LG Electronics has announced the development of a groundbreaking transparent antenna for automobiles, set to be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas this January. This cutting-edge technology, a result of LG’s collaboration with renowned French glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain Sekurit, is a film-type antenna that can be seamlessly integrated into car windshields or glass sunroofs.
The transparent antenna, available as both an on-glass and in-glass solution, eliminates the need for carmakers to consider antenna placement when designing vehicles. This innovation opens up new possibilities for vehicle design by offering a broad surface application that is compatible with various types of glass and vehicle designs.
LG’s transparent antenna is not just about aesthetics; it boasts advanced telematics technology designed to handle increased network traffic and ensure reliable communication performance. This includes support for 5G, global navigation satellite systems, and Wi-Fi, enhancing connectivity for a more sophisticated driving experience.
Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG Vehicle Component Solutions Co., highlighted the collaborative nature of the project with Saint-Gobain Sekurit, stating, “The transparent antenna is a next-generation product that has proven its exceptional communications performance for automotive applications via vehicle tests.” He emphasized LG’s commitment to advancing technological capabilities and introducing solutions that drive the evolution of the mobility experience.
Thibaut Heitz, Director of Innovation and R&D at Saint-Gobain Sekurit, expressed pleasure over the joint introduction of the smart glass, stating, “In collaboration with LG, a leader in vehicle component solutions, we are pioneering advancements in vehicle telecommunications.”
LG’s film-type antenna incorporates over 80 innovative patents, including those related to making antenna patterns transparent and transparent electrode technology. In the global automotive telematics market, LG dominated in the July-September period, securing a 23.8 percent share, according to data from Strategy Analytics, a leading market tracker. This transparent antenna technology represents another stride in LG’s ongoing efforts to lead in telematics and automotive solutions, promising a future where connectivity seamlessly integrates with automotive design.