Electronically Steerable Parasitic Array Radiator Flush-Mounted for Automotive LTE

A pattern reconfigurable antenna for 2.6 GHz LTE is flush-mounted in a chassis antenna cavity. The driven element is a top-loaded monopole, that is steered based on the electronically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) principle. The radiation pattern can be configured in 45 degree steps, e.g. front, diagonal front-right, right, etc. The cavity prototype is made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer and includes a chassis mockup. Antenna performance is evaluated based on measured gain patterns, which show that the antenna retains its reconfiguration capabilities when it is flush-mounted. Further, a parametric measurement study with regards to antenna height inside the cavity is performed to investigate the option of mounting an electronics module underneath the antenna.