Taoglas, a provider of M2M antenna solutions, has launched the Spartan MA.600 antenna, a heavy-duty, waterproof external M2M antenna for use in telematics, transportation and remote monitoring applications.

The new Spartan is said to be a unique solution in the market because it combines a 3-in-1 GPS, Cellular and WiFi (News - Alert), heavy-duty antenna with 40 percent efficiency in a compact format. The antenna screws down permanently onto a roof or metal panel and can be pole or wall-mounted with a metal bracket.

"We took all we learned in the external M2M antenna market with our smaller Hercules range and brought this knowledge to bear for this antenna. Transportation applications are now using our Spartan antenna with great results, and we are already seeing a lot of interest for this antenna which solves a host of real market problems," Dermot O’Shea, director at Taoglas (News - Alert) said.

 "Companies have come to us asking for a heavy-duty antenna that delivers the highest efficiency that can also pass approvals. People don’t want fin or whip antennas, which are susceptible to breaking. The housing can be used to incorporate a mix of high efficiency antennas at other frequency bands. The Spartan MA.600 meets all of these needs and displays our ability to pioneer high quality antenna solutions for the M2M market," Shea added.

The Spartan antenna delivers over 4 percent efficiency and 2dBi+ peak gain at the connector on three meters (10 ft.) of cable on frequency ranges of 824-2170 GHz for cellular, 2.4/4.9~6 GHz for WiFi/Public Safety/Zigbee and 5dBi for GPS. All while still maintaining 20dB isolation between antennas. It uses high-shielded PTFE dielectric ultra low-loss cables that maintain low attenuation at all frequency bands, with an average 0.3dB per meter (0.1dB per foot), compared to 0.7dB for RG58 and 1.2dB for RG174. Because of this, the Spartan maximizes chances of passing PTCRB (News - Alert) and network approvals first time.

At a height of 50mm and a diameter of 150mm, the Spartan is a ribbed, curved, low-profile antenna that suits roof mounting on vehicles or covert installations for outdoor equipment. It also has a heavy-duty, extra thick thread and nut, which prevents the antenna being snapped off, damaged or vandalized. The base and thread is made of one-piece of machined steel functioning as a highly efficient integral ground-plane, removing the need for an external ground-plane to join. This setup also prevents noise interference from the RF module or nearby electronic equipment entering the antenna. It also directs antenna radiation away from the module increasing isolation.

Industries such as commercial vehicle telematics, remote monitoring, smart meter systems and construction equipment, can make best out of this solution as it offers a robust, rugged antenna that is durable, even in extreme environments.