Integrated telematics unit antenna for vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an antenna system for a vehicle having a glass roof. In one example, an antenna system may include a rigid printed circuit board (514) coupled to a metal surface (306); and a flexible printed circuit board (318) coupled to the rigid printed circuit board (514) and the glass surface (308), wherein the flexible printed circuit board (318) has an antenna trace (310). For example, the rigid printed circuit board (514) may be part of a vehicle telematics control unit (512) attached to a metal surface (306) on a roof panel of the vehicle, and the flexible printed circuit board (318) may be coupled to the rigid printed circuit board (514) and attached to an inner surface of a glass roof panel (202) of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual generally covers vehicle antenna systems. Background Technology

[0002] A telematics control unit (TCU) or telematics unit is a system in a vehicle that wirelessly connects the vehicle to various network services, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, via various types of networks. For example, such systems can also control wireless tracking, diagnostics, and communication to and from the vehicle. In some examples, the TCU can collect telemetry data from various subsystems via data and control buses, such as location, speed, engine data, and connectivity quality.

[0003] Such TCU systems can use antennas connected to the TCU to collect and transmit signal data. The inventors have recognized the challenges of integrating these TCU systems and antennas into vehicles. For example, including these TCU systems and antennas in a vehicle without making them visible or bulky, or without using a large number of expensive cable systems connecting various components, can be challenging. For instance, OEMs attempt to encapsulate these antennas in so-called "shark fins" on the rear roof of the vehicle, but as the number of antennas used increases, encapsulating them all in a shark fin becomes difficult. This can also lead to performance degradation of the antennas in the shark fin, increased cost of the cable system, and increased complexity of the TCU system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Disclosed is an embodiment of an antenna system comprising: a rigid printed circuit board coupled to a metal surface; and a flexible printed circuit board coupled to the rigid printed circuit board and a glass surface, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has antenna traces. For example, the rigid printed circuit board may be an antenna matching circuit, which is part of a vehicle telematics control unit. In some examples, the antenna matching circuit and / or the telematics control unit may be attached to a metal surface on the roof of the vehicle, and the flexible printed circuit board may be coupled to the rigid printed circuit board in the antenna matching circuit or the telematics control unit, and attached to the inner surface of the glass roof of the vehicle. In some examples, the metal surface on the roof may abut the glass roof at an interface, and the telematics control unit and / or the antenna matching circuit may be located on the metal surface adjacent to the interface; and the flexible printed circuit board may be located on the glass roof adjacent to the interface.

[0005] In this approach, the TCU system can be more easily integrated into the vehicle system. For example, integrating the TCU system under the roof of the vehicle may be easier. Additionally, since in some examples the antenna may include a flexible printed circuit board attached to a glass roof adjacent to the TCU, the amount of wiring and complexity in the system can be reduced. Furthermore, the thickness of the TCU can be reduced if the TCU is directly coupled to the flexible printed circuit board antenna, or if the TCU is located away from the antenna when connected to antenna matching circuitry. In some examples, the metal roof can be used to ground the TCU system and / or antenna matching circuitry, thereby simplifying the design of the TCU and antenna matching circuitry as well as the interface to the antenna. Furthermore, it may be easier to integrate multiple antennas in this way without having to include them in external components (such as shark fins) on the vehicle, which can reduce manufacturing costs. External components such as shark fins are typically sealed to prevent water penetration, thus protecting the internal components; therefore, not using such external components for the antenna can reduce costs associated with, for example, watertight sealing.

[0006] It should be understood that the above description of the invention is provided to present a series of concepts further described in the detailed embodiments in a simplified form. This is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely defined by the claims following the detailed implementations. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address any shortcomings pointed out above or in any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle-to-vehicle communication system according to this disclosure is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 An exemplary vehicle with a glass roof is shown;

[0009] Figures 3 to 5 An exemplary antenna system according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] As described above, a telematics control unit (TCU) system in a vehicle can wirelessly connect the vehicle to various network services via various types of networks. For example, such a system can also control wireless tracking, diagnostics, and communication to and from the vehicle. In some examples, the TCU can collect telemetry data from various subsystems via data and control buses, such as position, speed, engine data, and connectivity quality. The following description... Figure 1 An example of such a system is shown.

[0011] The inventors have recognized the challenges of integrating these TCU systems and antennas into vehicles. For example, including these TCU systems and antennas in a vehicle without making them visible or bulky, or without using a large number of expensive cables connecting various components, can be challenging. For instance, OEMs attempt to encapsulate these antennas in so-called "shark fins" on the rear roof of the vehicle, but as the number of antennas used increases, encapsulating them all in a shark fin becomes difficult. This can also lead to performance degradation of the antennas in the shark fin, increased cost of the cable system, and increased complexity of the TCU system.

