Dielectric-loaded waveguides for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas

Abstract

Dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas. The present disclosure describes a waveguide that uses a combination of air dielectric filled channels and non-air dielectric filled channels to obtain the beneficial properties of air and dielectric waveguides. The electromagnetic energy losses within the waveguide are comparable to conventional air waveguides. However, using smaller dimensions than a reference air waveguide, the example waveguide can occupy a smaller chip or package area than a reference air waveguide of conventional design. The waveguide has a routing portion having a hollow channel filled with an air dielectric. A radiating channel corresponding to each hollow channel is loaded with a non-air dielectric. The surface of each radiating channel allows electromagnetic energy to escape the non-air dielectric. The described waveguide can be particularly advantageously used in an automotive environment, such as detecting objects in a road in a path of travel of a vehicle.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application US 63 / 182,726, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an antenna system, for example for automotive applications. In addition, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising such an antenna system, a method of manufacturing such an antenna system, and a method of using such an antenna system to perform a driving operation based on radar detection. Background Art

[0003] Antenna systems are used in automotive applications to detect objects in the vehicle's surroundings, such as road features, obstacles, or other vehicles. These antenna systems typically include one or more antennas configured to emit electromagnetic (EM) energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation into the environment and detect reflections of the electromagnetic energy from the objects to be detected. The antenna system may be part of a radar system.

[0004] The antenna system is usually arranged at the body of the vehicle, for example, in or behind the bumper or logo of the vehicle, at the corner or side of the body, etc. The antenna characteristics (such as directivity, gain or sidelobe suppression) of the antenna pattern of the antenna system usually depend on the size, shape, distance and arrangement of the individual antennas of the antenna system. In order to enhance the antenna characteristics and / or allow the antenna characteristics to be flexibly adjusted for different environmental scenarios, it is usually desirable to combine a large number of antennas and / or a large number of separate radiating elements in the antenna system.

[0005] Since the size of the individual antennas and / or radiating elements is given by the operating wavelength of the antenna system and is usually of the same order of magnitude as the operating wavelength, the individual antennas and / or radiating elements may not be arbitrarily small. On the other hand, the size constraints on the location suitable for arranging the antenna system on the vehicle body limit the maximum size of the antenna system. Therefore, the total number of individual antennas and / or radiating elements that can be incorporated into the antenna system is usually limited.

[0006] Furthermore, when the antennas are arranged in close proximity to one another, for example at a distance comparable to or less than the operating wavelength, mutual electromagnetic coupling between the antennas may occur, which deteriorates the antenna characteristics by directing electromagnetic energy in an undesirable or unfavorable direction. Such mutual coupling therefore places a limit on the minimum distance at which the antennas of the antenna system can be arranged adjacent to one another, and thus also on the minimum size of the antenna system.

[0007] Finally, the detection efficiency of the antenna system also depends on the losses that occur within the antenna system when directing electromagnetic energy between the antenna elements and the port of the antenna system that interfaces the antenna to the radar system. These losses generally limit the maximum power at which the antenna system can operate.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an antenna system that provides flexible adjustment of antenna characteristics (eg, directivity, gain, and / or sidelobe suppression) without significantly changing or increasing form factor and / or losses. Summary of the invention

[0009] In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an antenna system comprising: a feed portion configured to connect the antenna system to a radar device, such as a radar chip; and a waveguide portion, such as a radiating portion, comprising one or more radiating channels, wherein each radiating channel is configured to be coupled to a channel of the radar device. The radiating channel is filled with a first dielectric. The radiating channel comprises respective surfaces, each surface having at least one radiating element that allows electromagnetic energy to escape and / or enter the first dielectric. The antenna system further comprises one or more additional channels filled with a second dielectric different from the first dielectric. The additional channel is electromagnetically coupled to the radiating channel to allow at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy to be transmitted between the radiating channel and the additional channel.

[0010] By electromagnetically coupling the radiating channel of the antenna system to the additional channel and by filling the radiating channel and the additional channel with different dielectrics, the antenna system according to the present disclosure allows flexible adjustment of the radiation characteristics of the radiating channel regardless of the losses and form factors occurring within the antenna system.

[0011] For example, the first dielectric may be adapted to reduce the size of the radiation channel compared to an empty or air-filled radiation channel. The first dielectric may reduce the wavelength of electromagnetic energy propagating within the radiation channel at the operating frequency of the antenna system compared to an empty radiation channel. As a result, the size and spacing of the radiating elements are also reduced, since the radiating elements are generally adapted to the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy within the radiation channel for efficient energy transfer. On the one hand, smaller sized and closely spaced radiating elements provide the possibility of reducing the size of the radiation channel and thus freeing up space within the antenna system for arranging additional elements, such as beam shaping elements. On the other hand, smaller sized radiating elements allow a larger number of radiating elements to be arranged within a given volume of the antenna system, thereby increasing the gain provided by the antenna system.

[0012] Providing an additional channel electromagnetically coupled to the radiating channel and filled with a dielectric different from the dielectric of the radiating channel then allows the transmission characteristics of the radiating channel to be adjusted with the transmission characteristics of other parts of the antenna system (such as the additional channel).

[0013] For example, the second dielectric may have a loss tangent that is different from the loss tangent of the first dielectric. For example, the loss tangents may differ by at least a factor of 10, at least a factor of 20, at least a factor of 50, or at least a factor of 100. For example, the loss tangent of the second dielectric may be one of the multiples smaller than the loss tangent of the first dielectric. The additional channel then provides a propagation channel that allows efficient transmission of electromagnetic energy. The additional channel may then, for example, be a routing channel that couples the radiating channel to the radar device.

[0014] The loss tangent of the second dielectric may also be greater than the loss tangent of the first dielectric, for example greater than one of the multiples. The additional channel may then be configured, for example, as an absorption channel that absorbs part of the electromagnetic energy, for example, a part that would otherwise deteriorate the radiation characteristics of the antenna system. Such a part may be, for example, a part that is reflected back toward the radiation channel by a radome placed in front of the radiating element, or a part that propagates, for example, as a surface current along a surface comprising the radiating element.

[0015] The first dielectric may be a non-air dielectric, such as a non-gas dielectric, a non-liquid dielectric, such as a solid dielectric. These dielectrics may have a relative dielectric constant different from 1 and at the same time be easy to manufacture and handle during assembly of the antenna system. The first dielectric may be a polymer, such as a polyimide. For example, the first dielectric may be a polyetherimide (PEI), such as an unreinforced or reinforced polyetherimide. The reinforced polyetherimide may, for example, contain glass fibers. Typically, the first dielectric may be an amorphous and / or thermoplastic material.

[0016] The second dielectric may be a non-solid dielectric, such as a liquid dielectric, a gas dielectric, for example an air dielectric (eg air). These dielectrics have low electromagnetic losses in the additional channel due to their small polarizability.

[0017] The second dielectric may also be a non-air dielectric, such as a non-gas dielectric, a non-liquid dielectric, for example a solid dielectric. The second dielectric may, for example, be an absorber material configured to absorb electromagnetic energy at the operating frequency of the antenna system. The loss tangent of the absorber material is greater than the loss tangent of air and / or the first dielectric. For example, the absorber material may have a loss tangent of at least 0.05, 0.1 or 0.2.

