Characterization of Plug-in Antennas for Telematic Control Unit

Compact antenna modules for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G technology, WIFI7, V2X, high-precision GNSS and SDARS are presented in this paper as extension of telematics control unit (TCU). The idea is that antenna modules and TCU follow independent production path and, at the end, they are assembled together with some mechanical tolerance. Easy and RF-reliable way of connecting them by means of contact-springs is proposed. Proposed antenna assembly operates at a wide frequency range from 617 MHz to 7500 MHz. Antenna prototype is fabricated and measured under a dedicated hole in the roof of a commercial vehicle. Results are shown in the paper in terms of Return Loss and realized gain.