Coupler for eliminating a hardwire connection between a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a stationary remote antenna
 A system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a coupler, a remote antenna, and a handheld GPS receiver. The remote antenna has a microstrip RHCP receiving element and a low noise amplifier (LNA) powered by the coupler over an interconnect cable. The coupler has a slotline antenna and a driver circuit. The coupler re-radiates GPS satellite signals received by the remote antenna with a slotline antenna to the GPS receiver. In a typical installation, such as a car, a user holds the GPS receiver while in the front seat. The coupler mounts to the windshield and the cable runs to remote antenna mounted on the roof of the car. The coupler can then re-radiate GPS satellite signals effectively to the GPS receiver even when the two are separated by as much as six feet. The shielding of GPS signals by the metal of the car is thereby avoided as a problem that can prevent operation of the GPS receiver. 
Trimble Navigation Limited
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Lynn Stanley L. Arthur N.
Weber Mason Woo