GNSS/GPS inline amplifier

A GNSS inline amplifier extends the distance between the outdoor antenna and the indoor GPS repeater/receiver

An inline amplifier may be required when the antenna cable length attenuates the GPS signal to a level below the receiver’s recommended minimum input level.

The Starlink inline amplifiers from Forsberg Services are premium quality devices.  They are rugged and watertight, finished in gold-plated brass, and optimized for GNSS/GPS applications.

All other RF frequencies are filtered and rejected to remove any unwanted signals that may otherwise enter the coaxial cable and cause electromagnetic interference (EMI).

APPLICATIONS and USES

• Extend antenna feeder cable reach to provide GPS timing signals inside a datacentre.
• Enable longer GPS antenna length to reach underground locations, such as seismology monitoring posts.
• Place your GPS repeater/receiver in the centre of a large hangar or distribution centre when the antenna location is 100 meters away

Two versions are available:

• Model 1575 covering GPS L1, GLONASS G1, Galileo E1, Beidou B1, SBAS, L-Band – Gain 15dB or 20dB
• Model L1L2 covering GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2/G3, Galileo E1/E5/E6, Beidou B1/B2/B3. IRNSS, QZSS L6, SBAS, L-Band – Gain 13dB or 20dB

Model L1L2 lower frequency band

Model L1L2 upper frequency band

Connectors can be same both ends or different; TNC, SMA, N-Type, BNC options.

No power supply needed; DC power is derived from the GPS repeater/receiving device via the coaxial cable.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• Length 96mm with TNC connectors; varies slightly depending on connector
• Power consumption 8mA
• Colour: Black/Gold
• Input voltage range: 3V to 24V DC
• DC current draw: <10mA
• Constructed of gold-plated brass, rugged and watertight to IP67
• Typical noise figure < 3dB
• Operating temperature range -55C to + 70C

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Use of an inline amplifier can significantly extend the distance between the outdoor antenna and the GPS receiver.

There are two main variables to consider:

• Antenna gain, typically 25 to 40dB
• Signal loss on the cable through attenuation – varies with cable type and signal frequency

The combination of these two factors determine the GPS signal strength entering the receiver.

Consult the repeater/receiver manual to ascertain the permissible input signal level range.

INSTALLATION

The amplifiers are designed to be installed in-line with the antenna feeder cable.

The ideal place for an amplifier is at, or very near, the antenna location.

This is where the signal is strongest and is not affected by RF noise.

It can be attached directly to the antenna connector, as shown in the photograph.

Or it can be placed indoors where it is easily accessed from inside the building, using a short length of good quality coaxial cable to connect it to the antenna.

SUPPORT

FalTech GPS can advise on attenuation factors of a range of different cable types in order to calculate which amplifier is best for your situation.

We can supply complete systems including antenna, amplifier and appropriate pre-terminated cables to suit your application.

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