DATASHEETWIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

M8HCT-A-SMA
FEATURING PROPRIETARY HELICORE™ TECHNOLOGY
The M8HCT-A-SMA is the world’s most advanced patented GNSSantenna. Designed for high precision & autonomous multi-frequency
applications. The rugged active quadrifilar helix antenna is manufactured
using automotive grade electronics for GIS, RTK and other GNSS
applications. The revolutionary design offers concurrent reception on
L1: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou L2: GPS L2C, Galileo E5B, GLONASS
L30C and L5: the most advanced GNSS signal yet.

M8HCT-A-SMA
L1: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU
L2: GPS L2C, GALILEO E5B, GLONASS L3OC
L5: GPS
Part #: 100-00124-01
Description
The M8HCT-A-SMA is an active multi-frequency, high-accuracy, GNSS antenna for theL1/L2/L5 GPS, Galileo, Beidou and GLONASS bands. The antenna is designed for applications requiring greater accuracy than L1-only antennas can provide. The antenna isbuilt on proprietary Maxtena Helicore® technology providing exceptional pattern control,polarization purity and high-efficiency in a compact form factor. It features an integrated
SMA connector and rugged IP67 automotive grade components. The M8HCT-A-SMA is
ideal for applications requiring minimal integration effort or for retrofitting existing products. The antenna is equipped with an O-ring.
Passive Antenna Performance
Parameter

Specification

Frequency

1192-1231 MHz (L2, B2,G2, G3, E5B)

1559-1606 MHz (L1, E1,B1, B1-2, G1)1164-1189 MHz (L5)Peak Efficiency

46%

49%

40%

Polarization

RHCP

RHCP

RHCP

Realized Gain

1.1 dB

0.5 dB

0.5 dB

Axial Ratio

Max 1.2 dB at the Zenith

Max 0.9 dB at the Zenith

1.1 dB at the Zenith

VSWR

Max 2:1

Max 2:1

Max 1:1

Beamwidth

135˚125˚112˚Phase Center Variation

Antenna images not to scale

Maximum Phase Center Variation (mm)In azimuth plane

Max 10 mm

As low as 40 degree elevation

Max 10 mm

Between samples

Max 5 mmOver frequency band

Max 10 mm

RF Specifications
Parameter

Specification

Conducted Gain

30 dB ±3 dB

Noise Figure

1.5 dB typical, 2 dB max

Voltage

3.0 to 5.0 VCurrent

25 mA max

Out of Band Rejection

40 dBcGroup Delay Variation

Less than 5ns over GNSS bands

EMI Immunity Out of Band

30 V/mESD Circuit Protection

15 kv human body model air discharge

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANYFeatures• Quadrifilar helix antenna• Concurrent GNSS reception on L1: GPS,GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou L2: GPS L2C,Galileo E5B, GLONASS L3OC and L5: GPS• Rugged IP67 rating with SMA mount• Small form factor• Ground plane independent• GIS, RTK and other high accuracy GNSSapplications• Low power consumption• Low phase center variation over azimuth andelevation and among different samples• Ultra-lightweight• Automotive grade electronics

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.com

www.maxtena.com

L2 band radiation patterns
Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA has unique features that make it the best option for high-accuracy GNSS applications.
1. Low axial ratio not only at the zenith, but also in other elevation angles ensures multipath error is mitigated.
2. Full hemispherical coverage is achieved by an exceptionally large 3 dB beamwidth, ensuring full view of sky and satellites in lower elevation angles.
3. Highly symmetric radiation pattern guarantees there will be no direction of weak reception or blind spots.

RHCP Realized Gain [dBic] - Elevation Cuts

RHCP Realized Gain [dBic] - Azimuth Cuts

A 135 degree beamwidth ensures excellent hemispherical coverage.

Symmetric coverage even in low elevation enhances accuracy.

Axial Ratio [dB] - Zenith

Axial Ratio [dB] - Azimuth Cuts

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.comwww.maxtena.com

L1 band radiation patterns
Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA uses patented Helicore technology which results in minimal dependence on frequency and features a wide beamwidth, low
axial ratio and radiation pattern symmetry across all desired frequencies in L1, L2 and L5 bands.

RHCP Realized Gain [dBic] - Elevation Cuts

RHCP Realized Gain [dBic] - Azimuth Cuts

A 125 degree beamwidth ensures excellent hemispherical coverage.

Symmetric coverage even in low elevation enhances accuracy.

Axial Ratio [dB] - Zenith

Axial Ratio [dB] - Azimuth Cuts

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.com

www.maxtena.com

L5 band radiation patterns
Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA uses patented Helicore technology which results in minimal dependence on frequency and features a wide beamwidth, low
axial ratio and radiation pattern symmetry across all desired frequencies in L1, L2 and L5 bands.

RHCP Realized Gain [dBic] - Elevation Cuts

RHCP Realized Gain [dBic] - Azimuth CutsA 125 degree beamwidth ensures excellent hemispherical coverage.

Symmetric coverage even in low elevation enhances accuracy.

Axial Ratio [dB] - Zenith

Axial Ratio [dB] - Azimuth Cuts

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.com

www.maxtena.com

Phase Center Variation
Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA has minimal phase center variation over azimuth and elevation in L1, L2 and L5 bands.

Phase Center Variation vs. Elevation in L2 band.

Phase Center Variation vs. Azimuth at Theta=30˚ in L2 band.

Phase Center Variation vs. Elevation in L1 band.

Phase Center Variation vs. Azimuth at Theta=30˚ in L1 band.

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.com

www.maxtena.com

Phase Center Variation
Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA has minimal phase center variation over azimuth and elevation in L1, L2 and L5 bands.

Phase Center Variation vs. Elevation in L5 band.

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Phase Center Variation vs. Azimuth at Theta=30˚ in L5 band.

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.com

www.maxtena.com

Excellent Group Delay Variation
Using GPS signal carrier phase to increase accuracy in GNSS applications has been proven reliable and has made mm-level accuracy possible. However, in resolving carrier phase ambiguity, it is necessary to make sure carrier phase is received and measured accurately and that the effect of antenna
and receiver on carrier phase is minimized. Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA has a flat response over all GNSS bands that it covers and has minimal groupdelay variation over frequency.
Filtering and LNA Performance
Maxtena’s M8HCT-A-SMA antenna has a flat response over the L1, L2 and L5 GNSS bands, with less than 1 dB variation over each band. The superior
out-of-band rejection ensures minimal interference.

< 2 ns group delay variation over L2-band.

< 2 ns group delay variation over L1-band.

< 2 ns group delay variation over L5-band.

Flat conducted gain response.

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.comwww.maxtena.com

Mechanical Specifications
Parameter

Specification

Operating Temperature Range-40 to +105˚C

Environmental Standards

IP67 rating

Cabling and Connector

No cable, male SMA connector

Weight25 grams

Diimensions are in mm.

WIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc.
7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20855
1-877-629-8362
info@maxtena.com

www.maxtena.com

DATASHEETWIRELESS INNOVATIONS COMPANY

Maxtena Inc. 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 102 Rockville, MD 20855
info@maxtena.com | 1-877-629-8362 | www.maxtena.com

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