Investigation on Improvements in SDARS Reception Quality with a Scan/Phase Antenna Diversity System

The concept of scan/phase antenna diversity is investigated for satellite digital audio radio systems. A hardware demonstrator implementing this diversity concept is assessed in test drives in the USA. Measurement results are given to prove that significant reduction of mute duration is achieved in critical reception scenarios with multipath propagation underneath dense foliage. A novel two-signal diversity antenna with a footprint as small as 32mm × 32mm was tested in combination with an according scan/phase diversity system. This combination shows very good reception performance and measurement results are given to demonstrate that diversity can improve audio quality significantly underneath dense foliage with two antennas at only one mounting position. Full diversity function is achieved independently of the receiver and only a single cable is needed to provide the connection to the antenna module.