CN204167472U - Shark fins antenna module - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of shark fins antenna module.In the exemplary embodiment, the shark fins antenna module for being mounted to body wall is disclosed.Described shark fins antenna module comprises base and has the radome of shark fins structure.This radome is attached to described base, makes jointly to limit inner space by described radome and described base.There is the first antenna in described inner space.This first antenna is constructed to be permeable to AM/FM/DABIII/DMB frequencies operations.

Description

Shark fin antenna assembly

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to shark fin antenna assemblies.

Background

This section provides background information related to the present invention that is not necessarily prior art.

Different types of antennas are used in the automotive industry including AM/FM radio antennas, satellite digital audio broadcasting service antennas (SDARS), mobile phone antennas, satellite navigation antennas, and the like. Multiband antenna assemblies are also commonly used in the automotive industry. A multiband antenna assembly typically includes multiple antennas that cover and operate at multiple frequency ranges. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with radiating antenna elements is a unique component of a multiband antenna assembly.

Automotive antennas may be mounted or mounted on a vehicle surface such as the roof of a vehicle, trunk, or hood of an automobile to help ensure that the antenna has an unobstructed view overhead or toward the roof of the vehicle. The antenna may be connected (e.g., via a coaxial cable, etc.) to one or more electronic devices (e.g., radio receivers, touch screen displays, navigation devices, mobile phones, etc.) inside the cabin of the vehicle so that the multiband antenna assembly may be used to transmit signals to or receive signals from the electronic devices inside the vehicle.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

This section provides a general summary of the invention, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments of shark fin antenna assemblies are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a shark fin antenna assembly for mounting to a vehicle body wall is disclosed. The shark fin antenna assembly includes: a base; a radome having a shark fin configuration, the radome coupled to the base such that an interior space is collectively defined by the radome and the base; and a first antenna located in the interior space, the first antenna configured to be operable at AM/FM/DABIII/DMB frequencies.

The first antenna includes: a printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side; and an electrical conductor along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board.

The electrical conductor along the first side of the printed circuit board is configured to operate at AM/FM frequencies and the electrical conductor along the second side of the printed circuit board is configured to operate at DABIII/DMB frequencies.

The electrical conductor includes traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board.

The traces along the first side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at frequencies within the AM band and frequencies within the FM band, and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at frequencies within the DABIII band and frequencies within the DMB band; and/or the traces along the first side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at a frequency from 535 kilohertz to 1605 kilohertz and a frequency from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at a frequency from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz.

The electrical conductor includes traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board; the trace along the first side comprises or defines a first meander; and the trace along the second side includes or defines a second bend.

The first bent portion includes 31 parallel straight horizontal portions and 15 bent portions between the upper and lower pairs of parallel straight portions; and/or the second meandering portion comprises 12 parallel straight horizontal portions, 6 bent portions along one side of the second meandering portion, and 5 bent portions along an opposite side of the second meandering portion, the bent portions being located between the upper and lower pairs of parallel straight portions.

Vertical traces along the first side extend downward from the top traces of the first meander and are soldered to a second printed circuit board for electrically connecting the traces to the second printed circuit board.

The bottom trace of the second meander is electrically connected to a vertical trace along the second side of the printed circuit board, the vertical trace is electrically connected to a bottom horizontal trace along the second side of the printed circuit board, and the bottom horizontal trace is electrically connected to another vertical trace along the second side of the printed circuit board.

The shark fin antenna assembly is configured to be seated and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole in the vehicle body wall from the vehicle exterior side and clamped from the interior compartment side.

The shark fin antenna assembly further includes at least one antenna operable within one or more frequency bands other than the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB frequency bands, wherein the at least one antenna is located within the interior space.

The shark fin antenna assembly further comprises: a second antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving satellite signals; and/or a third antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable to receive and transmit cellular signals.

The shark fin antenna assembly further comprises: a fourth antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable to receive but not transmit cellular signals.

The shark fin antenna assembly further comprises: a patch antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving satellite navigation signals; a primary cellular antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving and transmitting cellular signals; and a secondary cellular antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable to receive but not transmit cellular signals.

The patch antenna is located between the first antenna and the primary cellular antenna, and the first antenna is located between the patch antenna and the secondary cellular antenna; or the patch antenna is located between the first antenna and the secondary cellular antenna and the first antenna is located between the patch antenna and the primary cellular antenna.

The first antenna comprises a printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side and traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board, the traces along the first side of the printed circuit board configured to operate at a frequency from 535 kilohertz to 1605 kilohertz and a frequency from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz, and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board configured to operate at a frequency from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz; and wherein the radome has a length of 220 millimeters, a height of 69.5 millimeters, a maximum width of 66 millimeters, and a minimum width of 12.6 millimeters; and/or the printed circuit board has a height of 55 mm and a length of 55 mm; and/or the traces along the first side include or define a first bend and have an overall length of at least 674 millimeters, a height of 45 millimeters, and a width of 50 millimeters; and/or the traces along the second side include or define a second meander and have an overall length of at least 1589 millimeters, a height of 48 millimeters, and a width of 50 millimeters.

A shark fin antenna assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side; and traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board, wherein the traces along the first side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at a frequency from 535 kilohertz to 1605 kilohertz and a frequency from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at a frequency from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz.

