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Conductive heat reflecting automotive windows significantly attenuate RF communication signals. A number of methods are available to maintain electromagnetic compatibility and the function of these and other devices in the passenger compartment, while accruing the heat load reduction benefits of the coating. One of the methods is to integrate antennas on to the coated glazing and have glass antenna act as a communication interface between inside and outside of the vehicle. Another approach is to design a wideband or bandpass Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) window to facilitate wireless communication while preserving the thermal performance of the window. This paper provides detailed overview on coated antennas for vehicle communications, FSS window design for wideband and bandpass applications and coated antenna combined with de-ice and de-fogger functions with some designs and testing data.

Automotive manufacturers are requiring lightweight materials, including glazing materials to improve vehicle fuel economy mandates. Since windshields are one of the largest glazing surface areas, reducing the thickness of the glass in its construction can significantly provide weight savings opportunities. Automotive glazing design considerations must include overall glass strength, rigidity, acoustical, and solar performance, which are affected by changes of glass thicknesses. This paper will evaluate those design considerations in the lightweighting of windshield glazings. One important design consideration for the windshield position is the impact of debris from the environment. Lightweighting of glazings in this body position affects the way the construction reacts to an impact. Use of asymmetry in glass plies in a laminated construction can have a marked effect on the part’s impact performance and surface damage creation.