Antenna Supplemental Device Multipath Signal Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers face accuracy degradation due to multipath fading caused by constructive or destructive combinations of direct and reflected signals, which distort timing information and affect positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental device for the antenna system featuring a ring with a horizontal annular ground plane and radial members that attenuate or block multipath signals by configuring antenna elements to receive only direct signals, using a modified choke ring and polarization selectivity to reduce the reception of reflected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna system receives all signals including reflected signals, then the signal strength is increased, but the positioning accuracy is degraded due to multipath fading
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system segments the reception space by introducing a ground plane that divides signals into direct path signals (above the ground plane) and reflected signals (below the ground plane). This segmentation allows the antenna to selectively receive direct signals while rejecting reflected signals, resolving the contradiction between signal strength and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane acts as an intermediary element between the antenna elements and the reflected signals. It creates a virtual image of the antenna elements below the ground plane, which interferes destructively with the reflected signals, thereby eliminating multipath fading while preserving direct signal reception.
2Measurement precision
If the antenna system uses a ground plane to block reflected signals, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the direct signals are attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system applies local quality by creating different reception characteristics in different spatial regions. Above the ground plane, the antenna elements have high gain for direct signals. Below the ground plane, the combined effect of the ground plane and image elements creates a null for reflected signals. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between blocking reflected signals and receiving direct signals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the antenna elements are positioned close to the ground plane, then the rejection of reflected signals is improved, but the reception of direct signals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the spatial contradiction by transitioning to a different dimensional configuration. Instead of simply moving antenna elements closer to or farther from the ground plane in one dimension, the system uses the ground plane to create a three-dimensional radiation pattern with directional sensitivity. This allows optimal direct signal reception from above while maintaining reflected signal rejection from below.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces multipath signals, maintaining high accuracy in GNSS positioning by ensuring only direct signals are received, thereby minimizing the distortion of timing information and enhancing the axial ratio of the antenna system.
Implementation Method 1
The supplemental device is well-suited for reducing multipath in the received signals by configuring one or more antenna elements to receive only signals directly from the satellites, not reflected signals
Implementation Method 2
A supplemental device for an antenna system comprises a ring that provides a generally horizontal annular ground plane... One or more antenna elements are positioned in the central opening
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a supplemental device for an antenna system comprises a ring that provides a generally horizontal annular ground plane, where the ring has an interior circumference. A substantially annular wall rises or extends from the ring at or near the interior circumference. A set of radial members extends radially upward from the ring, the radial members spaced apart from each other.