Patent Abstract:
An combined satellite and terrestrial antenna system for a structure is disclosed. The antenna system that includes a terrestrial antenna, a satellite antenna, a satellite receiver, and an AM/FM receiver. The terrestrial antenna includes a multi-band terrestrial antenna mounted on a mounting assembly including a low noise amplifier circuit and a bezel. The bezel is adapted to contain the low noise amplifier. The satellite antenna is concentrically mounted with respect to the terrestrial antenna. The mounting assembly is connected to the satellite receiver for reception of satellite and satellite retransmitted signals by a satellite-terrestrial-retransmitted-satellite cable. The mounting assembly is also connected to the AM/FM receiver for reception of AM/FM terrestrial signals by a terrestrial AM/FM cable. A method for mounting the combined satellite and terrestrial antenna system on a structure is also disclosed. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates generally to radio antennas. More particularly, the invention relates to terrestrial radio and satellite communication antennas for vehicles and other mobile or fixed structures. The invention also relates to an integral antenna assembly that comprises one or more antennas for mounting externally on the surface of a vehicle or other mobile or fixed structure.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a number of antenna systems have been proposed which provide for the reception of satellite transmission signals on vehicles and other mobile or fixed structures. FIG. 1 illustrates a known antenna system that allows transfer of radio frequency (RF) energy across a dielectric such as glass for reception of satellite transmitted signals. The antenna illustrated in FIG. 1 provides for the transfer of RF energy through glass or other dielectric surface to avoid having to drill holes, for example, through the windshield or window of an automobile for installation. After-market glass-mount antenna systems are advantageous because they obviate the necessity of having to provide a proper seal around an installation hole or other window opening in order to protect the interior of the vehicle and its occupants from exposure to external weather conditions.  
           [0003]    In the known antenna system  1   a  depicted in FIG. 1, RF signals from an antenna  2   a  are conducted across a glass surface  3   a  via a coupling device  4   a  that typically employs capacitive coupling, slot coupling or aperture coupling. The portion of the coupling device  4   a  on the interior of the vehicle is connected to a matching circuit  5   a  which provides the RF signals to a low noise amplifier (LNA)  7   a  at the input of a receiver  8   a  via an RF or coaxial cable  6   a.    
           [0004]    [0004]FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the antenna system  1   a  of FIG. 1 at reference numeral  1   b , except that antenna  2   b  has been displaced to the roof of a vehicle, V, and is kept in place by a magnet or other securing means. Through cable  3   b , the RF signal travels to coupler  4   b , which is mounted exteriorly on the vehicle&#39;s glass (e.g., back windshield) and to second coupler  4   b , which is mounted on the glass, such that the second coupler  4   b  is positioned on the interior of the vehicle, V, in a directly opposing relationship to the first coupler  4   b  mounted on the exterior of the glass. The RF signal then travels through RF cable  5   b  to LNA  6   b  and then through RF cable  7   b  to receiver  8   b.    
           [0005]    Both types of antenna mounting systems  1   a ,  1   b  illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 suffer from various deficiencies. First, the antennas  2   a ,  2   b  of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, is, in all likelihood, a second or even third antenna positioned on the vehicle (i.e. an additional antenna in view of the original equipment manufacture (OEM)-installed AM/FM antenna), and thus adds an unsightly appearance to the vehicle, V. Regarding the window mount antenna system  1   a , RF coupling loss through the glass  3   a  is generally 1 dB or higher. This causes an increase in noise that results in degradation of receiver sensitivity. Even further, the couplers  4   a  may obstruct vehicle operator vision while also generally making the appearance of the vehicle, V, unsightly.  
           [0006]    The vehicle body mount (i.e. roof mount) antenna system  1   b  includes other maintenance, safety, and performance issues. For example, the installation of antenna  2   b  is located remotely with respect to LNA  6   b  and radio receiver  8   b , which is generally considered unattractive to consumers of mobile satellite services, such as SDARS. This is true for several reasons. First, the roof mounted antenna  2   b  is unsightly, not only to the external observer, but also to the vehicle occupants where the RF cables  5   b ,  7   b  must be routed through the interior of the vehicle, V. Secondly, as a result of height restrictions on car carriers, truck carriers, or other vehicle carriers, an antenna  2   b  placed on the roof has to be below some maximum height, such that the overall vehicle height does not exceed the maximum allowable height whereby this causes a problem with being loaded on a carrier. Even further, an antenna  2   b  that is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, V, adds to the clearance height of the vehicle, V, which may be troublesome if parking the vehicle, V, in a garage. Often, users will forget that the antenna  2   b  is on the roof, and will cause damage either to the antenna  2   b  and/or the vehicle, V. Even further, if the user minds the fact that the antenna is mounted on the roof, the user may have to stop the vehicle, V, exit it, and dismantle the antenna  2   b  before parking in the garage.  
