WO2001084821A2

WO2001084821A2 - Glass-mountable antenna system with dc and rf coupling

Info

Publication number: WO2001084821A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/013639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anh Nguyen; Argy Petros; Stelios Patsiokas; Gary Parsons
Original assignee: Xm Satellite Radio Inc.
Priority date: 2000-04-28
Filing date: 2001-04-30
Publication date: 2001-11-08
Also published as: WO2001084821A3; AU2001262954A1; WO2001084821A8

Abstract

A vehicle antenna mounting system (40) whereby the antenna (52), associated antenna electronics (LNS) and RF and DC coupling are provided in an integral antenna assembly (160) for installation on the exterior of a vehicle. The integral antenna assembly (160) comprises a base section (164) enclosing the associated antenna electronic and RF and DC coupling devices (168), and an antenna section pivotably mounted on the base section (164) comprising the antenna. Two or more antennas are provided in the integral antenna assembly for SDARS reception on at least one satellite chanel and a terrestrial chanel. Another satellite chanel can be provided for diversity purposes, or a global positioning system (GPS) satellite receiver for performing location services, among others, for the vehicle.

Description

Glass-Mountable Antenna System With DC and RF Coupling

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to transmission of radio frequency signals (e.g., SDARS signals) from an antenna across a dielectric such as glass to a receiver disposed in a vehicle, as well as the transmission across glass of power from the receiver to antenna electronics. The invention also relates to an integral antenna assembly for mounting externally on the dielectric surface that comprises one or more antennas, antenna electronics, as well as components for radio frequency and direct current coupling thiOugh the dielectric with internally mounted receiver components.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Widi reference to Fig. 1, a number of antenna systems have been proposed which provide for the transfer of radio frequency (RF) energy through glass or other dielectric surface to avoid having to drill holes, for example, through the windshield or window of an automobile for installation. Glass- mount antenna systems are advantageous because they obviate the necessity of having to provide a proper seal around an installation hole or other window opening in order to protect the interior of the vehicle and its occupants from exposure to external weather conditions.

[0003] In the conventional antenna system 20 depicted in Fig. 1 , RF signals from an antenna 22 are conducted across a glass surface 24 via a coupling device 26 that typically employs capacitive coupling, slot coupling or aperture coupling. The portion of the coupling device 26 on the interior of the vehicle is connected to a matching circuit 28 which provides the RF signals to a low noise amplifier (LNA) 32 at the input of a receiver 34 via an RF or coaxial cable 30. The antenna system 20 is disadvantageous because the matching circuit 28, losses associated widi d e cable 30 and RF coupling (e.g., on the order of 2 to 4 dB or ^' more) cause an increase in system noise. [0004] Another proposed antenna system 40, which is described with reference to Fig. 2, has an RF coupling device similar to that used in the antenna system 20 depicted in Fig. 1 , as well as DC coupling components to provide power to the antenna electronic circuitry. The antenna system 40 is configured to transmit video signals from satellite antenna electronics through a glass window 46 into a structure such as a residence or office building without requiring a hole through the glass. An exterior module 42 is mounted, for example, on the exterior of d e structure, while an interior module 44 and receiver 48 are provided within the structure. RF coupling units 50a and 50b are provided on opposite sides of the glass 46 which is typically a window in the building. RF coupling unit 50b is connected to the exterior module 42 via a coaxial cable 54 to allow the exterior module 42 to be located remotely (e.g., on d e building rooftop) therefrom. The exterior module 42 encloses an antenna 52 and associated electronics (e.g., an LNA 56) to receive RF signals, which are then provided from the LNA 56 to the coupling device 50b via d e cable 54 for transfer through the glass 46.

[0005] Widi continued reference to Fig. 2, RF energy transferred dirough die glass 46 is processed via a matching circuit 58. The matching circuit 28 is connected to a receiver 48 by another coaxial cable 60. In addition, DC power is provided from the interior module 44 to the exterior module 42 (e.g., to provide power for the LNA 48) by low frequency DC coupling coils 62a and 62b mounted opposite each other on either side of the glass 46. In a conventional satellite TV system, electrical power for the satellite antenna electronics is provided from the receiver 48 on the same coaxial cable that provides video signals from the antenna 52 to the receiver 48.