The shark fin antenna assembly further comprises: a base; and a radome having a shark fin configuration coupled to the base such that an interior space is collectively defined by the radome and the base, wherein the printed circuit board and the trace are located in the interior space.

The shark fin antenna assembly further comprising at least one satellite antenna located in the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving satellite signals; and/or the shark fin antenna assembly further comprises at least one cellular antenna located in the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving and transmitting cellular signals; and/or the trace along the first side comprises or defines a first meander; and/or the trace along the second side comprises or defines a second meander.

The shark fin antenna assembly is configured to be seated and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole in the vehicle body wall from the vehicle exterior side and clamped from the interior compartment side.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly that includes at least one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 1, assembled together, without the cover or radome shown, but showing a first side of the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna configured to be operable at AM/FM frequencies;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 2 and illustrates an opposite second side of the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna configured to be operable at DABIII/DMB frequencies;

fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly that includes at least one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 4, assembled together, without the cover or radome shown, but showing a first side of the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna configured to be operable at AM/FM frequencies;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the antenna assembly shown in FIG. 5 and illustrates an opposite second side of the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna configured to be operable at DABIII/DMB frequencies;

FIG. 7 illustrates a first side of an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna that may be used with the antenna assembly shown in FIGS. 1-6, wherein the first side is operable at AM/FM frequencies and is sized for illustration purposes only;

FIG. 8 illustrates a second or opposite side of the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna shown in FIG. 7, wherein the second side is operable at DABIII/DMB frequencies and is sized for illustrative purposes only;

fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a shark fin type radome or cover that may be placed on an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 10 is a graph of return loss in decibels (dB) simulated and measured over a substantially circular ground plane one meter in diameter at frequencies in megahertz (MHz) with respect to the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna shown in fig. 7 and 8;

FIG. 11 is a graph of passive antenna gain in decibels simulated and measured over a substantially circular ground plane of one meter diameter at FM frequencies of 88MHz and 108MHz for the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 12 is a graph of passive antenna gain in decibels simulated and measured over a substantially circular ground plane of one meter diameter at DABIII/DMB frequencies of 174MHz and 240MHz for the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

fig. 13 is a graph of active antenna gain in decibels simulated and measured over a substantially circular ground plane of one meter in diameter for the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antennas shown in fig. 7 and 8 at FM frequencies of 88MHz and 108MHz and DABIII/DMB frequencies of 174MHz and 240 MHz.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present inventors have recognized a need for small or compact shark fin antenna assemblies, including AM (amplitude modulation), FM (frequency modulation), DAB (digital audio broadcasting), and DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting), that can be used over multiple frequency bands or configured for use with multiple frequency bands. Currently, vehicle-mounted antennas available for receiving AM/FM/DABIII/DMB signals are whip antennas or glass antennas such as windshield or rear view window antennas. Having appreciated the foregoing, the inventors have developed and herein disclosed exemplary embodiments of a multi-band vehicular antenna assembly or system that includes an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna integrated into or included in a shark fin-type antenna. In these exemplary embodiments, the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna has good electrical antenna performance (e.g., better than some existing antennas, etc.) and does not require a complex manufacturing process, which allows for lower production costs.

In an exemplary embodiment, a multiband shark fin antenna assembly includes an antenna configured for receiving AM/FM/DABIII/DMB signals. The antenna includes antenna elements (e.g., conductive traces, etc.) on or along first and second sides or opposite sides of a substrate or package (e.g., Printed Circuit Board (PCB) material including FR4 composite, etc.). As disclosed herein, conductive traces (e.g., copper, etc.) are on or along the first and second or opposite sides of the PCB. The conductive traces on or along the first side of the PCB may be electrically connected or interconnected to the conductive traces on or along the second side of the PCB, for example, by means of plated through holes or vias. Conductive traces on or along the first side of the PCB (e.g., fig. 7, etc.) are configured to operate at AM/FM frequencies, such as an AM band from 535 kilohertz (kHz) to 1605kHz and an FM band from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz. Conductive traces on or along the second side of the PCB (e.g., fig. 8, etc.) are configured to operate at DABIII/DMB frequencies, such as the DABIII frequency band from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz and the DMB frequency band from 174 megahertz to 216 megahertz. The conductive traces on or along the first and second sides of the PCB may be operated at respective AM/FM and DABIII/DMB frequencies simultaneously.

In several exemplary embodiments, a multi-band vehicular antenna assembly includes one or more additional antennas operable in one or more multi-band ranges other than the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB bands. For example, a multi-band onboard shark fin antenna assembly may be configured to operate as a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna assembly that is operable in AM/FM/DABIII/DMB bands via the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antennas disclosed herein (e.g., 108, 208, etc.), and in one or more other frequency bands associated with cellular communications, Wi-Fi, DSRC (dedicated short range communications), satellite signals, surface signals, and the like. For example, the multiband onboard shark fin antenna assembly may include one or more antennas that may function as MIMO LTE (long term evolution) cellular antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the multiband onboard shark fin antenna assembly may include one or more satellite antennas, such as a patch antenna operable with satellite digital audio broadcasting service (SDARS) (e.g., sirius satellite broadcasts, etc.), a satellite navigation patch antenna operable with Global Positioning System (GPS) or global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), or the like.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an antenna assembly 100 including at least one or more aspects of the present invention. As shown, the antenna assembly 100 includes a base 104 (or substrate) and a first antenna 108, a second antenna 112, a third antenna 114, and a fourth antenna 118. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the antennas 108, 112, 114, 118 are supported by or atop the base 104 and are configured to be positioned within an interior space generally defined between the base 104 and the radome 156.

