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25 Oct 2006  -  United States

Fractal antenna designs on polycarbonate glazing

EXATEC and FICOSA Advanced Antenna Systems Business Unit have successfully demonstrated the integration of Fractal Antenna Designs into polycarbonate automotive glazing systems. The combination of these advanced technologies allows a high degree of antenna miniaturization, superior reception compared to conventional antennas, and multi-band capability in a single design. Smart and technologically advanced product solutions for communication services in vehicles are now possible in a completely new way. A demonstration vehicle has been retrofitted in Europe for customer evaluation. 

It integrates two AM/FM and five FM 2 antennas to:
1)Validate the integration of Fractal Antenna Design with Exatec 900PC glazing solutions.
2) Demonstrate product integration opportunities.
3) Offer a technological platform to develop new products.

Polycarbonate panoramic sunroofs manufactured with EXATEC® 900vt can be used as a telematic platform for multi-band antenna integration. Exatec-patented processes allow printing of the Fractal Antenna® Designs, without intermediate subassemblies, thus enabling structures, and allowing economical production. The antenna structures can be hidden beneath either the 2nd shot of a 2K injection molded part, beneath a decorative black-out print or beneath interior trim components. The integrated solution makes it unnecessary to have external attachments, including external masts on vehicle roofs, resulting positively on aerodynamics and aesthetics. Consumers will continue to demand superior radio reception and additional options for communication inside the vehicle. 

EXATEC and FICOSA International will continue their technical cooperation to develop additional antenna features such as telephone and GPS antennas, tyre pressure systems and remote key entry antennas, and antennas for digital audio broadcasting systems and digital TV broadcasting systems.

EXATEC, a joint venture of Bayer MaterialScience and GE Plastics, continuously develops new functionalities for its proprietary EXATEC glazing systems to meet specific customer requirements for transparent surfaces in vehicles. EXATEC glazing systems for large windows, highly integrated backlites, and demanding applications like panoramic roofs and innovative door concepts meet the automotive industry's stringent requirements for abrasion resistance and UV resistance. EXATEC offers vehicle manufacturers and suppliers completely new glazing-centered design opportunities.

FICOSA International is a multinational group, started in 1949, dedicated to the investigation, development, production and commercialization of systems and components for the automobile. With the head office in Barcelona, the Group has a team of more than 6,500 professionals and is present in 18 countries around the world. Among the Ficosa products you find rear-view systems, command and control systems, plastics and electrical systems, security and locking systems and antenna systems for automobiles.

Source : exatec