Leland Stanford Junior University

Todd F Walter

Per Kristian Enge

Dennis M Akos

Frank N Bauregger

Yi-Chung Chao

Method and apparatus for reducing radio frequency interference (RFI) using a dual-element patch antenna [The antenna possesses two antenna elements [having distinct radiation patterns. Either element may be independently selected using a DC bias voltage. Diodes [connected to the elements serve to disable one element when the other is selected. In one selected mode, a nominal radiation pattern provides a broad, hemispherical shaped sensitivity that is designed for acquiring and tracking all navigation satellites above the horizon. This nominal radiation pattern, however, is susceptible to interference that is present near or below the horizon. The second selectable radiation pattern of the dual-element antenna has comparatively higher gain toward zenith, and lower gain at and below the horizon to mitigate interference. This combination of features is packaged in a single antenna unit that can be a direct replacement for existing antennas. The dual-element antenna unit has a low vertical profile and is suitable for mounting on high-speed moving vehicles.

Dual-element microstrip patch antenna for mitigating radio frequency interference

A GPS reference system and corresponding method utilizing a network of reference stations and a master station. Each reference station receives GPS signals from GPS satellites it observes and computes in response a pseudo-range residual for each GPS satellite it observes. The master station is in communication with the reference stations to receive the computed pseudo-range residuals and comprises a pseudo-range residual synchronizer, an ephemeris and clock correction estimator for each GPS satellite observed by the reference stations, and a transmitter. The pseudo-range residual synchronizer is responsive to the received pseudo-range residuals in order to compute clock differences between the reference stations and remove the clock differences from the received pseudo-range residuals so as to synchronize them. Each ephemeris and clock correction estimator computes an ephemeris correction and a clock correction for the corresponding GPS satellite in response to each synchronized pseudo-range residual for the corresponding GPS satellite. The transmitter transmits to users the computed ephemeris and clock corrections for each GPS satellite observed by the reference stations.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Todd F Walter