           [0007]    [0007]FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the antenna system at reference numeral  1   c . The antenna system  1   c  includes a combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system installed on a vehicle for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial retransmitted satellite signals. The combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  1   c  includes a multi-band terrestrial antenna  2   c , satellite antenna  3   c , bezel  4   c , nut  5   c , bolt  6   c , LNA housing  7   c , SDARS satellite (SDARS/SAT) cable  8   c , SDARS terrestrial (SDARS/TER) cable  9   c , and AM/FM cable  10   c . The system further comprises SDARS receiver (SDARS/RX)  11   c , SDARS audio cable  12   c , and combined head unit and AM/FM tuner  13   c , which includes an AM/FM tuner  14   c  and head unit  15   c.    
           [0008]    The multi-band terrestrial antenna  2   c  includes a folded-dipole and is used to receive conventional AM and FM transmitted signals and terrestrial retransmission of satellite transmitted signals while the satellite antenna  3   c  includes a helical element to receive satellite transmitted signals directly. Essentially, the antennas  2   c ,  3   c  are two distinct antennas, as applied to SDARS signals (i.e. direct satellite signals and retransmitted terrestrial signals), that are physically separated, requiring three cables that function in providing the satellite signal (SDARS/SAT cable  8   c ), the terrestrial retransmitted satellite signals (SDARS/TER cable  9   c ), and the AM/FM terrestrial signals (AM/FM cable  12   c ). Both antennas  2   c ,  3   c  are secured through the mounting hole provided in a surface  16   c , via the nut  5   c  and bolt  6   c . The SDARS/SAT cable  8   c , SDARS/TER cable  9   c  and AM/FM cable  10   c  pass through bolt  6   c , which has a suitably large hollowed-out portion to pass the three cables  8   c ,  9   c ,  10   c  through. If desired, the surface  16   c  may be the surface of an automobile, and the combined terrestrial/satellite antenna system  1   c  may be located on a manufacturer-provided hole (i.e. one that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) provides for the purpose of installing an AM/FM mast antenna). The three cables  8   c ,  9   c ,  10   c  provide a communication path to other components of the system as explained above and seen at reference numerals  11   c - 15   c , which, for example, may be located in the trunk of the vehicle. Functionally, the SDARS/SAT cable  8   c  carries the amplified received satellite signal, the SDARS/TER cable  9   c  carries the amplified terrestrial retransmission of a satellite (or cellular) signal, and the AM/FM cable  10   c  carries the AM/FM terrestrial signals received by multi-band antenna  2   c.    
           [0009]    Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic block diagram of the combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system  1   c  is seen generally at reference numeral  17   c . The satellite antenna  3   c  includes a satellite antenna output cable  18   c . The multi-band terrestrial antenna  2   c  includes a multi-band terrestrial antenna output cable  19   c . The cable  18   c  is input to the LNA housing  7   c  such that it is connected directly to a satellite low-noise amplifier (SAT/LNA)  20   c , the output of which is the SDARS/SAT cable  8   c . The cable  19   c  is input to the LNA housing  7   c  such that it is connected directly to a combiner  21   c , the output of which are the SDARS/TER cable  9   c  and AM/FM cable  10   c , both of which connects to an SDARS/AM/FM splitter  22   c  that isolates the AM/FM and terrestrial retransmitted satellite signals. The SDARS/RX  11   c  receives SDARS/SAT cable  8   c  and the first output of SDARS/AM/FM splitter  22   c , which is an SDARS cable  23   c . The second output of SDARS/AM/FM splitter  22   c  is AM/FM splitter cable  24   c , which is input to AM/FM tuner  14   c , the output of which is connected to head unit  15   c  via AM/FM tuner output cable  25   c . The head unit  15   c  also receives a down-converted satellite transmission signal output from SDARS/RX  11   c  that the head unit  15   c  can then process and convert to an audio signal. The down-converted signal is carried by SDARS/Audio cable  12   c , which extends from the SDARS/RX  11   c . Likewise, the output of AM/FM tuner  14   c  is a down-converted signal which the head unit  15   c  can process and output as audio, to speakers (not shown).  
