SABIC Technology for GNSS Antennas

SABIC introduces new LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ compounds for automotive GNSS antennas with superior signal gain versus ceramics. SABIC has introduced two new LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ compounds that offer the potential to improve signal gain performance in second-generation automotive global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antennas compared to ceramics. The new products, LNP THERMOCOMP ZKC0CXXD compound and LNP THERMOCOMP ZKC0DXXD compound, assist in the design and molding of antenna substrate layers with more complex pattern traces that add effective surface area, a critical factor in improving signal reception. For customers currently using ceramics, switching to LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can help improve antenna performance while reducing system costs by avoiding secondary processing operations. Design engineers who find existing materials insufficient for developing new, high-resolution GNSS antennas can now meet new requirements with SABIC products. Joshua Chiaw, Director of SABIC LNP & NORYL Business Management, said: "As GNSS antenna technology advances to its second generation with higher resolution, SABIC continues to expand the breadth and capabilities of our LNP specialty compounds portfolio to meet new performance requirements. "Our new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can help antenna manufacturers achieve superior signal gain compared to ceramic surfaces. They also provide the flexibility to produce smaller parts with equivalent ceramic performance or equal-sized parts with better performance. This extraordinary combination of improved signal capture and design freedom with system cost advantages can help drive innovation in GNSS technology, which is fundamental to vehicle safety today and autonomous driving in the future." The LNP THERMOCOMP compounds offer high dielectric constant (Dk) for miniaturization and low dissipation factor (Df) to facilitate signal reception, and can be tailored to meet the electrical requirements of individual applications. They have electroplating capability, good thermal resistance for reliability, and the design freedom and manufacturing efficiency of thermoplastics. Both are well suited for shark-fin style and new compatible antenna designs.

Enabling Complex Patterns for Improved Signal Capture

The antenna serves as the front end of the GNSS signal processing chain. Optimal signal gain requires maximum surface area to capture radio signals from satellites. Second-generation GNSS antennas work by combining signals from satellites at two different frequencies for high resolution, making signal capture even more challenging. To expand the effective surface area of the antenna substrate, manufacturers create complex pattern traces. However, ceramic materials are limited in the shape and complexity of patterns that can be used due to challenges in applying metal coating to small or restricted areas. These factors can affect antenna performance and limit the suitability of ceramics for high-resolution GNSS systems. In contrast, SABIC's new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can be easily injection-molded into antenna substrates with a wide variety of pattern traces. Complex shapes, indentations, and other features can significantly increase the effective surface area of an existing part, supporting the stringent signal gain requirements of high-resolution GNSS antennas. Unlike coated ceramics, these compounds provide high yield rates after copper, nickel, and/or silver coating processes thanks to stable electroplating capabilities. The new SABIC materials also help reduce system costs compared to ceramic surfaces, which require time-consuming secondary operations such as shaping, drilling, and polishing. With LNP THERMOCOMP compounds, injection molding can provide higher yields and productivity and reduce scrap to keep costs down. Jenny Wang, Director of Formulation and Application, APAC, SABIC, said: "Our recognized innovation capabilities position SABIC to rapidly respond to technical trends such as the increasing high resolution of GNSS antennas. "We support our materials with a wide range of application development resources. For example, we can simulate antenna performance by using the wide range of dielectric properties of our compounds to fine-tune thermoplastic substrate materials, which are highly suitable for specific antenna designs. Our Global Application Technology centers provide advanced engineering, testing, analysis, and customization services to help ensure customer success." SABIC's new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds are available worldwide.   SOURCE