PCB Multi-Frequency GNSS Antenna Multipath Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GNSS antennas face challenges in achieving precise phase-matching and multipath rejection across a wide beamwidth due to the complexity and cost of discrete component-based designs, which are prone to interference and detuning, especially at low elevation angles where multipath interference is significant.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance GNSS antenna is designed using printed circuit board (PCB) materials and common manufacturing techniques, featuring a spiral radiating element configuration with precisely etched signal paths and balun transformers to ensure correct polarization and reject left-hand circularly polarized multipath signals, maintaining signal integrity across multiple frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete component-based antenna designs are used, then polarization control and multipath rejection can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (phase shifters, baluns, feed networks) into an integrated PCB-based structure. The feed network and radiating elements are merged into a single planar configuration, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining multipath rejection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/discrete component assemblies with a printed circuit board implementation. The phase-shifting and polarization control functions are achieved through PCB trace geometry and configuration rather than mechanical adjustment of discrete components, significantly simplifying manufacturing.
2Reliability
If discrete component-based antenna designs are used, then polarization control can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard PCB materials and common manufacturing techniques instead of expensive discrete components. The feed network and radiating elements are fabricated using conventional PCB processes, making the antenna cost-effective and suitable for mass production while maintaining polarization control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves polarization control by changing the geometric parameters of the PCB traces and feed network configuration rather than using expensive adjustable discrete components. The phase difference and amplitude balance are determined by trace length and width parameters that can be precisely controlled during PCB fabrication.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional antenna designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but phase-matching precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control in the PCB design by varying trace geometry, width, and length at specific locations to achieve precise phase-matching. The feed network is designed with locally optimized trace parameters that compensate for manufacturing tolerances and ensure accurate phase relationships across different frequencies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wide beamwidth is achieved, then coverage is improved, but polarization control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric feed network configuration and non-uniform trace geometry to achieve wide beamwidth while maintaining polarization control. The radiating elements are positioned and dimensioned asymmetrically to broaden the beamwidth, while the feed network compensation ensures that polarization purity is maintained across the extended angular coverage.
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 PCB-based antenna effectively rejects multipath interference and maintains correct polarization over a wide beamwidth, enhancing GNSS receiver performance by ensuring precise phase-matching and cost-effectiveness, while being resistant to environmental interferences.
Implementation Method 1
A high-performance, multipath-rejecting antenna which forces correct polarization over a wide beamwidth including multiple Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) frequencies
Implementation Method 2
reject left-hand circularly polarized multipath signals, maintaining signal integrity across multiple frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-frequency GNSS antenna is provided which can be manufactured from PCB materials and exhibits good multipath rejection. The antenna is capable of receiving RHCP signals from all visible GNSS satellites across a wide beamwidth. A multi-frequency GNSS antenna manufacturing method includes the steps of providing PCB base and support assemblies, first and second feed networks and connecting said first and second feed networks to first and second hybrid connector outputs.