An antenna array and automotive radar
By setting up electromagnetic isolation structures and feeding components in the antenna array, electromagnetic coupling between adjacent radiating elements is suppressed, solving the inter-element interference problem of traditional array antennas, improving the isolation and radiation performance of the radar, and making it suitable for automotive radar systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN SUNWAY COMM
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Traditional array antennas suffer from severe inter-element interference, resulting in insufficient isolation and affecting the radar's imaging accuracy and anti-jamming capabilities.
An electromagnetic isolation structure, including a metal isolation element, is set between adjacent radiating units. The grid-like isolation structure is formed by extending vertically on the substrate to suppress the coupling path of electromagnetic waves, and the transmitting and receiving radiation arrays are connected by a feeding component.
It improves the isolation and radiation performance of the antenna array, optimizes the isolation and radiation performance between antenna array elements, and is suitable for antenna array isolation in automotive radar systems, thereby enhancing the radar's imaging accuracy and anti-interference capability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224318707U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to automotive radar, and more particularly to an antenna array and automotive radar. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of intelligent driving technology, automotive active safety systems are placing higher demands on sensor performance. As a core component of intelligent driving perception systems, millimeter-wave radar, with its all-weather operation and precise target detection capabilities, has become an indispensable sensor in autonomous driving systems. In millimeter-wave radar, antenna performance directly determines the radar system's detection capability. However, existing 24GHz automotive radar antenna technology faces multiple challenges.
[0003] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this application, the inventors discovered that: at present, traditional array antennas have serious inter-element interference problems. Due to the limited spacing between array elements, the signal coupling between adjacent elements is strong, resulting in insufficient isolation, which directly affects the imaging accuracy and anti-interference capability of the radar. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main technical problem solved by the embodiments of this application is to provide an antenna array that, by setting a special isolation structure between adjacent radiating elements, blocks the coupling path of electromagnetic waves, thereby improving the overall isolation of the array.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is: providing an antenna array, including a substrate, an electromagnetic isolation structure, and a feeding assembly. The substrate is provided with a transmitting part and a receiving part. The transmitting part includes multiple transmitting radiating elements, which are arranged to form a transmitting radiating array. The receiving part includes multiple receiving radiating elements, which are arranged to form a receiving radiating array. The number of elements in the transmitting radiating array is greater than the number of elements in the receiving radiating array. The electromagnetic isolation structure is disposed between adjacent radiating elements to suppress electromagnetic coupling between the radiating elements. The feeding assembly is disposed on the substrate and is connected to the transmitting radiating array and the receiving radiating array respectively.
[0006] Optionally, the electromagnetic isolation structure includes a plurality of first metal isolation elements, which are disposed on the substrate, and one of the metal isolation elements is located between adjacent emitting and radiating units; the metal isolation elements are disposed at a predetermined distance from the edges of the emitting and radiating units, and the metal isolation elements extend perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate.
[0007] Optionally, the electromagnetic isolation structure includes a plurality of second metal isolation elements disposed on the substrate, and one of the metal isolation elements is located between adjacent receiving radiation units; the second metal isolation elements are disposed at a predetermined distance from the edge of the emitting radiation unit, and the second metal isolation elements extend perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate.
[0008] Optionally, the emitting radiation unit includes a first metal radiation patch disposed on the surface of the substrate, and the first metal radiation patch is further provided with a first gap.
[0009] Optionally, the first gap has a first opening direction, the first metal insulating element has a second opening direction, and the first opening direction is opposite to the second opening direction.
[0010] Optionally, one end of the emitting radiation unit further includes a first extension, adjacent emitting radiation units are connected to each other through the first extension, and multiple emitting radiation units are arranged symmetrically, with multiple first extensions forming a symmetrical connection structure between the emitting radiation units.
[0011] Optionally, the receiving radiation unit includes a second metal radiation patch disposed on the surface of the substrate, and the second metal radiation patch is further provided with a second gap.
[0012] Optionally, the second gap has a third opening direction, and the second metal insulating element has a fourth opening direction, wherein the third opening direction is opposite to the fourth opening direction.
