Patent ID: 8866696

Claim:
An antenna assembly comprising: an antenna housing; a radio frequency module located within the housing and including a PCB with a radio frequency device mounted on the PCB and selected from the group of transmitters, receivers and transceivers; an antenna located within the housing and extending from the PCB, the antenna being electrically connected to the radio frequency device; a conductive sleeve located in the housing and surrounding the PCB and radio frequency device, the conductive sleeve being electrically connected to the PCB to thereby provide a ground plane for the antenna and a shield against outside emissions; a conductive mounting base mechanically connected to the antenna housing and electrically connected to the conductive sleeve to thereby extend the ground plane for the antenna, the conductive mounting base including a connector for mounting the antenna assembly to an external compartment; and a non-coaxial cable assembly extending through the mounting base, the cable assembly including first and second wires connectable to an external power supply and a third wire connectable to external circuitry, the third wire being operable to conduct non-radio frequency signals between the module and the external circuitry without significant signal loss.