Scan-phase antenna diversity for digital satellite radio (SDARS) in a single automotive side mirror

The reception of satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) by vehicular receivers with a single antenna is usually only possible using a rooftop mounting position due to very strict specifications by the service provider. In cars where rooftop mounting is not an option alternative mounting positions have to be found. In most situations a single receiving antenna is not sufficient due to shadowing, attenuation, and strict size constraints leading to small ground planes in these positions. A single side mirror is used for mounting a diversity antenna set which is combined with a scan-phase diversity system in the work described in this paper. Signal recordings of such a scenario are analysed statistically and compared for test drive data of a shadowed and a non-shadowed antenna positioning due to the driving direction. Measurement results of the audio availability in real Rayleigh-fading scenarios show that the diversity system outperforms a single standard antenna on the rooftop of a car in this new configuration even though the car's shadowing of the antenna is considered.