Smart Conformal Antenna
The All-in-One Connectivity Solution

The number of vehicle radio services for navigation, infotainment, ADAS, and other features has dramatically increased. To stay relevant to consumers, a modern, connected car may require as many as 18 antennas. This poses major design challenges. HARMAN’s multi-band conformal antenna is designed to address these challenges by combining multiple antennas in a single module that can be mounted beneath the vehicle’s body surface and covered with a waterproof, non-conductive cover (radome). The result is a sleek looking and aerodynamic design that is a perfect complement to the vehicle body design. The conformal antenna provides gain, directionality and the ability to accommodate beamforming while delivering performance and the required isolation.

In addition to streamlining radio services, the multi-band conformal antenna can be made part of an integrated package with HARMAN’s Telematics Control Unit (TCU) to become a “smart antenna.” By combining the radios and the antennas into one package, automakers capture immediate benefits of cost reduction, reduced installation complexity, and improved reliability as a result of the removal of coax and connectors.

This 5G-ready technology will help automakers to keep up with the pace of innovation in the telecommunications sector so that drivers can remain connected without tethering to a mobile phone. It also supports the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solutions that increasingly connects cars to their surroundings to improve driver awareness and safety.