Abstract: A digital audio system (20) can include a receiver (24) coupled to an RF modulator (30), a source signal modulated by the RF modulator to provide a modulated signal, and an external antenna (32) for receiving the source signal and for transmitting the modulated signal. The receiver can be a satellite radio receiver or any digital source such as an FM radio or MP3 player for example. The system can further include a coupling network (26) coupled between the receiver and the external antenna and between the RF modulator and the external antenna. The system can further include an internal antenna (34) coupled to the RF modulator for radiating the modulated signal via a second path. The digital audio system can be a satellite digital audio radio system for a vehicle 31 with the external antenna placed outside the vehicle and the internal antenna placed inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A combined antenna system used for both vehicles and structures, whereby a satellite antenna is placed concentrically around a conventional mast antenna that can be used for both conventional FM radio and also terrestrial retransmission of the satellite broadcast signals. The combined antenna system, in a vehicle implementation, is configured to use only the one hole created in the vehicle manufacturing process, thereby preventing the necessity of drilling a second hole for the satellite antenna, which alleviates deterioration of the vehicle's body. Additionally, because the combined antenna system can be advantageously placed, a shorter RF cable connecting it to a receiver box can be implemented than otherwise would be the case for a satellite antenna located on a window or roof of a vehicle.

Abstract: A combined antenna system used for both vehicles and structures, whereby a satellite antenna is placed concentrically around a conventional mast antenna that can be used for both conventional FM radio and also terrestrial retransmission of the satellite broadcast signals. The combined antenna system, in a vehicle implementation, is configured to use only the one hole created in the vehicle manufacturing process, thereby preventing the necessity of drilling a second hole for the satellite antenna, which alleviates deterioration of the vehicle's body. Additionally, because the combined antenna system can be advantageously placed, a shorter RF cable connecting it to a receiver box can be implemented than otherwise would be the case for a satellite antenna located on a window or roof of a vehicle.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coupler for passing RF energy through a dielectric such as glass, includes first and second circuit boards, each board having disposed thereon an electrical conducting material, the first and second circuit boards being arranged opposite each other on opposing sides of the dielectric, the first circuit board having a first ground element that defines a first aperture, and a first exciter strip disposed within the first aperture, the second circuit board having a second ground element that defines a second aperture, and a second exciter strip disposed within the second aperture, wherein one of the first and second exciter strips is longer than the other.

Abstract: A combination linearly polarized antenna and quadrifilar helix antenna (30) comprises a flexible substrate (50), a quadrifilar antenna (33) with a feed network (34) etched on a first portion of the flexible substrate, an antenna with linear polarization (35) etched on a second portion of the flexible substrate and a ground plane (36) for both the quadrifilar antenna and the antenna with linear polarization etched on the flexible substrate.