[0013] Optionally, one end of the receiving radiation unit further includes a second extension, adjacent receiving radiation units are connected to each other through the second extension, and a plurality of receiving radiation units are symmetrically arranged, with a plurality of second extensions forming a symmetrical connection structure between the receiving radiation units.
[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this application is to provide an automotive radar, including any of the antenna arrays mentioned above.
[0015] This application provides an antenna array design including a substrate, an electromagnetic isolation structure, and a feeding assembly. The substrate has a transmitting section and a receiving section. The transmitting section includes multiple transmitting radiating elements arranged to form a transmitting radiating array. The receiving section includes multiple receiving radiating elements arranged to form a receiving radiating array. The number of elements in the transmitting radiating array is greater than the number of elements in the receiving radiating array. The electromagnetic isolation structure is disposed between adjacent radiating elements to suppress electromagnetic coupling between them. The feeding assembly is disposed on the substrate and connected to both the transmitting and receiving radiating arrays. By including a transmitting and receiving section in the antenna array and ensuring that the number of elements in the transmitting radiating array is greater than the number of elements in the receiving radiating array, differentiated optimization of the transmitting and receiving functions is achieved. Furthermore, the electromagnetic isolation structure suppresses electromagnetic coupling between the radiating elements, improving the isolation of the antenna array. This design enables the antenna array to have excellent radiation performance in the 24GHz band, making it suitable for automotive radar systems. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna array according to an embodiment of this application;
[0018] Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the antenna array according to an embodiment of this application;
[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;
[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part B in the middle;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a gain diagram of the antenna array in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 6 This is the radiation pattern of the transmitting radiation array in the 24GHz band according to an embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 7 This is the radiation pattern of the receiving radiation array in the 24GHz band according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0026] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0027] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides an antenna array 100, including a substrate 10, an electromagnetic isolation structure 20, and a feeding assembly (not shown).
[0028] The substrate 10 is a rectangular flat plate structure made of epoxy resin glass fiber material with a thickness of 1.6 mm. A transmitter 11 and a receiver 12 are disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 10, and the transmitter 11 and the receiver 12 are disposed separately from each other.
[0029] The emitting unit 11 includes a plurality of emitting radiation units 111, which are arranged in an array to form an emitting radiation array. In this embodiment, the emitting radiation array includes 8 rows and 4 columns, totaling 32 emitting radiation units 111. The emitting radiation units 111 are metal conductor structures and are disposed on the surface of the substrate 10.
[0030] The receiving unit 12 includes a plurality of receiving radiation units 121, which are arranged in an array to form a receiving radiation array. In this embodiment, the receiving radiation array includes 8 rows and 2 columns, totaling 16 receiving radiation units 121. The receiving radiation units 121 are metal conductor structures and are disposed on the surface of the substrate 10. Therefore, the number of units in the emitting radiation array is greater than the number of units in the receiving radiation array.
[0031] The electromagnetic isolation structure 20 is disposed between adjacent radiating units to suppress electromagnetic coupling between the radiating units. Specifically, the electromagnetic isolation structure 20 includes a plurality of metal isolation elements disposed between the adjacent radiating units and spaced at a predetermined distance from the edges of the radiating units. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic isolation structure 20 includes a first metal isolation element 21 disposed between the emitting radiating units 111 and a second metal isolation element 22 disposed between the receiving radiating units 121.
[0032] The power supply assembly is disposed on the lower surface of the substrate 10 and includes a power distribution network and a phase adjustment network. The power supply assembly is electrically connected to the transmitting radiation array and the receiving radiation array via microstrip lines, respectively. The input terminal of the power supply assembly is connected to an external signal source via a coaxial connector.