[0012] To address these issues, an antenna system comprising a thin film attached to a glass surface is disclosed. For example, the thin film may be a flexible printed circuit board with antenna traces. Such an antenna can be attached to the glass surface using an adhesive. In some examples, the glass surface may include a glass roof panel, window, etc., in a vehicle. In this approach, the antenna can be approximately two-dimensional because it is very thin; for example, the antenna thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.32 mm to 0.42 mm, or in the range of approximately 0.10 mm to 0.60 mm, but other thicknesses are also considered. This antenna can be directly coupled to a TCU included in a vehicle system, or indirectly coupled to the TCU via wiring from the antenna matching circuit to the TCU. In some examples, the TCU and / or antenna matching circuit may be coupled to a metal surface, for example, a metal surface in a vehicle. The TCU and / or antenna matching circuit may be grounded to the metal surface to which it is attached, for example, via metal fasteners, etc.

[0013] The antenna can be coupled to the TCU or a rigid printed circuit board within the TCU in various ways. For example, the antenna can be integrated with a rigid printed circuit board within the TCU, or it can be directly coupled in various ways such that the TCU and the antenna are close to each other. In other examples, the TCU can be located at a distance from the antenna coupled to a glass surface, and the antenna can be coupled to an antenna matching circuit that is connected to the TCU located elsewhere in the vehicle. For example, because the temperature on the vehicle roof can be very high in some cases, the TCU can be located at a distance from the roof in the vehicle. In this example, the antenna can be coupled to the TCU via suitable wiring or other connections. As another example, the antenna can be coupled to a nearby antenna matching circuit that is in turn connected to the TCU via suitable wiring. The antenna system disclosed herein can be integrated inside the vehicle rather than provided as a shark fin-shaped antenna protruding from the vehicle's roof. Furthermore, in addition to external mounting locations, the antenna assembly can be mounted, for example, inside the vehicle's roof.

[0014] In this approach, the TCU system can be more easily integrated into the vehicle system. For example, integrating the TCU system under the roof of the vehicle may be easier. Additionally, since in some examples the antenna may include a flexible printed circuit board attached to a glass roof adjacent to the TCU, the amount of wiring and complexity in the system can be reduced. Furthermore, the thickness of the TCU can be reduced if the TCU is directly coupled to the flexible printed circuit board antenna, or if the TCU is located away from the antenna when connected to antenna matching circuitry. In some examples, the metal roof can be used to ground the TCU system and / or antenna matching circuitry, thereby simplifying the design of the TCU and antenna matching circuitry as well as the interface to the antenna. Furthermore, it may be easier to integrate multiple antennas in this way without having to include them in external components (such as shark fins) on the vehicle, which can reduce manufacturing costs. External components such as shark fins are typically sealed to prevent water penetration, thus protecting the internal components; therefore, not using such external components for the antenna can reduce costs associated with, for example, watertight sealing.

[0015] In the example where the flexible printed circuit board antenna is directly coupled to the TCU, there may be no coaxial connector to the TCU, making the height of the TCU potentially dependent only on any network connectors included within the TCU. Furthermore, in methods where the TCU and / or antenna matching circuitry is grounded to a metal surface on the vehicle roof, radio frequency (RF) current can flow on the metal roof rather than on the TCU or antenna matching circuitry printed circuit board, potentially reducing the likelihood of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues, and potentially reducing the need for shielding in the TCU and / or antenna matching circuitry.

[0016] Furthermore, in this method, the antenna can be implemented using printed circuit board etching technology, allowing for more precise dimensions. For example, the accuracy can be on the order of a few micrometers. If the antenna is directly connected to the main printed circuit board of the TCU itself, spring contacts for the antenna may not be necessary, making the system more robust and reducing assembly steps. Additionally, in this method, multiple antennas can be easily incorporated into the system while maintaining good performance. Many vehicles have glass roofs or windows located where the antennas are positioned, and therefore this method is widely applicable to many different types of vehicles.

[0017] Now turn to the diagrams. Figure 1An exemplary operating environment is illustrated, including a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 10, which comprises one or more vehicles 12 equipped with telematics services (i.e., vehicles including a TCU), one or more wireless carrier systems 14, and one or more remote servers 16. In some examples, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system 10 may additionally include various personal wireless devices 22. The following paragraphs briefly provide a brief overview of one possible configuration for providing wireless communication between each of the vehicles 12 and between the vehicles 12 and the remote server 16. It should be understood that other systems not shown herein may include the antenna systems disclosed herein.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 12 is depicted as a passenger car, but it should be understood that any other vehicle, including motorcycles, trucks, SUVs, motorhomes (RVs), boats, airplanes, etc., may also be used. Figure 1 The image shows a number of vehicle electronic devices 28. Vehicle electronic devices 28 may include one or more of the following: a telematics unit or telematics control unit (TCU) 30 (telematics unit and telematics control unit are used interchangeably herein), a microphone 32, one or more buttons or other control inputs 34, an audio system 36, a visual display 38 and a navigation module 40, and multiple vehicle system modules (VSM) 42.

[0019] The telematics unit 30 can be an OEM-installed or aftermarket device that enables vehicle 12 to receive and / or transmit wireless signals corresponding to voice, text, and / or other data. Therefore, the telematics unit 30 can send and / or receive wireless signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). The telematics unit 30 can thus be referred to as a transceiver 30 because it is capable of both sending and receiving wireless signals. Wireless signals generated by the telematics unit 30 of vehicle 12 can be sent to and received by one or more vehicles 12 and a remote server 16. Therefore, each of the vehicles 12 can wirelessly communicate with each other to send and / or receive information between them via the telematics unit 30. Furthermore, each of the vehicles 12 can wirelessly communicate with the remote server 16 to send and / or receive information between them.

