Antenna device, transmitter, and radar

Abstract

ANTENNA DEVICE, TRANSMITTER, AND RADAR Various apparatus for providing an antenna device capable of achieving wide bandwidth are disclosed. The antenna device includes a dielectric substrate and a conductor pattern formed on the dielectric substrate. Herein, the conductor pattern includes an antenna array including a plurality of patch antennas connected in series, an input / output line feeding the antenna array, and a junction. The junction is interposed between the input / output line and a first patch antenna from the plurality of patch antennas located at an end of the antenna array connected to the input / output line. The junction is narrower than the first patch antenna and wider than a transmission line connecting adjacent patch antennas in the antenna array. (FIG. 2)

Description

ANTENNA DEVICE, TRANSMITTER, AND RADAR

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to antennas, transmitters, and RADAR (RAdio Detection And Ranging) (hereinafter also referred to as "radar") and more particularly relates to a radar apparatus equipped with an antenna device that is capable of broadening a bandwidth of an array antenna.Background

[0002] Recently, radio wave application technology such as in-vehicle radar using frequencies such as 60 GHz and 80 GHz has advanced. The advantage of this frequency band is that it offers wide bandwidth of frequencies. For example, at 79 GHz, the bandwidth is as wide as 4 GHz, and a distance measurement accuracy of several centimeters can be obtained. However, the bandwidth of a patch array antenna is narrow. Further, it is difficult to broaden the bandwidth supported by these arrayed antennas.

[0003] A Chinese patent document, CN 106972244 B, titled "Vehicle-mounted radar array antenna" and a European patent document, EP 2950390 B1, titled "Patch array antenna and apparatus for transmitting and receiving radar signal including the same" disclose a series-fed patch array antenna in which a plurality of patch antennas is arranged in one direction and connected in series. In existing patch array antenna systems, it is difficult to broaden the bandwidth supported by these array antenna systems.

[0004] Therefore, a technological need exists to provide an improved antenna device, an improved transmitter, and an improved radar apparatus equipped with an antenna device that is capable of broadening the bandwidth.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for an improved antenna device, an improved transmitter, and an improved radar apparatus equipped with an antenna device for broadening the bandwidth of an antenna array.

[0006] Experimentally, it has been determined that broadening the bandwidth of an antenna array including a plurality of patch antennas connected in series, requires more than improving the performance of the patch antenna alone. In fact, broadening also requires optimizing an electromagnetic coupling amount between an input / output line and a first patch antenna connected to the input / output line in the antenna array. To achieve this, it is necessary to provide a low-impedance line at a junction of the input / output line and the first patch antenna. The present invention aims to implement this design concept, and aims to increase the coupling amount between the input / output line and the first patch antenna, thereby realizing the broadening of the bandwidth entire antenna array.

[0007] In order to solve the foregoing problem and to provide other advantages, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an improved antenna device. The antenna device includes a dielectric substrate, and a conductor pattern formed on the dielectric substrate. The conductor pattern includes an antenna array including a plurality of patch antennas connected in series, an input / output line feeding the antenna array, and a junction. The junction is interposed between the input / output line and a first patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas located at an end of the antenna array connected to the input / output line. The junction is narrower than the first patch antenna and wider than a transmission line connecting adjacent patch antennas in the antenna array. Thus, broadband can be realized.

[0008] In an aspect, the junction may be wider than the input / output line. An advantage of this aspect is that the wider junction makes it possible to increase the coupling amount compared to connecting the input / output line directly to the first patch antenna.

[0009] In an aspect, the conductor pattern may further include an impedance transformer interposed between the input / output line and the junction. An advantage of this aspect is that the impedance transformer makes it possible to achieve impedance matching between the input / output line and the junction.

[0010] In an aspect, the length of the impedance transformer in a transmission direction corresponds to 1 / 4 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave. An advantage of this aspect is that the suggested length of the impedance transformer makes it possible to achieve impedance matching between the input / output line and the junction.

[0011] In an aspect, the conductor pattern further includes a tapered member interposed between the input / output line and the junction. The tapered member is widened toward the junction. An advantage of this aspect is that the tapered member reduces the discontinuity between the input / output line and the junction.

