Modelling and Performance of Conformal Automotive Antennas

The modelling of an automotive antenna printed on a glass window is described. Simulations are compared with measurements to verify the model at 100 MHz. Simulations include the entire external car body generated from mechanical CAD data and transformed into an appropriate electromagnetic model. The feed position, element design and antenna orientation for optimum gain are investigated. Surface current distributions over the vehicle are illustrated for different antenna positions. Simulated and measured radiation patterns are acceptable for prototype antenna design