[0006] While the provision of DC power to antenna electronics is useful, the matching circuit and cable losses associated with die antenna system 40 are not desirable for such applications as an in Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services (SDARS) system antenna for a vehicle. At 800 MHz, the coupling loss experienced with conventional glass mount antenna arrangements can be as much as 3 dB. At higher frequencies, the coupling loss increases substantially. For such high frequency applications as satellite radio operating at 2.4 GHz, the coupling loss is expected to be unacceptably high (e.g., 2 to 4 dB), malting reception difficult. A need therefore exists for a glass-mounted antenna arrangement for high frequency wireless communication applications, and particularly, satellite radio applications, that reduces coupling loss. [0007] Further, installation of a cable (e.g., such as d e coaxial cable 54 in Fig. 3) on the exterior of a vehicle window or windshield is undesirable in terms of installation, as is chilling through glass. The installation of an antenna assembly 42 located remotely with respect to the external coupling devices indicated at 45 is generally considered unattractive to consumers of mobile satellite services. A need therefore exists for a vehicle antenna mounting system whereby the antenna, associated antenna electronics (e.g., LNA) and RF and DC coupling are provided in an integral assembly for installation on the exterior of a vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The above described disadvantages are overcome and a number of advantages are realized by a vehicle antenna mounting system whereby the antenna, associated antenna electronics (e.g., LNA) and RF and DC coupling are provided in an integral antenna assembly for installation on the exterior of a vehicle.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the integral antenna assembly comprises a base section enclosing the associated antenna electronics and RF and DC coupling devices, and an antenna section pivotably mounted on the base section comprising the antenna. [0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle antenna mounting system comprises two or more antennas in the integral antenna assembly for SDARS reception on at least one satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. In addition anoti er satellite channel can be provided for diversity purposes, or a global positioning system (GPS) satellite receiver for perfoi iing location services, among others, for the vehicle. [0011] In accordance with still yet another aspect of d e present invention, the antenna section comprises a quadrifilar antenna for reception of one or more satellite channels, and a linear antenna disposed within the quadrifilar antenna for reception of terrestrial signals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 depicts a conventional antenna system that allows inductive transfer of RF energy across a dielectric such as glass;

[0013] Fig. 2 depicts a conventional antenna system for installation on a building for satellite reception of video signals;

[0014] Fig. 3 depicts a vehicle with the conventional antenna system of Fig. 2 mounted thereon;

[0015] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an antenna system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0016] Fig. 5 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of an integral, glass- mounted antenna assembly constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an interior coupling circuit for an antenna system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Fig. 7 is schematic diagram of an exterior coupling circuit for an antenna system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Fig. 8 is schematic diagram of a low noise amplifier circuit for an antenna system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an antenna system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0021] Throughout the drawing figures, like refeience numeials will be understood to refer to like parts and components.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0022] With reference to Fig. 4, an antenna system 80 constructed m accordance with the present invention is shown which is configured for satellite reception (e.g., SDARS) at a vehicle. The antenna system comprises an lnterior module 82 for installation inside the vehicle (e.g , in the passenger or engine compartment of an automobile), and an exterior module 84 for installation on the exterior of a vehicle (e.g., on the front or rear windshield or a window of the vehicle) The mteiior module 82 and the exterior module 84 are preferably mounted on opposite sides of a dielectiic such as glass 86 (e g , an automobile windshield or window) In accordance with the present invention, the antenna system 80 employs plural antennas, RF and DC coupling, as well as an integral antenna assembly for mounting on the exterior surface of d e glass 86. [0023] In the illustrated example, two antennas 88 and 90 are used for signal reception, that is, a satellite signal antenna and a terrestrial signal antenna, respectively. As described below, the antenna system 222 depicted m Fig. 9, employs a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, as well as SDARS satellite and SDARS terrestrial signal antennas. In addition, a second satellite signal antenna and associated circuitry can be provided to the antenna systems 80 and 222 for time and/or spatial diversity puiposes A discussion now follows of the advantages of using a satellite signal antenna and a teiiestiial signal antenna, and/or plural satellite signal antennas.