[0018] The at least one radiating channel may be at least partially, such as completely, filled with the first dielectric. Similarly, the at least one additional trench may be at least partially, such as completely, filled with the second dielectric.

[0019] In addition to the one or more radiating channels filled with the first dielectric, the antenna system may also include one or more other radiating channels that do not contain the first dielectric. The other radiating channels may be filled with a different dielectric, such as air.

[0020] In addition to the one or more additional channels filled with the second dielectric, the antenna system may also include one or more additional channels that do not contain the second dielectric.

[0021] The electromagnetic coupling between at least one radiation channel and at least one additional channel may be direct coupling, for example, by a transfer portion that converts between an electromagnetic mode traveling in the radiation channel and an electromagnetic mode traveling in the additional channel. Such a transfer portion may, for example, be configured as a truncated cone and / or a twisted portion. The electromagnetic coupling may also be a radiation coupling. For example, the electromagnetic energy transferred may be propagated between the radiation channel and the additional channel as radiation, for example, via a radiation element. The electromagnetic coupling may also be a conductive coupling. For example, the electromagnetic energy transferred may be propagated between the radiation channel and the additional channel as an electric current (e.g., a surface current).

[0022] The radiating channel and the additional channel may be arranged adjacent to each other, such as laterally adjacent to each other. For example, the radiating channel and the additional channel may share a common adjoining wall. The additional channel and the radiating channel may, for example, be oriented parallel to each other.

[0023] The radiating channel and the additional channel may also be arranged adjacent to each other along the propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy in the radiating channel. For example, the radiating channel and the additional channel may be longitudinally aligned with each other. For example, the additional channel may form a routing channel connected to the radiating channel, and the routing channel exchanges electromagnetic energy with the radiating channel.

[0024] Each radiating channel may be part of a single antenna of the antenna system. For example, the individual radiating channels may constitute individual antennas of the antenna system. Additionally or alternatively, one or more radiating channels may together form one of the antennas of the antenna system. Typically, the individual antennas of the antenna system include all radiating elements and / or radiating channels configured to coherently transfer electromagnetic energy between the antenna system and the radiated field of the antenna system.

[0025] Each radiating element may constitute an antenna element of the antenna system. The radiating element may be configured to convert electromagnetic energy between the interior of the radiating channel and the environment of the antenna system. In the environment, the electromagnetic energy may propagate as radiation. Individual radiating elements may be configured as slots, cones, etc.

[0026] The radiating channel and / or the additional channel can be configured as a waveguide that guides electromagnetic energy at the operating frequency of the antenna system. For example, the waveguide can be configured as a three-dimensional waveguide comprising a cavity bounded in at least two lateral directions by a conductive structure (e.g., a metal structure). The waveguide allows electromagnetic energy to propagate in at least one direction, such as in the propagation direction. Within the waveguide, the electromagnetic energy propagates in the form of a normal mode of the waveguide defined by the dimensions of the waveguide. This normal mode can be, for example, a TE or TM mode.

[0027] The conductive structures surrounding the cavity or channel are opaque to the electromagnetic energy propagating in the channel. They may be formed at least partially, for example entirely, by solid walls. They may also be formed at least partially, for example entirely, by spaced-apart structures, such as through holes forming side walls in a substrate integrated waveguide. The spacing between the spaced-apart structures may be smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy propagating in the waveguide, for example at least five times or at least ten times smaller.

[0028] The conductive structure delimiting the cavity of the waveguide may include an opening to couple electromagnetic energy between the outside and the inside of the cavity. Such an opening may, for example, be formed by a radiating element for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, or by a port for coupling electromagnetic energy between the corresponding channel and another guiding structure (e.g. another channel or any other conducting structure, such as a transmission line).

[0029] The radiating elements may be formed at side surfaces of the radiating channel delimiting the radiating channel, the side surfaces being parallel to the propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy in the radiating channel. The radiating elements may also be formed at end surfaces of the radiating channel delimiting the radiating channel, the end surfaces being perpendicular to the propagation direction. At least a portion of the radiating elements (e.g. all radiating elements) may be arranged on the same surface of the antenna system. The surface may be a front surface of the antenna system oriented towards the field of view of the antenna system.

[0030] The radiating channels may be configured to generate standing wave patterns in their dielectric material. For example, the radiating channels may be closed by a conductive structure at at least one longitudinal end, for example at both longitudinal ends. The at least one radiating element (for example each individual radiating element) may be arranged at a longitudinal position corresponding to a maximum value of the electric field of the standing wave pattern in the radiating channel. These longitudinal positions are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction by a distance corresponding to half the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy in the first dielectric.

[0031] The waveguide portion of the antenna system may include at least one absorptive member. The absorptive member may be configured to absorb portions of the electromagnetic energy. These portions may be portions that would otherwise deteriorate the radiation pattern of the antenna system. The absorbed portions may be surface currents on the surface on which the radiating element is arranged and / or back reflections from other portions of the antenna system, such as a radome arranged in front of the radiating element.

[0032] The absorptive member may be located at surfaces comprising the radiating element. For example, the absorptive member may be exposed at these surfaces.

[0033] The absorptive members may be located near the radiation channel, for example parallel to the radiation channel. They may be configured to receive an absorbed portion of the electromagnetic energy at the surface where the radiating elements are arranged. The absorptive members may be configured as an isolation portion and / or an absorptive channel.

[0034] The absorbing member may be located near the radiating channel. For example, the absorbing member may be located between two adjacent radiating channels. The absorbing member may also be located between the radiating channel and the edge of the antenna board of the antenna system.

[0035] The absorption member may be connected to an absorption layer, the absorption layer being configured to absorb electromagnetic energy captured by the absorption member. The absorption layer may extend parallel to a propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy in the radiation channel. For example, the absorption layer may extend over all radiation channels, for example in a lateral direction perpendicular to the propagation direction. The absorption layer may be arranged on a side of the radiation channel opposite to a surface comprising the radiating element.

[0036] The connection between the spacer member and the absorbing layer may be provided between two radiation channels.

[0037] The isolation member (e.g., isolation portion and / or absorption channel) may include an absorbent material. The absorbent material may be plastic. The absorbent material may be, for example, polyester, such as polylactic acid (PLA). The absorbent material may also be polystyrene, such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS).

[0038] The radar device may be a transmitter and / or a receiver, such as a transceiver. The radar device may include an integrated circuit. For example, the radar device may be configured as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) or at least two connected MMICs. The channels of the radar device may be individual ports of the radar device. The radar device may be configured to independently transmit and / or receive individual radar signals, for example via individual channels.

[0039] The feed portion may include one or more connection ports that provide an interface between the radar device and the antenna system. Each individual radiating channel may be coupled to one of the connection ports via an intermediate signal path such as a routing channel. The intermediate signal path may be configured as a transmission line and / or a waveguide.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the first dielectric has a relative permittivity or dielectric constant greater than 1. For example, the relative permittivity of the first dielectric may be at least 1.5, at least 2, at least 2.5 or at least 3, such as 2 or 3. In case the relative permittivity is greater than 1, the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy propagating in the radiation channel is smaller than the wavelength in the gas-filled channel. Therefore, the size of the radiation element may also be kept smaller than the size of the gas-filled channel. Therefore, the radiation channel may have a small size and / or accommodate a large number of radiation elements.