[0012] In an aspect, the junction may be the tapered member where the tapered member is widened toward the first patch antenna. An advantage of this aspect is that implementing the junction as the tapered member reduces the discontinuity while increasing the coupling amount.

[0013] In an aspect, the conductor pattern further includes a wide member interposed between the input / output line and the junction. The wide member is widened toward the junction. An advantage of this aspect is that the presence of the wide member further increases the coupling amount.

[0014] In an aspect, the antenna device further includes a notch being formed between the wide member and the first patch antenna. An advantage of this aspect is that the presence of the notch further allows the first patch antenna to function as an antenna for bouncing the radio waves.

[0015] In an aspect, a length of the junction in a transmission direction is one of shorter than 1 / 4 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave; or longer than 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave. An advantage of this aspect is that this makes it possible to prevent the junction from acting as an impedance transformer.

[0016] A transmitter according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-described antenna device.

[0017] A radar according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-described antenna device. This makes it possible to realize broadband.

[0018] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0019] As a result of the various aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure, the improved antenna device, the transmitter, and the RADAR apparatus equipped with an antenna device increases the coupling amount between the input / output line and the first patch antenna, thereby realizing the broadening of the bandwidth entire antenna array.

[0020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, like or same reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the detailed description of the disclosure, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of radar apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an antenna, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the frequency characteristics of S11, in accordance with a reference antenna example of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the frequency characteristics of S11, in accordance with an exemplary antenna example of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.

[0021] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should be understood that the particular values and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0023] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and each of the drawings, elements that are the same as those described above with respect to the existing drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0024] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain embodiments may be configured to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0025] All of the processes described herein may be embodied in, and fully automated via, software code modules executed by a computing system that includes one or more computers or processors. The code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all the methods may be embodied in specialized computer hardware.

[0026] Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. In addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and / or computing systems that can function together.

[0027] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor. A processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions.

[0028] A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

[0029] Conditional language such as, among others, "can", "could", "might" or "may" unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0030] Disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z" unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0031] Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and / or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or members of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0032] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, "a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C" can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C. The same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0033] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to" the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least" the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to" etc.).

[0034] For expository purposes, the term "horizontal" as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area in which the system being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term "floor" can be interchanged with the term "ground" or "water surface." The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms such as "above", "below", "bottom", "top", "side", "higher", "lower", "upper", "over" and "under" are defined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "attached", "connected", "mated" and other such relational terms should be construed, unless otherwise noted, to include removable, moveable, fixed, adjustable, and / or releasable connections or attachments. The connections / attachments can include direct connections and / or connections having intermediate structure between the two components discussed.

[0036] Numbers preceded by a term such as "approximately", "about" and "substantially" as used herein include the recited numbers, and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately", "about" and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount. Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded by a term such as "approximately", "about" and "substantially" as used herein represent the feature with some variability that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result for that feature.

[0037] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an antenna device, a transmitter, and a radar apparatus equipped with an antenna device for broadening the bandwidth of an antenna array. The approach of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 11.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of radar 100 apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The radar 100 is an example of a transmitter. In various examples, the radar 100 includes an antenna 10 (or "antenna device" 10), a transceiver 11, a signal processor 12, and control circuitry 13.

[0040] In an implementation, the transceiver 11 may include modulation circuitry and a magnetron. In response to a trigger signal from the signal processor 12, the transceiver 11 is configured to generate a transmission signal by intermittently driving the magnetron with a pulse voltage generated by the modulation circuitry. Then, the antenna 10 may be configured to transmit the transmission signal from the transceiver 11 as a radio wave pulse.

[0041] In an embodiment, the antenna 10 is configured to convert a received reflected wave into a reception signal. In an embodiment, the transceiver 11 may further include frequency conversion / amplification circuitry and detection circuitry. In an aspect, the received reception signal from the antenna 10 may be passed through the frequency conversion / amplification circuitry and detection circuitry. Further, the signal processor 12 processes the reception signal to generate a processed signal. Thereafter, the processed signal is sent to the control circuitry 13 as a digital signal.