[0020] As described above, a telematics control unit (TCU) or telematics unit is a system in a vehicle that wirelessly connects the vehicle to various network services, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, via various types of networks. For example, such systems can also control wireless tracking, diagnostics, and communication to and from the vehicle. In some examples, the TCU can collect telemetry data from various subsystems via data and control buses, such as location, speed, engine data, and connectivity quality. In some examples, the telematics control unit may include: a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) unit that maintains the latitude and longitude values ​​of the tracking vehicle; an external interface for mobile communications (such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, or 5G) that provides the tracking values ​​to a central Geographic Information System (GIS) database server; an electronic processing unit (e.g., a microcontroller, microprocessor, or field-programmable gate array (FPGA)) that processes information and acts as an interface to GPS; a mobile communication unit; a memory for storing GPS values ​​in no-mobility zones or intelligently storing information about vehicle sensor data; and a battery module.

[0021] By including relay towers 70, wireless communication between the remote server 16 and the vehicle 12 can be maintained even over greater distances between the remote server 16 and the vehicle 12. Each of the towers 70 may include transmitting and receiving antennas to relay wireless signals between the remote server 16 and the vehicle 12. However, it should be understood that in some examples, the relay towers 70 may not be included in the communication system 10, and the vehicle 12 may communicate wirelessly with the remote server 16 directly. Furthermore, if one or more vehicles 12 are separated from the remote server 16 by a sufficient distance, and / or terrain (e.g., mountains) obstructs the transmission of wireless signals between them, one or more vehicles 12 may not communicate wirelessly with the remote server 16.

[0022] Alternatively or concurrently, by using one or more communication satellites 62 and uplink transmitters 64, the communication system 10 can utilize satellite communication to provide one-way or two-way communication between one or more vehicles 12 and a remote server 16. Thus, each of the vehicles 12 can communicate with one or more of the following: the remote server 16, other vehicles 12 equipped with telematics services, or other entities or devices capable of transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. The telematics unit 30 enables the vehicles to provide a variety of different services, including those related to messaging, navigation, telephone, emergency assistance, diagnostics, infotainment, etc.

[0023] In some examples, the telematics unit 30 utilizes a wireless modem 50 for data transmission, an electronic processor 52 (e.g., on a rigid printed circuit board in the telematics unit), one or more digital memory devices 54, and one or more antennas 56, such as those described herein and hereinafter. Figure 3-5 The antenna system is shown in the diagram. It should be understood that the modem 50 can be implemented in software, or it can be a separate hardware component located inside or outside the telematics unit 30. Wireless networking between the vehicle 12 and other networked devices can also be achieved using the telematics unit 30. For this purpose, the telematics unit 30 can be configured to conduct wireless communication according to one or more wireless protocols.

[0024] Processor 52 can be any type of device capable of processing electronic instructions, including microprocessors, microcontrollers, main processors, controllers, vehicle communication processors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The processor can be a dedicated processor for the telematics unit 30 only, or it can be shared with other vehicle systems. Processor 52 executes various types of digitally stored instructions, such as software or firmware programs stored in memory 54, enabling the telematics unit 30 to provide a variety of services.

[0025] The telematics unit 30 can be used to provide a wide range of vehicle services involving wireless communication to and from vehicle 12. Such services may include: remote control of certain vehicle features using VSM 42; segmented direction and other navigation-related services provided by navigation module 40; airbag deployment notification and other emergency or roadside assistance-related services provided by one or more collision sensor interface modules (such as the main control module (not shown)); diagnostic reports using one or more diagnostic modules; and infotainment-related services, where music, web pages, movies, television programs, video games, and / or other information are downloaded and stored by the infotainment module (not shown) for current or later playback. The services listed above are by no means an exhaustive list of all capabilities of the telematics unit 30, but merely an example of some services that a telematics unit can provide. Furthermore, it should be understood that at least some of the above modules may be implemented in the form of software instructions stored internally or externally to the telematics unit 30. These may be hardware components located internally or externally to the telematics unit 30, or they may be integrated and / or shared with each other, or integrated and / or shared with other systems located throughout vehicle 12, to name just a few possibilities. When the modules are implemented as VSM 42 located outside the telematics unit 30, they can exchange data and commands with the telematics unit 30 via the communication bus 44.

[0026] In some examples, the antenna 56 of the telematics unit 30 may include one or more antennas, wherein at least one of the one or more antennas includes a flexible printed circuit board, as described herein and hereinafter. Figures 3 to 5 As shown in the diagram. These thin-film antennas can be coupled to an antenna matching circuit, which in turn is coupled to the main TCU, or the thin-film antennas can be directly coupled to the TCU, as described below. The navigation module 40 can be configured to support any suitable navigation system. Navigation information can be presented on the display 38 (or other displays within the vehicle), or it can be presented verbally, as is done when providing segmented navigation. Navigation services can be provided using a dedicated in-vehicle navigation module (which may be part of the navigation module 40), or some or all of the navigation services can be performed via the telematics unit 30, where location information is sent to a remote location to provide the vehicle with navigation maps, map annotations (points of interest, restaurants, etc.), route calculations, etc.