[0024] Radio frequency transmissions are often subjected to multtpath fading. Signal blockages at receivers can occur due to physical obstructions between a transmitter and d e receiver or service outages For example, mobile receivers encounter physical obstructions when tiiey pass through tunnels or travel near buildings or trees that impede line of sight (LOS) signal reception. Service outages can occur, on the other hand, when noise or cancellations of multipath signal reflections are sufficiently high with respect to the desired signal [0025] Communication systems can incorporate two or moie transmission channels for transmitting the same piogiam oi data to mitigate the undesirable effects of fading or multipath For example, a time diversity communication system delays the transmission of program material on one transmission channel by a selected time interval with respect to the transmission of the same program material on a second transmission channel. The duiation of the time interval is determined by the duration of the service outage to be avoided. The non-delayed channel is delayed at the receiver so that the two channels can be combined, or the program material in the two channels selected, via receiver circuitry. One such time diversity system is a digital bioadcast system (DBS) employing two satellite transmission channels [0026] A communication system that employs diveisity combining uses a plurality of transmission channels to transmit the same souice data oi piogram material For example, two or more satellites can be used to piovide a corresponding number of transmission channels. A receiver on a fixed or mobile platform receives two or more signals transmitted via tiiese different channels and selects the strongest of the signals or combines the signals. The signals can be transmitted at the same radio frequency using modulation resistant to multipadi interference, or at different radio frequencies with or without modulation resistant to multipath. In either case, attenuation due to physical obstructions is lx-inmiized because the obstructions are seldom in the LOS of both satellites.

[0027] Accordingly, a satellite broadcast system can comprise at least one geostationary satellite for l ne of sight (LOS) satellite signal reception at leceivers Another geostationary satellite at a diffeient orbital position can be piovided foi diveisity purposes. One or moie terrestrial repeaters can be provided to repeat satellite signals from one of the satellites in geographic areas where LOS reception is obscured by tall buildings, hills and other obstructions. It is to be understood that different numbers of satellites can be used, and satellites in other types of orbits can be used. Alternatively, a broadcast signals can be sent using only a terrestrial transmission system. The satellite broadcast segment prefeiably includes the encoding of a broadcast channel into a time division multiplexed (TDM) bit stream. The TDM bit stream is modulated prior to transmission via a satellite uplink antenna The terrestrial tepeater segment comprises a satellite downlink antenna and a leceivei/demodulatoi to obtain a baseband TDM bitstream. The digital baseband signal is applied to a teriestiial waveform modulator, and is then frequency tianslated to a earner frequency and amphfied prior to transmission. Regardless of which satellite and terrestrial repeatei arrangement is used, receivers are provided with corresponding antennas to receive signals transmitted from the satellites and/or terrestrial repeaters. [0028] As stated previously, the exemplary antenna system 80 illustrated in Fig. 4 comprises a satellite signal antenna 88 and a teirestrial signal antenna 90 Signals received via the antennas 88 and 90 are amphfied as indicated at 92 and 94, respectively. The amplified signals are then provided, respectively, to RF coupling devices 80 and 102 via capacitors 93 and 95 The extenoi module 84 piefeiably comprises patch antennas 104 and 108 for RF coupling that are mounted on the extenoi of the glass 86 opposite patch antennas 110 and 114, respectively, provided in the inteiior module 82. The patch antenna pairs allow for transmission of RF energy corresponding to the amphfied signals through the glass 86. It is to be understood that oti er RF coupling devices can be used such as capacitive plates or apertures or slot antennas. Thus, the exterior module 84 allows RF signals received via antennas mounted on the exterior of a vehicle to be provided to a receiver 140 inside d e vehicle without the need for a hole m the windshield or window of the vehicle.

[0029] Witii continued reference to Fig. 4, the RF coupled signals from the antennas 88 and 90 are piovided to lespective coaxial cables 120 and 122 connected to the patch antennas 110 and 114 via coiiesponding capacitois 116 and 118. The cables 120 and 122 provide the leceived signals from die satellite and d e teirestrial repeater, respectively, to amplifiers 34 and 136 via capacitors 130 and 132. The amphfied signals at the corresponding outputs of the amplifiers 134 and 136 are provided to a receiver 140 for diversity combining and playback via loudspeakers in the vehicle, for example.