[0042] In a non-limiting implementation, the radar 100 can be utilized as an onboard radar for obstacle detection or collision prevention. In this implementation, the radar 100 can be configured to transmit and receive millimeter-waves. In another non-limiting implementation, the radar 100 can be utilized as a marine radar that transmits and receives microwaves.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an antenna such as the antenna 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] In various examples, the antenna 10 device includes a dielectric substrate 2, a conductor pattern 3 formed on a first main surface 21 (i.e., the surface visible in FIG. 2) of the dielectric substrate 2, and a ground pattern (not shown) formed on a second main surface opposite (i.e., not visible) to the first main surface 21 of the dielectric substrate 2.

[0045] In an embodiment, the conductor pattern 3 includes an antenna array 4. Here, the antenna array 4 may include a plurality of patch antennas 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 (hereinafter referred to as "plurality of patch antennas 41-45") connected in series with each other, an input / output line 5 for supplying power to the antenna array 4, and a junction 6 interposed between the antenna array 4 and the input / output line 5. It is noted that the conductor pattern 3 is used as a generic name for the various conductor patterns 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G in accordance with the various embodiments described later in the present disclosure. Herein, a Qe line 6 is an example of the junction 6 for the sake of explanation.

[0046] In an aspect, the antenna array 4 is a series-feeding type patch array antenna. Further, the antenna array 4 may include a plurality of patch antennas 41-45 (also called elements 41-45) arranged in one direction and a plurality of transmission lines 46, 47, 48, and 49 (or 46-49) connecting two adjacent patch antennas in the order 41-42, 42-43, 43-44, and 44-45, respectively, of the plurality of patch antennas 41-45. In the illustrated example, the transmission line 46 is located between patch antenna 41 and patch antenna 42, the transmission line 47 is located between patch antenna 42 and patch antenna 43, the transmission line 48 is located between patch antenna 43 and patch antenna 44, and the transmission line 49 is located between patch antenna 44 and patch antenna 45. As may be appreciated, the number of patch antennas 41-45 is not limited to the illustrated example and more or less patch antennas may also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The X direction shown in FIG. 2 is the arrangement direction of the plurality of patch antennas 41-45, the extension direction of the plurality of transmission lines 46-49, the input / output line 5, and the Qe line or the junction 6, and the transmission direction of radio waves, respectively.

[0048] The Y direction shown in FIG. 2 is orthogonal to the X direction. Y direction is the width direction of the plurality of patch antennas 4145, the plurality of transmission lines 46-49, the input / output line 5, and the Qe line or the junction 6, respectively.

[0049] In a non-limiting aspect, the plurality of patch antennas 41-45 can be formed in a rectangular shape and may have a length in the transmission direction X corresponding to 1 / 2 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave of the frequency used by the antenna 10. In other words, the length in the transmission direction X of the plurality of patch antennas 41-45 is almost or approximately equal to 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave.

[0050] In an aspect, the input / output line 5 is connected to a feeding point 9. The feeding point 9 is configured to supply power to the antenna array 4 via the Qe line 6. The Qe line 6 has been described in detail later in the present disclosure.

[0051] In a non-limiting scenario, the conductor pattern 3 may be formed by patterning a metal foil provided on the first main surface 21 of the dielectric substrate 2 using photolithography. To that end, the plurality of patch antennas 41-45, the plurality of transmission lines 46-49, the input / output line 5, and the Qe line 6 are integrally formed using photolithography.

[0052] Although, in the example of FIG. 2, only one antenna array 4 is shown, it is noted that the antenna apparatus 10 can also be provided with a plurality of antenna arrays 4 arranged in the width direction Y. Further, among the plurality of antenna arrays 4, some antenna arrays 4 may be used for transmission and other antenna arrays 4 may be used for reception.

[0053] Experimentally, it has been found that to realize a wide bandwidth of the series-fed patch array antenna, it is important not only to improve each element, i.e., patch array but also to balance the input / output structure of the patch array antenna. That is, since the radiation amount of the whole patch array antenna depends on the coupling amount of the input / output structure, it is necessary to increase the coupling amount by the input / output structure in order to increase the radiation amount.

