Multi-frequency antenna manufacturing method
A multi-frequency GNSS antenna is provided which can be manufactured from PCB materials and exhibits good multipath rejection. The antenna is capable of receiving RHCP signals from all visible GNSS satellites across a wide beamwidth. A multi-frequency GNSS antenna manufacturing method includes the steps of providing PCB base and support assemblies, first and second feed networks and connecting said first and second feed networks to first and second hybrid connector outputs.
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.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said element array has a spiral configuration with a central hub mounted on said support structure and said radiating elements spiraling outwardly and downwardly from said central hub.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said support assembly comprises said PCB feed networks and said radiating elements form a crossed dipole with two pairs of radiating elements and each element pair forming a bow tie configuration.