           [0010]    Mounting the satellite antenna  3   c  around multi-band terrestrial antenna  2   c , which is itself mounted in an OEM-supplied hole, prevents the necessity of cutting an additional hole in a vehicle or structure and thereby avoids destroys the exterior finish and/or appearance of the vehicle. Even further, the mounting of the satellite antenna  3   c  also eliminates the need to use a magnet (for a roof mounted system) or through-the-glass couplers (for window mounted systems). Although adequate for most applications, longer lengths of the cables  8   c ,  9   c ,  10   c  may significantly increase cable loss and thereby impair the capability (i.e., decrease the signal-to-noise ratio and hence the sensitivity) of the radio. Even further, increased length and numbers of cables  8   c ,  9   c ,  10   c  increases the overall cost of the antenna system  1   c.    
           [0011]    A need therefore exists for an antenna that eliminates and reduces the number and length of the cables while also reducing the number of components used in the manufacture of the antenna system. A need also exists for a vehicle antenna mounting system whereby both types of antenna (i.e., a vehicle&#39;s OEM supplied AM/FM antenna and an antenna for the reception of SDARS signals) can be co-located, so as to minimize, if not entirely prevent, any additional holes in a vehicle&#39;s exterior shell or eliminate the need to locate a magnetically mounted antenna on the glass of a vehicle, or to use antenna couplers in the glass portion of a vehicle, yet provide an integral assembly for installation on the exterior of a vehicle, and an effective means for reception of both terrestrial AM/FM signals and satellite transmitted signals.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The present invention relates to a combined satellite and terrestrial antenna system for a structure. Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is directed to an antenna system that includes a terrestrial antenna, a satellite antenna, a satellite receiver, and an AM/FM receiver. The terrestrial antenna includes a multi-band terrestrial antenna mounted on a mounting assembly including a low noise amplifier circuit and a bezel. The bezel is adapted to contain the low noise amplifier. The satellite antenna is concentrically mounted with respect to the terrestrial antenna. The mounting assembly is connected to the satellite receiver for reception of satellite and satellite retransmitted signals by a satellite-terrestrial-retransmitted-satellite cable. The mounting assembly is also connected to the AM/FM receiver for reception of AM/FM terrestrial signals by a terrestrial AM/FM cable. A method for mounting the combined satellite and terrestrial antenna system on a structure is also disclosed.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The novel features and advantages of the present invention will best be understood by reference to the detailed description of the specific embodiments which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 illustrates a known antenna system that allows inductive transfer of RF energy across a dielectric such as glass for reception of satellite transmitted signals;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative known embodiment of the antenna system of FIG. 1 mounted on a vehicle;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 illustrates a known combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system installed on a vehicle for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial re-transmitted satellite signals;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a known schematic block diagram of a combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial re-transmitted satellite signals according to another embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 3;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5A illustrates a combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system installed on a vehicle for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial re-transmitted satellite signals according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5B illustrates a combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system installed on a vehicle for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial re-transmitted satellite signals according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 illustrates a quadrifilar antenna etched on a flexible substrate that may be used in a combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna according to the embodiments of the invention as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7A illustrates the mechanical configurations of a combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7B illustrates the mechanical configurations of a combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7C illustrates the mechanical configurations of a combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial re-transmitted satellite signals according to the embodiments of the invention as described in FIGS. 5A-7C;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9A illustrates the installation of a combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna in a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9B-9E each illustrate the installation of a combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna in a vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]    The various features of the preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which like parts are identified with the same reference characters.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIGS. 5A and 5B each illustrates a combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system installed on a vehicle for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial re-transmitted satellite signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to both FIGS. 5A and 5B, the combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10  (FIG. 5A),  100  (FIG. 5B) comprises a single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  and an AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104 . Primarily, the multi-band terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  is used for AM and FM radio reception. AM and FM radio is generally used for audio reception only, that is, for transmissions from local radio stations with various programming formats, including music, news, sports, “talk radio”, and so on. These programming formats are familiar to many people and are the kind that are commonly received by users in their vehicles and mobile or fixed structures today. However, multi-band terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  may also be used for two-way cellular telephony and for reception of terrestrial retransmission of a satellite transmitted signal. It is known that radio frequency transmissions are often subject to multipath fading; this is especially true of satellite transmitted signals. Signal blockages at receivers can occur due to physical obstructions between a transmitter and the receiver or service outages. For example, mobile receivers encounter physical obstructions when they pass through tunnels or travel near buildings or trees that impede line of sight (LOS) signal reception. Service outages can occur when noise or multipath signal reflections are sufficiently high with respect to the desired signal. At these times, when a direct line-of-sight transmission path between the satellite and single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  is blocked, retransmission of the satellite signals from terrestrial retransmitters is very useful. The single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  is designed to receive satellite transmission signals directly from one or more satellites placed in synchronous or non-synchronous earth orbits, and terrestrial transmission signals from terrestrial repeaters. Satellite transmissions may be used for audio programming, but can be used for other purposes as well.  