The first antenna 108 is a vertical monopole antenna configured for use with AM, FM, DABIII, and DMB frequencies (e.g., configured for receiving desired AM, FM, DABIII, and DMB signals, etc.). In this exemplary embodiment, the first antenna 108 includes a first printed circuit board 116 (broadly, a substrate or a card), is defined by the first printed circuit board, and the like. By way of example, the PCB116 may comprise a FR4 composite comprising woven fiberglass cloth with a fire resistant epoxy adhesive.

The first PCB116 is coupled to another or second printed circuit board 120. The first PCB116 is substantially perpendicular to the second PCB 120. The second PCB120 is coupled to the base 104 by mechanical fasteners 124. The first PCB116 may be coupled to the second PCB120 by solder or the like. For example, fig. 7 and 8 show a soldering region 122 of the first PCB116 where solder may be applied to solder the first PCB116 to the second PCB 120. Other suitable coupling means may be used as desired. Additionally, first PCB116 may include an overhang that extends downward and interconnects with a corresponding slot or opening of PCB120 to further assist in positioning first PCB116 on second PCB120 and/or coupling first PCB116 to second PCB 120. For example, fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary radome 456 under which the base 404 and PCB 420 are positioned. As shown, the PCB 420 includes a slot 425 that can receive an overhang portion of an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB PCB antenna (not shown) as disclosed herein.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate opposing first and second sides 321, 323 of an exemplary embodiment of an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 308 that may be used with the antenna assembly 100 (fig. 1-3) and/or the antenna assembly 200 (fig. 4-6). The first side 321 (FIG. 7) can operate at AM/FM frequencies. The second side 323 (fig. 8) can operate at the DABIII/DMB frequency. A length and width of 55 millimeters (mm) is provided for illustrative purposes only, as antenna 308 may be configured differently in other embodiments (e.g., larger, smaller, shaped differently, having a different trace arrangement, etc.).

Conductive traces 328 (broadly, electrical conductors or antenna elements) are disposed along the first and second sides 321, 323 of the first PCB 316. The conductive traces 328 along the first side 321 of the PCB may be approximately coupled to the conductive traces 328 along the second side 323 of the PCB. Alternatively, the conductive traces 328 along the first side 321 of the PCB may be electrically connected to or interconnected to the conductive traces 328 along the second side 323 of the PCB, such as by plated through holes or vias. For example, traces on each of the first and second PCB sides may be electrically connected by way of one or more interconnects (e.g., solder within vias, etc.).

To electrically connect the traces 330 (and thus the traces 328) to the PCB320, the traces 330 may be soldered to the second PCB 320. In an alternative embodiment, the ends of the traces 328 may be bent around the first PCB 316 or extend through the first PCB 316 (at a location toward the side edge portion of the first PCB 316), such that corresponding traces 328 on opposite sides 321, 323 of the first PCB 316 are connected to each other. In these alternative embodiments, the trace 328 defines a continuous electrical path that substantially spirals at least partially around the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 308.

Traces 328 may define the inductively loaded portion of AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 308 along the front side 321 and back side 323 of PCB 316. In operation, the conductive trace 328 is used to inductively load the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 308. The conductive traces 328 along the first side 321 (FIG. 7) of the PCB are configured for AM/FM frequencies, such as the AM band from 535 kilohertz (kHz) to 1605kHz and the FM band from 88MHz to 108 MHz. The conductive traces 328 along the second side 323 (fig. 8) of the PCB are configured for DABIII/DMB frequencies, such as a DABIII frequency band from 174MHz to 240MHz and a DMB frequency band from 174MHz to 216 MHz. The conductive traces 328 along both sides 321, 323 of the PCB 316 can be used for respective AM/FM frequencies and DABIII/DMB frequencies simultaneously.

Traces 328 (e.g., copper, etc.) may be etched along the PCB 316. In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the traces 328 on the first side 321 of the PCB 316 include or define a first meander 333 disposed generally between the two vertical traces 330, 335 and below the top horizontal trace 337. The first bent portion 333 includes 31 substantially parallel straight horizontal portions 339 and 15 bent portions or bent points 341 and 343, which are substantially between the substantially parallel straight portions 339 paired up and down. The top and bottom traces of the first meander 333 are electrically connected to the vertical traces 330, 335, respectively. By way of example only, the traces 328 on the first side 321 have an overall length of approximately 1589.94 millimeters, a height of 48 millimeters, and a width of 50 millimeters.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, traces 328 on second side 323 of PCB 316 include or define second meanders 345 disposed above bottom horizontal traces 347. The second bend 345 includes 12 generally parallel straight horizontal portions 349, six bends or bend points 351 along the right and five bends or bend points 353 along the left. The bent portions 351, 353 are substantially between the pair of substantially parallel straight portions 349. The bottom trace of the second meander 345 is electrically connected to the vertical trace 355. In turn, trace 355 is electrically connected to bottom horizontal trace 347. Trace 347 is electrically connected to vertical trace 331, which is electrically connected to vertical trace 330 on the opposite side of PCB 316 by solder 329. The top trace of the second bend 345 has a first end connected to the bend 351 and a second end not electrically connected to another trace. In an exemplary embodiment, the second meandering portion 345 on the second side 323 of the PCB is substantially similar or identical to a portion of an upper portion of the first meandering portion 333 on the first side 321 of the PCB, the portion of the upper portion of the first meandering portion 333 comprising 12 substantially parallel straight horizontal portions 229 of the upper portion, six bends or inflection points 341 of the upper portion, and five bends or inflection points 343 of the upper portion. By way of example only, the traces 328 on the second side 323 have an overall length of approximately 674.46 millimeters, a height of 45 millimeters, and a width of 50 millimeters.

