Automotive Connectivity Enhanced with Antenna Digital Twin

Rohde & Schwarz, in partnership with IMST GmbH, has introduced a groundbreaking antenna digital twin that is set to transform the landscape of automotive connectivity. This innovative technology addresses a myriad of challenges faced by vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, offering significant benefits in optimizing connectivity within vehicles.

The antenna digital twin is a result of combining precise measurements of antenna characteristics with advanced electromagnetic wave propagation simulations. This approach allows for the efficient design of antennas and their strategic placement to ensure optimal Wi-Fi coverage inside vehicles, enhancing the overall user experience.

Integrating antennas into vehicles poses various challenges for manufacturers, both in terms of external and internal placements. Conducting accurate antenna simulations is a complex and time-consuming process, often requiring validation through physical measurements. However, obtaining precise measurements inside a closed vehicle environment is impractical. To overcome these obstacles, a hybrid approach combining measurements and simulations is essential to determine the ideal antenna position for optimal connectivity.

Rohde & Schwarz and IMST have collaborated to develop a comprehensive three-step process for implementing the antenna digital twin technology. The first step involves characterizing physical antennas using state-of-the-art test equipment, such as an anechoic chamber, a ZNA vector network analyzer, and the AMS32 software. Subsequently, a digital twin is created using the Near Field to Far Field Transformation Algorithm (FIAFTA), followed by a 3D EM simulation of a virtual scenario utilizing the EM-TWIN™ software from IMST.

The antenna digital twin offers a range of advantages, including cost and time savings for both antenna suppliers and vehicle manufacturers. By front-loading antenna validation through a combination of measurements and simulations, the technology ensures accurate and consistent characterization of physical antennas. Additionally, the rapid availability of EM-TWIN™ simulation results within hours streamlines the development process, taking into account production tolerances and vehicle body reflections to enhance antenna performance.