Compact 6+1 antenna array for robust GNSS applications

Abstract

The increase in GNSS satellites and services is fostering a new wave of applications related to satellite navigation. Such increase is also followed by more and more threats, aiming at signal disruption. In order to fully exploit the potentialities, being able at the same time to counteract threats such as interference and jamming, smart antenna systems are being developed worldwide, with the requirements of multi-band operation and compactness. In order to answer such need, the present work proposes a miniaturized 6+1 array able to operate at E5, L2, E6 bands with the central element and at E1/L1 with 6 elements, providing therefore also beamforming and nulling capability at such band, with an overall footprint of only 7" (180 mm).