Millimetre wave antennas for future vehicle communications

This paper describes an investigation into millimetric antennas for future telematic applications. System studies have been performed on the basis of current transponder technology at 63 GHz and have shown that for adequate communications to roadside beacons and other vehicles two or three antennas will be needed. The required antenna gain and efficiency can be met with microstrip antenna types. Patch or microstrip rampart line arrays have been examined. A novel beam shaping method for the rampart array has been developed. Active integrated antennas also show potential for vehicle systems at 63 GHz and some initial results are presented. These could be useful for the low gain antennas integrated with the millimetric front-end. A study of mounting options shows that in-bumper or behind the number plate location is preferred.