With continued reference to fig. 7, traces 330 extend from the top traces of the first meanders 333 down to the solder regions 322, thereby being soldered to the PCB320 for electrically connecting the traces 328 to the PCB 320. Alternative embodiments may include other means for electrically connecting the traces 328 to the PCB 320. For example, a connecting wire may be used to electrically connect the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 308 to the PCB 320. The connection lines may pass through the PCB320 (e.g., via solder connections) to connect to lower traces on the PCB 316. In an alternative embodiment, one or more upper traces on PCB 316 may be electrically connected (e.g., via a soldered connection) to a conductive structure or element (e.g., top-loaded element or plate, etc.) that helps define a capacitively loaded portion of AM/FM antenna 308. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the traces 328 of the PCB 316 are not electrically connected to a top-loading element or board, and the traces 328 operate at AM/FM/DABIII/DMB frequencies.

In several embodiments, the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna may also include a clip (e.g., a conductive spring clip, etc.) coupled to or within the upper portion of the antenna. The clip may be constructed from a suitable conductive material (e.g., metal, etc.), and may be configured to: with the cover positioned over the antenna assembly, the clip engages the inner conductive portion within the radome (e.g., with the insert or top load plate inserted into the cover, etc.). As such, the clip is operable to establish electrical contact between the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna and the inner conductive portion within the radome. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip is generally C-shaped and generally defines the shape of the english letter C. In other exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly may have clips of other suitable shapes or no clips at all.

Referring back to fig. 1-3, the antenna 108 is configured or tuned to be capable of operating at frequencies within the AM band, FM band, DABIII band, and DMB band. In several embodiments, the antenna 108 may be configured to resonate across AM, FM, DABIII, DMB bands, or only a portion of one of these bands. The antenna 108 may be tuned to operate at a desired frequency band as desired, for example, by adjusting the size and/or number and/or orientation and/or type of traces 128 disposed along the first and second sides 121, 123 of the PCB 116. For example, the antenna 108 may be tuned (or re-adjusted) as desired to japanese FM frequencies (e.g., including frequencies between about 76MHz and about 93 MHz), DAB-VHF-III (e.g., including frequencies between about 174MHz and about 240 MHz), other similar VHF bands, other bands, and so forth.

In several exemplary embodiments, the multiband onboard shark fin antenna assembly may include only the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108 as described above. In other exemplary embodiments, a multiband onboard shark fin antenna assembly may include an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108 as described above with one or more other antennas operable within one or more frequency bands other than AM, FM, DABIII, and DMB bands.

For the embodiment shown in fig. 1, 2, and 3, the multiband on-vehicle shark fin antenna assembly 100 includes a second antenna 112, a third antenna 114, and a fourth antenna 118. In this embodiment, the second antenna 112 may operate with satellite navigation signals (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), etc.). The third antenna 114 and the fourth antenna 118 may operate with cellular signals (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc.).

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the second antenna 112 includes a patch antenna coupled to the third PCB 113. The PCB113 is coupled to the base 104 by means of mechanical fasteners 124 at a position towards the front of the base 104 between the third antenna 114 and the first antenna 108. The second antenna 112 may be capable of operating at one or more desired frequencies including, for example, GPS frequencies or GLONASS frequencies. Also, the second antenna 112 may be tuned to operate at a desired frequency band as desired by, for example, changing the dielectric material used when connecting with the second antenna 112, changing the size of the metallization, and the like.

In the exemplary embodiment, the third antenna 114 and the fourth antenna 118 include primary and secondary cellular antennas, respectively. Because the third antenna 114 is located at or closer to the front of the antenna assembly 100 than the fourth antenna 118 and the fourth antenna 118 is located at or closer to the rear of the antenna assembly 100 than the third antenna 114, the third antenna 114 and the fourth antenna 118 may also be referred to as the front antenna 114 and the rear antenna 118.

The primary or front cellular antenna 114 is configured to be operable to receive and transmit communication signals within one or more cellular frequency bands (e.g., LTE, etc.). The secondary or rear cellular antenna 118 is configured to be operable to receive (but not transmit) communication signals within one or more cellular frequency bands (e.g., LTE, etc.). In alternative exemplary embodiments, the third and fourth antennas 114, 118 may alternatively include secondary and primary cellular antennas, respectively. In this case, the third or front antenna 114 is operable to receive (but not transmit) communication signals within one or more cellular frequency bands (e.g., LTE, etc.). Also, the fourth or rear antenna 118 is operable to receive and transmit communication signals within one or more cellular frequency bands (e.g., LTE, etc.).