         [0029]    The combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  also includes a coaxial cable  16 ,  106 , a bezel  18 ,  108 , a nut  20 ,  110 , a bolt  22 ,  112 , a low noise amplifier (LNA) housing  36 ,  126 , a SDARS satellite-terrestrial (SDARS/SAT/TER) cable  24 ,  114 , and AM/FM cable  26 ,  116 . The system further comprises an SDARS receiver (SDARS/RX)  28 ,  118 , an SDARS audio cable  40 ,  130 , and combined head unit and AM/FM tuner  38 ,  128 . The combined head unit and AM/FM tuner  38 ,  128  includes an AM/FM tuner  34 ,  124  and head unit  32 ,  122 . The AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  is used to receive conventional AM and FM transmitted signals. In other embodiments, it may receive and transmit cellular telephone signals, for example. Single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  may receive satellite and terrestrial transmitted signals directly. The combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  is shown mounted on a surface  30 ,  120 , which might be the surface (i.e. fender or roof) of an automobile or other vehicle (FIGS. 9A-9E). Alternatively, the surface  30 ,  120  of many other fixed or mobile structures. As illustrated, the surface  30 ,  120  supports the bezel  18 ,  108 .  
         [0030]    As can be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  is concentrically mounted within the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102 . Both antennas are secured through a mounting hole (not shown) provided in surface  30 ,  120  via the nut  20 ,  110  and bolt  22 ,  112 . The two antennas are mounted on bezel  18 ,  108 , which allows the antenna to always be vertical, even if surface  30 ,  120  is somewhat slanted. The SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114  and AM/FM cable  26 ,  116  pass through bolt  22 ,  112 , which has a suitably large hollowed-out portion to pass the cable pair (i.e. cables  24 ,  26  and  114 ,  116 ) through. The LNA housing  36 ,  126 , may, according to an embodiment of the invention, reside within bezel  18 ,  108 . Other configurations of LNA housing  36 ,  126  are possible. The bezel  18 ,  108 , LNA housing  36 ,  126  (and its components), nut  20 ,  110 , and bolt  22 ,  112  comprise a mounting assembly.  
         [0031]    If the surface  30 ,  120  is the surface of an automobile, the combined terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  may have been located on a manufacturer-provided hole (i.e., one that the automobile manufacturer provided for the purpose of installing an AM/FM mast antenna). As such, no additional holes are needed, which eliminates the danger of corrupting the protective paint and/or rust-inhibiting materials applied by the manufacturer. The single element satellite antenna  12 ,  102  and multi-band terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  can occupy only one space and utilize only one hole in a vehicle or structure&#39;s body, yet can provide access to at least two different services, as will be described in detail below. With regard to the discussion and the Figures, the use of the combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  will be as if it were placed on an automobile; however, as will be discussed in detail below, combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  may be used with various vehicles and structures.  
         [0032]    The single element satellite antenna  12 ,  102  and AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  may be located in any desirable implementation. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the terrestrial antenna  14  is a retractable or fixed mast antenna that is positioned concentrically within the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12  such that the coaxial cable  16  extends through the terrestrial antenna  14  to provide a signal communication path for the satellite antenna  12 . Referring to FIG. 5B, it can be seen that single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  102  is placed concentrically around a fixed AM/FM terrestrial antenna  104 . The single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  102  includes a terrestrial antenna bore  103  to receive the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  104 . The terrestrial antenna bore  103  is located at or near the center of single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  102  and is large enough to slide over the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  104  such that an application of mounting glue or epoxy will stay firmly in contact with the terrestrial antenna  104 . The single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  102  is placed around a spacer (not shown), within which is formed terrestrial antenna bore.  
