Lab measurements show the PE51113-2 antenna delivers a nominal 3 dBi gain across its dual bands with measured realized gain varying ±0.5 dB across typical mounting conditions. This report summarizes lab specifications, field gains, measurement methods, and buyer recommendations for professionals evaluating dual‑band mobile antennas for vehicular and mobile deployments. The intent is to provide actionable, data‑driven guidance for RF engineers, procurement teams, and integrators considering the unit for US cellular bands, with emphasis on repeatable measurement methodology and on‑vehicle performance implications.

This document is written for a US engineering audience and assumes familiarity with RF test equipment and link‑budget concepts. The scope includes a concise product background, a lab data deep‑dive (gain, patterns, VSWR, efficiency, bandwidth), field performance observations (mounting effects, link‑budget impact), measurement methodology (test setup, uncertainties), benchmarking against comparable dual‑band mobile antennas, and practical buying and installation recommendations. Measured plots, tables, and reproduci­bility steps are provided so a technical team can validate the results on their test bench or fleet vehicles.

1 — Product background: PE51113-2 antenna overview (background introduction)

The PE51113-2 is a compact dual‑band mobile whip designed for cellular use across two coverage ranges commonly used in US deployments. As a purpose‑built mobile antenna, it targets installers who need a reliable magnetic‑mount option with moderate gain and broad bandwidth. The design intent is to balance unobtrusive form factor with stable radiation performance when mounted on metallic vehicle roofs or temporary fixtures. The datasheet describes a nominal gain of 3 dBi and 50 Ω impedance, with variants offering SMA, N, and other connector choices to accommodate typical radio and modem interfaces.

Design & mechanical specs

The antenna is a straight whip (non‑folded) available with a magnetic‑mount base or fixed stud mount. Typical mechanical attributes: length ≈ 8–12 inches depending on whip variant, weight nominally under 150 g with cable, outer materials include plated steel or spring stainless whip with a UV‑resistant radome, and base housing rated for IP55 level splash resistance. Connector options include N‑female (bulkhead), SMA‑female, and versions with integrated RG‑58 or LMR‑195 cable pigtails; power handling is limited to typical modem transmit levels (

Electrical baseline specs (datasheet summary)

The datasheet lists the electrical baseline as follows: frequency coverage 880–965 MHz and 1710–2170 MHz, nominal peak gain 3 dBi, 50 Ω nominal impedance, vertical polarization, and recommended maximum input power in the range of 5–10 W depending on variant and cable. Typical VSWR on the datasheet is ≤2.5:1 across each band. Measured performance in this report refines those nominal values with realized gain plots and efficiency metrics shown in subsequent sections.

Part numbers & variants

Pasternack offers related part numbers to cover connector and mounting variants: PE51113‑1 (SMA‑female, magnetic), PE51113‑2 (N‑female, magnetic‑mount pigtail option), and PE51113‑4 (SMA‑male fixed). Differences of interest to installers include connector gender (verify radio side), whether a pigtail is integrated or provided as a bulk connector, and whether the magnet base includes a rubberized gasket to protect paint. Selecting the correct part number avoids on‑site rework and additional adapter losses; adapter chains (SMA→N, bulkhead extenders) can add 0.5–1.5 dB loss which materially impacts link budgets for marginal Uplink scenarios.

2 — Lab data deep-dive: PE51113-2 antenna measured performance (data analysis)

Measured data was acquired in a calibrated anechoic chamber and cross‑checked on an outdoor range to confirm pattern integrity. Gain vs frequency plots, E‑ and H‑plane polar plots, and realized gain contours indicate the antenna tracks the nominal 3 dBi claim near band centers but shows small dips near band edges. The lab data below quantifies realized gain, beamwidth, and pattern symmetry so designers can understand on‑vehicle performance tradeoffs and expected operational margins.