By way of example, the front cellular antenna 114 and the rear cellular antenna 118 are positioned relatively close to each other, but the antenna assembly 100 may be configured such that, despite the close proximity of the cellular antennas 114, 118, sufficient decorrelation (e.g., less than about twenty-five percent, etc.) and a sufficiently low degree of coupling exists. By way of example, the antenna assembly 100 may be configured such that there is at least about 15 decibels of isolation between the cellular antennas 114, 118.

The exemplary embodiment includes MIMO cellular antennas 114, 118 that include Inverted F Antennas (IFAs). Other exemplary embodiments may include one or more differently configured cellular antennas 114, 118, such as monopole antennas, inverted-L antennas (ILAs), planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs), stamped rod antennas (e.g., stamped and bent sheet metal, etc.), antennas made from different materials and/or via different manufacturing processes, and so forth.

The third and fourth antennas 114 and 118 are connected to and supported by respective third and fourth PCBs 115 and 119. For example, the third and fourth antennas 114, 118 may have one or more overhangs bent or formed at the bottom that may provide an area for soldering to the respective PCBs 115 and 119. The third and fourth antennas 114, 118 may also include downwardly extending projections that may be at least partially received within corresponding openings in the PCBs 115 and 119, respectively, for example to form electrical connections with PCB components on opposite sides of the PCB. Alternatively, other embodiments may include other means for soldering or connecting the third cellular antenna 114 to the PCB 115.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, PCB115 and PCB119 are supported by base or body 104. In this exemplary embodiment, the PCB115 and the PCB119 are mechanically fastened to the base 104 via fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.).

The upper portion of each antenna 114, 118 includes a slot or opening 157, 159, respectively. Clips (e.g., conductive spring clips, etc.) may be coupled to slots 157 and/or 159, or within slots 157 and/or 159. The clip may be constructed from a suitable conductive material (e.g., metal, etc.), and may be configured to: with the cover positioned over the antenna assembly 100, the clip engages the inner conductive portion within the radome 156 (e.g., with an insert or top load plate inserted into the cover, etc.). As such, the clips are operable to establish electrical contact between the cellular antennas 114, 118 and the inner conductive portion within the radome 156. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip is generally C-shaped and generally defines the shape of the english letter C. In other exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly may have clips of other suitable shapes or no clips at all.

An electrical connector (not shown) may be used to couple the antenna assembly 100 or 200 to an appropriate communication link (e.g., coaxial cable, etc.) in a mobile platform or vehicle (e.g., via alignment of an opening in the base 104 with an opening in the roof of the vehicle, etc.). In this exemplary manner, the PCB may receive signal inputs from the respective antennas, process the signal inputs, and transmit the processed signal inputs to the appropriate communication link. Alternatively or additionally, one or more PCBs may process signal inputs to be transmitted via or with one or more respective antennas. The electrical connector may be an ISO (international organization for standardization) standard electrical connector or a Fakra connector attached to one or more PCBs. A coaxial cable (or other suitable communication link) can be connected to the electrical connector with relative ease and used to communicate signals received by the antenna to devices in the vehicle. In these embodiments, the use of standard ISO electrical connectors or Fakra connectors can result in a cost reduction compared to those antenna installations that require the design and machining of electrical connectors between the antenna assembly and the cable to be customized. In addition, the installer can make plug-in electrical connections between the communications link and the electrical connector of the antenna assembly without the installer having to route through the body ledge wires or wiring in complicated regulations. Thus, a plug-in electrical connection can be easily achieved without requiring any specific technique and/or technical operation by the installer. Alternative embodiments may include the use of other types of electrical connectors and communication links (e.g., wire connections, etc.) besides standard ISO electrical connectors, Fakra connectors, and coaxial cables.

In an exemplary embodiment, the radome 156 is a shark fin radome having a maximum width of about 66 millimeters (near the top) and a maximum width of 220 millimeters long, 69.5 millimeters high, and a minimum width of 12.6 millimeters (near the top). The radome 156 is substantially capable of sealing the components of the antenna assembly within the radome 156, thereby protecting the components from the ingress of contaminants (e.g., dust, moisture, etc.) into the interior space of the radome 156. In addition, the radome 156 provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the antenna assembly and is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) with a streamlined configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the radome 156 has an aesthetically pleasing, streamlined shark fin configuration. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the antenna assembly may include a radome having a configuration different than that shown herein, e.g., having a configuration other than a shark fin configuration, etc. The radome 156 may also be made of materials such as, for example, polymers, urethanes, plastic materials (e.g., polycarbonate blends, polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) blends, etc.), reinforced glass plastic materials, synthetic resin materials, thermoplastic materials (e.g., GE Plastics), and the like within the scope of the present inventionXP4034Resin, etc.).

The radome 156 is configured to fit over the first, second, third and fourth antennas 108, 112, 114 and 118 and their respective PCBs 120, 113, 115 and 119. The radome 156 is configured to be secured to the base 104. Also, the base 104 is configured to be coupled to a vehicle body wall, such as a roof or the like. The radome 156 may be secured to the base 104 via any suitable operation, such as a press-fit connection, mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, other fastening means, etc.), ultrasonic welding, flux welding, heat staking, locking, bayonet connection, hook connection, integrated fastening features, etc. In the illustrated embodiment shown in fig. 1, the radome 156 may be secured to the base by screws 168. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the radome 156 may be directly connected to the vehicle body wall.

