PCTEL Showcases Power Line Monitoring Antenna at DistribuTECH

PCTEL, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCTI), a leader in Performance Critical Telecom solutions, unveiled its power line monitoring antenna today at DistribuTECH 2016. PCTEL’s power line monitoring antenna was designed specifically to communicate with wireless power line sensors and fault indicator devices typically deployed on power lines. Utilities leverage data collected from these sensors to more precisely calibrate power production to the variable needs of the grid, substantially reducing energy waste. The power line monitoring antenna makes these sensor systems easier to install while improving the range and reliability of data transmissions.

“In deploying beta versions of our LineScope™ sensor package, we found an installation location that was experiencing a communication dropout problem. We contacted our antenna supplier, PCTEL, who dispatched an engineer to examine the problem. As a result of the visit, PCTEL developed an antenna that eliminated the problem and provided us with an even lower profile form factor,” said Dan Driggers, Cleaveland/Price Electrical Engineer and the lead engineer on the project.

“The improved signal strength of the flat patch style PCTEL antenna increased the communication distance between our LineProbe sensor and the CommBridge receiving unit by over 30% compared to the stock omnidirectional antenna that we originally used. This increased range will give our customers greater flexibility in positioning the LineScope™ components. Cleaveland/Price is very pleased that PCTEL went the extra mile to develop a communication solution that enhances the performance of our LineScope™ system,” added Driggers.

"PCTEL is thrilled to contribute to this energy-saving initiative. At PCTEL, we believe that effective wireless communications solve business and environmental problems,” said Rishi Bharadwaj, Vice President and General Manager of PCTEL’s Connected Solutions group. "Solving difficult RF and installation problems has made us the leading antenna provider for many energy and natural resource applications,” added Bharadwaj.

PCTEL’s innovative design for the power line monitoring antenna meets stringent performance, form factor, and installation requirements. The antenna’s RF performance, including circular polarization, pattern coverage, and gain levels, is optimized for the typical deployment in the electric utility network. Its low profile over-molded patch antenna design is ideal for pad mount and enclosure installations where low visual impact is necessary to discourage tampering or vandalism. For mounting, it incorporates an integrated bulkhead type N female connector and a high bond tape mount that secures the antenna to a mounting surface with a watertight seal.

PCTEL will demonstrate its portfolio of industrial wireless and utility antennas at DistribuTECH, booth #1474, February 9-11 in Orlando, Florida. PCTEL’s new antenna will be available in March 2016.

About PCTEL

PCTEL, a global provider of RF expertise, delivers Performance Critical Telecom solutions to the wireless industry. PCTEL benchmarks and optimizes wireless networks with its data tools, engineering services, and RF products. PCTEL's antennas and site solutions are vital elements for networks serving SCADA, fleet management, health care, public safety, and education.

PCTEL’s RF Solutions products and services improve the performance of wireless networks globally. PCTEL's performance critical products include its MXflex®, IBflex®, and EXflex® SeeGull® scanning receivers and related SeeHawk® Touch, SeeHawk® Collect, and SeeWave® tools. PCTEL's sophisticated engineering services utilize these products as well as SeeHawk™ Analytics.

PCTEL Connected Solutions designs and delivers performance critical antennas and site solutions for public and private wireless networks globally. PCTEL's performance critical antenna solutions include high rejection and high performance GPS and GNSS products, the industry leading Yagi portfolio, mobile and indoor LTE, broadband, and LMR antennas and PIM-rated antennas for transit, in-building, and small cell applications. We leverage our design, logistics, and support capabilities to deliver performance critical antenna and site solutions into carrier, railroad, utility applications, oil and gas, and other vertical markets.

PCTEL's products are sold worldwide through direct and indirect channels. For more information, please visit the company's web sites: www.pctel.com, www.antenna.com, or www.rfsolutions.pctel.com.

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