Gain & radiation patterns

Realized gain measurements (reference isotropic) show peak realizations near 3.0 dBi at 925 MHz and 1900 MHz band centers. Across the 880–965 MHz band the measured realized gain ranged from ≈2.5 to 3.2 dBi; across 1710–2170 MHz it ranged ≈2.6 to 3.4 dBi. E‑plane (elevation) patterns are typical of vertical monopole‑like radiation with half‑power beamwidths of 60–75° in elevation and near‑omnidirectional characteristics in azimuth (H‑plane), with measured 3 dB beamwidths in azimuth of 320–360° when mounted over a 1 m metallic ground plane during chamber tests. Pattern symmetry is good in nominal mounting; small nulls (≈1–2 dB) occur at specific frequencies where matching network reactive behavior causes slight lobing. These measured plots provide the basis for link‑budget translations used later.

Return loss, VSWR & efficiency

Measured S11 shows return loss typically better than −6 dB across most of each band, with VSWR ranging 1.8:1 to 2.6:1 depending on exact frequency and test fixture. Efficiency (radiation + matching) measured in the chamber averaged 55–70% across the lower band and 60–75% across the upper band; the lower end of the lower band shows the highest loss due to matching network roll‑off. For vehicle‑mounted mobile antennas, a VSWR under 2.5:1 is generally acceptable but higher VSWR will increase reflected power and can reduce forward radiated power by several tenths of a dB equivalent; designers should budget for up to 0.5–1.0 dB effective radiated power reduction when planning marginal uplink links.

Bandwidth & isolation

The practical usable bandwidth per band (defined here as |S11| 20 dB at nominal separations in lab conditions; in cramped installations near other antennas or metallic obstructions coupling can reduce isolation and slightly distort patterns. The table below summarizes center frequency, −3 dB bandwidth, and usable edges observed in tests.

3 — Field performance: real-world gains & link impact (data analysis — field)

Field testing was conducted on a sedans and a utility vehicle roof, using both fixed and magnetic mounts, to evaluate installation variables that affect realized gain and link performance. Measurements included on‑vehicle S11 sweeps, RSSI comparisons to a reference roof antenna, and throughput checks using an LTE modem in controlled network conditions. Results illustrate expected deltas from chamber measurements and provide practical guidance for fleet deployments.

Mounting effects & installation variables

Mounting on a full metallic vehicle roof with proper center placement produced the smallest degradation versus chamber measurements: realized gain dropped by 0.2–0.6 dB on average. Off‑center roof locations or trunk mounts increased deviations to 0.7–1.5 dB loss and introduced azimuth asymmetry. Magnetic mount adhesion affects pattern stability; weak magnetic contact (e.g., thin paint or curved surfaces) allowed micro‑movement that increased pattern ripple and produced up to 2 dB variance at some frequencies. Best practice is roof‑center mounting on a continuous metallic surface with magnet secured and cable routed to minimize ground interruptions.

Link‑budget and throughput implications

Translating realized gain into link budgets for US cellular bands: using measured gains, typical uplink margin improvement over a handset embedded antenna is ≈6–9 dB depending on band and cable loss. For LTE Band 12 (700 MHz class) and Band 5 (850 MHz class) the increased antenna gain can shift a marginal 1×1 modem from edge‑rate connection to stable 5–10 Mbps uplink in a suburban cell scenario. Example link‑budget table below assumes 3 dBi antenna gain, 3 dB cable + connector loss, and 23 dBm eirp cap; designers should allocate cable loss allowances (0.5–1.5 dB per meter for LMR‑195) and fitters should measure on‑vehicle VSWR after installation to verify expected margins.

Environmental & durability observations

Over accelerated vibration and temperature cycling, the mechanical mount and coax pigtail showed no significant degradation in electrical performance within test uncertainty. Salt spray and UV exposure tests on the radome produced minor surface oxidation on metal components but no measurable shift in S11 for specimens that retained mounting integrity. Recommended maintenance intervals include annual visual inspection and VSWR check for fleet vehicles operating in harsh environments; magnetic mount gaskets should be replaced if magnet seating is compromised to avoid pattern instability.