         [0033]    In both embodiments of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the LNA housing  36 ,  126  is located at the base of combined the multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  10 ,  100 . In one embodiment, LNA housing  36 ,  126  is designed to be concealed within bezel  18 ,  108 . In different embodiments, the LNA housing  18 ,  108  might be located several feet away or directly below surface  30 ,  120  from combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  10 ,  100 . Also, the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102 , as illustrated in both embodiments, is preferably a quadrifilar helix antenna (FIG. 6). Although the retractable mast antenna of FIG. 5A illustrates the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12  positioned at the top of the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 , and the fixed antenna of FIG. 5B illustrates the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  102  positioned below the terrestrial AM/FM antenna  104 , the illustrated embodiments of the invention do not limit the positioning and/or placement of the single element antenna  12 ,  102 . If desired, the single element antenna  12 ,  102  may be positioned above or below the AM/F terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  or in any other desirable orientation regardless of mechanics of the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 6 illustrates a quadrifilar antenna etched on a flexible substrate that may be used, as illustrated, in the combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  10 ,  100 . The single element antenna  12 ,  102  is comprised of quadrifilar helix antenna and includes conductive quadrifilar antenna elements  44  that are etched on a flexible insulating substrate  42 , according to a design which is well known to those skilled in the art. A weatherproofing material may be applied to the exterior surface  46  of the substrate  42  to protect the quadrifilar antenna elements  44  from the deteriorating effects of rain, sunshine, etc. Additionally, a binding agent (not shown) may be applied to the interior surface  48  of quadrifilar antenna  12 ,  102  when fabricated into the final desired form as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. A single element satellite and terrestrial antenna that is comprised of a quadrifilar helix antenna has good performance in receiving satellite transmissions from geosynchronous orbit satellites and acceptable performance in receiving terrestrial transmissions. Since the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  is placed concentrically about the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104 , installation of single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  can be an after-market addition or by the original equipment manufacturer or OEM (automobile manufacturer). In both cases, the RF cables coming from both antennas will fit into the existing pre-cut hole that the existing AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104  has already been mounted on.  
         [0035]    Mounting the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102  around AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104 , which is itself mounted in an OEM-supplied hole, prevents the necessity of cutting an additional hole in a vehicle or structure thereby avoiding destroying the exterior finish and/or appearance of the vehicle or structure. It also eliminates the need to use a magnet (i.e. for a conventional roof mounted system, as illustrated in FIG. 2) or through-the-glass couplers (i.e. for conventional window mounted systems, as illustrated in FIG. 1). It is well known in the automotive industry that the application of paints and finishes provides a decorative and appealing uniform appearance, and prevents or inhibits the formation of rust in or on the body of the vehicle. By cutting a hole through this finish or paint, the intent of the manufacturer is circumvented in that a means for deterioration of the automotive body is provided. That is, it will be more likely than not that rust would form and water could enter and damage the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, drilling a hole in the surface of a fender of a vehicle adds the risk of chipping the paint and/or finish material, which may detract form the appearance of the vehicle. Also, placing a second antenna may be considered to be unattractive by many people.  
         [0036]    Referring to back to FIGS. 5A and 5B, combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  10 ,  100  has two cables (i.e. cable pair  24 ,  26  and  114 ,  116 ) that lead from its base to other components of the system. The first cable is SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114 , which carries the amplified received satellite signal and the amplified terrestrial retransmission of a satellite (or cellular) signal received by the single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102 . The second cable is. AM/FM cable  26 ,  116 , which carries the AM/FM terrestrial signals received by AM/FM antenna  14 ,  104 . However, because the two antennas are co-located, for example, on the trunk or front or rear fender of a vehicle, other components of combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  may also be located in the trunk of the vehicle. If the components are located in the trunk of a vehicle, a shorter length SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114  will significantly cut down on cable loss and thereby improve the capability (i.e., increase the signal-to-noise ratio, and hence, the sensitivity) of the radio. Another advantage is the cost savings due to a shorter cable.  
         [0037]    It is also contemplated that other antenna structures may be substituted for the quadrifilar antenna structure. For example, three possible embodiments of the multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna systems  10 ,  100  illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B are proposed in FIGS. 7A-7C at  200 ,  300 , and  400 . The antennas implemented in the antenna system  10 ,  100  may alternatively be a patch antenna  200  (FIG. 7A), a loop antenna  300  (FIG. 7B), or a coupled-loop antenna  400  (FIG. 7C). As illustrated, each antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  includes a terrestrial antenna element  201 ,  301 ,  401  and associated AM/FM cables  213 ,  313 ,  413  and SDARS/SAT/TER cables  214 ,  314 ,  414 . Each antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  may be coupled to a structural element, such as a circuit board  202 ,  302 ,  402 ) or substrate  206 ,  306 ,  406  and an LNA  204 ,  304 ,  404 . Each antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  may also include a weatherproofing material (not shown) that may be applied to its exterior surface for protection against the deteriorating effects of rain, sunshine, etc. Additionally, a binding agent (not shown) may also be applied to the interior surface of the antennas  200 ,  300 ,  400  when fabricated into the final form as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C.  
