Disguised broadband antenna system for vehicles

Abstract

A disguised broadband antenna system for use with a broadcast radio receiver and communications apparatus in a vehicle wherein the antenna system comprises a standard broadcast antenna mounted to the vehicle by means of a base, a distributed matching network for coupling the antenna to the broadcast receiver and the communications equipment in the vehicle and a broadcast coupler connected between the matching network and the broadcast receiver and communications equipment for providing isolation between the broadcast receiver and communications equipment. The distributed nature of the matching network provides the broadband frequency response required while at the same time providing the highest Q factor available in a limited size and spreads any power dissipation over a relatively larger area. A series reactive element is connected electrically to the antenna through the base to cause the antenna to operate closer to resonance through the broadband frequency range of interest. The distributed matching network comprises at least one transmission line connected to the series reactive element and matching elements operatively associated with the transmission line to provide characteristics of the matching network resulting in broad bandwidth, low standing wave ratio and low power loss operation of the broadcast receiver and the communications equipment from the antenna so that the antenna and base maintain the outer visible appearance of a standard vehicle antenna.