What component blocks reflected signals below the GPS antenna?

The ground plane serves an essential function in GPS antenna design by minimizing the impact of reflected signals. It acts as a conductive surface that helps in redirecting signals received from satellites, ensuring that only the direct signals are processed by the antenna. This is crucial for GPS accuracy, as reflected signals can cause multipath issues, where a signal takes multiple paths to reach the receiver, leading to errors in positioning.

The ground plane functions by providing a clear electrical reference, which helps in achieving certain directional characteristics of the antenna. By effectively blocking or diminishing reflected signals from the ground or surrounding structures, the ground plane enhances the overall performance of the GPS system, allowing for a more precise and reliable determination of location.