[0054] Therefore, using the proposed embodiment, the radiation amount can be increased by improving the input / output structure as described herein, thereby achieving a wide bandwidth. The improved input / output structure is described with reference to the following description.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern such as conductor pattern 3A, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the conductor pattern 3A, the Qe line 6, i.e., the junction 6, is interposed between the input / output line 5 and the first patch antenna 41 of the antenna array 4. In this embodiment, the Qe line 6 is directly connected or coupled to the first patch antenna 41.

[0056] Further, the first patch antenna 41 is located at the end of the antenna array 4, i.e., connected or coupled to the input / output line 5. In other words, the first patch antenna 41 is located at the end of the antenna array 4 close to the input / output line 5.

[0057] In an aspect, the Qe line 6 is wider than the input / output line 5, wider than the plurality of transmission lines 46-49 of the antenna array 4, and narrower than the first patch antenna 41. As may be appreciated, by making the width of the Qe line 6 close to the width of the first patch antenna 41, the impedance of the Qe line 6 can be reduced. Further, the coupling amount with the antenna array 4 can be increased.

[0058] However, it is noted that the plurality of patch antennas 41-45 accumulates high-frequency energy by bouncing radio waves at both ends of the transmission direction X. Thus, in order for the first patch antenna 41 to function as an antenna, it is necessary to make the width of the Qe line 6 narrower than the width of the first patch antenna 41. Further, it is necessary to provide an end for bouncing radio waves at the side of the Qe line 6.

[0059] As may be understood, the Qe line 6 is not an impedance transformer. Design-wise, the dimension of the Qe line 6 is different from that of the impedance transformer. Specifically, the Qe line 6 has a length in the transmission direction X shorter or longer than 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave of the frequency to be used.

[0060] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams showing an example of a conductor pattern 3B and conductor pattern 3C, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] In addition to the configuration of the conductor pattern 3A of the first embodiment, the conductor pattern 3B and the conductor pattern 3C further include an impedance transformer 71 interposed between the input / output line 5 and the Qe line 6, i.e., the junction.

[0062] In an aspect, the impedance transformer 71 may have a length in the transmission direction X corresponding to 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave of the frequency to be used. As may be appreciated, by providing the impedance transformer 71, it is possible to achieve impedance matching between the input / output line 5 and the Qe line 6.

[0063] The conductor pattern 3B as shown in FIG. 4 is an example where the length in the transmission direction X of the impedance transformer 71 coupled to the Qe line 6 is longer than 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave.

[0064] The conductor pattern 3C as shown in FIG. 5 is an example where the length in the transmission direction X of the impedance transformer 71 coupled to the Qe line 6 is shorter than 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave.

[0065] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing an example of a conductor pattern 3D and a conductor pattern 3E, respectively, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] In addition to the configuration of the conductor pattern 3A of the first embodiment, the conductor pattern 3D and conductor pattern 3E further include a tapered member 72 interposed between the input / output line 5 and the Qe line 6, i.e., junction.

[0067] In other words, the conductor patterns 3D and 3E include a tapered member 72 instead of the impedance transformer 71 of the conductor pattern 3B and conductor pattern 3C of the second embodiment. In an aspect, the tapered member 72 is a tapered impedance transformer.

[0068] As illustrated, the width of the tapered member 72 gradually increases toward the Qe line 6. The end of the tapered member 72 on the input / output line 5 side has the same width as the input / output line 5. Further, the end of the tapered member 72 on the Qe line 6 side has the same width as the Qe line 6.

[0069] As may be appreciated, by providing the tapered member 72 in this way, the discontinuity between the input / output line 5 and the Qe line 6 can be reduced to achieve impedance matching.

[0070] The conductor pattern 3D as shown in FIG. 6 is an example where the length in the transmission direction X of the tapered impedance transformer coupled to the Qe line 6 is longer than 1 / 4 wavelength of the fundamental wave.

