A combiner for use in a spatial diversity
radio receiver which receives multiple data signals through spaced apart antennae. The combiner includes a receiving component configured for receiving strength-indicative signals, each strength-indicative
signal being indicative of the strength of one of the received data signals, and demodulated data signals. A
control signal generating component configured for generating control signals generates control signals responsive to the strength-indicative signals. A combining component configured for combining signals combines, in linear proportions determined by the control signals, those of the demodulated data signals which are both above a predetermined strength threshold level (“combiner threshold”) and differ in strength by less than a predetermined margin of preferably between 3 dB and 12 dB (e.g. 6 dB) to provide a combined output
data signal. When more than the margin separates the
signal strengths, only the strongest
signal is used. A spatial diversity
wireless communications (radio)
receiver includes multiple receiving components having spaced-apart antennae, each receiving component providing both a signal indicative of received
signal strength and a demodulated signal output, a combiner as aforesaid to provide an output
data signal and means for evaluating the output
data signal. Preferably, rapidly-
fading signals are identified by evaluating second derivative signals of the strength-indicative signals, and weighted accordingly if a non-
fading signal is available.