Patent Application
20070236404
This disclosure relates generally to mobile communications. More particularly, this disclosure relates to assembly of mobile communications systems.
The vast majority of vehicles currently in use incorporate vehicle communication systems for receiving or transmitting signals. For example, vehicle audio systems provide information and entertainment to many motorists daily. These audio systems typically include an AM/FM radio receiver that receives radio frequency (RF) signals. These RF signals are then processed and rendered as audio output. A vehicle communication system may incorporate other functions, including, but not limited to, wireless voice and data communications, global positioning system (GPS) functionality, satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) services, keyless entry, and remote vehicle starting.
Consumer demand has increased for vehicle communication systems that extend the functionality of vehicles beyond transportation. For instance, a growing number of consumers expect their vehicles to provide entertainment, navigation assistance, and other non-traditional automotive functions. Telematics, for example, supplements the vehicle audio system with the functionality of wireless voice and data communications and a global positioning system (GPS). By combining these functions, the vehicle communication system can provide access to communications services external to the vehicle. For example, some services may allow users to purchase tickets to sporting and cultural events from the vehicle. Emergency services may allow the vehicle communication system to automatically notify response personnel in the event of an accident and provide such personnel with the location of the vehicle. In addition, users can have their vehicle doors remotely locked or unlocked from a call center. Stolen vehicles can also be tracked using vehicle telematics.
In a typical vehicular telematics system, a GPS receiver uses a GPS antenna to track GPS satellite signals to ascertain the location of the vehicle. Due to considerations associated with both vehicle design and GPS antenna performance, the GPS antenna may be located remotely from the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), which controls various electronic systems of the vehicle. The GPS antenna assembly typically requires a metal or metallized ground plane surface, a connector with a cable, and some form of mounting hardware. The assembly is typically located in a vehicle location that has an unobstructed view of the sky so that the antenna can track the signal from the GPS satellites to ascertain the location of the vehicle. For example, the GPS antenna assembly may be located under the instrument panel dash pad, such that the antenna itself is under the windshield. Alternatively, the GPS antenna assembly may be located under the rear package shelf under the vehicle backlight or rear glass.
With this approach, the GPS antenna assembly must be securely attached to the mating vehicle component. In addition, a cable run must be provided to allow unobstructed connector assembly to a wire harness. Because the cable may be subjected to vibration, foam or a similar material is typically used to prevent the cable from rattling. Also, depending on the length of cable required and the number of connector terminations, some amplification is usually needed. Further, some connections may not be securely established, and may be lost at least intermittently.
According to various example embodiments, an electronic control unit has a cover that also serves as a ground plane for an antenna, such as a GPS antenna. The antenna may be fastened directly to the cover, and the cable can be connected internally to the electronic control unit.
In one embodiment, an electronic control unit assembly includes an electronic control unit having a cover. An antenna is operatively coupled to the cover such that the cover forms a ground plane for the antenna.
Another embodiment is directed to an antenna arrangement including an antenna and a ground plane operatively coupled to the antenna. The antenna arrangement also includes an electronic control unit. The ground plane forms a cover of the electronic control unit.
In yet another embodiment, a vehicle communication system comprises a wireless communication device and an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the wireless communication device. A cover is mounted in a relatively fixed spatial relationship with the electronic control unit. An antenna is operatively coupled to the cover such that the cover forms a ground plane for the antenna.
Still another embodiment is directed to a vehicle telematics system including a housing. A telematics subsystem is located at least partially within the housing. An electronic control unit is operatively coupled to the telematics subsystem. A cover is mounted in a relatively fixed spatial relationship with the electronic control unit. An antenna is operatively coupled to the cover such that the cover forms a ground plane for the antenna.
Various embodiments may provide certain advantages. With the antenna connected directly to the electronic control unit, for example, there is no need for a separate mounting or for provisions for cable routing in the vehicle. Accordingly, the need for a separate metal plate for the ground plane may be eliminated. In addition, the cable length may be nearly eliminated, as is the interconnection from the antenna to a vehicle harness to an electronic control unit harness. Line loss may be reduced as a result, potentially reducing or obviating the need for amplification and bandpass filtering.
