GNSS/INS devices require an antenna. Next to the standard antenna that Xsens delivers with the Development Kits, Xsens has tested other antennas as well.
Tested antennas
| Antenna name | Supported constellations |
| PCTEL 3910D, 3 meter (no longer sold by Xsens, was default antenna for MTi-G-700) | GPS |
| ANT-P: PCTEL 8117D, 3 meter, no magnets (default antenna for MTi-G-710 and MTi-7-DK). Same footprint as 3910D. | GPS/GLONASS |
| ANT-MULTI: Tallysman Wireless 4721, 3 meter (default antenna for MTi-670-DK) | GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo |
| Tallysman Wireless 2710 | GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo |
| Tallysman TW8889 (default antenna for MTi-680G-SK) | Dual Band: GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo |
Both Tallysman and PCTEL have many configurations (with/without magnets, cable lengths, connectors), so we recommend to contact them for more information. Most of their antennas are also available with worldwide distributors as Farnell, Mouser and Digi-Key.
Using other antennas
For the MTi-G-710 and MTi-680G, the antenna must be connected to the SMA connector on the front panel or the u.FL connector on the OEM-board.
When using another GNSS antenna than the one supplied as a part of the MTi-G-700/710 Development or MTi-680G Starter Kit, one has to consider the antenna gain of the active antenna. It is recommended to only use active antennas with a gain between 15 and 50 dB. The voltage supplied by the MTi-G-700/710 and MTi-680G to the SMA or u.fl connector (OEM) is 3.2 to 3.3V. An active antenna can be supplied at a maximum of 100mA @ 3.3V. The SMA connector has an impedance rating of 50 Ohm.
Patch antennas are not suitable for hand-held devices, because of the de-tuning effect of the hand/body. The hand/body will dielectrically load the patch antenna, which will de-tune the resonant frequency of the patch. For this purpose a helix antenna is recommended.
In contrast to helix antennas, patch antennas require a ground plane for operation. Helix antennas can be designed for use with or without a ground plane.
When using GNSS antennas with >3m cable, you need to consider the power/signal loss over long cables. The MTi supplies the antenna with 3.3-3.2V, over long cables the power loss could be high and not enough to power the GNSS antenna. This can affect the quality of the GNSS signal.