APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 1
Mobile and GNSS in a single antenna package. Making
your tracking device simpler.
- Antenna Component: TRIO mXTENDTM FR01-S4-210
- Dimensions: 30.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 1.0 mm
- Frequency regions: 824-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz, 1561 MHz, 1575 MHz & 1598-1606 MHz
We know your global tracking device needs to be as small and simple as possible. Therefore, we
have developed an off-the-shelf chip antenna component that integrates both mobile and GNSS
connectivity. One chip, two independent radio ports. One component, yet two functions to keep
your device basic and compact. No more concerns on lack of space and the double cost of
integrating two different antennas into one device. TRIO mXTENDTM blends two antennas into
one: the antenna component that enables GNSS and Mobile connectivity simultaneously
through a single antenna package.
Moreover, because TRIO mXTEND is slim and small, it will fit all your present and future
generations of tracking devices. Forget about having too many antenna choices, just select TRIO
mXTENDTM. This chip antenna is an off-the-shelf piece, no part customization is needed and even
better, it works in multiple frequency regions at the same time thanks to its modular, multiband
and multi-port configuration.
The double functionality of this chip antenna component will save time, cost and could accelerate
time to market to all those applications requiring this dual relation, as for example fleet
management, automotive or IoT, the new generation of “connected things”.
TRIO mXTENDTM, the newest member of the Virtual AntennaTM (antenna less) family, is
presented in an ultra slim, off the shelf component of only 1.0 mm height and could be easily
assembled into virtually any mobile or IoT device.
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-210 .......................................................................... 3
2. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960MHz, 1710-2170MHz and 1561MHz, 1575MHz, and 1598-
1606MHz)................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ..................................................................................... 4
2.2. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz and 1561 MHz, 1575 MHZ,
and 1598-1606 MHz) .............................................................................................................. 5
2.3. MATCHING NETWORK .............................................................................................. 6
2.4. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY .............................................................................. 8
2.5. RADIATION PATTERNS (824 – 960 MHz), GAIN AND EFFICIENCY ...................... 10
2.6. RADIATION PATTERNS (1710 – 2170 MHz), GAIN AND EFFICIENCY .................. 11
2.7. RADIATION PATTERNS (1561 MHz, 1575 MHz, 1598 - 1606 MHz), GAIN AND
EFFICIENCY ........................................................................................................................ 12
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 3
1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION FR01-S4-210
The TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna component has been specifically designed for providing the
major level of flexibility to operate at any required frequency band inside any wireless device and
enables the antenna to work in different frequency bands at the same time.
TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna component covers among many others, the frequency bands
used for operating at the Global Navigation Satellite Systems, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and
BeiDou while it covers worldwide 2G, 3G and 4G.
It offers the flexibility to be tuned at the frequency regions of interest through the proper
adjustment of the matching network. This feature provides an important benefit since removes
the need of including different antenna parts inside the same wireless device for operating
different communication standards, thus reducing considerably the integration complexity while
saving costs. The results gathered herein presents how the matching network should be
configured for operating the main mobile communication standards of 2G, 3G, 4G and GNSS
bands.
TOP
BOTTOM
Material: The TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna component is built on glass epoxy substrate.
APPLICATIONS
• Handsets
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Tracking systems
• Navigation Devices
• Smart Meters (Gas, Electricity, Water...)
• Digital Cameras
• Wearables
• Sensors (Parking, Speed control,
Optics…)
• IoT Devices
• GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou Modules
BENEFITS
• High efficiency
• Small size
• Cost-effective
• Easy-to-use (pick and place)
• Multiband behaviour (worldwide
standards)
• Off-the-Shelf Standard Product (no
customization is required)
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 4
2. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960MHz, 1710-2170MHz and 1561MHz,
1575MHz, and 1598-1606MHz)
2.1. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Table 1 – Technical features for the 2G/3G/4G bands. Measures from the Evaluation Board port #1. See
Figure 1. Note that for obtaining comparable results, a ground plane length larger than 100 mm is
recommended.
1561 MHz
1575 MHz
1598 – 1606 MHz
> 40 %
> 40 %
> 40 %
0.5 dBi
0.8 dBi
1.5 dBi
< 3:1
Omnidirectional
Linear
0.25 g.