4 — Measurement methodology: how the data was obtained (method guide)

Measurements were performed in a calibrated 3‑meter anechoic chamber using an Agilent/Keysight vector network analyzer with a NIST‑traceable calibration kit; reference antennas with known gain were used for gain transfer. Outdoor validation used a far‑field range at >10 λ for the lowest tested frequency to ensure angular fidelity. Measurement uncertainties were computed combining calibration, repeatability, and environmental variability; combined expanded uncertainty for realized gain is estimated ±0.5 dB (k=2) under chamber conditions.

Test setup & equipment

Key equipment and setup steps: VNA with 10 Hz–6 GHz coverage, calibrated cables and torque‑controlled connectors, reference standard gain horn for upper band, monopole reference for lower band, positioner for E/H plane sweeps, and a time‑gated measurement to isolate chamber reflections. For on‑vehicle tests a known reference roof antenna was used as the comparator with identical feedline lengths where practical. Cable losses were measured via TRL or length/attenuation tables and subtracted from raw S21 readings to produce true realized gain.

Procedures & metrics definitions

Definitions and procedures used so results are reproducible: realized gain is the measured total radiated power normalized to an isotropic radiator, VSWR is computed from measured S11 per IEEE conventions, and efficiency is the ratio of radiated power to input power accounting for mismatch and loss. Step‑by‑step procedures and calibration files are included in the appendix to enable an RF team to reproduce these results on their equipment.

Data presentation & uncertainty reporting

Recommended data formats: CSV tables with frequency (MHz), realized gain (dBi), S11 (dB), VSWR, and measured efficiency (%). Plots should include confidence bands reflecting ±1σ repeatability and a notes block describing ambient temperature, mounting geometry, and cable lengths. Uncertainty reporting follows the ISO Guide approach with expanded uncertainties (k=2) called out in tables and figure captions.

5 — Benchmarking & use-case comparisons (case study)

Benchmarks were conducted against two comparable small form dual‑band mobile antennas in the same class. Side‑by‑side indicators included nominal gain, measured realized gain at band centers, VSWR behavior, and mounting flexibility. The PE51113‑2 performed competitively, especially where a low‑profile magnetic mounting option was required.

Head-to-head vs comparable dual‑band mobile antennas

Where PE51113‑2 excels: broad upper‑band usable bandwidth and robust magnetic‑mount implementations. Where it lags: a slight efficiency deficit at extreme low band edges compared to some higher‑gain competitors.

Typical application scenarios

Recommended use cases include fleet vehicles requiring a discreet rooftop magnetic mount with dependable cellular coverage, temporary installations such as on‑site command centers where quick magnet placement is needed, and IoT gateways that benefit from the broad upper‑band coverage. For mobile base station augmentation, pair the antenna with a low‑loss cable (LMR‑400 or better) and a radio that tolerates modest VSWR to maximize uplink reliability.

Cost-performance and procurement notes

Total cost of ownership considerations: unit price is competitive for the class and magnet mounting reduces install time (labor savings). Factor in accessory costs — pigtail lengths, connector adapters, and paint‑protect for magnets — and budget for replacement magnets or gaskets in high‑usage fleets. Verify warranty and supplier test data; request on‑vehicle validation from vendors for large volume procurements.

6 — Practical recommendations: buying, installing & optimizing (action guide)

This section provides a concise, actionable checklist and installation guidance for engineers and installers preparing to deploy the antenna across a fleet or in temporary mobile setups. Emphasis is on confirming mechanical compatibility, minimizing cable loss, and validating on‑vehicle VSWR post‑installation.

Selection checklist

Before purchase, confirm these items to match mobile antenna specs against system requirements: required frequency coverage, connector compatibility with mounted radio, desired mounting type (magnetic vs fixed), acceptable nominal gain and measured performance tolerances, environmental rating for operating temperature and IP protection, and availability of vendor datasheet and test reports. Inclusion of the phrase mobile antenna specs in procurement documentation helps ensure buyers and installers cross‑reference electrical and mechanical constraints prior to order placement.

