Automotive broadband transparent antennas

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of automotive broadband transparent antennas. The transparent antennas can be, for example, configured for placement or application directly on vehicle glass or in between layers of vehicle glass, such as glass roofs, windshields, sunroofs, or other vehicle glass structures. In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna system can include a substrate with conductive structure, which can be formed, for example, of metal or other conductive material(s). A radiating area is formed of a conductive mesh or other structure that is windshield transparent or other vehicle glass transparent. The radiating element is in electrical communication with a connector. The connector can be, for example, coaxial cable, coaxial connector, coplanar lines, coaxial, coplanar, waveguide or conductive pad connector, FAKRA connector, HFM® connector, Mate-AX connector, other RF transfer means, or other appropriate connector for a given application. A ground area partially surrounds the radiating area. The ground area is formed of a conductive mesh or structure that is windshield transparent or other vehicle glass transparent.