[0027] In addition to the audio system 36 and navigation module 40, vehicle 12 may include other vehicle system modules (VSMs) 42 in the form of electronic hardware components, located throughout the vehicle, and typically receiving input from one or more sensors, and using the sensed input to perform diagnostic, monitoring, control, reporting and / or other functions. Each of the VSMs 42 is preferably connected to other VSMs and telematics unit 30 via communication bus 44, and can be programmed to run vehicle system and subsystem diagnostic tests and perform other functions.

[0028] The vehicle electronics 28 may also include multiple vehicle user interfaces, which are components that provide and / or receive information for vehicle passengers, such as microphone 32, button 34, audio system 36, and visual display 38. Button 34 allows the user to manually input data, response, or control input into the telematics unit 30. Various other vehicle user interfaces may also be utilized because... Figure 1 The interface is merely an example of a particular implementation.

[0029] The remote server 16 may include a logic subsystem 82 and a data retention subsystem 84. The logic subsystem 82 may include one or more processors configured to execute software instructions. Such instructions may be implemented to perform tasks, implement data types, cause state transitions of one or more devices, or otherwise achieve desired results. Alternatively, the logic subsystem 82 may include one or more hardware or firmware logic machines configured to execute hardware or firmware instructions.

[0030] The data retention subsystem 84 may include one or more physical, non-transitory means configured to retain data and / or instructions executable by the logic subsystem 82 to implement the methods and processes described herein. The state of the data retention subsystem 84 may be changed (e.g., to retain different data) when such methods and processes are implemented. The remote server 16 may include one or more databases 85 within the data retention subsystem 84 to store processed assistance requests, vehicle location data, and vehicle operator preferences.

[0031] Remote server 16 may optionally include display subsystem 86, communication subsystem 88 and / or Figure 2 Other components not shown. For example, the remote server 16 may optionally include user input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, game controller, camera, microphone, and / or touchscreen. When included, the display subsystem 86 can be used to present a visual representation of the data held by the data holding subsystem 84 via one or more display devices. When included, the communication subsystem 88 can be configured to communicatively couple the remote server 16 to one or more other computing devices (such as vehicle 12).

[0032] In some examples, the relay tower 70 may be configured as part of a wireless cellular network. In such examples, the communication system 10 may include a personal wireless device 22, which may be, for example, a cellular phone or other personal portable device capable of wireless communication, including, for the illustrated embodiment, SMS messaging capabilities. Device 22 may communicate with the relay tower 70 to send and receive voice calls, SMS messages, and possibly other communications, such as non-voice data for purposes such as providing internet access, weather information, stock information, etc. Generally, SMS messages sent to or from vehicle 12 or wireless mobile device 22 are received and / or sent by the relay tower 70 and processed and routed to remote server 16 via one or more mobile switching centers 72. Furthermore, the telematics unit 30 of each of the vehicles 12 is capable of sending and / or receiving SMS messages and telephone calls via the cellular network provided by the relay tower 70. Thus, the telematics unit 30 may utilize cellular communication and may therefore include a cellular chipset for voice communication such as hands-free calling.

[0033] Figure 2 An exemplary vehicle 200 with a glass roof 202 and glass windows 204 is shown. Although the vehicle 200 is illustrated as an automobile, any suitable vehicle with one or more glass roofs, glass windows, etc., is conceivable, including but not limited to motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), motorhomes (RVs), marine vessels, airplanes, etc.

[0034] Vehicle 200 also includes one or more metal surfaces, such as a metal roof panel 206. A glass roof panel or window in vehicle 200 may have a metal surface adjacent to it. For example, metal roof panel 206 may abut a glass window 204 at interface 210, wherein metal roof panel 206 may be adjacent to or in contact with glass window 204. Similarly, glass roof panel 202 abuts metal roof panel 206 at interface 208.

[0035] The descriptions herein and those described below Figures 3 to 5 The thin-film antenna shown can be attached to one of the glass windows or glass roof of vehicle 200 to transmit and receive various signals through the vehicle's glass surface. The antenna can be attached to a glass surface inside the vehicle, thus eliminating the need for a watertight seal. Multiple antennas can be attached to various signal networks, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

[0036] As described herein, vehicle 200 may include a TCU, and an antenna attached to the inner surface of a glass roof or window may be directly coupled to the TCU or to an antenna matching circuit, which in turn is connected to the TCU via a suitable cable (e.g., a coaxial cable). In some examples, the TCU or antenna matching circuit may be mounted on the inner surface of a metal surface (e.g., metal roof 206), adjacent to the interface with the glass surface to which the antenna is attached. For example, one or more antennas may be attached to the inner surface of glass roof 203 near interface 208, and the TCU or antenna matching circuit may be mounted to the inner metal surface of metal roof 206 near interface 208, allowing the antenna to be directly coupled to the TCU or antenna matching circuit without wiring. In some examples, the TCU may be located at an alternative location at a distance from the roof of vehicle 200. In such an example, the TCU may be connected to the antenna matching circuit via suitable wiring.

