IP ratings are an important spec to consider when comparing external antennas for cellular, GNSS, Wi-Fi and other technologies. Short for “ingress protection,” an IP rating is a shorthand description of the enclosure’s ability to keep foreign objects such as water and dust from getting inside and damaging the antenna elements.
For example, all Taoglas antenna enclosures that are rated IP67 can withstand up to 1 meter submersion for 30 minutes. IP67 also is what’s known as a fixed rating. This enables device OEMs and systems integrators to make apples-to-apples comparisons between multiple manufacturers’ antennas because they all had to meet the same requirements to be certified as IP67.
On the other hand, IP68 is not a fixed rating. Instead, it’s based on each device OEM’s unique requirements. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 both have an IP68 rating. But the S24 is designed to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, while the 16 is designed for up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. (For information about how these and other IP ratings are defined, see “How IP and IK Ratings Measure Real-World Durability.”)
When selecting an IP67 antenna, it’s important to scrutinize how each manufacturer verifies that level of durability during mass production. For example, as they come off the line, every Taoglas IP67 antenna is tested in a pressurized chamber to detect air leaks. This test ensures that each and every one meets IP67 standards — and without the production delays that would occur if they were tested underwater, which requires drying before they can move on to RF testing.
Don’t Let the Connector Be the Weak Link
It’s important to note that the IP67 rating is for only the enclosure rather than the connector, too. That means device OEMs and systems integrators need to take additional steps to ensure that the connector doesn’t become an Achilles’ heel for both their product and all of the applications that rely on it.
For example, many GNSS/cellular antennas are designed to be installed on a vehicle’s roof, which also serves as the antenna’s ground plane. This type of installation can create a false sense of security because there still may be opportunities for humidity and rain to work their way in over the vehicle’s lifetime. Grommets and glue provide additional layers of protection. Device OEMs also should provide detailed installation guidance to ensure that their products are mounted in ways that do not create ingress opportunities.
Device OEMs, systems integrators and end users such as first responder agencies should inspect the connector’s build quality. Another tip is to specify a waterproof connector. There are several ways to achieve this, such as rubber/plastic jacket overmolding, o-rings or a waterproof box to encapsulate the connector.
The connector’s material also is important. For example, stainless steel provides greater resistance to corrosion than dacromet. If the antenna system is subject to extreme conditions, such as frequent submersion in water, a custom connector may be required to ensure greater resilience.
A final tip is to take a holistic approach to design and testing. For example, Taoglas’ testing can be configured to cover both the enclosure and the connector to ensure that the entire product meets the application’s unique requirements, whether they’re measured strictly in terms of IP67 or include additional criteria.
