Mobile handset system performance comparison of a linearly polarized GPS internal antenna with a circularly polarized antenna

There is a popular believe that the GPS antenna has to be right hand circularly polarized (RHCP). But, the circularly polarized signal is susceptible to deformation in the presence of multi-path environment. With the integration of GPS functionality in consumer products, especially in mobile handsets, chances are, the consumers are going to use these GPS-enabled devices mostly in an urban environment. And multi-path is omnipresent in these environments. Linearly polarized (LP) signal is less susceptible to distortions from surrounding environment. Therefore, a low profile, omni-directional linearly polarized antenna was developed. The number is satellites tracked, and the number of satellites used for navigation purposes were observed. The Carrier to Noise Ratio in dBHz was evaluated for each satellite used. The measurement results for both antennas in realistic environments will be presented.