i want to interface a gps module and an antenna. I found this kind of antenna (example) It does not mention its type.
Is this an active or a passive antenna? How to be able to know by myself without the need of asking here?
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2\$\begingroup\$ If you have an active antenna, you would need to provide power somehow. Here you have only a wire for the signal and a shield around it. \$\endgroup\$ – Botnic Dec 15 '15 at 16:51
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\$\begingroup\$ @Botnic many active antennas (that is antennas with built-in amplification) are powered up the same coax that carries the signal. Carrying RF and DC power on the same cable is not an issue. \$\endgroup\$ – Peter Green Dec 15 '15 at 18:35
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\$\begingroup\$ How is this possible with only 2 wires Peter? Or there are four in the same cable? \$\endgroup\$ – Tedi Dec 15 '15 at 19:46
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The data sheet says: -
ORG9802 is a miniature antenna assembly, comprising four components:
- Ceramic patch antenna element
- Adaptor PCB
- Coaxial cable (option)
- Connector (option)
Everything above is passive
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In answer to your "How is this possible" question: The RF signal and DC power are both on the center conductor of the cable. At the receiver the RF is blocked from the receiver's power input with a choke, and the DC power is blocked from the signal input with a capacitor.
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\$\begingroup\$ Thanks for the answer. It is so cool they do it with only two cables. \$\endgroup\$ – Tedi Dec 16 '16 at 22:45