[0037] Figure 2 A set of reference axes 220 is also shown, including an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. For example, the z-axis may be a vertical axis, and the x-axis and y-axis may be horizontal axes. Alternatively, the z-axis may be approximately parallel to the direction of gravity, and the x-axis and y-axis may be approximately perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Alternatively, the z-axis may be a stacking axis, as further described below, along which components are vertically layered. Reference axis 220 in Figures 3 to 5 The diagram further illustrates the comparison of the orientation of the depicted components.

[0038] Now transferred to Figures 3 to 5 An exemplary antenna system 300 is shown, which is located around the interface 310 between a metal surface 306 and a glass surface 308, wherein one or more thin-film antennas are attached to the glass surface. Figure 3and 4 A thin-film antenna is shown attached to a glass surface 308 and coupled to an antenna matching circuit 312. The antenna matching circuit may include a rigid printed circuit board that has impedance matching capability and is passive (i.e., not powered), and therefore can be simple and relatively small. These antenna matching circuits may be connected to the main TCU located elsewhere in the vehicle via suitable wiring. Figure 5 An alternative example is shown where a thin-film antenna is directly coupled to the main TCU 512, which may be mounted on a metal surface 306 adjacent to the thin-film antenna. Figures 3 to 5 In this context, similar numbers are used for similar elements. Furthermore, as described below... Figures 3 to 5 In this document, the dimensions of the components may not be shown to scale (however, in some examples the dimensions shown may be to scale), but alternative relative sizes may be used to determine and position them if necessary. Figure 3-5 The antenna system 300 shown can correspond to the above. Figure 1 Antenna 56 of the remote information processing unit 30 in the middle.

[0039] Figure 3 A bottom view 302 and a side view 304 are shown of an exemplary antenna system 300 located around the interface 310 of the metal surface 306 and the glass surface 308. For example, the metal surface 306 may correspond to... Figure 2 The metal top plate 206 shown, and the glass surface 308 can correspond to Figure 2 The glass window 204 in the middle makes Figure 3 The interface 310 shown corresponds to Figure 2 Interface 210 is shown in the figure. Figure 2 The reference axis 220 introduced in the middle is also Figures 3 to 5 As shown in the figure, and applied to Figures 3 to 5 The side views 304, 402, 404 and 504 show the antenna system 300 mounted on the inner surface of the vehicle along the metal / glass interface 310. Figure 3 and 5 Views 302 and 502 show bottom views of an antenna system 300 installed under the roof panel inside a vehicle. However, it should be understood that... Figures 3 to 5 The antenna system 300 shown can be located at any suitable metal / glass interface. For example, it can be located on the side, rear, bottom, or front of a vehicle where a glass window interfaces with a metal part of the vehicle, or at any other suitable location where a glass / metal interface exists. As used herein, the phrase "glass roof" can be used to refer to any opening in a vehicle made of glass at any suitable location. For example, the phrase "glass roof" as used herein can mean any glass window or glass opening located on or in any location within a vehicle.

[0040] Antenna system 300 includes a rigid printed circuit board 314 coupled to a metal surface 306. The rigid printed circuit board 314 may be part of an antenna matching circuit 312 attached to a vehicle (such as...). Figure 2 The metal surface 306 on the roof of the vehicle 200 shown. The antenna matching circuit 312 can be as described above. Figure 1 This is part of the telematics unit 30 system described in the description. For example, antenna matching circuitry 312 may be coupled to the main TCU via coaxial cable, etc. For example, antenna matching circuitry 312 and rigid printed circuit board 314 may be attached to metal surface 306 at a location adjacent to glass surface 308 on the glass roof of the vehicle. Metal surface 306 may be adjacent to glass surface 308 at interface 310, and rigid printed circuit board 314 may be located on metal surface 306 adjacent to interface 310. For example, the edge of antenna matching circuitry 312 may be substantially aligned with or positioned along the edge of interface 310. In addition, flexible printed circuit board 318 may be located on glass surface 308 adjacent to interface 310. For example, flexible printed circuit board 318 may be substantially aligned with or positioned along the edge of interface 310.

[0041] The flexible printed circuit board 318 has antenna traces 320. For example, the antenna traces can be implemented using printed circuit board etching technology, allowing for precise dimensions. Its construction may involve forming antenna traces on the surface of the flexible printed circuit board 318 using copper or other conductive materials through printing or etching techniques. The antenna can be fabricated in various configurations, such as loops, patch shapes, and planar inverted F-shapes, etc. The antenna can be configured to convert current within the rigid printed circuit board 314 into electromagnetic waves, which are then emitted into the surrounding environment and received by other antennas. The antenna can also be configured to convert electromagnetic waves received from the surrounding environment into current for processing within the rigid printed circuit board 314. The flexible printed circuit board 318 can be made of flexible materials such as polyimide or polyester, thereby enabling it to be bent, twisted, and molded into various shapes and configurations.

[0042] Antenna trace 320 can be configured to transmit and / or receive signals on any suitable network. For example, antenna trace 320 can be configured for one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Global Positioning System (GPS), or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. As another example, antenna trace 320 can be configured for Internet of Things (IoT) and / or wireless sensor networks to enable communication between interconnected devices, allowing data exchange and control in applications such as smart homes, industrial automation, and environmental monitoring.

