Design and analysis of optically transparent high gain grid array antenna for vehicular communications

The demand for transparent antennas in vehicular communication has increased due to their aesthetic integration, aerodynamics, and electromagnetic compatibility. Most researchers have employed multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antennas for vehicular communication, but grid array antennas (GAAs) offer several advantages over conventional MIMO configurations, such as higher gain, improved directivity, and simpler feed structures. The presented work integrates the benefits of both GAAs and transparent antenna technology to achieve an efficient solution for modern vehicular communication systems. A transparent high gain GAA that operates in the X-band (8-12 GHz) for vehicular communication is proposed and developed. The transparent GAA is made up of 29 elements of varying sizes, arranged in two rows. Each element has two L-shaped arms that are connected to the top and bottom of the circular rings, along with a vertical strip that connects the horizontal long strips. The antenna measures 4.81λ₀ × 0.66λ₀ × 0.026λ₀, with a peak gain of 17 dBi at 12 GHz. The amplitude tapering of the Taylor synthesis approach results in a side lobe level of -19.2 dB. In the E-plane, the half-power beamwidth is 7.9˚, while in the H-plane, it is 173.6˚. Also, a virtual automobile model is used to investigate the housing effects of the proposed antenna. The findings show that GAA is ideal for advanced driver assistance systems, automotive radar, and vehicle to everything communication. The presented antenna offers aesthetic integration, space savings by using glass surfaces, and better signal reception from unobstructed locations.