[0071] The conductor pattern 3E as shown in FIG. 7 is an example where the length in the transmission direction X of the tapered impedance transformer coupled to the Qe line 6 is shorter than 1 / 4 wavelength of the fundamental wave.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern 3F, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] In an aspect, the conductor pattern 3F includes a tapered member 62 that may be directly connected or coupled to the first patch antenna 41 without the Qe line 6. In this case, the tapered member 62 is an example of a junction.

[0074] In a non-limiting implementation, the width of the tapered member 62 may increase gradually toward the first patch antenna 41. Similar to the Qe line 6, the end of the tapered member 62 on the side of the first patch antenna 41 may be wider than the input / output line 5 and the plurality of transmission lines 46-49, and while being narrower than the first patch antenna 41. As may be appreciated, implementing the junction as the tapered member 62 reduces the discontinuity while increasing the coupling amount.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a conductor pattern such as conductor pattern 3G, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the configuration of the conductor pattern 3D and conductor pattern 3E of the third embodiment, the conductor pattern 3G further includes a wide member 8. The wide member 8 is wider than the Qe line 6 and is interposed between the input / output line 5 and the Qe line 6.

[0076] In particular, the wide member 8 may be interposed between the tapered member 72 and the Qe line 6. In addition, the impedance transformer 71 of the conductor pattern 3B and conductor pattern 3C, respectively described using the second embodiment may be provided in place of the tapered member 72, or the tapered member 72 may be omitted as well.

[0077] In a non-limiting implementation, the wide member 8 may have the same width as the first patch antenna 41 or may be wider than the first patch antenna 41. In another implementation, the wide member 8 may be narrower than the first patch antenna 41 if the width is wider than the Qe line 6. As may be appreciated, by providing the wide member 8 in the manner described earlier, it is possible to further increase the coupling amount.

[0078] In an aspect, a notch 8N may be formed between the wide member 8 and the first patch antenna 41. Herein, the fastened member where the notch 8N is formed is the Qe line 6. The notch 8N may be formed on both sides of the Qe line 6, in the width direction Y. Alternatively, the notch 8N may be formed on only one side of the Qe line 6, in the width direction Y as well. In an implementation, a plurality of notches 8N may be formed so as to line up in the transmission direction X.

[0079] In this embodiment, the wide member 8 is provided to increase the coupling amount, but as described above, in order for the first patch antenna 41 to function as an antenna, an end member for bouncing radio waves is required. Therefore, the notch 8N is formed between the wide member 8 and the first patch antenna 41, and this member is designated as the Qe line 6. Further, it allows the first patch antenna 41 to function as an antenna for bouncing the radio waves.

[0080] In order to ascertain the viability of the antenna 10 provided in the present disclosure, S11 frequency characteristics have been determined for an exemplary antenna in which the conductor pattern 3A of the first embodiment is used and a reference antenna in which the Qe line 6 is omitted from the conductor pattern 3A, i.e., an example in which the input / output line 5 is connected to the first patch antenna 41 with the same width. These equivalent circuits were used to calculate the S11 frequency characteristics of the input / output ports.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the frequency characteristics of S11, in accordance with a reference antenna example of the present disclosure. On the other hand, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the frequency characteristics of S11, in accordance with an exemplary antenna example of the present disclosure.

[0082] According to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, when the bandwidth of -10 dB is compared, the bandwidth of the exemplary antenna 10 example is larger than that of the reference antenna example. Further, as depicted by these figures, it can be seen that the bandwidth has increased as well.

[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. Moreover, the respective embodiments can be used in combination as appropriate

[0084] Representative embodiments of the present invention have been described below.

[0085] In a first aspect, an antenna 10 device includes: a dielectric substrate 2; and a conductor pattern 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G formed on the dielectric substrate. The conductor pattern 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G including: an antenna array 4 comprising a plurality of patch antennas 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 connected in series; an input / output line 5 feeding the antenna array 4; and a junction interposed between the input / output line 5 and a first patch antenna from the plurality of patch antennas 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 located at an end of the antenna array 4 connected to the input / output line 5, the junction being narrower than the first patch antenna and wider than a transmission line 46 connecting adjacent patch antennas in the antenna array 4.

[0086] In a second aspect, the antenna device according to the first aspect, wherein the junction is wider than the input / output line 5.

