Equipment
- ALD system
- Optical coating
- Automotive parts
- Decorative coating
- Super hard coating
- Roll to Roll
- Energy
Application
- Solar
- Semiconductor
- Automotive
Technology
- ALD
- PVD
- CVD
- PECVD
Information
- HCVAC Listing
- Exhibition
- How to operate the equipment
Compared with conventional antennas, automotive 5G antennas must meet more demanding requirements:
High frequencies and broad spectrum coverage: 5G operates across both Sub-6 GHz bands (such as 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz) and millimeter-wave frequencies. Millimeter waves experience rapid attenuation and are highly susceptible to transmission loss.
Compact design with high integration: Millimeter-wave antenna arrays, in particular, need to be integrated into compact modules, often conforming to the vehicle’s structure.
Harsh environmental durability: Designed for outdoor use, these antennas must withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, moisture, salt spray, chemicals, as well as vibration and mechanical shock.
Signal integrity: Any protective layer or coating must preserve radiation efficiency and maintain proper impedance matching.
Seamless design integration: Antennas are expected to integrate discreetly into vehicle components—such as shark fin housings, windows, or bumpers—without compromising the vehicle’s appearance.
Substrate: Plastic housing
Challenge:
Fully exposed to outdoor conditions, the module must withstand all weather environments while ensuring reliable multi-band signal reception (e.g., GPS, 5G).
Solution:
Step 1: A SiNₓ thin film is deposited on the internal PCB antenna using PECVD, serving as a moisture-resistant passivation layer.
Step 2: Hydrophobic nano-coatings are applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the plastic housing, enabling self-cleaning and anti-icing performance.
Substrate: Glass or transparent film
Challenge:
Maintaining high optical transparency while ensuring the durability and signal performance of conductive materials (such as silver paste).
Solution:
An ultra-thin Al₂O₃ film is deposited on the antenna conductors using ALD. This layer is transparent and mechanically robust, protecting against oxidation and sulfurization, while having negligible impact on both visibility and signal performance.
Substrate: PCB or LTCC
Challenge:
Operating at extremely high frequencies, these antennas are highly sensitive to phase and amplitude variations introduced by any overlying layer. In addition, large temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation.
Solution:
A SiO₂ protective layer is deposited using PECVD or ALD, with thickness precisely engineered and controlled. This layer functions not only as protection but also as an integral part of the antenna design. Its thickness and dielectric properties are incorporated into simulation models to ensure accurate transmission and reception of radar signals.
An additional hydrophobic top layer can be applied to enhance anti-icing performance.