[0033] In the antenna array 100 of this embodiment, the 32 transmitting radiation elements 111 of the transmitting radiation array form a large radiation aperture, generating narrow beam and high-gain transmission characteristics; the 16 receiving radiation elements 121 of the receiving radiation array form a wide beam coverage, improving receiving sensitivity; the electromagnetic isolation structure 20 effectively suppresses electromagnetic coupling between elements, improving the array's isolation; the feeding assembly provides equal amplitude and in-phase feed to the transmitting and receiving radiation arrays, forming a directional radiation beam. When the antenna array 100 is operating, the radio frequency signal is fed into the transmitting radiation array through the feeding assembly, and electromagnetic waves are radiated by the transmitting radiation elements 111; the reflected echo is captured by the receiving radiation array and transmitted to the processing circuit through the feeding assembly. The electromagnetic isolation structure 20 reduces interference between transmission and reception, improving system performance.
[0034] In the above embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The S11 parameter curve shows that the antenna's return loss in the 24GHz band is <-10dB, indicating excellent matching performance. By setting the transmitting unit 11 and the receiving unit 12 in the antenna array 100, and making the number of elements in the transmitting radiating array greater than the number of elements in the receiving radiating array, differentiated optimization of the transmitting and receiving functions is achieved. By setting the electromagnetic isolation structure 20, electromagnetic coupling between the radiating elements is suppressed, improving the isolation of the antenna array. This design gives the antenna array 100 excellent radiation performance in the 24GHz band, making it suitable for automotive radar systems.
[0035] Please see Figures 2 to 3 The electromagnetic isolation structure 20 includes a plurality of first metal isolation elements 21 and a plurality of second metal isolation elements 22. The plurality of first metal isolation elements 21 are disposed between adjacent emitting radiation units 111, and the plurality of second metal isolation elements 22 are disposed between adjacent receiving radiation units 121.
[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the first metal isolation elements 21 is made of copper and is fixed to the substrate 10 by a surface mount process, extending perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate 10. The first metal isolation element 21 is spaced at a predetermined distance from the edge of the adjacent emitting radiation unit 111; preferably, this predetermined distance is 0.3 mm. Each of the first metal isolation elements 21 is arranged along both the row and column directions of the emitting radiation array, forming a grid-like isolation structure that physically separates adjacent emitting radiation units 111.
[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the structure of the second metal isolation element 22 is the same as that of the first metal isolation element 21. The second metal isolation element 22 also extends perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate 10, is spaced apart from the edges of adjacent receiving radiation units 121, and is arranged along both the row and column directions of the receiving radiation array, forming a grid-like isolation structure that physically separates adjacent receiving radiation units 121. In this embodiment, both the first metal isolation element 21 and the second metal isolation element 22 are soldered and fixed to the substrate 10 using a surface mount process. The first metal isolation element 21 and the second metal element 22, through a conductor structure perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 10, form a physical barrier, effectively blocking the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate 10.
[0038] When the antenna array 100 is in operation, the surface waves and parasitic electromagnetic fields between adjacent radiating elements are blocked by the metal isolation element, reducing the mutual coupling effect between elements. Through the above settings, the isolation between adjacent radiating elements can be improved, thereby improving the radiation performance of the array.
[0039] Furthermore, by precisely controlling the height and spacing of the metal isolation elements, the electromagnetic isolation structure 20 of this embodiment can also achieve a balance between isolation effect and structural compactness, meeting the miniaturization requirements of automotive radar. Due to the use of standard PCB processes and surface mount technology, this electromagnetic isolation structure 20 also has the advantages of low cost and ease of manufacturing.
[0040] In the above embodiments, by setting a first metal isolation element 21 between adjacent transmitting radiation elements 111 and a second metal isolation element 22 between adjacent receiving radiation elements 121, electromagnetic coupling between radiation elements is effectively suppressed, thereby improving the isolation and radiation performance of the antenna array 100.
[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the emitting radiation unit 111 includes a first metal radiating patch 1111. The first metal radiating patch 1111 is a rectangular metal conductor sheet made of copper and disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 10. A first gap 1112 is provided on the surface of the first metal radiating patch 1111. Figure 6 As shown, the first gap 1112 is in the shape of a groove and is formed on the surface of the first metal radiating patch 1111. The first gap 1112 has a first opening direction, and the first metal isolation element 21 has a second opening direction, with the first opening direction being opposite to the second opening direction. This opposite opening direction arrangement helps to optimize the electromagnetic field distribution and reduce mutual interference between radiating elements.