[0087] In a third aspect, the antenna device according to the first aspect, wherein the conductor pattern 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G further includes: an impedance transformer 71 interposed between the input / output line 5 and the junction.

[0088] In a fourth aspect, the antenna device according to the third aspect, wherein length of the impedance transformer 71 in a transmission direction corresponds to 1 / 4 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave.

[0089] In a fifth aspect, the antenna device according to the first and the second aspect, wherein the conductor pattern 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G further includes: a tapered member 62 interposed between the input / output line 5 and the junction, the tapered member 62 is widened toward the junction.

[0090] In a sixth aspect, the antenna device according to the first aspect, wherein the junction is a tapered member 72, the tapered member 72 is widened toward the first patch antenna.

[0091] In a seventh aspect, the antenna device according to the first aspect, wherein the conductor pattern 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G further includes a wide member 8 interposed between the input / output line 5 and the junction, the wide member 8 is widened toward the junction.

[0092] In an eighth aspect, the antenna device according to the seventh aspect, further includes a notch 8N being formed between the wide member (8) and the first patch antenna (41).

[0093] In a ninth aspect, wherein length of the junction in a transmission direction is one of shorter than 1 / 4 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave; or longer than 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave.

[0094] In a tenth aspect, a transmitter includes the antenna device according to the first aspect to the ninth aspect.

[0095] In an eleventh aspect, a radar 100 includes the antenna device according to the first aspect to the ninth aspect.

[0096] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0097] Patent Literature 1 - Chinese Patent Publication No. CN106972244BPatent Literature 2 - European Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. EP2950390A1

[0098] 2: Dielectric Substrate, 21: First Main Surface, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G: Conductor Pattern, 4: Antenna Array, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45: plurality of Patch Antenna, 46, 47, 48, and 49: Transmission Line, 5: Input / Output Line, 6: Qe Line (as Junction), 62: Taper Member (as Junction), 71: Impedance Transformer, 72: Taper Member, 8: Wide Member, 8N: Notch, 9: Feeding Point, 10: Antenna, 11: Transceiver, 12: Signal Processor, 13: Control circuitry, 100: Radar

Claims

1. An antenna (10) device comprising: a dielectric substrate (2); and a conductor pattern (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G) formed on the dielectric substrate, the conductor pattern (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G) comprising: an antenna array (4) comprising a plurality of patch antennas (41, 42, 43, 44, and 45) connected in series; an input / output line (5) feeding the antenna array (4); and a junction interposed between the input / output line (5) and a first patch antenna of the plurality of patch antennas (41, 42, 43, 44, and 45) located at an end of the antenna array (4) connected to the input / output line (5), the junction being narrower than the first patch antenna and wider than a transmission line (46) connecting adjacent patch antennas in the antenna array (4).

2. The antenna (10) device according to claim 1, wherein the junction is wider than the input / output line (5).

3. The antenna (10) device according to claim 1, wherein the conductor pattern (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G) further comprises: an impedance transformer (71) interposed between the input / output line (5) and the junction.

4. The antenna (10) device according to claim 3, wherein length of the impedance transformer (71) in a transmission direction corresponds to 1 / 4 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave.

5. The antenna (10) device according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the conductor pattern (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G) further comprises: a tapered member 62 interposed between the input / output line (5) and the junction, the tapered member (62) is widened toward the junction.

6. The antenna (10) device according to claim 1, wherein the junction is a tapered member (72), the tapered member (72) is widened toward the first patch antenna.

7. The antenna (10) device according to claim 1, wherein the conductor pattern (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G) further comprises: a wide member (8) interposed between the input / output line (5) and the junction, the wide member (8) is widened toward the junction.

8. The antenna (10) device according to claim 7, further comprising: a notch 8N being formed between the wide member (8) and the first patch antenna (41).

9. The antenna (10) device according to claim 1, wherein length of the junction in a transmission direction is one of: shorter than 1 / 4 of a wavelength of a fundamental wave; or longer than 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the fundamental wave.

10. A transmitter comprising the antenna (10) device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A radar (100) comprising the antenna (10) device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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