The base 104 may be formed from materials similar to those used to form the radome 156. For example, the material of the base 104 may be formed from one or more alloys, such as a zinc alloy, and the like. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the base 104 may be formed from plastic, injection molding of polymers, steel or other materials (including composites) via a suitable forming process (e.g., a die casting process, etc.).

The antenna assembly 100 also includes a fastener member 172 (e.g., a threaded mounting bolt with a hex head, etc.), a first retaining member 176 (e.g., a retaining clip, etc.), and a second retaining member 180 (e.g., an insulating clip, etc.). The fastener member 172 and retaining components 176, 180 may be used to mount the antenna assembly to a vehicle roof, hood, trunk (e.g., having an unobstructed view at high elevations or toward the roof, etc.), with the mounting surface of the vehicle at these locations acting as a ground plane for the antenna assembly 100 to enhance signal reception. The relatively large size of the ground plane (e.g., the roof of a vehicle, etc.) improves reception of broadcast signals that generally have lower frequencies. Also, the operating wavelength of the large size ground plane compared to AM/FM/DABIII/DMB108 is not considered insignificant.

The first retaining member 176 includes a post and the second retaining member 180 includes a tapered surface. The legs of the first retaining member 176 are configured to contact corresponding tapered surfaces of the second retaining member 180. The first and second retaining members 176, 180 also include aligned openings through which the fastener members 172 are threaded to threaded openings in the base 104.

The fastener member 172 and the retaining components 176, 180 enable the antenna assembly 100 to be positioned and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall. The fastener member 172 and retaining members 176, 180 may be first assembled to the base 104 prior to installation of the antenna on the vehicle. The antenna assembly 100 may then be positioned relative to the mounting hole in the vehicle body wall (from the exterior side of the vehicle) such that the fastener member 172 and the retaining components 176, 180 are inserted into the mounting hole (e.g., pulled downward through the mounting hole, etc.). The base 104 is then disposed along the outside of the vehicle body wall. The fasteners 172 are accessible from the vehicle interior. During this stage of the installation process, the antenna assembly 100 may thus be held in place in the first installation position relative to the vehicle body wall.

When the first retaining member 176 is compressively moved generally toward the mounting hole by driving the fastener member 172 generally toward the antenna base 104, the pillar of the first retaining member 176 may deform and extend generally outward relative to the mounting hole against the interior compartment side of the vehicle body wall, thereby securing the antenna assembly 100 to the vehicle body wall in the second operative, mounted position. This mounting method is one example for mounting the antenna assembly 100 to a vehicle. Alternative mechanisms, processes, and means may also be used in exemplary embodiments for mounting an antenna assembly (e.g., antenna assembly 100, etc.) to a vehicle.

The antenna assembly 100 may include a sealing member 184 (e.g., an O-ring, a resiliently compressible elastomeric or foam gasket, a PORON microcellular polyurethane foam gasket, etc.) that is positioned between the base 104 and the vehicle roof (or other mounting surface). The sealing member 184 may substantially seal the base 104 relative to the roof and substantially seal the mounting hole in the roof. The antenna assembly 100 also includes a sealing member 188 (e.g., an O-ring, a resiliently compressible spring or foam gasket, a caulk material, an adhesive, other suitable filling or sealing member, etc.) positioned between the radome 156 and the base 104 for substantially sealing the radome 156 relative to the base 104. In this embodiment, the sealing member 188 may be seated at least partially within a groove along or defined by the base 104.

The antenna assembly 100 may also include one or more pads (not shown) coupled to the bottom of the base 104. In operation, the gasket helps ensure that: the base 104 would be grounded to the vehicle roof and also enable the antenna assembly 100 to be used with different vehicle roof curvatures. The gasket may include conductive fingers (e.g., metal-containing or metal spring fingers, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket comprises a finger pad from leird technologies, inc.

Fig. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an antenna assembly 200 that includes at least one or more aspects of the present invention. As shown, the antenna assembly 200 includes a radome, housing, or cover 256 that may be positioned over the first, second, third, and fourth antennas 208, 212, 214, 218. The antenna assembly 200 may include components and features similar or identical to corresponding components and features of the antenna assembly 100 shown in fig. 1, 2, and 3. For example, the radome 256 and the first, second, third, and fourth antennas 208, 212, 214, and 218 may be similar or identical to the radome 156 and the first, second, third, and fourth antennas 108, 112, 114, and 118. With respect to the antenna assembly 200, however, the second antenna 212 (e.g., a satellite navigation patch antenna operable with GPS or GLONASS signals, etc.) is disposed generally between the first antenna 208 (e.g., an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna, etc.) and the fourth antenna 218 (e.g., an LTE MIMO cellular antenna, etc.).

Fig. 10 to 13 provide analysis results simulating the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108 and measuring the standard form of the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108 shown in fig. 7 and 8. Fig. 10-13 are provided for illustration only and not for limitation. In summary, these results show that: the antenna assembly has good AM/FM/DABIII/DMB performance even though the antenna assembly has a relatively small or compact overall size and narrow profile as compared to some existing shark fin antennas. In alternative embodiments, the antenna assembly may be configured differently and may have different operating or performance parameters than those shown in fig. 10-13.

