Diversity Antenna System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Cadillac XLR. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A diversity antenna system is designed to deliver the best radio signal reception possible. Two antennas are used to form a diversity system. The primary antenna, on the right side of the decklid liner, receives both AM and FM signals. The second antenna, on the left side of the liner, receives only FM signals.

The diversity antenna system consists of two separate antennas and two radio antenna modules. The antennas on this vehicle consist of 20 gage stranded wire. These wires are termed elements and are routed on the decklid liner to capture signals. Any damage to the antenna elements requires replacing the decklid liner assembly to which the elements are attached. The two radio antenna modules are, on the left side and the right side.

The antenna reception signals are sorted out by the radio antenna module. When the radio is turned on it sends the antenna enable signal to the right radio antenna module, providing power to the ARS antenna module. When the AM or FM band is selected on the radio, the antenna module connects the antenna elements directly to the radio. In addition, when the FM band is selected the FM composite signal is sent to the antenna module. Superimposed on this FM composite signal is the strength of the signal being received by the radio tuner. The antenna module now performs two functions. It switches between the left and right antennas, monitoring the radio signal strength and combines both signals, phase aligning them, to create one strong signal.