Switched diversity antennas characterized by a coverage probability parameter

A new characteristic parameter for switched diversity antennas is introduced. The coverage probability parameter describes the capability of a switched diversity antenna system to receive “above threshold” an arbitrary linear polarized wave coming from an arbitrary direction. A number of generic antennas, as well as diversity antennas from the literature, are compared in terms of size, bandwidth, and “coverage” as described by the new parameter. A new diversity antenna based on loaded dipoles is proposed and is shown to outperform existing antennas in many regards.