u-blox has launched the ANN-MB3, a compact triple-band GNSS antenna aimed at making centimeter-level positioning easier to integrate into real-world products. It supports the L1, L2, and L5 bands, pairing seamlessly with the u-blox F20 platform (including ZED-F20P) and remaining backward compatible with F9 receivers. The idea is to deliver reliable RTK performance in a form factor and price point that make high-precision positioning viable at scale.
Compact and Installation-Friendly
At 82 × 60 × 25.5 mm and roughly 175 g including its five-meter RG174 cable, the ANN-MB3 is sized for flexible use in test setups or production hardware. It comes with a magnetic base and can also be screw-mounted using two M4 fasteners. An integrated LTE Band 13 notch filter in the L1 path helps reject cellular interference, improving signal quality without extra board-level filtering. For teams that need to deploy quickly, this reduces RF design effort and simplifies certification.
Tuned for Clean Signals
The antenna’s active front end includes a low-noise amplifier with roughly 30 dB of gain and a noise figure under 3 dB, ensuring clean signal acquisition even after the five-meter cable run. Typical gain is 3.2 dBic for L1, 4.3 dBic for L2, and 3.8 dBic for L5, with a zenith axial ratio in the 1–2.5 dB range. It runs from a 3.0–5.0 V supply and draws about 17 mA, making it easy to power from most GNSS modules or system rails.
Built for Demanding Applications
Triple-band antennas like the ANN-MB3 allow faster RTK convergence and hold position better in challenging environments. That makes them well suited for mobile robotics, UAV navigation, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and fixed installations that need centimeter-level accuracy. The IP67 enclosure and ±15 kV ESD protection make it rugged enough for outdoor use, while vibration testing to MIL-STD-810G means it can handle machinery and vehicle mounting.
Engineering samples are expected in October 2025, with production units to follow for volume programs.
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