Evaluation of a beam switching smart antenna array for use in traffic telematics V2X applications

Abstract: With the digitalization of transportation new use cases for digital information services are emerging. For example, prioritization of road users at traffic signals, especially emergency vehicles, is a desired goal. Requirements for the necessary communication link between road user and C-ITS station are often inadequately met. In particular, increasing communication distances while minimizing latencies are key requirements for timely influencing the control of traffic light signal programs. This paper presents the automotive application of a fast-switchable antenna array with targeted transmission direction selection and high antenna gain. In addition to antenna design requirements, theoretical analyses to increase transmission distance are performed using radio propagation simulation. Furthermore, practical evaluation is performed both in laboratory and test field environment using continuous wave and C-ITS service measurements. An automatic switching of antenna sectors based on geolocation is implemented and discussed from a scientific point of view. As a result, using an adaptive antenna array in traffic telematics environments is proposed to provide more robust communication links and increase the radio transmission distance.