[0043] Antenna trace 320 may have branches, such as branches 322 and 324 connecting the antenna trace to circuitry on printed circuit board 314. For example, branch 322 may connect to antenna matching component 326 on printed circuit board 314. Flexible printed circuit board 318 may be coupled to rigid printed circuit board 314 in various ways via coupler 338. For example, flexible printed circuit board 318 may be coupled to rigid printed circuit board 314 via one or more zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors. As another example, flexible printed circuit board 318 may be part of or integrated with rigid printed circuit board 314.

[0044] The size and configuration of the antenna traces can be selected depending on the type of network signal to be received (e.g., the frequency of the electromagnetic waves to be received and / or transmitted by the antenna) and the dielectric constant of the glass to which the antenna is attached. For example, the glass in automotive applications may have a dielectric constant in the range of, for example, about 3 to 15. Various antenna trace lengths and sizes can be adjusted based on these factors. For example, distance 328 is the distance from antenna trace 320 to the edge of the flexible printed circuit board 318 at interface 310. In some examples, distance 328 may be about 15 mm. Length 330 is the length of antenna trace 320 that is generally parallel to the edge of the flexible printed circuit board 318 at interface 310. In some examples, length 330 may be about 35 mm. Distance 332 is the distance between branches 322 and 324 of antenna trace 320 and can be selected based on the coupling mechanism between the flexible printed circuit board 318 and the rigid printed circuit board 314.

[0045] The flexible printed circuit board 318 can be attached to the glass surface 308 in various ways. In some examples, the flexible printed circuit board 318 can be attached to the glass surface 308 using an adhesive, such as a temperature-stable adhesive, including cyanoacrylate, epoxy, acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, or other suitable temperature-resistant adhesives. To increase adhesion, in some examples, the flexible printed circuit board 318 can be etched onto its surface, and the flexible printed circuit board is then attached to the glass surface 308 with an adhesive. The antenna system 300 may be adapted to be located within or beneath the roof of a vehicle, rather than extending vertically from the top of the roof; therefore, the flexible printed circuit board 318 can be attached to the inner surface of the glass roof with an adhesive.

[0046] The antenna matching circuit 312 and the rigid printed circuit board 314 can be electrically grounded to the metal surface to which they are attached, such as metal surface 306. For example, the rigid printed circuit board 314 and / or the antenna matching circuit 312 can be grounded to the metal surface 306 via one or more metal fasteners 336 (such as metal screws, bolts, clamps, etc.). The location and / or number of grounding fasteners 336 may depend on the configuration of the antenna system 300 (e.g., shape, size, number of antennas, etc.).

[0047] Antenna matching circuit 312 may include various connectors coupled to rigid printed circuit board 312, such as Figure 3 and 4 The connector 334 is shown. These connectors may include connectors suitable for connecting antenna matching circuitry to the main TCU located elsewhere in the vehicle. For example, connector 334 may include a FAKRA connector (German standard Fachkreis Automobil), etc.

[0048] The height 366 of the antenna matching circuit 312 may be determined by the height of the various connectors (such as connector 334) included therein. Apart from the area and height of the connectors or devices included on the rigid printed circuit board 314, the remaining height of the antenna matching circuit 312 may be determined by the various electronic components included on the printed circuit board 314 included in the antenna matching circuit. The antenna matching circuit may have a mechanical housing or enclosure 316 that encapsulates the various components of the antenna matching circuit, such as the rigid printed circuit board 314, connector 334, and other components. The mechanical housing may be used to protect the internal components of the antenna matching circuit and may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, and / or combinations thereof. In some examples, the top cover 368 of the mechanical housing 316 may be made of plastic material, while the bottom cover 370 of the housing 316 may be made of metal to help ground the antenna matching circuit relative to the metal surface 306 to which it is coupled. In some examples, the height 366 of the mechanical housing 316 may be less than 10 mm to 12 mm; however, other heights are also conceivable.

[0049] Figure 4 An exemplary antenna system 300 is shown mounted at a glass / metal interface, wherein the thicknesses of the glass and metal may be different, or the interface type between the metal and glass may be different. Figure 3 In the diagram, the thickness 340 of the metal surface 306 is shown to be substantially the same as the thickness 342 of the glass surface 308. It is desirable to position the flexible printed circuit board 318 in a plane substantially the same as the rigid printed circuit board 314 to reduce bending of the flexible printed circuit board at the coupling 338 where the flexible printed circuit board is coupled to the antenna matching circuit.

[0050] Figure 4Two different examples, 402 and 404, are shown, in which the thickness 440 of the metal surface 306 is less than the thickness 442 of the glass surface 308. At 402, the antenna matching circuit 312 is offset from the metal surface 306 by a distance 444 via one or more tabs 446, which make the rigid printed circuit board 314 and the inner surface of the glass surface 308 to which the flexible printed circuit board 318 is attached substantially in a straight line or approximately in the same plane. The tabs 446 may include any suitable spacer, such as metal or plastic protrusions extending from or attached to the metal surface 306. A similar example is shown at 404, where the tabs offset the antenna matching circuit from the metal surface to align it with the interior of the glass; however, at 404, an alternative interface 310 between the metal surface 306 and the glass surface 308 is shown. In this example shown at 404, the glass surface has tabs 410 that overlap with tabs 412 extending from the metal surface at interface 310. It should be understood that these different cross sections and interfaces of the glass and metal surfaces can be achieved in various ways to make the rigid printed circuit board 314 and the flexible printed circuit board 318 approximately in a straight line, thereby reducing the bending at the coupling 338.

