Integrated GNSS-WiFi Antenna Layout for Low-Loss Signal Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing GNSS systems face challenges with increased installation costs and signal loss due to the need for indoor splitters and long cables, which also affect antenna radiation patterns and introduce unintended coupling, leading to instability.

Innovation Solution

An integrated active GNSS antenna, WIFI antenna, and splitter under a low-profile radome enclosure, optimized component placement, and shielded RF sections to minimize mutual interference and coupling, with a DC select circuit to ensure stable power distribution and fault detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standalone GNSS splitter is used indoors, then multiple receivers can share a single antenna, but installation cost and signal loss increase due to long cables required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal sharing capabilityVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the GNSS antenna and GNSS splitter into a single integrated unit mounted on the roof. The splitter is built into the antenna assembly, eliminating the need for separate indoor splitter installation and long cable runs. This merging of functions directly reduces signal loss by minimizing cable length while maintaining the capability to share signals among multiple receivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple antennas are used for GNSS receivers, then each receiver has dedicated signal access, but installation cost and roof space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidroof space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated GNSS antenna-spliter unit allows multiple receivers to share a single antenna location on the roof. The built-in splitter divides the received signal among multiple output ports, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas while maintaining reliable signal reception for all connected receivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the GNSS antenna is placed at the center of the base plate, then a symmetrical ground is provided, but mutual interference with the WIFI antenna increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground symmetryVSAvoidmutual interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the GNSS antenna off-center on the base plate, specifically located away from the center to reduce mutual interference with the WIFI antenna. This asymmetric placement optimizes the radiation patterns of both antennas by increasing their separation distance, while the ground plane design is adjusted to maintain electrical performance despite the asymmetric positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Area of stationary object

If the GNSS antenna is moved closer to the WIFI antenna to save space, then installation space is reduced, but unintended coupling and instability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces shielding structures as intermediary elements between the GNSS antenna and WIFI antenna. These shields block unintended electromagnetic coupling between the two antennas, allowing them to be positioned closer together for space efficiency while maintaining system stability and preventing interference-induced instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Ease of operation

If a low-profile radome enclosure is used, then aesthetic appearance and installation simplicity are improved, but available space for component placement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcomponent placement space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the GNSS splitter is integrated within the GNSS antenna assembly, and both are mounted together under the low-profile radome. The splitter circuit board is positioned in the limited space between the antenna elements and the radome enclosure, efficiently utilizing the available volume while maintaining the sleek low-profile appearance and simple installation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12481073B2Apparatus integrating a GNSS antenna, GNSS splitter, and a WIFI antenna

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 NORSAT INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

An active GNSS splitter module is integrated into a GNSS and WIFI combination antenna to provide four equal GNSS outputs. Different components of this antenna have been optimally placed in the limited available space under a low-profile radome to minimize the mutual effects on the radiation pattern of the antennas. The special compact design of the splitter board allows it to be effectively shielded to mitigate the unintended couplings between the GNSS antenna and the splitter itself. The splitter has an internal amplifier to compensate for the loss of split and output cables. All GNSS output ports are DC pass and therefore the required DC power for the GNSS antenna can be supplied through any of these ports. The splitter is equipped with a DC select circuit which monitors all DC inputs and selects one of them to power the GNSS antenna and splitter itself.