[0041] According to one embodiment, one or more additional channels form routing channels, such as hollow channels, of the routing portion of the antenna system. The feed portion is then configured to connect each routing channel to a channel of the radar device, and the electromagnetic coupling between the additional channels and the radiating channels couples each of the one or more radiating channels to one of the routing channels. Providing different dielectrics within the routing channels and the radiating channels of the antenna system allows adapting the routing channels to low-loss propagation of electromagnetic energy and adapting the radiating channels to small sizes and close spacing of radiating elements.

[0042] The loss tangent of the second dielectric may be less than the loss tangent of the first dielectric. Additionally or alternatively, the relative permittivity or dielectric constant of the second dielectric may be less than the relative permittivity or dielectric constant of the first dielectric. For example, the first dielectric may be a solid dielectric and the second dielectric may be air.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the second dielectric is a liquid dielectric, such as an air dielectric, such as air, and / or the first dielectric is a non-air dielectric, such as a non-liquid dielectric, such as a solid.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the antenna system further comprises a conversion portion, the transfer portion being configured to transfer electromagnetic (EM) energy allowed to escape and / or enter the radiating elements between the second dielectric of the routing channels and the first dielectric of the radiating channels. The transfer portion may comprise a transfer section that couples electromagnetic energy from each routing channel to each radiating channel. The transfer section may comprise, for example, a truncated cone-shaped portion and / or a power divider and / or a phase shifter, etc.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel are connected to the same routing channel of the routing channels. This allows both the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel to be connected to the same channel of the radar device. Thus, the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel can form part of a single antenna of an antenna device controlled via the same channel of the radar device.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel are connected to different routing channels. This allows the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel to be connected to different channels of the radar device. Therefore, the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel can act as independent antennas of the antenna system.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the routing portion is arranged in a routing layer, and the waveguide portion comprises a radiating layer, the radiating layer being adjacent to one side of the routing layer, and the surface having respective radiating channels of at least one radiating element allowing electromagnetic energy to escape and / or enter the first dielectric being located on the side of the radiating layer opposite to the routing.

[0048] Providing the routing portion and the waveguide or radiating portion in individual layers results in an antenna system having a low height, for example in the radiation direction and / or propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy within the individual channels. The extension of these individual layers in the height direction may be smaller than the extension in a lateral direction perpendicular to the height direction.

[0049] Each individual layer may comprise an individual opening or cavity for each individual radiating channel or for each individual routing channel. Individual radiating elements may be formed by respective ends of the openings of respective radiating channels, whereby wherein the ends are located on the side of the radiating layer opposite to the side of the radiating layer facing the routing layer. In the individual layers, the openings or cavities may be arranged adjacent to each other in the lateral directions.

[0050] Each radiating channel in the radiating layer may form a horn antenna. The horn antenna may include a tapered sidewall. For example, the horn antenna may be configured as a corrugated horn antenna.

[0051] The radiating layer may be arranged on top of the routing layer, for example directly on top of the routing layer, or with one or more intermediate layers between the routing layer and the radiating layer.

[0052] The radiating layer may include several sub-layers stacked on top of each other. The size of the openings in each sub-layer may increase from the side of the radiating layer facing the routing layer to the side of the radiating layer opposite the routing layer. This size increase may provide a tapered cross-section of each radiating channel, for example, to form each horn antenna.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the waveguide portion comprises a further radiating layer, wherein the further radiating layer is adjacent to a side of the radiating layer opposite the routing layer, and wherein the further radiating layer comprises a surface having individual radiating channels of at least one radiating element allowing electromagnetic energy to escape from the first dielectric. Such further radiating layer may be configured to enhance the directivity of electromagnetic energy entering and / or leaving these individual radiating elements.

[0054] The further radiating layer may be formed integrally with the radiating layer. The further radiating layer may also be configured as a separate layer connected to the radiating layer. The further radiating layer may be arranged on top of the radiating layer, for example directly on top of the radiating layer, or with one or more intermediate layers between the further radiating layer and the radiating layer.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the at least one radiation channel comprises a cavity of the radiation layer filled with the first dielectric.The cavity may be formed by an opening in the radiation layer.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the cavity of the radiating layer has a shape extending from the routing layer through the radiating layer and up to the further radiating layer. The cavity may, for example, form a through hole through the routing layer. For embodiments without the further radiating layer, the cavity may extend from the routing layer through the radiating layer to a surface of the radiating layer positioned opposite to a side of the routing layer adjacent to the routing layer.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the feeding part is arranged in the feeding layer, and the routing layer is adjacent to the feeding layer. For example, the side of the routing layer adjacent to the radiating layer can be located opposite to the feeding layer. This provides a compact structure of the antenna system.

[0058] The routing layer may be arranged above the feeding layer, for example directly above the feeding layer, or with one or more intermediate layers between the routing layer and the feeding layer.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the feed portion is configured to connect the channel of the radar device to the antenna system at the bottom surface of the feed layer opposite to the routing layer. This allows the antenna system to be arranged above the radar device and thus allows a compact stacked construction of the radar system including the antenna system and the radar device.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the routing layer and the radiating layer comprise a stack of parallel layers. This provides a compact structure of the antenna system.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the routing layer further comprises a transfer portion configured to transfer EM energy allowed to escape and / or enter the radiating elements between the second dielectric of the routing channel and the first dielectric of the radiating channel. The transfer portion may comprise the transfer segment described above.

[0062] Typically, each of the radiation layer and / or routing layer and / or further radiation layer and / or feed layer may comprise several sub-layers. The various sub-layers of the same layer may be formed of the same material. They may be stacked on top of each other.

[0063] According to one embodiment, one or more additional channels are configured as absorption channels, wherein the second dielectric is configured as an absorber material, and wherein each surface of each absorption channel has at least one absorption element, such as a pattern of absorption elements, which allows part of the electromagnetic energy entering and / or leaving the first dielectric to be absorbed by the absorber material. Said part of the electromagnetic energy may be, for example, EM reflections near the surface of the radiating channel and / or surface currents propagating at the surface of at least one radiating channel. Such absorption channels improve the radiation pattern of the antenna system by eliminating radiation generated by reflections and / or surface currents, and thus do not contribute to the radiation pattern suitable for the application of the antenna system.

[0064] The absorption channel forms the absorption part of the antenna system.

[0065] One or more absorption channels may be located near the radiating channels, for example in a lateral direction perpendicular to the propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy in the radiating channels. For example, the absorption channels may be oriented parallel to the radiating channels. The absorption channels may be located between one of the radiating channels and an edge of an antenna panel of the antenna system. The absorption channels may also be located between two radiating channels.

[0066] Similar to the radiating channels, the absorbing channels can be configured as waveguides. They can have the same dimensions as the radiating channels. The dimensions can be, for example, lateral dimensions, such as lateral height perpendicular to the surface with the radiating elements, and / or lateral width parallel to the surface with the radiating elements. The dimensions can also be the length of the radiating channels and the absorbing channels along the propagation direction.

