Dual-array two-port differential GPS antenna systems

A dual-array GPS antenna system, usable to provide horizon to zenith reception for differential GPS applications, comprising:

• a vertically-extending structure;
• a lower array supported by said structure;
• an upper array of three sub-arrays supported by said structure at vertically spaced positions above said lower array and each configured to provide a progressive-phase-omnidirectional (PPO) azimuth pattern;
• an excitation network coupled to said sub-arrays of the upper array and arranged to provide an elevation pattern with elevation angle coverage nominally from zenith down to at least a predetermined elevation angle;
• a first signal port coupled to said lower array;
• and
• a second signal port coupled to said upper array via said excitation network.

A dual-array GPS antenna system, usable to provide horizon to zenith reception of GPS signals, comprising:

• a vertically-extending structure;
• a lower array of sub-arrays fixed to said structure at positions spaced nominally 0.45 wavelength apart at a predetermined design frequency;
• an upper array of three sub-arrays fixed to said structure above the lower array at positions spaced nominally 0.33 wavelength apart at said design frequency;
• each said sub-array comprising four dipoles positioned with different azimuth orientations;
• the lower and upper arrays spaced apart to provide a total separation between the lowest and highest of the sub-arrays of the antenna system of nominally 9.0 wavelengths at said design frequency;
• a first signal port coupled to pre-determined sub-arrays of the lower array;
• and
• a second signal port coupled to the three sub-arrays of the upper array.