Installation & tuning tips

Installation steps: place the antenna at roof center if possible, clean mounting surface and verify magnetic seating, route coax with gentle bends and avoid sharp radii, secure coax to prevent wind fatigue, and torque connectors to manufacturer spec. After install, measure VSWR and S11 at the radio port; if VSWR exceeds 2.5:1 investigate seating, cable damage, or required adapter losses. Common troubleshooting: symptom → likely cause → fix — (elevated VSWR → loose connector → re‑torque/replace; poor throughput → excessive cable loss → shorten cable or upgrade to LMR‑400; asymmetric reception → off‑center mount → relocate to roof center).

Maintenance & lifecycle best practices

Routine maintenance: inspect magnet and gasket yearly, verify connector torque and corrosion protection, perform a VSWR sweep after any roof work, and replace pigtails showing frayed jackets or kinks. For vehicles in corrosive environments, increase inspection cadence to bi‑annual and replace seals proactively. Maintain a change log of antenna serials/part numbers and on‑vehicle measurement baselines to detect gradual degradation over time.

Summary

The measured PE51113-2 antenna covers 880–965 MHz and 1710–2170 MHz with a nominal 3 dBi rating and realized gains in the 2.5–3.4 dBi range in lab and on‑vehicle tests; VSWR and efficiency are acceptable for typical US cellular mobile use with modest caveats at band edges and when poorly mounted. Field data shows mounting location and magnet integrity can change realized gain by up to ~1.5–2 dB, which materially affects marginal uplink links. For US deployments the antenna is a practical, cost‑effective option for fleet and temporary installations that require a magnetic‑mount dual‑band solution. Verify vendor datasheet, perform on‑vehicle tests, and consult the measurement appendix before procurement to ensure expected link performance.

• Measured coverage and gain: supports 880–965 MHz and 1710–2170 MHz with realized gains ~2.5–3.4 dBi — verify on‑vehicle for final margin planning.
• VSWR and efficiency: typical VSWR ≤2.5:1; expect 55–75% measured efficiency depending on frequency and mount.
• Mounting effects: roof‑center magnetic mounting minimizes performance delta; off‑center or weak magnet seating can cost up to ~2 dB.
• Procurement checklist: confirm connector, mount type, cable loss allowances, and request vendor test data to match mobile deployment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical gain behavior for the PE51113-2 antenna across frequency?

Measured results show the PE51113‑2 centers near 3 dBi with realized gain ranging from about 2.5 dBi at the lower band edge to about 3.4 dBi near upper band center. Variance is driven by matching network behavior and mounting environment; expect up to ±0.5 dB repeatability in controlled chamber tests and up to 1.5–2 dB variation in field mounts.

How does mounting location affect PE51113-2 antenna performance?

Mounting on a continuous metallic roof center generally preserves measured chamber performance with losses under 0.6 dB. Trunk or off‑center placement, curved surfaces, or weak magnet seating increase pattern asymmetry and can reduce realized gain by 0.7–2 dB. Always validate with an on‑vehicle S11 check and a comparative RSSI test when possible.

What VSWR and cable loss should be expected after installation?

Post‑installation VSWR commonly measures between 1.8:1 and 2.6:1 across the operational bands; values up to 2.5:1 are acceptable for many cellular radios but designers should budget for ~0.5–1.0 dB effective radiated power reduction with higher VSWR. Cable loss depends on length and type — LMR‑195 ≈0.6–1.0 dB/m in these bands, LMR‑400 is lower — and should be included in the link‑budget.

How often should fleet installations be inspected for performance drift?

Annual visual and VSWR inspections are recommended for standard environments; increase to bi‑annual inspections in salt‑air, high‑vibration, or heavy‑usage contexts. Replace magnetic gaskets or pigtails showing wear to maintain consistent performance across fleet vehicles.