Multiple antenna detecting and selecting

A method of selecting antennas for use in a satellite communications system having a satellite transmitting a signal and a user terminal having a plurality of antennas, wherein each of the plurality of antennas can be selectively coupled to one of a plurality of signal paths, the signal paths coupled to a signal processor, wherein a first one of the signal paths initially receives the signal on a first one of the plurality of antennas and initially applies a predetermined minimum level of attenuation to the signal, the method of selecting the antennas, comprising the steps of:

• applying a predetermined maximum level of attenuation on a second one of the signal paths;
• coupling a second one of the plurality of antennas to said second signal path;
• decreasing the level of attenuation applied on said second signal path until the noise power level on said second signal path is substantially equivalent to the noise power level on the first signal path;
• and
• when the quality of the signal received from the satellite by said second one of the plurality of antennas exceeds the quality of the signal received from the satellite by the first one of the plurality of antennas, applying said predetermined maximum level of attenuation on the first signal path and applying the predetermined minimum level of attenuation on said second signal path.

A system for selecting antennas based on received signal quality in a satellite communications system having a satellite transmitting a signal and a user terminal having a plurality of antennas for receiving signals, comprising:

• a first signal path coupled to a first one of the plurality of antennas;
• a second signal path coupled to a second one of the plurality of antennas;
• at least one signal delay unit connected in series with said second signal path;
• a first signal processor coupled to said first signal path;
• a second signal processor coupled to said second signal path;
• and
• a control processor, coupled to said first and second signal processors, that determines a relative quality of the signal on said first signal path and the signal on said second signal path and selects the one of the first and second ones of the plurality of antennas that receives the signal of higher quality.