[0030] The present invention is advantageous in that the lntenor module

82 provides power to circuit components (e.g., the amplifiers 92 and 94) in the exteπor module 84. The supply of power is preferably via DC coupling to also avoid the need for a hole in die windshield or window of the vehicle DC power from a power source (e g., a 12 volt DC battery provided in the vehicle) is converted to an AC power signal using the cncuit 182 described below in connection with Fig 6 The magnetic coil 112 is located in an mteiioi DC coupling housing 113 that is mounted on the inteiior of the glass 86 opposite an exterior DC coupling housing 107 enclosing a magnetic coil 106. The ratio of turns for the colls 112 and 106 are selected to transmit an AC power signal of selected voltage across the glass 86. The coil 106 is connected to a rectification and regulation circuit 96 that converts the AC signal transmitted across the glass 86 into a DC signal for supply to the amplifiers 92 and 94

[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of die piesent invention, the exterior module 84 is an integral external antenna assembly 160, as depicted in Fig 5 The antenna assembly 160 comprises a base housing 164, and an antenna housing 162 that is pivotably connected to the base housing 164 via bushings 174 and 176. A least one of the bushings 174 is preferably hollow and dimensioned to accommodate cables 170 and 172 connecting the satellite signal antenna 88 and the terrestrial signal dipole antenna 90, respectively, to a corresponding low noise amplifier (LNA) on an LNA circuit board 166. The bushings 174 and 176 preferably also function as pins about which the antenna housing 162 rotates. [0032] With continued reference to Fig. 5, the base housing 164 is connected to the glass 86 in a conventional mannei for glass-mounted antennas (e g , using adhesive). The base housing 164 further compnses an exteiior DC/RF couphng circuit board 168 compiising external RF coupling devices (e g , patch antennas 104 and 108), as well as an exterior DC coupling device (e.g., the coil 106). The antenna housing 162 preferably comprises a quadrifilar antenna 88 for sateUite signal reception and a linear dipole antenna 90 for terrestrial signal reception. The cable 170 is connected to the quadrifilar antenna which comprises strips that are disposed along a helical path on a cylindrical structure 174 within the antenna housing 162. The cable 172 is connected to a linear antenna that is disposed along d e interior, longitudinal axis of the cylindrical structure 174 so as to be exposed above the cylindrical structure. The quadrifilar antenna 90 allows for the reception of signals from another satellite source. The external antenna assembly 160 can also be modified to include another antenna such as a GPS antenna if desired. The exterior antenna assembly 160 is advantageous because it encompasses plural antennas, RF and DC coupling and is a integrated design that does not have separate cables connecting it to a remote RF or DC coupling device.

[0033] The exterior DC/RF coupling circuit board 168 and the LNA board 166 are described below in connection with Figs. 7 and 8, respectively. An interior DC/RF coupling circuit 180 will first be described widi reference to Fig. 6. The interior DC/RF coupling circuit 180 is preferably disposed within the interior module 82. The RF signals received via the antennas 88 and 90 are transmitted across the glass 86 via the RF coupling devices (e.g., patch antennas) 110 and 114 and provided to a receiver 140 via the cables 120 and 122, respectively. The interior DC/RF coupling circuit 180 also provides DC power to the exterior module 84 (e.g., the external antenna assembly 160). The interior DC/RF coupling circuit 180 comprises an oscillator and transformer circuit 182 for converting a DC power input into an AC signal tiiat can be transferred across the glass 86 to the exterior module 84. The transformer Tl and transistors Ql and Q2 create an AC signal, along with a number of logic gates, tiiat oscillates at a selected frequency. The terminals PADA and PADB allow for feedback (e.g., to detei T-ine if the frequency at each of the tei xiinals is substantially the same). The coils 112 and 106 preferably have different turn ratios such that the AC signal applied to the exterior module 84 is less voltage than the AC signal generated in the interior module 82. The oscillator and transformer circuit 182 preferably does not operate until the interior antenna assembly 82 is connected to the receiver 140. Once connected, the receiver supplies 5 volts to the oscillator and transformer circuit 182 via the cable 120 which enables the oscillator and transformer circuit 182 to commence generation of an AC signal. This arrangement is advantageous because it prevents unnecessary drain from the 12 volt source.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1, die AC signal is rectified via a rectification and regulation circuit 190 wliich converts the AC signal transferred across the glass 86 from d e interior module 82 into a DC power signal. Cables 190 and 192 transport the RF signals received via the antennas 88 and 90 and conditioned via die LNA board 166 to die RF coupling devices 104 and 108, respectively (e.g., patch antennas). Altiiough not shown in Fig. 5, cables 192 and 194 connect the boards 166 and 168. The DC signal need only be applied to the LNA board 166 via one of the cables such as the cable 192 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0035] The LNA board 166 depicted in Fig. 8 preferably comprises three amplifier stages for each signal path, that is, for the sateUite signal reception path 200 commencing widi the sateUite signal antenna 88 and for the terrestrial signal reception path 202 commencing with the terrestrial signal antenna 90. The gain can be as much as 34 dB. With regard to the signal path 200, the amplifier stages are indicated at 206, 208 and 210. A filter 212 is provided to reduce out-of-band interference and improve image rejection. In addition, a DC regulator 214 regulates the DC power signal received via the cable 192 (e.g., from 5 volts to 3.3 volts) to power the LNA board components. Similarly, the signal path 202 comprises amplifier stages indicated at 216, 218 and 220, as weU as a filter 212 to reduce out-of-band interference.