[0051] exist Figure 3 and 4 In the example shown, the antenna matching circuit 312 can be connected to a larger main TCU or other processing unit located elsewhere in the vehicle, and therefore can include a smaller, rigid printed circuit board with fewer electronic components. However, in Figure 5 In the diagram, a rigid printed circuit board 314 is shown as a larger main TCU 512 on which more electronic components may be included. For example, multiple connectors or devices, such as connectors 560 and 558, may be included. Figure 5 The TCU 512 shown is for connecting to various other components and devices located elsewhere in the vehicle. For example, connector 560 may be an Ethernet connector, and connector 558 may be for connecting other devices in the vehicle to... Figure 5 The main connector of the main TCU 512 is shown.

[0052] Figure 5 The diagram also illustrates how multiple antennas can be connected to the TCU 512. For example, flexible printed circuit boards 318 and 562 can be coupled to a rigid printed circuit board 514 within the TCU 512. In this way, the antenna system 300 can include any suitable number of antennas.

[0053] TCU 512 includes a rigid printed circuit board 514 electrically groundable to a metal surface to which it is attached, such as metal surface 306. For example, the rigid printed circuit board 514 may be grounded to metal surface 306 via one or more metal fasteners 336 (such as metal screws, bolts, clamps, etc.). The location and / or number of grounding fasteners 336 may depend on the configuration of antenna system 300 (e.g., shape, size, number of antennas, etc.).

[0054] TCU 312 may include various connectors or network access devices coupled to rigid printed circuit board 514, such as Figure 5 The devices 558 and 560 are shown. These connectors or devices may include network connectors or network access devices mounted on and electrically coupled to a rigid printed circuit board 514. These devices can facilitate vehicle-to-external networks and communication systems (e.g., Figure 1 The connection between the remote server 16). For example, the network access device coupled to the rigid printed circuit board 514 can be a modem, such as Figure 1 Modem 50. In an alternative example, the network access device coupled to the rigid printed circuit board 514 can be any other type of device that allows wireless connectivity between the vehicle and an external network. For example, device 558 can be a main connector for connecting the TCU 512 to other devices in the vehicle, and device 560 can include an Ethernet connector, etc.

[0055] Similar to the antenna matching circuit, the height of the TCU 512 can be determined by the height of the various connectors or devices included therein (such as devices 558 and 560). Apart from the area and height of the connectors or devices included on the rigid printed circuit board 514, the remaining height of the TCU can be determined by the various electronic components included on the printed circuit board 514 included in the TCU. The TCU may have a mechanical housing or enclosure 316 that encloses the various components of the TCU, such as the rigid printed circuit board 514, devices 558 and 560, and other components. The mechanical housing can be used to protect the internal components of the TCU and can be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, and / or combinations thereof. In some examples, the top cover 368 of the mechanical housing 316 may be made of plastic, while the bottom cover 370 of the housing 316 may be made of metal to help ground the TCU relative to the metal surface 306 to which it is coupled. In some examples, the height of the mechanical housing 316 may be less than 10 mm to 12 mm; however, other heights are also conceivable.

[0056] Figures 3 to 5Exemplary configurations illustrating the relative positioning of various components are shown. Unless otherwise stated, if shown as being in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, such components may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, in at least one example, components shown as being adjacent or neighboring to each other may be adjacent or neighboring to each other, respectively. As an example, components that share surface contact with each other may be referred to as surface-shared contact components. As another example, in at least one example, components positioned separately from each other with only space between them and no other components may be referred to in this way. As another example, components shown above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as being opposite each other. Furthermore, as shown, in at least one example, the topmost component or point of the component may be referred to as the “top” of the component, while the bottommost component or point of the component may be referred to as the “bottom” of the component. As used herein, top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may be relative to the vertical axis of each figure and used to describe the positioning of the components of each figure relative to each other. Thus, in one example, an component shown above other components is vertically positioned above the other components. As yet another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures may be described as having those shapes (e.g., such as circular, straight, planar, curved, round, chamfered, angled, etc.). Furthermore, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting each other may be described as intersecting elements or intersecting each other. Additionally, in one example, an element shown inside or outside another element may be referred to as such.

[0057] The invention will be further described in the following paragraphs. In one aspect, an antenna system is provided, comprising: a rigid printed circuit board coupled to a metal surface; and a flexible printed circuit board coupled to the rigid printed circuit board and a glass surface, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has antenna traces.

