For years, every vehicle came with a long antenna, and now most seem to come with a shark fin variant. But vehicles may no longer need any visible form of wiring to connect them to the rest of the world, thanks to electronics company LG.
The Korean tech giant has partnered with French glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain Sekurit to develop a transparent antenna that can be discreetly placed on or in the windshield or sunroof. This innovation aims to facilitate the future of software-defined vehicles without affecting vehicle design.
As automakers increasingly prioritize technology to market their vehicles, establishing a seamless connection to networks like 5G, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Bluetooth, and others has become increasingly crucial. Additionally, with the rise of EVs, there is a growing emphasis on aerodynamics as an area of intense research.
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“Created through our close partnership with Saint-Gobain Sekurit, the transparent antenna is a next-generation product that has proven its exceptional communications performance for automotive applications via vehicle tests,” said Eun Seokhyun, president of LG Vehicle component Solutions Company. “As a global leader in telematics and automotive solutions, LG is committed to advancing its technological capabilities and will continue to introduce new solutions that drive the evolution of the mobility experience.”
Rather than a wire, LG’s new integrated antenna comes in the form of a film, that has been developed on the back of more than 80 patents held by the company, such as transparent electrode technology.
While it is not yet clear which vehicles will benefit from this technology, Saint-Gobain Sekurit is a leading glassmaker that already supplies windows for electric vehicles around the world. The new transparent antenna technology will be shown to the public for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, which runs from January 9-12.
