Sabic Technology for Gnss Antennas
Sabic introduces new LNPTM THERMOCOMPTM compounds for automotive Gnss antennas, which provide higher signal gain than ceramics.
Sabic introduced two new LNPTM THERMOCOMPTM compounds that have the potential to improve signal gain performance in second-generation automotive global navigation satellite system (Gnss) antennas when compared to ceramics. The new LNP THERMOCOMP ZKC0CXXD compound and LNP THERMOCOMP ZKC0DXXD compound aid in the design and molding of antenna substrates with more complex pattern markings that increase effective surface area, a critical factor in signal capture.
Switching from ceramics to LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can help lower system costs by avoiding secondary operations while also improving antenna performance. Designers and engineers who find existing materials inadequate for developing novel, high-resolution GNSS antennas can use Sabic products to address new requirements.
“As Gnss antenna technology advances to its second generation with higher resolution, Sabic continues to enhance the scope and capabilities of our LNP specialty compounds portfolio to meet new performance requirements,” said Joshua Chiaw, Director, Business Management, LNP & NORYL, SABIC. “Our new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can help antenna manufacturers achieve superior signal gain compared to ceramic substrates.
They also provide flexibility to produce smaller parts with the same performance as ceramic, or equal-size parts with better performance. This remarkable combination of improved signal capture and design freedom, plus system cost advantages, can help propel innovation in GNSS technology – a keystone of occupant safety today and autonomous driving in the future.”
The electrical requirements of individual applications can be met by tailoring the LNP THERMOCOMP compounds, which have a high dielectric constant (Dk) for miniaturization and a low dissipation factor (Df) for signal acquisition. They have electroplating capability, good thermal resistance for dependability, and thermoplastic design freedom and production efficiency. Both are ideal for shark fin and new conformal antenna designs.
Enabling Complex Patterns for Better Signal Capture
The antenna serves as the front end of the Gnss signal processing chain. Maximum surface area is required for optimal signal gain when capturing radio signals from satellites. Second-generation GNSS antennas combine signals from satellites with different frequencies for high resolution, making signal capture even more difficult.
Manufacturers create complex pattern markings to increase the effective surface area of the antenna substrate. However, due to the difficulties in applying metal plating to small or constrained spaces, ceramic materials are limited in the shape and complexity of patterns that can be used. These factors can have an impact on antenna performance and limit ceramics' suitability for high-resolution Gnss systems.
In contrast,
Sabic’s new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can be easily injection molded into antenna substrates with a wide range of pattern markings. Intricate shapes, indentations and other elements can significantly increase an existing part’s effective surface area, supporting the stringent signal gain requirements of high-resolution Gnss antennas. Unlike the situation with plated ceramics, these compounds deliver a high yield rate following copper-, nickel- and/or silver-plating processes, thanks to their stable electroplating capability.
When compared to ceramic substrates, which require time-consuming secondary operations such as shaping, drilling, and polishing, the new Sabic materials help to reduce system costs. Injection molding with LNP THERMOCOMP compounds can increase throughput and productivity while lowering scrap and lowering costs.
“Our renowned innovation capabilities position Sabic to respond quickly to technical trends such as the increasingly high resolution of GNSS antennas,” said Jenny Wang, Director, Formulation and Application, APAC, SABIC. “We support our materials with a broad array of application development resources.
For instance, we can simulate antenna performance using the wide range of dielectric properties of our compounds to fine-tune thermoplastic substrate materials that are well-suited for specific antenna designs. Our Global Application Technology centers offer sophisticated engineering, testing, analysis and customization services to help ensure customer success.”
Sabic’s new LNP THERMOCOMP compounds are available globally.
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