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Remote Use Antenna Takes Work Anywhere
01 Jun 2003
With business now being carried out in more places around the world and work patterns demanding fast, efficient electronic communication any time, anywhere, Inmarsat has developed a new Regional Broadband, Global Area Network (BGAN) solution consisting of a lightweight satellite IP modem which provides high speed connectivity running at up to 144kbit/s via a secure shared channel.
This is more than double the speed of GPRS. With regional BGAN, connection to the internet or LAN is easy as if the user was sitting at the office desk, regardless of where they actually are. The Inmarsat Regional BGAN unit comprises the modem, radio and an integrated antenna in a compact, lightweight package.
However, it is not always wise to leave the Regional BGAN modem outside or unattended and there may be areas where the signal is disrupted by local conditions. For these applications, Inmarsat chose Suffolk UK based European Antennas to provide a remote high gain passive antenna that could be left in situ outdoors and easily relocated. European Antennas has developed and are manufacturing a Regional BGAN slim flat panel antenna with a stainless steel mounting kit. The antenna, model FPA 17-17RL/1020, measures only 700 mm by 400 mm by 12 mm.
High gain allows it to overcome the loss of the cable that allows remote operation 10m from the external antenna. Polarisation can be easily changed from left hand to right hand circular polarisation. Axial ratio is better than 3dB on boresight and the VSWR of the antenna system is better than 2:1 at any frequency.
Tha antenna operates within the temperature range of -50 to +50°C in up to 95% relative humidity and meets MIL-STD-810E standards for blowing rain.
It will not degrade or have its performance affected by solar radiation, will work within specification with icing up to 25mm thick, and is lightning protected.
MJ Information No: 18379
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