Hidden Antennas for the Foresight Vehicle

This paper describes the research and development of innovative multiband antenna modules to replace multiple individual antennas on vehicles. The antenna modules were designed for mounting beneath plastic panels on the car where they would be completely out of sight and hence secure, leaving the aerodynamics and styling of the vehicle unimpaired. This project was the first step to further integration of other antennas into the modules as new services become economical for inclusion into vehicle telematics systems. Printed fractal and spiral antennas, suitable for broadcast signal reception, together with two antennas designed for mobile vehicle telematics applications are described. The latter are based on PIFA and hybrid geometries offering low profile and wide bandwidth operation at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, with a VSWR of better than 1.7.