A Multi-Channel Algorithm for Antenna Diversity of SiriusXM High Band Satellite Reception in Vehicles

A new multi-channel algorithm for satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) with scan-phase-antenna diversity at the SiriusXM high band is presented. Considering reception via four different satellite frequency bands simultaneously, the algorithm controls microwave phase shifters as well as switches of a diversity circuit in order to combine different antenna signals for a minimized overall bit error probability. On basis of a simple level detection, the in-phase and quadrature components are derived for all frequency bands and an overall bit error probability is estimated, which is minimized via the switching and phase constellation of the microwave diversity circuit. For the verification of the algorithm, antenna signals of a micro-diversity antenna set are received in real scenario test drives underneath dense foliage which are fed into a scan-phase diversity circuit. Even in unconventional antenna mounting positions the antenna diversity measurements with the novel multi-channel algorithm show a significant improvement of the reception quality in comparison to single antennas.