[0067] The size and position of at least one absorption element (e.g., a pattern of absorption elements) of at least one absorption channel can be arranged to produce a radiation pattern that overlaps and / or corresponds to the radiation pattern produced by at least one radiation channel. Thus, the absorption element of the absorption channel can be configured to effectively capture electromagnetic energy reflected toward the absorption element, for example by mimicking the radiation element of the radiation channel.

[0068] For example, the pattern of radiating elements of at least one radiating channel and the pattern of absorbing elements of at least one absorbing channel may be equal.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the absorption element (e.g., each absorption element of the absorption element pattern) comprises an absorption groove and / or an absorption cone to capture the portion of the electromagnetic energy. The groove and / or the cone may have the same size and / or the same arrangement relative to the absorption channel as the radiation elements of the radiation channel relative to the radiation channel.

[0070] The pattern of absorption elements of the absorption channel may be substantially identical to, e.g., equal to, the pattern of radiating elements of the radiation channel. For example, individual absorption elements of the pattern of absorption elements of the absorption channel may have the same size and / or the same arrangement as individual radiating elements of the pattern of radiating elements of the radiation channel. Typically, the pattern of absorption elements is made as similar as possible to the pattern of radiating elements. For example, the pattern of absorption elements may be identical to the pattern of radiating elements.

[0071] The absorption element (eg each absorption element) may be configured as a metamaterial structure. For example, the absorption element or each absorption element may be configured to capture electromagnetic energy having predetermined characteristics (eg frequency and / or wavelength and / or angle of incidence, etc.).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the outer wall of the radiating channel is adjacent to the outer wall of the absorbing channel. This provides a compact structure of the antenna system. The adjacent walls may for example be side walls oriented parallel to the propagation direction and / or perpendicular to the surface comprising the absorbing and / or radiating elements. For example, the radiating channel and the absorbing channel may share a common outer wall, which forms a wall of the radiating channel and a wall of the further absorbing channel.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the antenna system further comprises an absorption layer, which is arranged below at least one of: the radiating channel; the absorbing channel; the outer wall of the radiating channel; or the outer wall of the absorbing channel. The absorption layer is thereby configured to absorb the EM reflections further away from the radiating channel than from the absorbing channel. Such an absorption layer further increases the absorption of electromagnetic energy by the absorbing channel, thereby enhancing the antenna characteristics of the antenna device.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the absorption layer is filled with an absorber material. This effectively prevents the emission of electromagnetic energy captured by the absorption element.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the absorption layer comprises an interface to the absorption channel through another surface of the absorption channel opposite to the surface with at least one absorption element. Such an interface allows the absorption layer to be arranged on the side of the absorption channel and / or the radiation channel opposite to the side comprising the radiation element and / or the absorption element. Thus, re-emission of electromagnetic energy captured by the absorption element is effectively prevented.

[0076] In addition to or instead of the at least one absorbing channel, the antenna system may further comprise at least one absorbing member configured as an isolating portion. Such an isolating portion may be directly embedded in the antenna system, for example in an antenna board of the antenna system. The isolating portion may for example be free of a waveguide structure.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the waveguide portion comprises at least one pair of radiating channels separated by an isolation portion, the isolation portion being configured to prevent interference between the first and second radiating channels of the pair of radiating channels by absorbing stray portions of EM energy allowed to escape and / or enter each of the first and second radiating channels. Such isolation portions improve the transmission characteristics of the antenna device.

[0078] The isolation portion may be configured as a strip or a band.The isolation portion may extend along a propagation direction of electromagnetic energy within the radiation channel.

[0079] The isolation portion may be exposed at a surface of the antenna device comprising the radiating element. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation portion may extend below the surface. The isolation portion may be arranged parallel to the radiating channel.

[0080] The isolation part may be located in a cavity of the radiating part. The cavity may have an opening at the surface with the radiating element. The cavity may be configured as a longitudinal groove, for example.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the surface of each radiation channel is a first surface of each radiation channel, and the isolation portion extends from the pair of radiation channels to an isolation layer arranged below a second surface of each radiation channel, the second surface being opposite to the first surface. In addition, the isolation layer is configured to absorb stray portions of the EM energy absorbed by the isolation portion. Such an isolation layer further increases the absorption capacity of the isolation portion. The isolation layer may constitute an absorption layer. The isolation layer may be configured as described above in conjunction with the absorption channel and the absorption layer.

[0082] Typically, the antenna system may include an absorbing layer located on a side of the at least one radiating channel facing away from the surface having the at least one radiating element. For example, the side may be positioned opposite the surface having the radiating element. The absorbing layer may be connected to an absorbing structure exposed at the surface having the at least one radiating element. The connection may be configured to divert portions of the electromagnetic energy received by the absorbing structure and direct them to the absorbing layer. The absorbing structure may be, for example, an isolating portion and / or an absorbing channel.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the isolation portion includes a metamaterial absorptive substrate or element configured to absorb stray portions of EM energy allowed to escape and / or enter each of the first and second radiation channels within a plurality of metamaterial structures of the isolation portion. Such metamaterial structures can effectively capture electromagnetic energy having predetermined characteristics (e.g., frequency, wavelength, angle of incidence, etc.). For example, the metamaterial structures can be configured to capture electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and / or wavelength and / or angle of incidence.

[0084] The metamaterial structure may, for example, be configured as a metal structure, such as a copper structure.The metamaterial structure may be arranged on an absorbent substrate, for example on an absorber material.

[0085] The metamaterial structure may be located at the surface of an antenna system including a radiating element and / or an absorbing element of an absorbing channel.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the isolating part of the antenna system partially protrudes out of the surface of the first radiating channel, partially protrudes out of the surface of the second radiating channel and protrudes into an adjacent wall separating the first and second radiating channels. This allows a compact structure of the antenna system.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the pattern of radiating elements of a first radiating channel in the radiation channels and the pattern of radiating elements of a second radiating channel in the radiation channels are separated by half of the wavelength at the operating frequency of the radar device. Such separation between the individual radiation channels allows efficient beamforming and / or allows the operation of the antenna system in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. Typically, the pattern of radiating elements of a first radiating channel in the radiation channels and the pattern of radiating elements of a second radiating channel in the radiation channels can be separated by an integer multiple of half of the wavelength at the operating frequency.

[0088] According to an embodiment, a first radiating channel of the radiating channels and a second radiating channel of the radiating channels are separated by an adjacent wall, which is thicker than the outer wall of the first radiating channel, for example at least two times, for example at least six times, and / or thicker than the outer wall of the second radiating channel, for example at least two times, for example at least six times. Providing the first radiating channel and / or the second radiating channel with an adjacent wall thicker than the outer wall provides isolation between the respective radiating channels and adjacent structures, such as mutual isolation of the first radiating channel and the second radiating channel, while keeping the overall size of the antenna system compact.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the dimensions of the radiating channels of the waveguide portion are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of one or more radiating channels of an air waveguide configured to allow an equal amount of EM energy to escape through the radiating elements of the air waveguide and / or to enter the air dielectric. Such radiating channels provide a compact antenna system. For example, the size of one of the radiating channels of the waveguide portion filled with the first dielectric may be smaller than the corresponding size of a channel of an air waveguide configured to allow an equal amount of EM energy to escape through the radiating elements of the air waveguide and / or to enter the air dielectric. Thus, each radiating channel of the air waveguide may include the same number of radiating elements as the radiating channels filled with the first dielectric.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the dimension of the radiating channel of the waveguide portion comprises a maximum length of the radiating channel of the waveguide portion, and the corresponding dimension of the radiating channel of the air waveguide comprises a maximum length of the radiating channel of the air waveguide. Thus, the antenna system has compact dimensions in the longitudinal direction.