Additional objects, advantages, and features will become apparent from the following description and the claims that follow, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
According to various example embodiments, an electronic control unit has a cover or other portion of a metallic case that also serves as a ground plane for an antenna, such as a GPS antenna. The antenna may be fastened directly to the cover, and the cable can be connected internally to the electronic control unit.
In one embodiment, an electronic control unit assembly includes an electronic control unit having a cover. An antenna is operatively coupled both electrically and mechanically to the cover such that the cover forms a ground plane for the antenna. The electronic control unit assembly may be incorporated in a vehicle communication system, a vehicle telematics system, or a vehicle entertainment system.
With the antenna connected directly to the electronic control unit, for example, there is no need for a separate mounting or for provisions for cable routing in the vehicle. Accordingly, the need for a separate metal plate for the ground plane may be eliminated. In addition, the cable length may be nearly or completely eliminated if the antenna is directly placed on the circuit board with the ground plane as the antenna protrudes through the case, as is the interconnection from the antenna to a vehicle harness to an electronic control unit harness. Line loss may be reduced as a result, potentially reducing or obviating the need for amplification and bandpass filtering.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known components and process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings,
The ECU 106 may be implemented as a module having a cover formed, for example, of sheet metal. The cover may be formed from other conductive materials, such as die cast metal or metallized plastic. The ECU 106 may be located proximate the top of the center stack of the instrument panel or under a package shelf proximate a rear portion of the vehicle. With the ECU 106 thus located, the cover of the ECU 106 can also function as a ground plane for the antenna 108. According to an embodiment, the antenna 108 is fastened directly to the cover. A cable 110 may be connected internally to the ECU 106, if necessary.
Fastening the antenna 108 directly to the ECU 106 may avoid the need for a separate mounting and for provisions for cable routing in the vehicle. The need for a separate metal plate serving as the ground plane of the antenna 108 can also be avoided. As a result, the cable length may be substantially reduced or completely eliminated. In addition, interconnections between the antenna 108, vehicle harness, and ECU harness may also be eliminated. Due to the resulting reduced line loss, the need for amplification and band pass filtering may be eliminated as well.
The ECU 130 may be implemented as a module having a cover formed, for example, of sheet metal. The cover may be formed from other conductive materials, such as die cast metal or metallized plastic. The cover is mounted in a relatively fixed spatial relationship with the ECU 130. The ECU 130 may be located proximate the top of the center stack of the instrument panel or under a package shelf proximate a rear portion of the vehicle. With the ECU 130 thus located, the cover of the ECU 130 can also function as a ground plane 132 for the GPS antenna 128 or any antenna requiring a ground plane, including, but not limited to, an antenna for a wireless telephony device or a satellite radio. According to an embodiment, the GPS antenna 128 is fastened directly to the cover.
Fastening the GPS antenna 128 directly to the ECU 130 may avoid the need for a separate mounting and for provisions for cable routing in the vehicle. The need for a separate metal plate serving as the ground plane of the GPS antenna 128 can also be avoided. As a result, the cable length may be substantially reduced. In addition, interconnections between the GPS antenna 128, vehicle harness, and ECU harness may also be eliminated. Due to the resulting reduced line loss, the need for amplification and band pass filtering may be eliminated as well.
According to the embodiment shown in
Fastening the GPS antenna 128 directly to the sheet metal cover 146 may avoid the need for a separate mounting and for provisions for cable routing in the vehicle. The need for a separate metal plate serving as the ground plane of the GPS antenna 148 can also be avoided. As a result, the cable length may be substantially reduced. In addition, interconnections between the GPS antenna 148, vehicle harness, and ECU harness may also be eliminated. Due to the resulting reduced line loss, the need for amplification and band pass filtering may be eliminated as well.
As demonstrated by the foregoing discussion, various embodiments may provide certain advantages. For instance, with the antenna connected directly to the electronic control unit, there is no need for a separate mounting or for provisions for cable routing in the vehicle. Accordingly, the need for a separate metal plate for the ground plane may be eliminated. In addition, the cable length may be nearly eliminated, as is the interconnection from the antenna to a vehicle harness to an electronic control unit harness. Line loss may be reduced as a result, potentially reducing or obviating the need for amplification and bandpass filtering.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined solely by the claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.
