The TRAB9023NP is a black, low-profile 902-928 MHz omnidirectional antenna from the Laird / TE Connectivity Phantom series (formerly Antenex). It covers the full 900 MHz ISM band with 3 dB MEG gain in a rugged, whipless "shot glass" housing, and it does not require a metallic ground plane, which makes it a drop-in fit for non-metal panels, enclosures, kiosks, and other fixed M2M and IoT installs.
Unlike a conventional whip, the Phantom uses a patented field-diversity design with both vertical and horizontal polarization. That gives it frequency agility, wide bandwidth, and a low-angle radiation pattern that holds a signal through the picket-fence fading and multipath nulls common in urban and obstructed environments. Laird rates the Phantom to outperform a typical 3 dB whip in many applications.
Key Features and Benefits
- No ground plane required (NGP): mount on fiberglass, plastic, wood, or any non-conductive surface without performance loss.
- 902 to 928 MHz coverage: tuned for the 900 MHz ISM band, FCC RFID, LoRa, and M2M telemetry.
- True field diversity: dual vertical and horizontal polarization resists multipath fading.
- Whipless, low-profile housing: low visibility, low wind load, and far less prone to vandalism or impact damage.
- N-Female connector on a 5/8 inch threaded stud for secure, permanent mounting.
- Outdoor rated with rugged injection-molded ABS and an O-ring weather seal.
- 100 watt power handling at 50 ohms.
Typical Applications
Built for fixed 900 MHz installations where no ground plane is available and a tamper-resistant mount is preferred:
- 900 MHz ISM radios and modems (Digi, FreeWave, GE-MDS, Microhard, MultiTech)
- FCC UHF RFID readers (902-928 MHz)
- LoRa and LoRaWAN gateways, including Helium
- AMR / AMI smart meter data collection units
- SCADA, telemetry, and industrial IoT (IIoT) endpoints
- Digital signage, vending, ATMs, and free-standing kiosks
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer Part Number | TRAB9023NP |
| Manufacturer | Laird / TE Connectivity (Phantom series, formerly Antenex) |
| Antenna Style | Low-profile omnidirectional (Phantom, whipless) |
| Frequency Range | 902 to 928 MHz (900 MHz ISM) |
| Gain | 3 dB MEG (mean effective gain) |
| Polarization | Dual, vertical and horizontal (field diversity) |
| Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Max Input Power | 100 watts |
| Horizontal (Azimuth) Beamwidth | 360 degrees |
| Vertical (Elevation) Beamwidth | 130 degrees |
| Connector | N-Female |
| Mount | 5/8 inch threaded stud, permanent |
| Ground Plane Required | No |
| Radome Color | Black |
| Radome Material | Injection-molded ABS |
| Height | 2.75 in (70 mm) radome, plus threaded stud |
| Diameter | 1.44 in (36.5 mm) |
| Weight | 0.35 lb (159 g) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +85 C (-40 to +185 F) |
| Outdoor Rated | Yes |
| Included Hardware | O-ring, star washer, hex nut |
| Patents | US 5,977,931; 6,292,156; 7,209,096 |
Build Quality
The Phantom radiator is a patented PC board element sealed inside virtually indestructible injection-molded ABS, with silver-soldered joints for a stable electrical and mechanical connection. An O-ring at the base creates a weather-tight seal for long-term outdoor service, and the date-coded housing supports field traceability.
Phantom Model Number Guide
The suffix tells you exactly how a Phantom is configured. For the TRAB9023NP:
- TRA = Phantom antenna
- B = Black finish (no B = white)
- 902 = 902-928 MHz band
- 3 = 3 dB MEG gain
- N = No ground plane required
- P = Permanent N-Female mount
Related variants: TRAB9023 (NMO, ground plane required), TRAB9023N (NMO, no ground plane), and TRAB9023P (N-Female permanent, ground plane required). White versions drop the B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the TRAB9023NP need a ground plane?
No. The "NP" designation means No ground Plane and Permanent mount. It performs to spec on non-metallic surfaces, so you can mount it on plastic or fiberglass enclosures, signage, and kiosks without adding a metal counterpoise.
What connector and mount does it use?
It terminates in an N-Female connector on a 5/8 inch threaded stud for permanent, vandal-resistant mounting. An O-ring, star washer, and hex nut are included.
What frequencies and applications does it cover?
It covers 902 to 928 MHz, which is the 900 MHz ISM band used by FCC UHF RFID, LoRa and LoRaWAN, AMR smart metering, SCADA telemetry, and 900 MHz industrial radios and modems.
How is it different from a standard 3 dB whip?
The Phantom uses dual-polarization field diversity rather than a single radiating whip. It behaves like two antennas at once, capturing both the electric and magnetic components of the signal, which improves reliability in multipath and urban environments while keeping a low, tamper-resistant profile.
Can it be used outdoors?
Yes. The sealed ABS housing is outdoor rated and operates from -40 to +85 C (-40 to +185 F).
Who manufactures the Phantom line?
The Phantom omni was introduced by Antenex, later sold under Laird Technologies, and is now part of TE Connectivity. The TRAB9023NP part number is consistent across that lineage.