[0058] In any or a combination of the aspects, the metal surface abuts the glass surface at an interface; wherein the rigid printed circuit board is located on the metal surface adjacent to the interface; and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is located on the glass surface adjacent to the interface. In any or a combination of the aspects, the rigid printed circuit board is part of a telematics control unit in a vehicle. In any or a combination of the aspects, the antenna system is adapted to be positioned within or below the roof of the vehicle, rather than extending vertically from the top of the roof. In any or a combination of the aspects, the flexible printed circuit board is coupled to the glass surface with an adhesive. In any or a combination of the aspects, the flexible printed circuit board is etched onto the surface of the flexible printed circuit board attached to the glass surface with the adhesive. In any or a combination of the aspects, the metal surface provides grounding to the rigid printed circuit board. In any or a combination of the aspects, the rigid printed circuit board is grounded to the metal surface via one or more metal fasteners. In any or a combination of the aspects, the metal surface and the glass surface are part of the roof of the vehicle. In any or a combination of the above aspects, the flexible printed circuit board is coupled to the rigid printed circuit board using one or more zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors. In any or a combination of the above aspects, the antenna trace is configured for one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

[0059] In another aspect, an antenna system for a vehicle is provided, the antenna system comprising: a telematics processing control unit attached to a metal surface on the roof of the vehicle; wherein the telematics processing control unit includes a rigid printed circuit board; a flexible printed circuit board etched thereon with antenna traces; wherein the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the rigid printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board is attached to a glass surface of the vehicle.

[0060] In any or a combination of the aspects, the metal surface abuts the glass surface at an interface; wherein the telematics control unit is located on the metal surface adjacent to the interface; and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is located on the glass surface adjacent to the interface. In any or a combination of the aspects, the flexible printed circuit board is adhered to the glass surface of the vehicle with an adhesive and etched onto the surface of the flexible printed circuit board adhered to the glass surface with the adhesive. In any or a combination of the aspects, the telematics control unit is grounded to the metal surface via one or more metal fasteners. In any or a combination of the aspects, the antenna trace is configured for one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

[0061] In another aspect, an antenna system for a vehicle having a glass roof is provided, the antenna system comprising: a telematics control unit, the telematics control unit comprising: a rigid printed circuit board attached to a metal surface adjacent to the glass roof; and a flexible printed circuit board etched thereon with antenna traces; wherein the flexible printed circuit board is coupled to the rigid printed circuit board and is attached to an inner surface of the glass roof with an adhesive. In any or a combination of the aspects, the metal surface abuts the glass roof at an interface; wherein the telematics control unit is located on the metal surface adjacent to the interface; and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is located on the glass roof adjacent to the interface. In any or a combination of the aspects, the telematics control unit is grounded to the metal surface via one or more metal fasteners. In any or a combination of the aspects, the antenna traces are configured for one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

[0062] The foregoing description is merely an exemplary embodiment used to illustrate the principles of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of this application, and such modifications and improvements are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] As used in this application, elements or steps described in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple said elements or steps unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to "an embodiment" or "an example" in this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used merely as illustrative marks and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular order on their objects. The following claims specifically point to subject matter deemed novel and non-obvious from the foregoing disclosure.

Claims

1. An antenna system (300) comprising: A rigid printed circuit board (514) is attached to a metal surface (306); and A flexible printed circuit board (318) coupled to the rigid printed circuit board (514) and a glass surface (308), wherein the flexible printed circuit board (318) has an antenna trace (320).

2. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the metal surface is adjacent to the glass surface at the interface; wherein the rigid printed circuit board is located on the metal surface adjacent to the interface; and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is located on the glass surface adjacent to the interface.

3. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the rigid printed circuit board is part of a telematics control unit in a vehicle.

4. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the rigid printed circuit board is part of the antenna matching circuit in the vehicle.

5. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the antenna system is adapted to be positioned within or below the roof of the vehicle, rather than extending vertically from the top of the roof.

6. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is coupled to the glass surface with an adhesive, and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is etched on the surface of the flexible printed circuit board attached to the glass surface with the adhesive.

7. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the metal surface provides grounding to the rigid printed circuit board.

8. The antenna system of claim 7, wherein the rigid printed circuit board is grounded to the metal surface via one or more metal fasteners.

9. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the metal surface and the glass surface are part of the roof of the vehicle.

10. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is coupled to the rigid printed circuit board by one or more zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors.

11. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the antenna traces are configured for one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

12. An antenna system (300) for a vehicle having a glass roof (202), comprising: A telematics processing control unit (512) includes a rigid printed circuit board (514) attached to a metal surface (306) adjacent to the glass top plate (202); A flexible printed circuit board (318) on which antenna traces (320) are etched; The flexible printed circuit board (318) is coupled to the rigid printed circuit board (514), and the flexible printed circuit board (318) is attached to the inner surface of the glass top plate (202) with an adhesive.

13. The antenna system for a vehicle having a glass roof according to claim 12, wherein the metal surface is adjacent to the glass roof at an interface; wherein the telematics control unit is located on the metal surface adjacent to the interface; and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is located on the glass roof adjacent to the interface.

14. The antenna system for a vehicle with a glass roof according to claim 12, wherein the telematics control unit is grounded to the metal surface via one or more metal fasteners.

15. The antenna system for a vehicle with a glass roof according to claim 12, wherein the antenna traces are configured for one or more of cellular, Wi-Fi, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

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