-40 to + 85 ºC
50
30.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 1.0 mm
Table 2 – Technical Features for the GNSS bands (BeiDou, GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS). Measures
from the Evaluation Board port #2. See Figure 1.
824 – 960 MHz
1710 – 2170 MHz
> 55 %
> 60 %
1.9 dBi
1.9 dBi
< 3:1
Omnidirectional
Linear
0.25 g.
-40 to + 85 ºC
50
30.0 mm x 3.0 mm x 1.0 mm
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 5
2.2. EVALUATION BOARD (824-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz and 1561 MHz, 1575
MHZ, and 1598-1606 MHz)
This Evaluation Board (part number: EB_FR01-S4-210-M-GNSS) integrates one TRIO
mXTENDTM chip antenna component to provide operation from 824 to 960 MHz, 1710 to 2170
MHz through port #1, and 1561 MHz, 1575 MHz, and 1598 to 1606 MHz through port #2. Two
UFL cable connects each input/output port to SMA connectors.
Measure
mm
A
142
B
130
C
60
D
9
E
40
F
20
G
12
Tolerance: ±0.2 mm
Material: The Evaluation Board is built on
FR4 substrate. Thickness is 1 mm.
Clearance Area: 40 mm x 12 mm (ExG)
Figure 1 – EB_FR01-S4-210-M-GNSS. Evaluation Board for
providing operation at 824 – 960MHz, 1710 – 2170MHz and
1561MHz, 1575MHz, and 1598 – 1606MHz.
This product and its use are protected by at least the following patents and/or patent applications
US 62529032, US 62634943, EP 18158695. Additional information about patents related to this
product is available at www.fractusantennas.com/virtual-antenna/.
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 6
2.3. MATCHING NETWORK
The specs of a Fractus Antennas standard product are measured in their Evaluation Board,
which is an ideal case. In a real design, components nearby the antenna, LCD’s, batteries,
covers, connectors, etc. affect the antenna performance. This is the reason why it is highly
recommended placing pads compatible with 0402 and 0603 SMD components for a matching
network as close as possible to the feeding point. Do it in the ground plane area, not in the
clearance area. This provides a degree of freedom to tune the TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna
component once the design is finished and taking into account all elements of the system
(batteries, displays, covers, etc.).
Figure 2 – Matching network distribution
Please notice that different devices with different ground planes and different components nearby
the TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna component may need a different matching network. To ensure
optimal results, the use of high Q and tight tolerance components is highly recommended (Murata
components).
824 MHz – 960 MHz and 1710 MHz – 2170 MHz
MN
Section a
Value
Part Number
8.0 nH
LQW15AN8N0G80
0.8 pF
GJM1555C1HR80WB01
MN
Section b
Value
Part Number
4.2 nH
LQW15AN4N2G80
5.7 nH
LQW15AN5N7B80
2.3 pF
GJM1555C1H2R3WB01
2.2 pF
GJM1555C1H2R2WB01
0 Ω
4.7 nH
LQW15AN4N7G80
Figure 3 – Matching network implemented in the Evaluation Board port #1 (Figure 1).
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 7
1561MHz, 1575 MHz and 1598MHz – 1606MHz
MN
Section c
Value
Part Number
0.1 pF
GJM1555C1HR10WB01
23 nH
LQW18AN23NG80
1.3 pF
GJM1555C1H1R3WB01
4.2 nH
LQW15AN4N2G80
1.7 pF
GJM1555C1H1R7WB01
4.8 nH
LQW15AN4N8G80
7.0 nH
LQW15AN7N0G80
Figure 4 – Matching network implemented in the Evaluation Board port #2 (Figure 1).
This matching network applies to this Evaluation Board. Other configurations would require a
matching network adjustment. Please contact support@fractusantennas.com for more
information related to the matching network service for a chip antenna component.
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 8
2.4. VSWR AND TOTAL EFFICIENCY
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and Total Efficiency versus Frequency (GHz).
Figure 4 – VSWR and Total Efficiency for the 824 – 960 MHz frequency range and for the 1710 – 2170
MHz frequency range (from the Evaluation Board, port #1) (Figure 1).