         [0038]    Referring specifically to FIG. 7A, the patch antenna  200  may also include a circuit board  202 , which has ground plane  208  on both sides of the circuit board  202 , positioned under the substrate  206 , and a conductive area  210  positioned over the LNA  204 , which includes a feed point  212 . The feed point  212  receives a pin (not shown) that extends through the LNA  204  for assembly and electrical communication purposes, which is subsequently soldered for directly connecting the antenna assembly. If any of the antennas  200 ,  300 ,  400  are positioned on glass a conductive adhesive may be app lied to a surface of the antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  to permit attachment thereto. Even further, if any of the antennas  200 ,  300 ,  400  are secured to an instrument panel or package shelf, the antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  may include a bezel, nut, and bolt, and LNA housing (not shown). Yet even further, if any of the antennas  200 ,  300 ,  400  are secured to the outer glass frame portion, fender, or roof, the antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  may also be secured via the bezel, nut, and bolt, and LNA housing combination about an OEM supplied passage for an AM/FM antenna as discussed in relation to FIGS. 5A and 5B.  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIG. 7B, the loop antenna  300  also includes a generally planar substrate/circuit board  306 / 308 , and a generally circular or oval conductive area  310 . As illustrated, the circuit board  302 , may act not only as a planar substrate  306 , but also as a ground plane  308 . FIG. 7C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the loop antenna  300 , such that the conductive element  410  is wrapped or disposed upon a generally tubular or cylindrical substrate  406  that is positioned over the ground plane  408 . As seen in FIG. 7C, the conductive element  410  is essentially a loop that is wrapped about the cylindrical substrate  406 . As illustrated, the conductive element  410  comprises at least one loop portion with conductive strips that extend in a generally perpendicular pattern from the loop. According to the illustrated embodiments of the antennas in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the antennas  200 ,  300  may be directly coupled to the LNA  204 ,  304  via a soldering technique that includes a feed point at, on, or about the conductive element  210 ,  310  as described above. Alternatively, the conductive elements  410  of the antenna  400  illustrated in FIG. 7C are parasitic elements and are parasitically coupled with respect to the main conductive element  410  where the main conductive element  410  is directly coupled to the LNA  404 .  
         [0040]    It is known that antenna impedance is referenced from the ground; therefore, it is preferable to introduce the ground plane  208 ,  308 ,  408  on circuit boards  202 ,  302 ,  402  in the design of the antennas  200 ,  300 ,  400  to avoid undesirable ripple to obtain a smooth polar response. It is preferable to maintain a minimum circuit board ground plane  208 ,  308 ,  408  of approximately 100 sq-mm or 100 mm-diameter regardless of antenna position. If the antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  is located on the glass then ground plane  208 ,  308 ,  408  may be introduced without any structural alterations to the antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400 ; however, if the antenna  200 ,  300 ,  400  is located on the front or rear dash, the ground plane  208 ,  308 ,  408  is not effected because the a ground plane already exists on the front or rear dash. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, it is also contemplated that the antenna systems  10 ,  100  may also include a ground plane as well. Referring to FIG. 7A, the dielectric dimensions, dielectric constant, and dimensions of the conductive patch element  210  and the ground plane  208  determine the operating characteristics of the patch antenna  200 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the patch antenna  200  may be defined to include an approximate surface area of 1 square inch and height of approximately 4 mm to 6 mm. The conductive patch element  210  may be approximately 0.5 square inches. Referring to FIG. 7B, the loop or micro-strip antenna  300  may be etched on a low-loss dielectric. The loop antenna  300  operates in the TM21 mode and yields adequate performance for elevation angles approximately equal to 20 to 60 degrees and degraded performance at higher angles such as 70 to 90 degrees.  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 7C, the ground plane  408 , diameter, and length of the conductive elements  410  determine the operating characteristics of the coupled loop antenna  400 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the loop perimeter length may be approximately {fraction (1/2)} wavelength and the height may be approximately equal to 30 mm. Referring back to FIGS. 5A-6, the diameter, height, and pitch angle of helical conductive elements  44  determine the operating characteristics of the quadrifilar antenna  12 ,  102 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the quadrifilar antenna  12 ,  102  may include a diameter approximately equal to 20 mm and a height ranging from 6.0 cm to 6.5 cm.  