[0036] The antenna assembly 222 depicted in Fig. 9 is similar to die antenna assembly 80 depicted in Fig. 4, except that the antenna assembly 222 further comprises another receiver arm for receiving GPS signals. A GPS antenna 224 provides received signals to an amplifier 226. The amphfied signal is then provided to an RF couphng device 230 that comprises, for example, patch antennas 232 and 234 mounted on opposite sides of the glass 86. A coaxial able 238 in d e interior module 82 provides the RF signal transferred through d e glass 86 to an amplifier 242 which, in turn, provides d e received signal to the teceivei 140 The amplifier 226 can receive power from the in tenor module via the same DC couphng desciibed above m connection with the othei two sateUite reception arms

[0037] Although the present invention has been described with leference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it wrU be understood that the invention is not limited to the details thereof. Various modificattons and substitutions will occur to those of ordinary skill in the ait AU such substitutions are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An antenna system comprising: an lnteπoi antenna assembly having a fust radio frequency coupling device connected to a dielectric surface and a first direct current coupling device connected to said dielectric surface; and an exterior antenna assembly comprising at least one antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal, an ampkfier for ampkfying said radio frequency signal, a second ladio frequency coupling device mounted opposite said first radio frequency coupling device on the other side of said dielectiic surface foi tiansfeiiing said radio fiequency signal thereto thiough said dielectiic surface, and a second direct cuirent coupling device mounted opposite said first direct cuirent coupling device on the other side of sa d dielectiic surface for receiving a power signal therefrom through said dielectric surface, said antenna, said ampkfier, said second radio frequency coupling device and said second direct current coupling device being arranged in an integral housing.

2 An antenna system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said integral housing comprises a base section and an antenna section pivotably mounted on said base section, said base section enclosing said ampkfier, said second radio frequency coupling device and said second direct current coupling device, said antenna section enclosing said antenna

3 An antenna system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said antenna is a sateUite signal antenna operable to receive a sateUite signal, further comprising a terrestrial signal antenna operable to receive a terrestiiaUy transmitted signal, said antenna section comprising said sateUite signal antenna and said terrestrial signal antenna.

4. An antenna system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said base section further comprises a terrestrial signal ampkfier for ampkfying said teirestiiaUy transmitted signal, a third radio fiequency coupkng device and a thnd direct current coupkng device, said interior antenna assembly having a fourth ladio frequency coupling device and a fouith direct cuirent coupling device mounted opposite said third radio frequency coupkng device and said third direct current coupkng device, respectively, for radio frequency coupkng of said terrestiiaUy transmitted signal and direct current coupkng of said power signal for supplying power to said terrestrial signal ampkfier.

5. An antenna system as claimed in claim 3, wheiein said antenna is a quadrifilar antenna and said terrestiial signal antenna is a dipole antenna.