[0091] The radiating channel of the waveguide portion may be shorter than a corresponding radiating channel of an air-filled waveguide that converts the same amount of electromagnetic energy. This reduction in length may be due to the shorter wavelength of the electromagnetic energy within the radiating channel filled with the first dielectric compared to the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy within the corresponding radiating channel filled with air. The shorter wavelength allows for a smaller distance between individual radiating elements and / or a shorter length of individual radiating elements along the propagation direction within the radiating channel.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the size of the radiation channel of the waveguide portion comprises the maximum area or volume of the radiation channel of the waveguide portion, and the corresponding size of the radiation channel of the air waveguide comprises the maximum area or volume of the radiation channel of the air waveguide. The area may be, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​each radiation channel perpendicular to the propagation direction in the radiation channel. A smaller mode volume of electromagnetic energy in the radiation channel filled with the first dielectric compared to the radiation channel filled with air may result in a reduction in area and / or volume.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the number of radiating elements in the pattern of radiating elements of each of these radiating channels is greater than the number of radiating elements in the pattern of radiating elements of the air channel of the air waveguide, which air waveguide is configured to allow an equal amount of EM energy to escape from the air channel as the EM energy allowed to escape from these radiating elements.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the radiating channel may be configured to accommodate a greater number of radiating elements than a corresponding radiating channel of the same size and filled with air instead of the first dielectric. Thus, the radiating elements of both the radiating channel filled with the first dielectric and the radiating channel filled with air may be spaced apart by the same integer multiple of half the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy within the first dielectric or air, respectively.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first dielectric is a structured dielectric configured to act as a lens for electromagnetic energy to escape and / or enter the first dielectric. Such a first dielectric allows additionally shaping the radiation pattern of the antenna system and thereby adapting the radiation characteristics to the working environment of the antenna system.

[0096] Such a structured dielectric can be integrated, for example, into a radiating channel of an antenna system comprising a routing layer and a radiating layer. For example, such a structured dielectric can be integrated into a separate propagation channel configured as a horn antenna.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the radiating channel and / or the additional channel comprises metal and / or plastic, such as metal-coated plastic.This allows for easy and cost-effective manufacturing of the antenna system.

[0098] The radiating channel and / or the additional channel may include a plastic body coated with a metal (e.g., copper). The plastic may be a plastic having a low loss tangent at the operating frequency of the antenna system. For example, the plastic may be polyimide, polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer), etc.

[0099] Typically, the radiation channel and / or the additional channel may comprise a body provided as a molded part, such as an injection molded part. The body may also be provided as a body manufactured by 3D printing. The body may also be provided as a laminated part. Furthermore, it may be provided as a brazed part, such as a part made of brazed aluminum.

[0100] The body may be made of a conductor. The body may also be made of an insulator such as plastic. The body may have a conductive coating. The coating may be applied, for example, by electroplating and / or galvanizing and / or spraying.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the radiation channel and / or the additional channel is configured as a waveguide, such as a tubular waveguide. The waveguide may have a transverse dimension perpendicular to the propagation direction, which is suitable for the mode volume of the electromagnetic energy propagating along the propagation direction. The waveguide may be open at both longitudinal ends. Alternatively, they may also be closed at at least one longitudinal end, such as at both longitudinal ends.

[0102] For example, a radiating channel may be closed at one longitudinal end and adjoin an additional channel, such as a routing channel, at another longitudinal end.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the one or more radiating channels each comprise a pattern of radiating elements which are sequentially coupled to the corresponding radiating channel along the longitudinal direction and / or propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy within the radiating channel. This allows efficient feeding of the radiating elements.

[0104] For example, the radiating elements may have a longitudinal spacing corresponding to an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy propagating in the radiation channel. The integer multiple may be equal to 1, for example.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the number of radiation channels is greater than or equal to the number of additional channels.

[0106] According to one embodiment, each additional channel comprises a cavity which is rectangular in shape at least in its cross section, for example rectangular in shape in all three dimensions, and is filled with a second dielectric. The cavity may be a cavity forming a waveguide of the respective additional channel. For other embodiments, at least one additional channel may comprise a cavity. Other additional channels may not comprise a cavity.

[0107] According to one embodiment, each radiating channel comprises a cavity, which is rectangular in shape at least in its cross section, for example rectangular in shape in all three dimensions, and is filled with a first dielectric. The cavity may be a cavity forming a waveguide of the respective radiating channel. For other embodiments, at least one radiating channel may comprise a cavity. Other radiating channels may not comprise a cavity.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the one or more radiating channels are formed by a first part and a second part, wherein the first part only partially encloses the first dielectric, and wherein the second part is connected to the first part in a contact area.Such a configuration of the radiating channels allows easy manufacturing.

[0109] The first part and the second part may together form a cavity that completely encloses the first dielectric at least in a lateral direction perpendicular to the propagation direction in the radiation channel. For example, the first part and the second part may together form a cavity that encloses the first dielectric in two lateral directions (e.g. in all three dimensions).

[0110] The first part can be configured to accommodate the first dielectric in the first cavity part of the cavity. The second part can be configured to accommodate the first dielectric in the second cavity part of the cavity. For example, the first cavity part can be configured as a groove in the first part forming the radiation channel, and / or the second cavity part can be configured as a groove in the second part forming the radiation channel. The first part or the second part can also only cover the cavity holding the first dielectric, and the cavity can then be completely formed in the corresponding other part of the first part and the second part.

[0111] The contact area may include a contact surface of the first part that abuts against a corresponding contact surface of the second part. The contact surface of the first part and / or the contact surface of the second part may be configured as a metal surface. The contact surface of the first part and / or the contact surface of the second part may be configured as a flat surface. The contact surface of the first part and / or the contact surface of the second part may be oriented parallel to the surface of the radiating element holding the radiation channel.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the first part comprises at least one radiating element.The first part may then form a part of the radiating channel.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the contact area extends parallel to the surface of the radiation channel having the at least one radiating element and / or parallel to the propagation direction of electromagnetic energy in the radiation channel. This allows easy arrangement of the first dielectric in the radiation channel before connecting the first part and the second part.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the contact area is located at a side surface of the first dielectric, which side surface connects the first surface of the dielectric with the second surface of the dielectric. Thus, the first surface and the second surface of the dielectric are located on opposite sides of the dielectric, and the first surface is located near the surface of the radiating channel with the radiating element. This structure allows the first part and the second part to be manufactured as the top and bottom parts of the radiating channel and to connect these parts in a simple way during the manufacture of the antenna system.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the second part surrounds the remaining part of the first dielectric that is not surrounded by the first part. Thus, the first part and the second part may form an outer shell of the dielectric. For example, the first part and the second part may completely form the radiation channel.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the first part and the second part each comprise a cavity portion accommodating a portion of the first dielectric. This allows arranging the dielectric within the first part or the second part before connecting these parts to form the propagation channel.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the second part comprises another surface of the radiation channel, which surface is oriented parallel to the surface with the at least one radiating element. For such an embodiment, the contact area can be located between the two parallel surfaces. This allows easy arrangement of the first dielectric within the radiation channel and allows easy connection of the first part and the second part to form the radiation channel.