[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, one end of the emitting radiation unit 111 further includes a first extension 1113. The first extension 1113 is a metal conductor strip structure, integrally formed with the first metal radiation patch 1111. The first extension 1113 extends outward from one edge of the first metal radiation patch 1111, and adjacent emitting radiation units 111 are interconnected through their respective first extensions 1113. Multiple emitting radiation units 111 are symmetrically arranged on the substrate 10, forming an 8-row, 4-column matrix structure. Multiple first extensions 1113 form a symmetrical connection structure between the emitting radiation units 111, making adjacent emitting radiation units 111 electrically interconnected. This symmetrical connection structure enables the emitting radiation array to generate a highly symmetrical radiation pattern during operation, with stronger main lobe directivity and lower sidelobe levels. Figure 6 As shown, the radiation pattern of the transmitting radiation array in this embodiment in the 24GHz band shows that the main lobe gain reaches 20.2dBi, the side lobe level is -13.2dB, and the 3dB beamwidth is 22.9°, which meets the requirements for long-distance detection.
[0043] The above design gives the emitting radiation unit 111 the following technical advantages: the first gap 1112 changes the current distribution on the surface of the radiation patch, optimizing the radiation performance of the unit; the first gap 1112 and the first metal isolation element 21 are set in opposite directions to form a complementary electromagnetic field configuration, reducing mutual interference; the first extension 1113 connects multiple radiation units into a unified radiator, enhancing the overall performance of the array.
[0044] Furthermore, the receiving radiation unit 121 includes a second metal radiating patch 1211. The second metal radiating patch 1211 is a rectangular metal conductor sheet made of copper and disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 10. A second slit 1212, which is a groove shape, is formed on the surface of the second metal radiating patch 1211. The second slit 1212 has a third opening direction, and the second metal isolation element 22 has a fourth opening direction, with the third opening direction and the fourth opening direction being opposite. This opposite opening direction arrangement optimizes the electromagnetic characteristics of the receiving unit and improves the receiving sensitivity.
[0045] One end of the receiving radiation unit 121 further includes a second extension 1213. The second extension 1213 is a metal conductor strip structure, integrally formed with the second metal radiation patch 1211. The second extension 1213 extends outward from one edge of the second metal radiation patch 1211. Adjacent receiving radiation units 121 are interconnected through their respective second extensions 1213. Multiple receiving radiation units 121 are symmetrically arranged on the substrate 10, forming an 8-row, 2-column matrix structure. Multiple second extensions 1213 form a symmetrical connection structure between the receiving radiation units 121, making adjacent receiving radiation units 121 electrically interconnected. This symmetrical connection structure allows the receiving radiation array to form a wider receiving beam, improving target acquisition capability. Figure 7 As shown, the radiation pattern of the receiving radiation array in this embodiment in the 24GHz band shows that the main lobe gain reaches 17.4dBi, the side lobe level is -16.6dB, and the 3dB beamwidth is 47.1°, which provides a wider coverage range and is beneficial for receiving radar signals reflected from different angles.
[0046] It is worth noting that the design of the receiving radiation array is structurally similar to that of the transmitting radiation array, but differs in size and arrangement. The number of elements in the receiving radiation array (8×2=16) is less than that in the transmitting radiation array (8×4=32). This design expands the receiving beamwidth by reducing the number of receiving elements, while maintaining sufficient receiving gain, thus achieving differentiated optimization of transmitting and receiving performance.
[0047] In this embodiment, the receiving radiation unit 121 has the following technical advantages: the second slot 1212 adjusts the resonant characteristics of the receiving unit, improving the receiving sensitivity; the second slot 1212 and the second metal isolation element 22 are arranged in opposite directions to reduce mutual interference; the second extension 1213 connects multiple receiving units into a unified receiving body, forming a wider receiving beam. Through the above design, the receiving radiation array of this embodiment achieves a balance between wider beam coverage and appropriate gain, improving the target detection capability of the antenna array in automotive radar.