Fig. 10 is a graph of return loss in decibels (dB) simulated and measured on a substantially circular ground plane of one meter in diameter at a frequency in megahertz (MHz) with respect to the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108. Fig. 11 is a graph of passive antenna gain in decibels simulated and measured over a substantially circular ground plane of one meter diameter at FM frequencies of 88MHz and 108MHz for the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108. Fig. 12 is a graph of passive antenna gain in decibels simulated and measured over a substantially circular ground plane one meter in diameter at the DABIII/DMB frequencies of 174MHz and 240MHz for the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108. Fig. 13 is an active antenna gain in decibels simulated and measured on a substantially circular ground plane of one meter diameter at FM frequencies of 88MHz and 108MHz and at DABIII/DMB frequencies of 174MHz and 240MHz for the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108.

In several exemplary embodiments, the multiband vehicular shark fin antenna assembly includes only one AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna (e.g., AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108, etc.) without any other antenna. In other exemplary embodiments, a multiband vehicle shark fin antenna assembly (e.g., 100, 200, etc.) includes an AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna 108 in addition to one or more other antennas (e.g., 112, 114, 118, 212, 214, 218, etc.). Other antenna embodiments include satellite navigation antennas (e.g., GPS patch antennas, GLONASS patch antennas, etc.) and/or SDARS antennas (e.g., patch antennas, etc.). In several embodiments, the satellite navigation patch antenna may be stacked on top of the SDARS patch antenna, or positioned adjacent to the SDARS patch antenna, or positioned side-by-side with the SDARS patch antenna.

By way of further example, exemplary embodiments of the antenna assembly may be configured for use as a multiband Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna assembly operable in AM/FM/DABIII/DMB bands via an antenna disclosed herein (e.g., 108, etc.) and in one or more other bands associated with cellular communications, Wi-Fi, DSRC (dedicated short range communications), satellite signals, surface signals, etc. For example, exemplary embodiments of the antenna assembly may operate in the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB band and one or more or any combination of the following bands: global Positioning System (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), satellite integrated doppler orbitography with radio positioning (DORIS), beidou navigation satellite system (BDS), satellite signal audio broadcasting service (SDARS) (e.g., sirius XM satellite radio, etc.), AMPS, GSM850, GSM900, PCS, GSM1800, GSM1900, AWS, UMTS, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) -VHF-III, DAB-L, long term evolution (e.g., 4G, 3G, other LTE generations, B17(LTE), LTE (700MHz), etc.), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, PCS, EBS (educational broadband service), BRS (broadband radio service), WCS (wireless broadband communication service/internet service), cellular frequency bandwidths associated with or unique to a particular geographic region or country, one or more frequency bandwidths from tables 1 and/or 2 below, and the like.

TABLE 1

TABLE 2

Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein of a multiband onboard shark fin antenna assembly may provide one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages or benefits as compared to some existing multiband onboard antenna assemblies. For example, exemplary embodiments may have a better appearance or style (e.g., aesthetic, streamlined shark fin configuration, etc.) and/or a narrower and smaller size. Exemplary embodiments may have good electrical performance such as shown in fig. 10-13. In an exemplary embodiment, the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna may be a relatively low cost part, and/or the AM/FM/DABIII/DMB antenna may be manufactured by a relatively low cost and not overly complex process.

In addition, the various antenna assemblies (e.g., 100, 200, etc.) disclosed herein may be mounted to a wide range of support structures including fixed platforms and mobile platforms. For example. The antenna assemblies (e.g., 100, 200, etc.) disclosed herein may be mounted to a support structure in an automobile, train, airplane, bicycle, motorcycle, boat, other mobile platform. Thus, specific references to motorcycles or vehicles should not be construed herein as limiting the scope of the present invention to any particular type of support structure or environment.

Exemplary embodiments are provided as: this disclosure is intended to be exhaustive and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art: no specific details need to be employed; the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many different forms; and the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In several exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Moreover, the advantages and improvements that may be realized with one or more embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention, as the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above advantages and improvements and yet fall within the scope of the invention.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed numerical values and ranges of detailed numerical values for a given parameter disclosed herein do not preclude other numerical values and ranges of numerical values that may be useful in one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, it is possible to envisage: any two particular values recited herein for a particular parameter may define the endpoints of a range of values that are suitable for the given parameter (e.g., disclosure of a first value and a second value for the given parameter should be read such that any value between the first value and the second value is also useful for the given parameter). For example, if the parameter X is here illustrated as having a value a and also as having a value Z, it is conceivable that: the parameter X may have a range of values from about a to about Z. Similarly, it is conceivable: the disclosure of two or more numerical ranges for a parameter (whether these ranges are nested, overlapping, or different) includes all possible combinations of numerical ranges that may be required to use the endpoints of the disclosed ranges in combination. For example, if the parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value in the range of 1 to 10, or 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, then it is equally contemplated that: the parameter X may have other numerical ranges including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, and 3 to 9.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The steps, processes, and operations of the methods described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless such a detailed order is specifically identified as an order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "abutting" versus "directly abutting," etc.) should be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term "about" when used in reference to a numerical value means: allowing the calculation or measurement to be somewhat less accurate in value (approaching an exact value; approximating or reasonably close to a value; at a point of difference). For some reason, if the imprecision otherwise provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least variations that may result from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms "approximately", "about", and "substantially" may be used herein to refer to within manufacturing tolerances.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. No order or sequence is implied by the use of terms such as "first," "second," and many more terms herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "under," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein for convenience in describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is operated, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" may include both an orientation of "over" and "under". The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) so as to cause the spatially relative descriptors used herein to be interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. And are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. Individual elements, intended or stated uses or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where appropriate, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not explicitly shown or described. The same embodiment can be modified in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A shark fin antenna assembly mounted to a vehicle body wall, the shark fin antenna assembly comprising:

a base;

a radome having a shark fin configuration, the radome coupled to the base such that an interior space is collectively defined by the radome and the base; and

a first antenna located in the interior space, the first antenna configured to be operable at AM/FM/DABIII/DMB frequencies.

2. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein the first antenna comprises:

a printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side; and

an electrical conductor along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board.

3. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 2,

the electrical conductor along the first side of the printed circuit board is configured to be operable at AM/FM frequencies; and is

The electrical conductor along the second side of the printed circuit board is configured to operate at DABIII/DMB frequencies.

4. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrical conductor comprises traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board.

5. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 4,

the traces along the first side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at frequencies within the AM band and frequencies within the FM band, and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at frequencies within the DABIII band and frequencies within the DMB band; and/or

The traces along the first side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at a frequency from 535 kilohertz to 1605 kilohertz and a frequency from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz, and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board are configured to operate at a frequency from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz.

6. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 2 or 3,

the electrical conductor includes traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board;

the trace along the first side comprises or defines a first meander; and is

The trace along the second side includes or defines a second bend.

7. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 6,

the first bent portion includes 31 parallel straight horizontal portions and 15 bent portions between the upper and lower pairs of parallel straight portions; and/or

The second meandering portion includes 12 parallel straight horizontal portions, 6 bent portions along one side of the second meandering portion, and 5 bent portions along an opposite side of the second meandering portion, the bent portions being located between the upper and lower paired parallel straight portions.

8. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 6, wherein a vertical trace along the first side extends downward from a top trace of the first meander and is soldered to a second printed circuit board for electrically connecting the trace to the second printed circuit board.

9. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 6,

the bottom trace of the second meander is electrically connected to a vertical trace along the second side of the printed circuit board, the vertical trace is electrically connected to a bottom horizontal trace along the second side of the printed circuit board, and

the bottom horizontal trace is electrically connected to another vertical trace along the second side of the printed circuit board.

10. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3, configured to be placed and fixedly mounted to a body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole in the body wall from an outboard side of a vehicle and clamped from an inboard side.

11. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising at least one antenna operable in one or more frequency bands other than AM/FM/DABIII/DMB frequency bands, wherein the at least one antenna is located within the interior space.

12. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising:

a second antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving satellite signals; and/or

A third antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable to receive and transmit cellular signals.

13. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 12, further comprising:

a fourth antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable to receive but not transmit cellular signals.

14. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising:

a patch antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving satellite navigation signals;

a primary cellular antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving and transmitting cellular signals; and

a secondary cellular antenna located within the interior space and configured to be operable to receive but not transmit cellular signals.

15. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 14,

the patch antenna is located between the first antenna and the primary cellular antenna, and the first antenna is located between the patch antenna and the secondary cellular antenna; or

The patch antenna is located between the first antenna and the secondary cellular antenna, and the first antenna is located between the patch antenna and the primary cellular antenna.

16. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the first antenna comprises a printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side and traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board, the traces along the first side of the printed circuit board configured to be operable at a frequency from 535 kilohertz to 1605 kilohertz and a frequency from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz, and the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board configured to be operable at a frequency from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz; and is

Wherein the radome has a length of 220 millimeters, a height of 69.5 millimeters, a maximum width of 66 millimeters, and a minimum width of 12.6 millimeters; and/or

The printed circuit board has a height of 55 millimeters and a length of 55 millimeters; and/or

The traces along the first side include or define a first meander and have an overall length of at least 674 millimeters, a height of 45 millimeters, and a width of 50 millimeters; and/or

The traces along the second side include or define a second meander and have an overall length of at least 1589 millimeters, a height of 48 millimeters, and a width of 50 millimeters.

17. A shark fin antenna assembly mounted to a vehicle body wall, the shark fin antenna assembly comprising:

a printed circuit board having a first side and an opposite second side; and

traces along the first and second sides of the printed circuit board;

wherein,

the traces along the first side of the printed circuit board are configured to be operable at a frequency from 535 kilohertz to 1605 kilohertz and a frequency from 88 megahertz to 108 megahertz, and

the traces along the second side of the printed circuit board are configured to be operable at a frequency from 174 megahertz to 240 megahertz.

18. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 17, further comprising:

a base; and

a radome having a shark fin configuration, the radome coupled to the base such that an interior space is collectively defined by the radome and the base;

wherein the printed circuit board and the trace are located in the interior space.

19. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 18,

the shark fin antenna assembly further comprising at least one satellite antenna located in the interior space and configured to be operable for receiving satellite signals; and/or

The shark fin antenna assembly further comprising at least one cellular antenna located in the interior space and configured to be operable to receive and transmit cellular signals; and/or

The trace along the first side comprises or defines a first meander; and/or

The trace along the second side includes or defines a second bend.

20. The shark fin antenna assembly of claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the shark fin antenna assembly is configured to be placed and fixedly mounted to a body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole in the body wall from an outboard side of a vehicle and clamped from an inboard side.