Fast Switched Diversity for optimization of S-band SDARS reception

This contribution describes fundamentals and their implementation of a Fast Switched Antenna Diversity System for Satellite Digital Audio Radio Systems. Fast and reliable level detection is of great importance for correct antenna selection in a Fast Switched Diversity System. Furthermore, switching has to be timed correctly, so as to make use of the benefits of multiple decorrelated antennas in a multipath scenario. The system has been realized as a hardware demonstrator. Actual dense foliage multipath scenarios have been used for testing in the USA. Audio mutes are reduced by more than one order of magnitude.