Antenna diversity system for the mobile reception of satellite digital radio

Satellite radio is a fast growing market. An increasing number of users are enjoying the wide range of radio stations and better reception quality being offered through satellite radio. Although the quality of the reception is excellent, this quality is sometimes disturbed when the antenna reception is harmed; e.g. in fading scenario underneath dense foliage. In order to avoid this, fast switching antenna diversity-systems are investigated, which include also the phase alignment and linear combination of multiple antenna signals. These systems are able to react on the fast changing in the field in a fast fading scenario and yield an additional antenna gain. No additional tuner in the receiver and no additional RF-cable between the antenna module and the receiver are required. The diversity antennas are combined in a small module at one mounting point. Realization of a prototype is described and test results in real scenario are discussed.