[0118] Similar to the radiation channel, the additional channel can also be formed by a first part and a second part, wherein the first part only partially surrounds the second dielectric, and wherein the second part is connected to the first part in the contact area. All embodiments and technical effects disclosed in conjunction with the first part and the second part forming the radiation channel are also applicable to the first part and the second part forming the additional channel, and vice versa.

[0119] The first part forming the radiation channel may also be the first part forming the additional channel, and the second part forming the radiation channel may also be the second part forming the additional channel. For example, the first part may partially surround the first dielectric and the second dielectric, and the second part may also partially surround the first dielectric and the second dielectric.

[0120] For example, the first part may partially surround all radiating channels and / or all additional channels. The second part may also partially surround all radiating channels and / or all additional channels. The first part may form the top of the antenna system including the radiating element, and the second part may form the bottom of the antenna system.

[0121] On the other hand, the present disclosure relates to a device, which includes the antenna system according to the present disclosure and a device such as a radar chip, and the device is configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals via the antenna system. All features, embodiments and technical effects disclosed in conjunction with the antenna system according to the present disclosure are also applicable to the device, and vice versa.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the device and / or the antenna system is part of a radar system.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the radar system is configured to be mounted as part of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. The radar system may be configured to be mounted at the front and / or sides and / or corners of the vehicle.

[0124] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method comprising performing a driving maneuver by a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) based on radar detection observed using an antenna system according to the present disclosure. All features, embodiments, and technical effects disclosed in conjunction with the antenna system and device according to the present disclosure also apply to the method, and vice versa.

[0125] The driving operation may be an advanced driver assistance operation, which may provide turning control, lane change assistance, adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assistance, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, collision warning, driver monitoring, automatic parking, and the like.

[0126] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor of a vehicle (eg, a motor vehicle) to perform a driving maneuver based on radar detections observed using an antenna system according to the present invention.

[0127] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system comprising means for performing a driving operation based on radar detection observed using an antenna system according to the present disclosure.

[0128] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, comprising an antenna system according to the present disclosure and / or a radar system having an antenna system.

[0129] The present disclosure is also directed to a method for manufacturing an antenna system, the method comprising: providing a first portion of a radiation channel and a second portion of the radiation channel; placing a dielectric between the first portion and the second portion; joining the first portion and the second portion to form the radiation channel, wherein the radiation channel has a cavity filled with the dielectric.

[0130] This method allows the antenna system to be easily manufactured. The method can be a method for manufacturing the antenna system according to the present disclosure. In this way, all embodiments and technical effects disclosed in conjunction with the antenna system according to the present disclosure are also applicable to the method for manufacturing the antenna system, and vice versa.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the first part has a first cavity part suitable for accommodating a dielectric and / or the second part has a second cavity part suitable for accommodating a dielectric. Before connecting the first part and the second part to form the radiation channel, the dielectric can be arranged in the first cavity part or the second cavity part. This allows easy alignment of the dielectric relative to the first and / or second part.

[0132] According to one embodiment, providing the first part and / or the second part comprises forming the first part and / or the second part by moulding, for example by injection moulding.This allows low-cost manufacture of these components.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the first part and / or the second part is provided with a conductive surface, for example equipped with a metal coating. The metal coating can then directly form a conductive structure delimiting the radiation channel. For example, the first part and / or the second part can be provided as a plastic part carrying a conductive surface. The conductive surface can also be present at the contact surface of the first part and / or the second part, and after the first part and the second part are joined, the first part and / or the second part are positioned adjacent to each other in the contact area. This can prevent electromagnetic energy leakage at the contact area.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the method comprises providing the dielectric as a solid element, such as a strip or a plate. This allows easy manufacture of the antenna system. The portion may be, for example, a rectangular strip with a rectangular cross section, for example a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the propagation direction of the radiating channel.

[0135] In summary, this article describes techniques, devices, and systems for dielectric-loaded waveguides for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas. The device may include an antenna system. The antenna system includes a routing portion having one or more hollow channels; each hollow channel is filled with an air dielectric. The feed portion of the antenna system is configured to connect each hollow channel to a corresponding channel of a radar chip. The antenna system also includes a waveguide portion that includes one or more radiating channels corresponding to each hollow channel. Each radiating channel is loaded with a non-air dielectric, and the surface of each radiating channel has a pattern of radiating elements that allow EM energy to escape the non-air dielectric.

[0136] In another example, a device includes another antenna system. Another antenna system includes a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, and a fourth layer. The first layer includes a feed portion configured to connect a channel of a radar chip to the antenna system. The second layer is adjacent to the first layer and includes a routing portion having a hollow channel configured to hold an air dielectric. The hollow channel is electrically coupled to the channel of the radar chip via the feed portion. The third layer is adjacent to the side of the second layer opposite to the first layer. The third layer includes a first waveguide portion, the first waveguide portion including a radiation channel coupled to the hollow channel, the radiation channel being loaded with a non-air dielectric. The fourth layer is adjacent to the side of the third layer opposite to the second layer. The fourth layer defines a second waveguide portion, the second waveguide portion including a surface that defines a plurality of radiating elements that allow EM energy to escape from the antenna system.

[0137] In another example, a device includes another antenna system. The antenna system includes a feed portion and a waveguide portion configured to connect the antenna system to a radar chip. The waveguide portion includes a radiation channel corresponding to a channel of the radar chip. The radiation channel is loaded with a non-air dielectric, and a surface of the radiation channel has a pattern of radiation elements that allow EM energy to escape the non-air dielectric. An absorption channel is paired with the radiation channel. The absorption channel is paired with the radiation channel, the absorption channel is loaded with an absorber material, and the surface of the absorption channel has a pattern of absorption elements that allow unwanted EM reflections near the surface of the radiation channel to be absorbed by the absorber material.

[0138] Also described herein are methods performed by the techniques, apparatuses, and systems summarized above, as well as other methods set forth herein, as well as computer-readable storage media having instructions for causing a processor to perform these methods, and apparatus for performing these methods.

