What are Shark Fin Antennas?

Meet the Antenna: Shark Fin Antennas

Discreet, low-profile shark fin antennas have become an essential part of connected systems in automotive and transportation applications. They may also be called paddle antennas. Typically roof-mounted, they have an aerodynamic and stylish form modeled after a shark’s dorsal fin. The housing contains multiple antennas to receive AM/FM and satellite radio, cellular and telematics, Wifi-Fi and Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS, and MiMo signals. The design for the shark fin antenna offers reduced drag and wind resistance noise compared with whip-type automotive antennas. The format incorporates modern communication technologies and facilitates the transition to V2X communications for smart cities, connected cars, and autonomous driving. BMW began to include the shark fin antenna on production vehicles in the early 2000s. They are now in widespread use by many automakers.

TE Connectivity Shark Fin Antenna for external mount or stud mount, compatible with RP-SMA/SMA/TNC. Omnidirectional with multiple ports, 3 < 6 dBi peak gain.

The coaxial cables from the shark fin antenna run through the vehicle’s headliner and connect to communications systems, including the infotainment system (AM/FM, satellite radio), navigation modules (GPS), telematics (cellular, Wi-Fi), and vehicle-to-everything systems that interface with Smart City infrastructure and safety (ADAS) systems.

The antenna is usually bolted to the vehicle roof and grounded through the metal chassis. A weatherproof gasket prevents water ingress at the mounting point. RF antenna systems use coaxial cables. Manual soldering is the most common method to connect those cables to the printed circuit board assembly in the shark fin antenna. However, connector suppliers have created new solutions that simplify this process and reduce congestion within the antenna module. One solution is to use an IDC, or insulation displacement connector.

Kyocera AVX 6791-000 Series | RF Coaxial IDC Connector enables simple termination with one press. Ideal for shark fin antenna connections, it offers signal/power transmission to high frequency transmission field up to 6Ghz. The IDC contact pierces the jacket and insulation of the cable and makes direct contact with the strands and conductor of the wire at the same time.

Major automotive RF suppliers like Hirschmann, Laird (a Molex company), Rosenberger, and TE Connectivity played a key role in developing and manufacturing these antennas and related connector solutions.

Design Notes 

Shark fin antennas interface with a vehicle’s communication systems through coaxial and other specialized connector types and wiring harnesses designed for high-frequency signal transmission. The antenna housing typically has multiple output connections to support various functions.

• RF coaxial cables carry signals from the antenna to the infotainment system, telematics module, or radio unit.
• SMA or RP-SMA connectors are sometimes used for GPS or cellular connectivity.
• Multi-pin power connectors provide power for integrated amplifiers inside the antenna module.
• HSD (High-Speed Data) connectors are used for Ethernet-based applications like telematics and ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems).

The I-PEX MHF® I LK micro RF connector with a mechanical lock is used by several automotive antenna manufacturers, including T-BOX shark fin antennas.

Markets and Applications 

Automotive, Transportation, Datacom and Telecom

Shark fin antennas are widely used on automobiles, transportation vehicles, and drones

Suppliers 

Shark fin antennas or interconnect products that are used with them are available from Amphenol, I-PEX, Hirose, JAE, Kyocera AVX, Molex (Laird), Rosenberger, and TE Connectivity

Related products 

Coaxial connectors

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