TOWARD ROBUST IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY: SIMULATIVE INSIGHTS INTO THE BEHAVIOUR OF SINGLE PATCH AND 2x2 ARRAY ANTENNAS FOR 2.4 GHZ WI-FI APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The incessant demand for reliable and robust in-car connectivity drives the evolution of automotive wireless communication. In this pivotal research, we ventured into the realm of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi applications, emphasising refining antenna designs that focused specifically on the Bio-composite material single patch and the 2x2 array configurations. Our simulations, executed meticulously in CST Microwave Studio, yielded noteworthy findings. The single patch antenna, fortified with a quarter-wave feeding line, delivered an efficiency of 51% and a gain of 2.83 dBi. While promising, its bandwidth limitations beckoned a deeper dive into alternative configurations. Subsequently, our exploration of the 2 x 2 array antenna, enriched with a power divider, stood out as a beacon of improvement. Notably, it exhibited a significant gain elevation, registering at 5.79 dBi. This uptick underscores the 2 x 2 array's superiority over its single-patch counterpart in amplifying in-car Wi-Fi strength and hints at its potential to set a new benchmark in automotive wireless solutions. In synthesis, this research does more than just present empirical data; it offers a roadmap for automotive manufacturers and WiFi solution providers, leading them towards more efficient and robust in-car wireless ecosystems. Beyond its immediate implications, our study lays a strong foundation for future explorations, potentially steering the discourse towards more intricate array antenna designs tailored for vehicular environments.