[0048] This application provides an antenna array 100 design, including a substrate 10, an electromagnetic isolation structure 20, and a feeding assembly. The substrate 10 is provided with a transmitting section 11 and a receiving section 12. The transmitting section 11 includes multiple transmitting radiating elements 111, which are arranged to form a transmitting radiating array. The receiving section 12 includes multiple receiving radiating elements 121, which are arranged to form a receiving radiating array. The number of elements in the transmitting radiating array is greater than the number of elements in the receiving radiating array. The electromagnetic isolation structure 20 is disposed between adjacent radiating elements to suppress electromagnetic coupling between the radiating elements. The feeding assembly is disposed on the substrate 10 and is connected to both the transmitting radiating array and the receiving radiating array. By providing a transmitting section 11 and a receiving section 12 in the antenna array 100 and making the number of elements in the transmitting radiating array greater than the number of elements in the receiving radiating array, differentiated optimization of the transmitting and receiving functions is achieved. Furthermore, by providing the electromagnetic isolation structure 20, electromagnetic coupling between the radiating elements is suppressed, and the isolation of the antenna array 100 is improved. This design enables the antenna array 100 to have excellent radiation performance in the 24GHz band, making it suitable for automotive radar systems.
[0049] This application provides an automotive radar, including the antenna array 100 as described in the foregoing embodiments. For specific implementation details, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.
[0050] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. An antenna array, characterized in that, include: A substrate is provided with a transmitting part and a receiving part. The transmitting part includes a plurality of emitting radiation units, which are arranged to form an emitting radiation array. The receiving part includes a plurality of receiving radiation units, which are arranged to form a receiving radiation array. The number of units in the emitting radiation array is greater than the number of units in the receiving radiation array. An electromagnetic isolation structure is disposed between adjacent radiating units to suppress electromagnetic coupling between the radiating units; A power supply assembly is disposed on the substrate, and the power supply assembly is connected to the transmitting radiation array and the receiving radiation array respectively.
2. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic isolation structure includes a plurality of first metal isolation elements, which are disposed on the substrate, and one of the metal isolation elements is located between adjacent emitting and radiating units; the metal isolation elements are disposed at a predetermined distance from the edges of the emitting and radiating units, and the metal isolation elements extend perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate.
3. The antenna array according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnetic isolation structure includes a plurality of second metal isolation elements disposed on the substrate, and one of the metal isolation elements is located between adjacent receiving radiation units; the second metal isolation elements are disposed at a predetermined distance from the edges of the emitting radiation units, and the second metal isolation elements extend perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate.
4. The antenna array according to claim 2, characterized in that, The emitting radiation unit includes a first metal radiation patch disposed on the surface of the substrate, and the first metal radiation patch also has a first gap.
5. The antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first gap has a first opening direction, and the first metal isolation element has a second opening direction, wherein the first opening direction is opposite to the second opening direction.
6. The antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the emitting radiation unit further includes a first extension, adjacent emitting radiation units are connected to each other through the first extension, and multiple emitting radiation units are arranged symmetrically, with multiple first extensions forming a symmetrical connection structure between the emitting radiation units.
7. The antenna array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving radiation unit includes a second metal radiation patch disposed on the surface of the substrate, and the second metal radiation patch also has a second gap.
8. The antenna array according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second gap has a third opening direction, and the second metal isolation element has a fourth opening direction, wherein the third opening direction is opposite to the fourth opening direction.
9. The antenna array according to claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the receiving radiation unit further includes a second extension, adjacent receiving radiation units are connected to each other through the second extension, and multiple receiving radiation units are arranged symmetrically, with multiple second extensions forming a symmetrical connection structure between the receiving radiation units.
10. A vehicle radar, characterized in that, Including the antenna array as described in any one of claims 1-9.