FOUNTAIN INN, SC, Nov 5, 2025 – KYOCERA AVX launched an LDS cap antenna and evaluation board designed for Iridium satellite IoT applications. Both products are Iridium-qualified and compatible with Iridium Certus 9704 modules.
KYOCERA AVX LDS cap antenna developed for Iridium is manufactured using laser direct structuring (LDS) technology. The LDS cap antenna is smaller and lighter than ceramic patch antenna designs and delivers wider bandwidth, higher radiation efficiency, and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). It improves signal strength for LEO satellites operating at low elevation angles.
This on-board antenna has a lightweight form factor with a design that measures 35.7mm in diameter and 17.98mm high, weighs 6.85g, facilitates SMT assembly, and allows device manufacturers to locate components on its underside.
The KYOCERA AVX LDS cap antenna developed for Iridium supports GNSS (1,559–1,610MHz) and Iridium (1,616–1626.5MHz) frequencies with ~2dBi peak gain and 60% efficiency, and delivers consistent performance in challenging environments, including over metal. It’s rated for 4W power handling, 50Ω feed point impedance, and operating temperatures extending from -40° to +85°C. It withstands high temperatures, humidity, and salt spray, meets RoHS and REACH standards, and ships on tape and reel for automated assembly.
The antenna is designed for satellite connectivity, satellite IoT applications, and suited for applications including telematics, asset tracking, remote monitoring, smart farming, and smart city applications.
The Kyocera AVX LDS cap antenna and its 70 x 70 x 32.5mm (L x W x H) evaluation board are qualified for Iridium Certus 9704 products. The board supports integration and development for the Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module and Iridium Certus 9704 satellite IoT developer kit.
The Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module with Iridium Messaging Transport technology is the company’s smallest module. It supports satellite IoT applications that need real-time data analysis, analytics and automated decision-making. The module enables IIoT, M2M, predictive maintenance, remote asset tracking, remote sensing, uncrewed aircraft, vehicle and vessel command and control for uncrewed systems. It supports higher data throughput and quicker message transmission than previous Iridium IoT modules and supports integration with AI for Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) applications.
“The Iridium Certus 9704 IoT module packs tons of crucial and value-added capabilities into a small form factor to better support the growing satellite IoT market,” said Omid Nia, Ph.D., associate director – product engineering and certification at Iridium. “KYOCERA AVX’s LDS antenna performance is excellent. It meets all defined Iridium performance and compliance requirements and is officially qualified for use with the Iridium Certus 9704.”
“Iridium is the global leader in satellite IoT applications, so we’re honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with them on the development of our latest innovative LDS cap antenna and enable their cutting-edge satellite IoT solutions,” said Carmen Redondo, director of global marketing – antennas at KYOCERA AVX. “Our team’s expertise in antenna design allowed us to help the Iridium team overcome challenges posed by traditional ceramic patch antennas and satisfy the unique demands of satellite IoT applications. Our antenna’s RHCP and constant gain from zenith to horizon are especially advantageous for LEO satellite connectivity at low elevation angles, and its peak gain of approximately 2dBi and 60% efficiency ensures reliable performance in challenging environments in various industries. We also optimized its size, performance, and integration flexibility to quicken customers’ time to market, and – like Iridium – are excited to see how customers implement this new technology and the Iridium Certus 9704 IoT solutions it enables.”
Source: KYOCERA AVX
About KYOCERA AVX
KYOCERA AVX, founded in 1972, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, including capacitors, antennas, inductors, resistors, filters, sensors, connectors, controls, and circuit protection devices. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, defense, 5G, and IoT. Headquartered in Fountain Inn, SC, KYOCERA AVX operates 33 research, development, and manufacturing facilities across more than 15 countries. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Kyocera reported revenue of approx. $13.3B. KYOCERA AVX employs more than 15,000 people worldwide and serves thousands of customers through direct relationships and distributor networks. Its products meet global demand for high-performance components, supporting innovation across industries.
About Iridium
Iridium Communications, based in McLean, VA, provides global satellite communication services through a low Earth orbit (LEO) network. The company offers voice, data, broadband, tracking, and monitoring services for industries including maritime, aviation, government, utilities, mining, and automotive. Founded in 2001 after the original Iridium system launched in 1998, it has delivered commercial satellite services for more than two decades. In 2024, Iridium reported revenue of about $831M.