Patent ID: 8307535
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: H01Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna with printed circuit board (PCB) components, which method includes the steps of: providing a PCB base assembly including an antenna output, a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected to the output and a hybrid connector connected to the LNA and including first and second hybrid connector outputs phase-shifted 90° relative to each other; providing a PCB support assembly; mounting said PCB support assembly on said base assembly; providing first and second PCB feed networks; connecting said first and second feed networks to said first and second hybrid connector outputs respectively; providing said first and second feed networks with first and second balanced/unbalanced (balun) transformers respectively; providing each said balun transformer with first and second outputs phase-shifted 180° relative to each other; providing an array comprising four PCB radiating antenna elements; mounting said array on said support structure; and electrically connecting each said antenna element to a respective balun output.