Nowadays, the demand for GPS applications is growing all over the world. Helix and Patch antennas are widely used in several GPS applications.

1. Difference between Helix Antenna and Patch Antenna
Nowadays, the demand for GPS applications is growing all over the world. Helix and
Patch antennas are widely used in several GPS applications. To understand the
working of these 2 antennas, it is necessary to know the meaning of both these
antennas in detail. We will also talk about the benefits of Helix Antenna and the
differences between these antennas to know the better antenna.
What is a Helix Antenna?
A helix antenna is a type of antenna that is developed with or without any ground
plane. It emits an omnidirectional radiation pattern. This antenna can even work
without any ground planes. However, the ground plane will give better
performance in an antenna.
If you want to use the ground plane in an antenna, it should be placed at a minimum
distance from the radiation part of the antenna. You can use a helix antenna in the
internal or external part of the space. Helix antennas have the features of a zapper
and vertical antenna. Moreover, the helix antennas can receive signals at an angle
of 360 degrees.
Benefits of Helix Antenna
After discussing the meaning of a helix antenna, let us now discuss the benefits of
this antenna. Helix antennas give various benefits such as:
1. Used with or without ground plane
Helix antennas can be used with or without ground planes. They perform better
than other types of antennas when you use the ground plane. You can use this
antenna in a variety of GPS applications with the help of a ground plane.
2. Suitable for external or internal use of antenna
One of the major benefits of a Quadrifilar Helix Antenna is that it can be used in
the internal and external parts of the devices.

2. 3. Gives higher gain
Helix antennas give higher gain than patch antennas in the device. As a result, the
device works better with helix antennas. You can use helix antennas for both VHF
and UHF bands. They have wide bandwidth and give higher directivity than other
antennas.
4. Simple design
Helix antennas have a simpler design than other kinds of antennas. It is easy to
design this antenna by using a few components. This antenna can give circular
polarization as well.
What is a Patch Antenna?
Patch antenna is used in many applications due to durability and simple
manufacturing. This antenna is very easy to design just like helix antennas. Patch
antennas can be in any shape such as long, square, and round.
These antennas give high gain when you install them on the top side of a ground
plane. The most popular kind of patch antenna is the ceramic type. It has
dimensions of various ranges. Patch antennas with small ground planes have a
back-lobe in the radiation pattern.
While using the patch antenna, you must look at a few important things. The
components of this antenna should not be mounted near the patch. Apart from
that, you must also keep a minimum distance between antennas and devices.
Signal line paths should not be used under or near the patch antennas.
Benefits of Patch Antenna
Now, let us discuss the benefits of a patch antenna in this section. The major
benefits of patch antennas are:
 Patch antennas work better than traditional antennas which are not feasible.
 These antennas work at microwave frequencies whereas a traditional
antenna does not work.
 It is widely used in many small devices.
 You can integrate patch antennas with MMIC or MICs.

3.  Patch antennas are lightweight as well as comfortable to use because of their
small size.
 They can support dual, triple, and other frequency bands.
 These antennas will support both linear and circular polarization kinds.
 Patch antennas work better when you mount them on the rigid surface of
any device.
Difference between Helix Antenna and Patch Antenna
This section explains the differences between helix antennas and patch antennas
in detail.
 Use
Helix antennas can be used both in the internal and external parts of the device.
On the other hand, the patch antennas are used on the external part of the devices.
 Gain
Helix antennas give a higher gain than patch antennas. On the other hand, the
patch antennas give a lower gain in any device. Patch antennas are very easy to
fabricate on printed circuit board whereas helix antennas are not very simple to
fabricate on the circuit board because of their small size.
 Sensitivity
Helix antennas show lower sensitivity than other kinds of antennas. They cannot
detect weak signals from certain radio frequency sources. If you want a better
sensitivity, use patch antennas in the device. They are capable of detecting signals
from certain sources.
 Directions
Helix antennas are omnidirectional and emit signals in any direction. On the other
hand, patch antennas are unidirectional and can emit signals only in one direction.
 Sizes
Helix antenna is normally available in small sizes. This is the reason why helix
antennas are widely used in small devices. Contrary to that, you will get large sizes
of patch antennas in the market. They are available in a large variety in the market.

4.  Cost
Helix antennas are costlier than patch antennas. On the other hand, you will get
patch antennas at an affordable rate in the market. Helix antennas are widely used
in multiple GPS applications whereas patch antennas are generally used in many
portable wireless applications.
 Construction
It is simple to build a helix antenna for engineers whereas patch antennas are
difficult to build. Helix antennas have a simple design and construction. On the
other hand, patch antennas have a complex structure and design.
Final words
These are the major differences between helix antennas and patch antennas with
their benefits. If you want the Best Helix Antenna, You can ask for quotes from
Antenna Experts. Our team of experts helps you to get the best type and size of
antenna. Choose the best antennas according to your needs or budget.
You can also get many customized products with different features and
characteristics from manufacturers and companies.