1. ISO 9001 Certified Quality Assurance System
Antenna companies that have achieved ISO 9001 certification must establish a comprehensive quality control system, with key elements including:
Raw Material Traceability
Suppliers of substrate materials such as PCBs, FPCs (flexible printed circuit boards), and aluminum alloys are rigorously screened to ensure they meet communications-grade standards. Some companies conduct batch testing of substrate materials for PCB antennas in specific frequency bands, requiring a 100% pass rate.
Production Process Control
Production is scheduled using an ERP system, with professional technicians performing welding and assembly processes according to standardized procedures. Key workstations are equipped with specialized tools to ensure precision. Some companies specializing in the automotive sector will also obtain IATF 16949 automotive certification to meet the stringent requirements of automotive antennas.
Full Shipment Inspection Mechanism
Finished products must undergo 100% performance testing, including standing wave ratio (VSWR) and gain testing. Random sampling is conducted before packaging. If the defect rate exceeds 3%, the entire batch will be re-inspected.
II. GSM Antenna Core Technical Parameters and Standards
(I) Key Electrical Performance Indicators
The core electrical performance indicators of GSM antennas must meet general standards in the communications industry. These include: The operating frequency bands are primarily 900MHz/1800MHz dual-band, compatible with mainstream GSM network frequency bands worldwide; the VSWR is required to be less than 1.5 in conventional scenarios and less than 2.0 in automotive scenarios. The lower the value, the lower the signal reflection loss; Gain is typically 5-7dBi for internal antennas and 10-15dBi for base station antennas. Gain directly determines signal coverage distance; vertical polarization is primarily used to match the reception characteristics of handheld and automotive devices; and the input impedance is a unified 50Ω, compatible with mainstream communications device interfaces.
(II) Mechanical Differences
GSM antennas for different application scenarios exhibit significant differences in mechanical properties: Internal antennas are often made of PCB or FPC materials. PCB materials are typically 0.8-1.6mm thick, while FPC materials are flexible, allowing them to fit into the tight spaces inside devices. Vehicle-mounted antennas are often constructed with ABS or aluminum alloy casings and can be mounted with 3M adhesive or on a pole. They must withstand wind loads of up to 30m/s. Base station antennas feature a fiberglass radome, operate in temperatures between -40°C and +85°C, and require lightning protection to withstand complex outdoor environments.
III. Mainstream Product Types
GSM antennas can be categorized into three typical product types based on their application scenarios: PCB built-in antennas, primarily used in mobile phones and handheld devices, require a balance between basic communication performance and compact design; FPC flexible antennas, suitable for applications like wearable devices and automotive electronics that require flexible mounting spaces, offer greater flexibility; and automotive combination antennas, often integrating multi-mode functionality (such as combining GSM and GPS), must adapt to the unique requirements of the automotive environment, such as vibration and temperature fluctuations, and have higher standards for structural strength and signal stability.
IV. Key Selection Recommendations
Matching Parameters by Scenario: When selecting antennas for automotive applications, prioritize a standing wave ratio (SWR) less than 1.5 and the use of vibration-resistant materials. Antennas for handheld devices prioritize miniaturization (recommended dimensions within 30mm×30mm) and low power consumption.
Verify Certification Validity: When selecting a product, request ISO 9001 certification, with preference given to products complying with the 2015 version (the 2008 version is gradually becoming obsolete). For automotive applications, additional verification of IATF 16949 certification is required.
Testing and Verification: Before purchasing in bulk, request samples for performance verification, focusing on testing the standing wave ratio (using a network analyzer) and temperature stability (recommended testing between -20°C and 60°C) to ensure the product meets actual usage requirements.
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