Implementation of Low-Profile Multiband Planar Antenna for Internet of Vehicle Communication

Abstract

This article presents a systematic design and optimization process for a compact 0.27λ₀ × 0.31λ₀ multiband monopole antenna for Internet of Vehicles (IoV) applications, including navigation, Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I), Wi-Max, and 5G. The antenna’s modified ground plane enables installation within a shark-fin module on a car roof, aligning with its low-profile dimensions and high performance. Structural modifications to the initial antenna element, including the T-shaped structure and integrated stub between quad rings, enable circular polarization in the GPS L1 band. With simulated total radiation efficiency exceeding 60% at four bands, numerical simulations and physical fabrication on an FR-4 substrate are followed by antenna radiation measurement in an anechoic chamber. The measured gain at 1.575 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 4.8 GHz, and 8 GHz is 1 dBi, 2.2 dBi, 3.2 dBi, and 3.8 dBi, respectively. Additionally, ray tracing techniques evaluate the antenna’s performance when mounted on a car, considering interactions with other vehicular antennas and infrastructure in urban propagation scenarios. Urban propagation analysis illustrates efficient operation, characterized by minimal delay time, favorable line of sight, and controlled path loss at frequencies 2.6 GHz and 4.8 GHz. These findings demonstrate the antenna’s potential for adoption in the automotive industry.