         [0042]    Although not illustrated, it is contemplated that any desired alternative antenna may be implemented in the design of the antenna system  10 ,  100  other than the antenna systems as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C. For example, an alternative antenna structure may include a patch antenna incorporating a plurality of micro-strips that have a specific impedance when placed on the glass, which is similar to known printed glass antennas except for the fact that that the micro-strip patch antenna is pre-tuned by the manufacturer prior to being located on the glass. Another alternative antenna that may be applied to the antenna system  10 ,  100  is a cross-dipole antenna to receive terrestrial signals that include AM/FM and SDARS signals. Essentially, the cross-dipole antenna may comprise two circuit boards each including a dipole that are crossed at a 90° angle. Feed points of the circuit boards may be varied in any desirable polarization such as a horizontal, vertical, left-hand, right-hand polarization, by varying tapping points 90°, 180°, or 270°.  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic block diagram of the combined multi-band terrestrial and satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  for reception of AM, FM, satellite and terrestrial retransmitted signals is shown according to one embodiment of the invention at  700 . Connected to each single element antenna  12 ,  102  and  14 ,  104  are output cables  702  and  704 , respectively, which may be an integrated antenna, A. The cable  702  is a single element satellite and terrestrial output cable and the cable  704  is an AM/FM terrestrial output cable. The single element satellite and terrestrial output cable  702  is input to the LNA housing  36 , 126 , which includes a SAT/LNA  706 . Correlating to FIGS. 5A and 5B, each combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna system  10 ,  100  includes two cables. A single output cable is seen as the output of the SAT/LNA  706 , which is SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114 , and at the AM/FM terrestrial antenna  14 ,  104 , which is, essentially, the output cable  704  that functions as the AM/FM cable  26 ,  116 . Depending on the positioning of the system  10 ,  100  in the vehicle, one possible implementation of the antenna system  10 ,  100 , may call for the cables  24 ,  114  and  26 ,  116  that are up to 15 feet in length; however, is preferable to limit the length of the cables  702 ,  704  such that the low noise figures sent to the SAT/LNA  706  and AM/FM Tuner  34 ,  124  are maintained.  
         [0044]    As illustrated, the output of SAT/LNA  706  is connected to the SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114 . Referring also to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114  is connected directly to SDARS/RX  28 ,  118 , which carries the amplified signal received by single element satellite and terrestrial antenna  12 ,  102 . The output of the SDARS/RX  28 ,  118  is an SDARS audio cable  710 , which is input to the head unit  32 ,  122 . As explained above, the SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114  carriers satellite transmitted RF signals and terrestrial retransmitted signals of the same satellite transmitted signals. The output of AM/FM antenna  14 ,  104  is the multi-band antenna output cable  704 , which is the AM/FM cable  26 ,  116 , which is input to AM/FM tuner  34 ,  124 , the output of which is connected to head unit  32 , 122  via an AM/FM tuner output cable  708 . As explained above, the head unit  32 ,  122  also receives the SDARS/Audio cable  710 , which is an output from SDARS/RX  28 ,  118 . Essentially, once a down-converted satellite transmission signal is received by the head unit  32 ,  122  the signal may then be processed and converted to an audio signal. Likewise, the output of AM/FM tuner  34 ,  124  is a down-converted signal which the head unit  32 ,  122  can process and output as audio, to speakers (not shown). The signals contained in SDARS audio cable  710  and AM/FM tuner output cable  708  may be either analog or digital signals.  
         [0045]    Multiple installation arrangement embodiments of the combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  10 ,  100  for the vehicle are illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E. Although either the retractable or fixed antenna  10 ,  100  may be implemented in any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9E, the antenna systems shown in FIGS. 9A-9E are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the invention. Referring initially to FIG. 9A, two heights of the fixed antenna  100  are illustrated. The first height, h, is the height of satellite antenna  102 , and the second height, H, is the height of the roof  504  of the vehicle  502 . An angle, φ, is formed by a vertical line derived from first height, H, and the second height, h, and a horizontal line is derived of a length, l. The length, l, is the distance between a vertical line established by the multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  100  and apex of the roof  504  closest to where combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna  100  is located. Angle, φ, should be less than 20°, in order to provide satisfactory reception from a geosynchronous orbit satellite at northerly latitudes. Angle, φ, is equal to tan −1 ((H−h)/(l)).  
         [0046]    Three factors effect the angle, φ. The first factor is that for a given length, l, and second height, H, making the first height, h, greater would reduce the angle, φ. Conversely, reducing the first height, h, would increase the angle, φ (it is well known that most vehicles satisfy the condition φ&lt;20 degrees). The second factor is that for a given second height, H, and the first height, h, making the length, l, longer, would reduce angle φ. Conversely, reducing the length, l, would increase the angle φ. And lastly, for a given length, l, and first height, h, making the second height, H, shorter, would reduce the angle φ. Conversely, increasing the second height, H, would increase the angle φ.  
