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Bloomingdale, IL - PCTEL, Inc. recently announced the introduction of its new Smart GPS reference timing antenna solution with an integrated GPS receiver. The unit eliminates the need for expensive coaxial cable, signal splitters and in-line amplifiers and provides built-in surge protection.

PCTEL's proprietary design combines a high-performance antenna with a receiver. This new solution shares the same form factor and enclosure as the current "antenna-only" product. The high performance element provides optimal coverage and multipath rejection and is coupled to a low noise amplifier with pre-selector and an inter-stage filter for minimizing RF interference. This makes the solution ideal for high RF noise environments encountered in base station installations for Cellular and WiMAX applications.

Over the past few years, there has been a tremendous increase in use of data services over cellular networks. To cope with this increase in data traffic there is a move towards IP (Internet Protocol) based back haul. Several next generation wireless technologies including WiMAX are being designed using IP from end-to-end to handle VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and other data applications including streaming video and music. This network evolution creates a need to derive network timing from an external source.

"This fundamental shift in technology has led to a need for timing and synchronization on a much wider basis across wireless broadband networks" said Jeff Miller, General Manager of PCTEL's Antenna Products Group. "Our new line of smart GPS Timing antennas reflects our commitment to closely work with our customers in meeting evolving market requirements."

PCTEL's antenna solution incorporates a 12 channel GPS receiver with 1 Pulse Per Second NMEA 0183 protocol and can support RS232 or RS422 data interfaces. This antenna solution is available with a variety of rugged mounting options.

SOURCE: PCTEL, Inc.