Embedded Dual Band 4G LTE and GPS GNSS FPC Combination Antenna

Explore BAT Wireless embedded dual-band 4G LTE and GPS GNSS FPC combination antenna, supporting 700–2700 MHz cellular connectivity and 1575.42 MHz positioning in a compact customizable design.

Modern connected devices increasingly need both wide-area communication and accurate positioning. A tracking terminal, vehicle device or IoT gateway may need to maintain a cellular data link while also receiving satellite positioning signals.

Integrating separate antennas for these functions can increase installation complexity, occupy more internal space and make cable routing more difficult.

The BAT Wireless Embedded Dual-Band 4G LTE and GPS GNSS FPC Combination Antenna is designed to combine cellular communication and positioning support in a compact FPC structure.

The antenna supports 700–2700 MHz for 4G LTE communication and 1575.42 MHz for GPS/GNSS positioning, making it suitable for embedded devices that require both connectivity and location functions.

Combining Cellular Connectivity and Positioning

Cellular and GNSS systems serve different functions.

The cellular antenna provides the communication link between the device and the mobile network, while the GNSS antenna receives satellite signals for positioning.

In many connected products, these two functions operate together.

A vehicle terminal may transmit location information through LTE. A tracking device may collect GNSS coordinates and upload them through a cellular network. Industrial IoT equipment may use GNSS for time or position data while cellular connectivity supports remote monitoring.

A combination antenna can help simplify this architecture by reducing the number of separate antenna components and making mechanical integration more efficient.

700 to 2700 MHz Cellular Frequency Coverage

The cellular section of this antenna supports 700–2700 MHz.

This wide operating range allows the antenna to cover multiple cellular bands commonly used in 4G LTE systems.

For manufacturers developing products for different markets or network configurations, broad frequency coverage can reduce the need to redesign the antenna for each device version.

However, wide frequency range alone is not enough.

The antenna should also be evaluated according to its final installation environment, because the enclosure, PCB ground, nearby metal parts and cable routing can all influence RF performance.

For embedded products, antenna placement should therefore be considered early in the design process.

1575.42 MHz GPS GNSS Positioning Support

The positioning section supports 1575.42 MHz, a commonly used GNSS frequency.

This allows the antenna to support positioning functions in products such as:

• Vehicle communication terminals
• Asset tracking devices
• IoT gateways
• Remote monitoring equipment
• Embedded communication modules

GNSS signals are relatively weak when they reach the receiving antenna, so installation position is particularly important.

The GNSS antenna should have as clear a view of the sky as possible and should be kept away from strong RF noise sources when practical.

For compact devices, this often requires careful coordination between mechanical design and RF layout.

Why FPC Antennas Are Useful for Embedded Devices

FPC, or Flexible Printed Circuit, antennas are commonly used in compact wireless products because they are thin, lightweight and mechanically flexible.

Compared with rigid antenna structures, an FPC antenna can be installed against internal plastic surfaces or other available areas inside the enclosure.

This helps engineers make better use of limited product space.

The flexible structure also gives more freedom during mechanical integration, especially in devices where PCB space is already occupied by processors, batteries, sensors or communication modules.

For products that require both LTE and GNSS functionality, FPC designs can be particularly useful because they allow the antenna system to be integrated without adding large external structures.

IPEX Connector Options and Custom Cable Length

BAT Wireless supports IPEX 1–5 connector options for this antenna design.

Connector choice can be matched to the RF module or PCB interface used in the final product.

Cable length can also be customized.

This is important because different devices have different internal layouts.

A shorter cable can help reduce RF loss, while a longer cable can provide greater mechanical flexibility during assembly.

The best configuration depends on the real installation path between the antenna and RF module.

For this reason, cable and connector requirements should be defined together with the mechanical layout rather than selected independently.

FPC Soft Board and Adhesive Installation

The antenna uses an FPC soft-board structure that can support compact internal installation.

In many embedded devices, FPC antennas are fixed to the enclosure using adhesive backing.

This type of installation can simplify assembly and reduce the need for additional brackets or mechanical hardware.

However, the installation surface matters.

Nearby metal and conductive materials can affect antenna tuning and radiation behavior.

For best results, the antenna should be evaluated in the actual enclosure before final production.

Typical Applications

This type of 4G LTE and GPS GNSS combination antenna is suitable for products that need simultaneous communication and positioning.

Typical examples include vehicle telematics units, asset trackers, industrial IoT terminals, remote monitoring devices and embedded communication platforms.

These applications often have limited internal space, making integrated antenna solutions attractive.

For product developers, combining LTE and GNSS in one flexible antenna platform can help simplify assembly and reduce the number of separate RF components.

Integration Considerations for Real Products

Even when the antenna supports the required frequency bands, final performance depends on the complete device.

Important factors include antenna location, PCB ground, enclosure material, battery position, cable routing and other nearby antennas.

For products that also use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless technologies, antenna spacing and RF coexistence should also be considered.

The goal is not simply to fit all antennas into the enclosure, but to create a layout that allows each RF system to operate reliably.

This is why sample testing in the final device is an important part of development.

BAT Wireless Custom Combination Antenna Solutions

BAT Wireless provides standard and customized cellular and GNSS antenna solutions for embedded wireless products.

For this Embedded Dual-Band 4G LTE and GPS GNSS FPC Combination Antenna, customization can include cable length, connector type and mechanical configuration.

Sample support is also available for customers who need to evaluate the antenna during product development.

This allows engineering teams to test the antenna in the real enclosure and verify integration before mass production.

Conclusion

Devices that combine cellular communication and positioning functions need an antenna system that balances RF performance with limited installation space.

The BAT Wireless Embedded Dual-Band 4G LTE and GPS GNSS FPC Combination Antenna supports 700–2700 MHz cellular connectivity and 1575.42 MHz GPS/GNSS positioning in a compact flexible structure.

With customizable IPEX connectors, cable length and FPC integration options, it is suitable for vehicle terminals, IoT devices, tracking systems and other embedded wireless products.

For the best real-world result, antenna placement and final-device validation should be considered early in the product design process.