Figure 5 – VSWR and Total Efficiency for BeiDou E1 band (1561 MHz), GPS L1 band, Galileo E1
(1575 MHz), and GLONASS L1 band (1598 – 1606 MHz) (from the Evaluation Board, port #2) (Figure
1)
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 9
Figure 6 – Transmission coefficient between port #1 (824 – 960 MHz and 1710 – 2170 MHz) and port
#2 (1561 – 1606 MHz) from the Evaluation Board (Figure 1)
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 10
2.5. RADIATION PATTERNS (824 – 960 MHz), GAIN AND EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up Evaluation
Board in Plane XY
θ = 90º Plane XY at 890 MHz
ɸ = 0º Plane XZ at 890 MHz
ɸ = 90º Plane YZ at 890 MHz
Gain
Peak Gain
1.9 dBi
Average Gain across the band
1.1 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
0.2 <–> 1.9 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
64.5 %
Average Efficiency across the band
59.4 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min, max)
52.2 – 64.5 %
Table 3 - Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the Evaluation Board port #1 (Figure 1) within the 824 –
960 MHz frequency range. Measures made in the Satimo STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 11
2.6. RADIATION PATTERNS (1710 – 2170 MHz), GAIN AND EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up Evaluation
Board in Plane XY
θ = 90º Plane XY at 1710 MHz, 1940 MHz
and 2170 MHz
ɸ = 0º Plane XZ at 1710 MHz, 1940 MHz and
2170 MHz
ɸ = 90º Plane YZ at 1710 MHz, 1940 MHz
and 2170 MHz
Gain
Peak Gain
1.9 dBi
Average Gain across the band
0.9 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
-0.2 <–> 1.9 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
71.9 %
Average Efficiency across the band
63.9 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min, max)
49.7 – 71.9 %
Table 4 - Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the Evaluation Board port #1 (Figure 1) within the 1710
– 2170 MHz frequency range. Measures made in the Satimo STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 12
2.7. RADIATION PATTERNS (1561 MHz, 1575 MHz, 1598 - 1606 MHz), GAIN AND
EFFICIENCY
Measurement System Set-Up Evaluation
Board in Plane XY
θ = 90º Plane XY at 1561 MHz, 1575 MHz
and 1602 MHz
ɸ = 0º Plane XZ at 1561 MHz, 1575 MHz and
1602 MHz
ɸ = 90º Plane YZ at 1561 MHz, 1575 MHz
and 1602 MHz
BeiDou
Gain
0.5 dBi
Efficiency
41.4%
GPS
Galileo
Gain
0.8 dBi
Efficiency
47.6 %
GLONASS
Gain
Peak Gain
1.5 dBi
Average Gain across the band
1.2 dBi
Gain Range across the band (min, max)
0.8 <–> 1.5 dBi
Efficiency
Peak Efficiency
56.4 %
Average Efficiency across the band
55.5 %
Efficiency Range across the band (min, max)
54.4 – 56.4 %
Table 5 - Antenna Gain and Total Efficiency from the evaluation board port #2 (Figure 1) for BeiDou E1
(1561 MHz), GPS L1, Galileo E1 (1575 MHz), and GLONASS L1 (1598 – 1606 MHz) bands. Measures
made in the Satimo STARGATE 32 anechoic chamber.
APPLICATION NOTES
Last updated on June 2018
© 2018 FRACTUS ANTENNAS, S.L. - 13
The TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna component belongs to a new generation of antenna solutions
based on the Virtual AntennaTM technology owned by Fractus Antennas. The technology is mainly
focused on replacing conventional antenna solutions by miniature and standard components.
The TRIO mXTENDTM chip antenna component and other Fractus Antennas products based on
its proprietary Virtual AntennaTM technology are protected by one or more of the following Fractus
Antennas patents.
All information contained within this document is property of Fractus Antennas and is subject to
change without prior notice. Information is provided “as is” and without warranties. It is prohibited
to copy or reproduce this information without prior approval.
Fractus Antennas is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. All our antennas are lead-free and
RoHS and REACH compliant.