GNSS antennas for reliable positioning
SBG Systems offers a selection of high-performance GNSS antennas optimized for seamless integration with our INS/GNSS products.
Each antenna is carefully tested and validated to deliver reliable positioning, robust signal tracking, and enhanced performance in diverse environments.
Choose the right GNSS antenna for your sensor
We supply and support several GNSS antennas that match the requirements of typical use cases. These antennas cover single- and dual-frequency operation, offer rugged enclosures, and include cables and mounts when needed.
Explore the differences between all GNSS antenna types.
Geodetic GNSS Antennas |
Patch GNSS Antennas |
Helical GNSS Antennas |
|
---|---|---|---|
Grade | Grade Survey-Grade | Grade Basic to Mid-Grade | Grade Mid-Grade to High-Mobility Grade |
Frequency Bands | Frequency Bands Multi-band | Frequency Bands Multi-band | Frequency Bands Multi-band |
Radiation Pattern | Radiation Pattern Controlled: hemispherical, high elevation gain | Radiation Pattern Controlled: Zenith-focused, limited gain at low elevations | Radiation Pattern Controlled : early uniform circular, supports off-zenith angles |
Multipath Rejection | Multipath Rejection Excellent | Multipath Rejection Low-Moderate | Multipath Rejection Good |
RFI/EMI Resistance | RFI/EMI Resistance Excellent | RFI/EMI Resistance Low–Moderate | RFI/EMI Resistance Moderate |
Sensitivity | Sensitivity Very high | Sensitivity Moderate | Sensitivity High (especially for sky-visible environments) |
Phase centre | Phase centre Very important, very stable and tightly calibrated | Phase centre Less stable, shifts with angle | Phase centre Stable with design tuning |
Built-in Filtering | Built-in Filtering Advanced | Built-in Filtering Basic (varies by model) | Built-in Filtering Moderate |
Dimensions | Dimensions Medium | Dimensions Small | Dimensions Small |
Weight | Weight Moderate | Weight Light to moderate | Weight Very light |
Applications | Applications Geodesy, surveying, reference stations, scientific monitoring | Applications UAVs, USVs, Cars, Trains, mobile devices | Applications UAVs and high-dynamics |
Ask a quotation for GNSS antennas
To purchase our GNSS antennas directly from SBG Systems, please submit the following request.
Do you have questions?
Which GNSS antenna works best for RTK, PPP, and PPK?
The best type of GNSS antenna for RTK (Real-Time Kinematic), PPP (Precise Point Positioning), and PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) depends on your accuracy requirements, environment, and application. However, certain antenna characteristics and types consistently perform better in high-precision GNSS workflows.
Application | Best Antenna Type | Notes |
---|---|---|
RTK (rover/base) | Survey-grade or choke ring | Choke ring for base; survey-grade for rover |
PPK (UAVs, mobile mapping)
PPP (static or dynamic) |
Survey-grade or helical
Survey-grade or choke ring |
Compact with good PCV handling
Stable phase center is key |
If you’re working with SBG Systems GNSS/INS solutions, use antennas that are officially recommended or tested for compatibility with your system’s GNSS receiver capabilities (e.g., multi-band/multi-constellation) to ensure optimal results in RTK, PPP, and PPK workflows.
What is Multipath?
Multipath occurs when GNSS signals bounce off nearby surfaces (like buildings, water, or the ground) before reaching the antenna. These reflected signals arrive slightly later than the direct signal, confusing the receiver and degrading positional accuracy.
What is a Choke Ring?
A choke ring is a set of concentric metal rings or grooves placed around the base of a GNSS antenna. These rings are carefully engineered to create a kind of “trap” for the reflected signals, especially those coming from low elevation angles.
The choke ring structure attenuates (weakens) or blocks the multipath signals by disrupting their wave patterns. It allows direct signals from satellites overhead to reach the antenna element clearly, while minimizing interference from signals bouncing off the ground or nearby surfaces. This design is especially effective at low elevation angles, where multipath is more likely.
Choke ring antennas are typically used in:
– High-precision GNSS applications, like geodesy, surveying, and reference stations.
– Base stations in RTK or PPK setups.
– Scientific and monitoring stations, such as those tracking tectonic movement.
Choke rings enhance GNSS antenna performance by suppressing multipath interference, leading to greater accuracy and signal stability—which is critical for professional-grade surveying and geolocation tasks.
What is GNSS vs GPS?
GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System and GPS for Global Positioning System. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts within satellite-based navigation systems.
GNSS is a collective term for all satellite navigation systems, while GPS refers specifically to the U.S. system. It includes multiple systems that provide more comprehensive global coverage, while GPS is just one of those systems.
You get improved accuracy and reliability with GNSS, by integrating data from multiple systems, whereas GPS alone might have limitations depending on satellite availability and environmental conditions.