Abstract: The specification discloses various embodiments of modular antenna assemblies for automotive vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, an antenna generally includes a base assembly that may be used on a variety of vehicle platforms. The antenna may also include a radome assembly that is specific to a particular vehicle platform. The radome assembly may snap-fit onto the base assembly, and be installed during or after vehicle assembly. A wide variety of radome assemblies of different shapes, styles, and colors may be used in conjunction with a single base assembly.

Abstract: An antenna assembly according to one embodiment is configured to be installed and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body wall after being inserted into a mounting hole in the vehicle body wall from an external side of the vehicle and nipped from the interior compartment side. The antenna assembly may include a composite antenna base, which may be operable as a primary load-bearing structure for transferring loads associated with the antenna assembly to the vehicle body wall. The composite antenna base may integrally define means for mounting a printed circuit board without using mechanical fasteners. The composite antenna base may integrally define one or more resiliently flexible retention members for helping retain the relative position of the composite antenna base to the vehicle body wall before the antenna assembly is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body wall.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, an antenna assembly is configured for installation to a vehicle body wall having a mounting hole. The antenna assembly generally includes an antenna base configured to be disposed along an external side of the vehicle body wall. An electrical connector is coupled to the antenna base such that, when the antenna base is disposed along the external side of the vehicle body wall, the electrical connector is accessible from inside the vehicle. Accordingly, an installer (from inside the vehicle) may thus plug a communication link into the electrical connector to thereby allow the communication link to communicate signals received by the antenna assembly to another device.

Abstract: A low-profile antenna according to exemplary embodiments generally includes a patch antenna enclosed in a housing, and a directional element for directing a direction of sensitivity for the patch antenna. The directional element is positioned on the external surface of the housing. A protective lens may be positioned over the directional element. In one exemplary embodiment, the directional element is formed from a layer of conductive material. In another exemplary embodiment, the directional element is formed from conductive ink containing silver particles.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modular antenna for automotive vehicles. The antenna includes a base assembly that can be used on a variety of vehicle platforms and a radome assembly that is specific to a particular vehicle platform. The radome assembly snap-fits onto the base assembly, and can be installed during or after vehicle assembly. A wide variety of radome assemblies of different shapes, styles, and colors can be used in conjunction with a single base assembly.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modular antenna for automotive vehicles. The antenna includes a base assembly that can be used on a variety of vehicle platforms and a radome assembly that is specific to a particular vehicle platform. The radome assembly snap-fits onto the base assembly, and can be installed during or after vehicle assembly. A wide variety of radome assemblies of different shapes, styles, and colors can be used in conjunction with a single base assembly.

Abstract: The specification discloses a dual-band antenna for receiving signals in both the PCS (digital phone) and AMPS (analog phone) frequency ranges. The antenna includes a ground plane, and upper and lower antenna elements spaced both from one another and from the ground plane. The two elements and the ground plane are parallel to one another. A plurality of shorting posts symmetrically arranged about the lower element connect the lower element to the grounding plane. A probe or lead interconnects the centers of the upper and lower antenna elements. The lower element is tuned to a first frequency range, and the upper and lower elements together are tuned to a second frequency range.

Abstract: A vehicle window/antenna system with enhanced heating and AM/FM reception. The system includes a window and a heating/antenna grid supported thereon. The grid is separated into upper and lower portions, and functions as an FM antenna. A flat AM antenna is supported on the window between the upper and lower grid portions. The positioning of the AM antenna within the heating grid enables ice and snow to be cleared from the AM antenna. Antenna leads extend from both the upper and lower grid portions as well as the AM antenna. The two FM leads are connected to a Balun transformer to balance the FM signals.