[0139] This Summary introduces simplified concepts related to dielectric loaded waveguides for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas, as further described in the Detailed Description and Figures. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0140] Details of one or more aspects of dielectric-loaded waveguides for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas are described herein with reference to the following drawings. The same reference numerals are often used throughout the drawings to represent the same features and components:

[0141] Figure 1 An example environment is shown for techniques, devices, and systems according to the present disclosure, wherein a vehicle is equipped with a radar system having a dielectric loaded waveguide and a small form factor antenna for low loss signal distribution;

[0142] Figure 2-1 An air waveguide comprising a channel loaded with air is shown;

[0143] Figure 2-2 A dielectric waveguide comprising a channel loaded with a non-air dielectric is shown;

[0144] Figure 3-1 An example air waveguide having an air-filled radiating section is shown;

[0145] Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 Shown from Figure 3-1 Example dimensions of radiating elements of adjacent radiating sections of an air waveguide;

[0146] Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5 shows that after filling the radiating portion with a non-air dielectric, the Figure 3-1 Example dimensions of radiating elements of adjacent radiating sections of an air waveguide;

[0147] Figure 4-1 A top view of an example dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0148] Figure 4-2 A top view of another example dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0149] Figure 4-3 shows a top view of a third example dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure;

[0150] Figure 5 A top view showing an example isolated portion of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure;

[0151] Figure 6 A top view showing another example isolated portion of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure;

[0152] Figure 7-1 A cross-sectional view of the radiating channel of the air waveguide is shown;

[0153] Figure 7-2 A cross-sectional view showing an example radiating channel of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure;

[0154] Figure 7-3 A cross-sectional view showing example radiating channels of a dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the disclosed techniques, apparatus, and systems, wherein the radiating channels are separated by isolation portions extending to an isolation layer;

[0155] Figure 8 A parallel layer stack of dielectric loaded waveguides for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas according to the techniques, devices and systems of the present invention is described;

[0156] Fig. 9 A top view of a radar system is shown showing a size comparison between on-chip mounting of air waveguides and dielectric loaded waveguides for low loss signal distribution and a small form factor antenna in accordance with the techniques, devices and systems of the present disclosure;

[0157] Fig.10 A three-dimensional view of the radiating portion of a dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0158] Figure 11-1 Example antenna patterns for an air waveguide in the azimuth and elevation planes are shown;

[0159] Figure 11-2 Example antenna patterns for dielectric-loaded waveguides for low-loss signal distribution in azimuth and elevation planes and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure are shown;

[0160] Figure 12-1 An example omnidirectional,gain radiation pattern for an air waveguide is shown;

[0161] Figure 12-2An example omnidirectional, achieved gain radiation pattern of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution in both azimuth and elevation planes and a small form factor antenna in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0162] Figure 13-1 An example radiating portion of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas according to the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0163] Figure 13-2 Another example radiating portion of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, apparatus, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0164] Figure 13-3 shows a top view of a radar system including dielectric loaded waveguides for low loss signal distribution and on-chip mounting of a small form factor antenna in accordance with the techniques, devices and systems of the present disclosure;

[0165] Figure 13-4 Shows Figure 13-3 The spurious radiation characteristics of the on-chip installation of the dielectric loaded waveguide are shown;

[0166] Figure 13-5 The technology, device and system according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 13-3 A top view of a modification of the radar system shown, the modification including dielectric loaded waveguides for low loss signal distribution and an absorptive channel in an on-chip mounting of a small form factor antenna;

[0167] Fig.14 An exemplary process for using dielectric loaded waveguides and small form factor antennas for low loss signal distribution in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is shown;

[0168] Fig.15 The steps of a method for manufacturing an antenna system according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0169] Fig.16 Shows that in the implementation Fig.15 After the steps Fig.15 Antenna system;

[0170] Fig.17 shows a top view of an antenna panel of an antenna system according to the present disclosure; and

[0171] Fig.18 Shows Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of the antenna board is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0172] Overview

[0173] Radar systems are sensing technologies used by some automotive systems to obtain information about the surrounding environment. Antennas are used to direct the EM energy or RF signals being transmitted or received and interpret them as radar detections. Multiple antenna elements arranged in an array can provide increased gain and improved directivity compared to the radiation pattern achievable with a single antenna element. The signals from multiple antenna elements are combined with appropriate phase and weighted amplitude to provide the desired radiation pattern.

[0174] Waveguides can be used to transfer electromagnetic energy to and from antenna elements. Waveguides typically include an array of radiating slots that represent holes in the waveguide. The number and arrangement of the radiating slots can be selected by the manufacturer to provide a desired phasing, combining, or splitting of the electromagnetic energy. For example, the radiating slots are equally spaced at half-wavelength distances in the waveguide surface along the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic energy. This arrangement of radiating slots typically provides a wide radiation pattern with relatively uniform radiation in the azimuth plane.

[0175] In driving scenarios, waveguides for automotive radar systems can help prevent external interference from affecting the radiation pattern projected into the field of view. Radiating slots in the waveguide allow RF signals within the waveguide's operating wavelength to leak out of the waveguide; EM energy within the frequency is guided through the waveguide channel. Forming the waveguide with a channel material that has a dielectric constant or permittivity (Dk) greater than air can reduce its overall size while increasing its robustness and keeping it lightweight; increased EM energy losses within the waveguide are a disadvantage of non-air dielectrics. Air waveguides do not suffer the same EM energy losses as non-air waveguides; however, previously, air waveguides could not be made small enough for automotive applications. Even if modern manufacturing can produce air waveguides as small as non-air dielectric waveguides, existing air waveguides may still be too large, especially for automotive or other applications where performance, weight, and space constraints are a consideration.

[0176] Waveguides are described herein that use a combination of air dielectric filled channels and non-air dielectric filled channels to obtain the beneficial properties of both air and dielectric waveguides. EM energy is lost within the waveguide compared to conventional air waveguides. However, using smaller dimensions than a reference air waveguide, the example waveguide can occupy a smaller chip or package area than a reference air waveguide of conventional design. The waveguide has a routing portion having a hollow channel filled with an air dielectric. A radiating channel that can correspond to each hollow channel is loaded with a non-air dielectric. According to the present invention, the radiating channel is loaded with a non-air dielectric means that the radiating channel is filled with a non-air dielectric. The surface of each radiating channel allows EM energy within the operating frequency to escape the non-air dielectric. The surface includes a radiating element. The described waveguide can be particularly advantageously used in an automotive environment, such as detecting objects in a road in a path of travel of a vehicle.

[0177] The waveguide enables asymmetric coverage; moreover, the manufacturing tolerances of the partition wall between the two radiating channels can be made larger. Increased isolation is achieved between the two radiating parts because a distance is allowed between them. The resulting waveguide is smaller, thus reducing costs. Greater directivity and improved sidelobe levels are possible because the waveguide can be configured to include a greater number of radiator slots in the radiating channel than in a reference air waveguide.

[0178] This example waveguide is but one example of the described techniques, devices, and systems for dielectric-loaded waveguides for low-loss signal distribution. Other examples and implementations are described herein.

[0179] Operating Environment

[0180] Figure 1 An example environment 100 is shown in accordance with techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure, wherein a vehicle 102 is equipped with a radar system 104 having a dielectric loaded waveguide 112 and a small form factor antenna for low loss signal distribution. The radar system 104 may use the waveguide 112 to implement operation of the vehicle 102. The proximity, angle, or velocity of objects 106 near the vehicle 102 in a field of view 108 may be reported by the radar system 104 in the form of radar data output.

[0181] Although illustrated as an automobile, vehicle 102 may represent or may be other types of motorized or motorized vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, buses, tractors, semi-trailer trucks, or construction equipment), non-motorized vehicles (e.g., bicycles), rail vehicles (e.g., trains or trams), watercraft (e.g., boats or ships), aircraft (e.g., airplanes or helicopters), or spacecraft (e.g., satellites). In general, vehicle 102 represents or may be any mobile platform, including mobile machines or robotic devices, that may benefit from a radar representation of field of view 108. Vehicle 102 may also include at least one automated system that relies on data from radar system 104, including a driver assistance system, an autonomous driving system, or a semi-autonomous driving system. Vehicle 102 may be a motor vehicle.