6 An antenna system as claimed in claim 5, wheiem said quadiifilar antenna is disposed in said antenna section of said integial housing, and said dipole antenna is disposed along said quadrifilar antenna

7 An antenna system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a second sateUite antenna in said antenna section for receiving a second sateUite signal, said base section further comprising a second sateUite signal ampkfier for ampkfying said second satelkte signal, a fiftii radio frequency coupling device and a fifth direct current coupling device, said interior antenna assembly having a sixth radio frequency coupling device and a sixth direct current coupling device mounted opposite said fifth radio frequency coupling device and said fifth ckiect current coupkng device, respectively, foi radio fiequency coupkng of said second satelkte signal and direct current coupling of said power signal foi supplying powei to said second satelkte signal ampkfier.

8. An antenna system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said quadrifilar antenna is used to receive both of said satelkte signal and said second sateUite signal.

9. An antenna system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mteπoi antenna assembly can be connected to a receiver that suppkes power thereto, said mteiior antenna assembly comprising an alternating current signal generation circuit for generating an alternating curient signal fiom a direct curient souice foi tiansfei to said exterior antenna assembly via said fiist direct cuπent coupkng device and said second direct current coupling device, said alternating current signal generation circuit not operating to generate said alternating current signal until said mterioi antenna assembly is connected to said receiver and leceiving power therefrom.

10. An exterior antenna assembly for mounting on a dielectric surface opposite an interior antenna assembly, the internal antenna assembly having a first radio frequency coupling device and a first direct cuirent coupling device connected to the dielectric surface, the extenoi antenna system comprising at least one antenna foi leceiving a ladto frequency signal, an ampkfier for ampkfying said radio frequency signal; a second radio frequency coupling device mounted opposite said first radio frequency coupling device on the otiier side of said dielectric surface for transferring said radio frequency signal thereto tiirough said dielectric surface; a second direct current coupkng device mounted opposite said first direct current coupkng device on the other side of said dielectric surface for receiving a power signal therefrom through said dielectric surface; and an housing enclosing said antenna, said ampkfier, said second radio frequency coupling device and said second direct cuirent coupkng device

1 . An exterior antenna assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein said housing compiises a base section and an antenna section pivotably mounted on said base section, said base section enclosing said ampkfier, said second radio fiequency coupkng device and said second direct current coupkng device, said antenna section enclosing said antenna.

12. An exterior antenna assembly as claimed in claim 11. wherein said antenna is a satelkte signal antenna operable to receive a satelkte signal, further comprising a terrestrial signal antenna operable to receive a terrestiiaUy transmitted signal, said antenna section comprising said satelkte signal antenna and said terrestrial signal antenna.

13. An extenor antenna assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein said base section further comprises a terrestrial signal ampkfier for ampkfying said terrestiiaUy transmitted signal, a third radio frequency coupkng device and a tinrd direct curient coupkng device, said lntenoi antenna assembly having a fourth radio frequency coupling device and a fourth direct current coupling device mounted opposite said third radio frequency coupkng device and said third direct current coupling device, respectively, for radio frequency coupkng of said terrestiiaUy transmitted signal and direct current coupkng of said power signal for supplying power to said terrestrial signal ampkfier.

14. An exterior antenna assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein said antenna is a quadπfilar antenna and said terrestrial signal antenna is a dipole antenna.

15. An exterior antenna assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein said quadrifilar antenna is disposed in said antenna section of said integral housing, and said dipole antenna is disposed along said quadrifilar antenna.

16. An exterior antenna assembly as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a second satelkte antenna in said antenna section for receiving a second satelkte signal, said base section furthei comprising a second satelkte signal ampkfiei foi ampkfying said second satelkte signal, a fifth radio frequency coupkng device and a fifth direct current coupkng device, said interior antenna assembly having a sixth radio frequency coupling device and a sixth d ect current coupling device mounted opposite said fifth radio frequency coupling device and said fifth ckrect current coupling device, respectively, for radio frequency coupling of said second sateUite signal and direct current coupkng of said power signal for supplying power to said second satelkte signal ampkfier.

17. An exterior antenna assembly as clakned in clakn 16, wherein said quadrifilar antenna is used to receive both of said satelkte signal and said second sateUite signal.