to suppress multipath.
• Advantages: Ultra-stable phase center, excellent multipath rejection.
• Limitations: Large and expensive, not suitable for field mobility.
• Applications: CORS stations, geodetic monitoring, scientific research.
• Examples: SA500 Choke Ring Antenna

5.2 3D Choke Ring Antenna

• Features: Enhanced 3D structure for better signal filtration.
• Advantages: Improved suppression of low-elevation signal reflection.
• Limitations: High cost, heavy structure.
• Applications: High-precision CORS networks, crustal deformation monitoring.
• Examples: SA550 3D Choke Ring Antenna

Ⅲ Summary: Choose Based on Your Application

GNSS antennas play a crucial role in ensuring signal quality, positioning accuracy, and overall system performance. Whether it's a compact helix antenna for small devices, a geodetic antenna for high-precision tasks, or a choke ring antenna for reference stations, each type is designed with specific strengths and suited for particular environments. Understanding their differences helps users choose the right antenna for the job—maximizing performance, reliability, and efficiency in all kinds of GNSS applications.