Compact scan-phase antenna diversity system for high driving speeds

Abstract

A scan-phase diversity system is shown to highly improve the reception quality in Rayleigh-fading scenarios even at high driving speeds. The measurements are conducted with an integrated diversity circuit which enables the phase-aligned signal combination in a die area of only 4mm by 4 mm. Combined with a compact level detection circuit and a micro-controller unit which runs the diversity algorithm the diversity system has a stacked footprint area of 10 cm by 7 cm. Measurement results of test drives using this diversity system in a Rayleigh-fading scenario show a significant reduction of audio mutes compared to a single antenna reference system. This is equivalent to an increased link margin which could also be used for increased audio content or quality from the service provider. The diversity system can be applied at arbitrary driving speeds. A significant improvement of signal quality can be shown for all velocities of at least 100 km/h.