Globalstar GPS Sheep Tracker
Sheep tracker key data
- Customer: Findmy in Norway
- Website: www.findmy.no
- IoT application: GPS tracking of sheep
- Radio technology used: Globalstar, GPS
- Frequency range: Band 255 and GPS
- Type of antenna: IFA PCB antenna
- Special feature:Â Replacement od expensive patch antennas to cheap PCB track antenna
Findmy, a pioneer in GPS tracking solutions for sheep, was facing a challenge: the cost of two ceramic patch antennas in the tracker’s enclosure was too high. Our development work led to a ground-breaking solution.
Innovative Globalstar / GPS antenna integration
The new sheep tracker no longer requires separate patch antennas. Instead, the IFA antenna for Globalstar and GPS was integrated directly into the main PCB. This innovation brought two major advantages:
1. Cost reduction by eliminating the patch antennas
2. Elimination of manual assembly work for the antennas
Realistic test environment for the sheep tracker
To test the performance of the new design, we developed a mechanical model of a sheep, affectionately known as a ‘digital dolly’. Special features of the test model:
– Head made of foam, soaked in salty water
– Salt content corresponds to that of a real sheep’s body
Comprehensive performance tests outdoors and in the laboratory
The performance of the new tracker was rigorously tested:
– Field tests in the garden for real operating conditions
– Laboratory measurements of total radiated power with the MegiQ RMS
Efficient collaboration of two teams
The development benefited from a strategic division of labour:
– Our team: antenna development
– Findmy: firmware development and remaining board components
This division enabled both parties to make optimum use of their core competences and achieve maximum efficiency and quality.
Antenna matching and IoT development
Are you looking for customised antenna solutions for your IoT project? Our experienced team is happy to support you in developing and optimising antennas for your specific requirements. Whether you need antenna matching, full antenna development or the design of entire IoT devices, we offer you the know-how and experience for innovative and high-performance solutions. Contact us today to take your IoT project to the next level!