         [0047]    Therefore, it can be seen that in some circumstances, the angle, φ, would be too great if configured as shown. In these circumstances, a spacer may be placed under satellite antenna  102  to raise it up making first height, h, greater and thereby reducing the angle, φ. These relationships are shown below:  
         Angle                 ϕ     =       tan     -   1            (       H   -   h     l     )                 Tan                 20      °     =     0.363        
     ∴         H   -   h     l     ≤   0.363                             
 
         [0048]    Referring now to FIGS. 9B-9E, each Figure illustrates the installation of an alternative embodiment of the combined multi-band terrestrial/satellite antenna in a vehicle  502 , according to another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 9B, the satellite antenna  102  is configured to ride on the uppermost or highest portion of the terrestrial antenna  104 . In this manner, the previously described restrictions on the angle between the roof  504  of the automobile  502  and the satellite antenna  102 , for all practical purposes, disappear. In this alternative embodiment, the satellite antenna  102  is located on the top, or highest vertical portion of a fixed or retractable terrestrial antenna  104 . If the terrestrial antenna  104  is fixed, then the embodiments of FIGS. 9B and 9C do not apply. That is, the combined satellite and terrestrial antenna structure would be as illustrated in FIG. 9B, where the satellite antenna  102  would be located at or near the top of the terrestrial antenna  104 . Of course, if the terrestrial antenna  104  is fixed, the satellite antenna  102  can be located at any point from the top to the bottom of the terrestrial antenna  104 , and in most of those positions, the angular restriction would not be applicable.  
         [0049]    Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the terrestrial antenna  104 , as mentioned above, may be a retractable antenna. In this case, it will descend into a suitable recessed area in the vehicle  502 , such that it resides above or completely within a recessed area of the vehicle  502 . The advantage of the embodiments of FIGS. 9B-9D is that the angular restriction discussed above for the satellite antenna fixed in position at the base of the terrestrial antenna  104  is no longer an issue because it rides either even with or above the roof of the vehicle  502 . This improves reception capabilities of the satellite transmitted signals.  
         [0050]    In yet another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 9E, the combination antenna  102 ,  104  may be a roof-mount antenna such that the antenna  102 ,  104  is located about an OEM supplied passage, as explained above. As illustrated, the satellite antenna  102  may be concentrically placed about the terrestrial antenna  104  within a bezel  108 , as explained above. Because the antenna is located about the roof, the signal performance is improved because the physical obstruction of the roof  504 , in view of the implementations in FIGS. 9A-9D, are for all purposes, eliminated. An antenna positioned on the roof  504  may be restricted in height to make the vehicle  502  aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In this implementation, it may be preferable to include a ‘low profile’ antenna, such as a patch, loop, or coupled-loop antenna, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C. However, it is important to consider that if the height of the antenna is limited, signal performance may be weakened.  
         [0051]    Essentially, the satellite element provides a correlated output by providing the satellite and terrestrial retransmitted signal as a single output. Conversely, as seen in FIG. 3, instead of requiring two distinct antennas that have three cables extending therefrom to function in providing the satellite signal (SDARS/SAT cable  8   c ), the terrestrial retransmitted satellite signals (SDARS/TER cable  9   c ), and the AM/FM terrestrial signals (AM/FM cable  12   c ), the present invention include a single antenna element, as applied to SDARS signals, having two cables that provides satellite and terrestrial retransmitted satellite signals over a single cable (SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114 ) and AM/FM terrestrial signals over a single cable (AM/FM cable  26 ,  116 ), respectively. The ability to provide a single SDARS antenna element not only eliminates the SDARS/TER cable  9   c , but it also reduces the complexity and design geometry of the system  10 ,  100  by eliminating the need for the SDARS/TER cable  9   c , a combiner  21   c , splitter  22   c , an SDARS cable  23   c , and an AM/FM/splitter cable  24   c . Accordingly, by eliminating the folded-dipole from the design of the antenna system  10 ,  100 , the satellite retransmitted terrestrial signals may be provided over the SDARS/SAT cable  8   c  (i.e. the SDARS/SAT/TER cable  24 ,  114  according to the invention) and the overall complexity and design geometry may be significantly reduced such that the AM/FM cable  26 ,  116  directly provides AM/FM terrestrial signals to the AM/FM Tuner  34 ,  124 . Even further, cable lengths and signal losses may be limited to a greater degree as a result of the decreased complexity of the design of the antenna system  10 ,  100 .  
         [0052]    Although discussion of the combined satellite/terrestrial antenna and combined satellite/terrestrial antenna system  10 ,  100  has focused on the particular application of an automobile, it should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, that the combined satellite/terrestrial antenna system  10 , 100  can be just as easily used in an aircraft, boat, train, mobile home, recreational vehicle or truck. Each installation should ideally follow the same requirements as discussed with respect to FIG. 9A, i.e., that angle, φ, be less than 20°. Care should be taking when installing combined terrestrial/satellite antenna so that such installation does not defeat the minimum angle criterion. Even further, although it is preferable to implement the antenna designs on the basis of an OEM supplied hole to feed the cables, it is also contemplated that the antenna designs may be implemented in an after-market installation as well.  
         [0053]    The present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding description.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7