[0182] The radar system 104 is configured to be installed as part of the vehicle 102. The radar system 104 may be a mechanically replaceable component, part, or system of the vehicle 102 that may need to be replaced or repaired during the life of the vehicle 102 due to failure. The radar system 104 may include an interface to the automotive system. The radar system 104 may output a signal based on electromagnetic energy received by the radar system 104 via the interface. In the depicted environment 100, the radar system 104 is installed near or integrated within the front of the vehicle 102 to detect an object 106 and avoid a collision.

[0183] The radar system 104 provides a field of view 108 toward the object 106. The field of view 108 can be projected from any exterior surface of the vehicle 102. For example, a vehicle manufacturer can integrate the radar system 104 including the waveguide 112 into a bumper, side mirror, headlight, taillight, or any other interior or exterior location where the object 106 needs to be detected. In some cases, the vehicle 102 includes multiple radar systems 104, such as a first radar system 104 and a second radar system 104, which cooperate to expand the size of the field of view 108. Typically, the vehicle manufacturer positions the radar system 104 to provide a precise field of view 108 that includes an area of ​​interest, including, for example, within or around a driving lane aligned with the vehicle path. Example fields of view 108 include a 360-degree field of view, one or more 180-degree fields of view, one or more 90-degree fields of view, etc., which can overlap or be combined into a field of view 108 of a particular size. As described above, the described waveguide 112 includes features that provide a radiation pattern with asymmetric coverage in an azimuth plane and / or an elevation plane. When radar system 104 is disposed near a front corner (e.g., a left front corner) of vehicle 102, radar system 104 may use an asymmetric radiation pattern in one plane (e.g., elevation and azimuth) to focus on detecting objects directly in front of the vehicle (e.g., in a left portion of a lane of travel aligned with the vehicle's path) rather than objects positioned toward a side of the vehicle (e.g., in an adjacent lane of travel to the vehicle's path). For example, an asymmetric coverage or asymmetric beamwidth may focus the radiated EM energy within 30 to 90 degrees of a direction that follows the path of travel of vehicle 102.

[0184] Detected in the field of view 108 is an object 106 composed of one or more materials that reflect radar signals. Depending on the application, the object 106 may represent a target of interest. In some cases, the object 106 may be a moving object or a stationary object. The stationary object may be continuous (e.g., concrete barriers, guardrails) or discontinuous (e.g., traffic cones) along the road portion. The moving object may be any debris, other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, rocks, or objects that pose a safety concern to the vehicle 102 as it travels through the field of view 108.

[0185] In the environment 100, the radar system 104 can detect and track the object 106 by transmitting and receiving one or more radar signals using the waveguide 112, which is part of the antenna system of the radar system 104. For example, the radar system 104 can transmit electromagnetic signals between 100 and 400 gigahertz (GHz), between 4 and 100 GHz, or between about 70 and 80 GHz. The radar system 104 includes a transmitter (not shown) and at least one antenna including the waveguide 112 to transmit electromagnetic signals. The radar system 104 includes a receiver (not shown) and at least one antenna including the waveguide 112 to receive reflected forms of these electromagnetic signals. The transmitter and the receiver can be combined together on the same integrated circuit (e.g., a transceiver integrated circuit), or separately on different integrated circuits. The radar system 104 transmits electromagnetic radiation by transmitting one or more electromagnetic signals or waveforms via the waveguide 112. The radar system 104 receives electromagnetic radiation by detecting one or more electromagnetic signals or waveforms via the waveguide 112.

[0186] The radar system 104 includes one or more processors including a radar chip 110 (e.g., a radar monolithic microwave integrated circuit or MMIC) electrically coupled to a waveguide 112 via one or more channels 114-1 to 114-n. The channel 114 may be a transmit or receive channel, or a combination of transmit and receive channels. The radar chip 110 may be a microprocessor or a system on a chip; execution of instructions stored on a portion of a computer-readable medium causes the radar chip 110 to perform functions. Execution of a set of instructions configures the radar chip 110 to transmit and receive radar signals on the channel 114 using the waveguide 112. The radar chip 110 (also referred to as a device or radar device) is configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals via an antenna system including the waveguide 112. The radar chip 110 processes the received signals and outputs radar data that can be used by the automotive system to control the vehicle 102. For example, the radar chip 110 can determine the distance to the object 106 based on the time it takes for the signal to travel from the radar system 104 to the object 106 and back from the object 106 to the radar system 104. Radar chip 110 may also determine the position of object 106 in terms of angle based on the direction of the maximum amplitude echo signal received by radar system 104 .

[0187] Radar chip 110 executes instructions that configure radar system 104 to perform radar functions involving waveguide 112. Although not shown, radar system 104 also includes a computer readable storage medium (CRM) (not shown). Radar chip 110 executes instructions stored in the CRM. For example, radar chip 110 can control the operation of a transmitter. Radar chip 110 can also process electromagnetic energy received by waveguide 112 and determine the position of object 106 relative to radar system 104. Radar chip 110 can also generate radar data for automotive systems. For example, radar chip 110 can control an autonomous or semi-autonomous driving system of vehicle 104 based on the processed electromagnetic energy from the antenna.

[0188] The radar device implemented by the radar chip 110 may include a transmitter for generating electromagnetic energy transmitted via the waveguide 112 and / or a receiver for analyzing electromagnetic energy received via the waveguide 112 .

[0189] The automotive systems of the vehicle 102 may use the radar data provided by the radar system 104 to perform functions. For example, a driver assistance system may provide blind spot monitoring and generate an alert indicating a potential collision with an object 106 detected by the radar system 104. In this case, the radar data from the radar system 104 indicates when it is safe or unsafe to change lanes. The autonomous driving system may move the vehicle 102 to a specific location on the road while avoiding a collision with the object 106 detected by the radar system 104. The radar data provided by the radar system 104 may provide information about the distance to the object 106 and the location of the object 106 to enable the autonomous driving system to perform emergency braking, perform a lane change, or adjust the speed of the vehicle 102.

[0190] The waveguide 112 includes at least one layer that can be any solid material, including wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination thereof. The waveguide 112 may include a metal-coated plastic material. The waveguide 112 may be formed from a substrate layer with grooves and holes to define internal features; these layers may be stacked or otherwise arranged to give the waveguide 112 a specific shape. The waveguide 112 may also include a printed circuit board (PCB). The waveguide 112 is designed to mechanically support and electrically connect components to a dielectric using conductive materials.

[0191] The waveguide 112 has a feeding portion 116-1, a routing portion 116-2 (sometimes also referred to as a distribution network), a transfer portion 116-3, and a waveguide portion 116-4. The feeding portion 116-1 is configured to connect each hollow channel 118-1 to 118-n of the routing portion 116-2 to a corresponding one of the channels 114. The routing portion 116-2 supports the hollow channels 118; each hollow channel 118 is filled with an air dielectric, such as air. The hollow channels 118 form a routing channel that is configured to route electromagnetic energy between the waveguide portion 116-4 and the radar device formed by the radar chip 110.

[0192] The waveguide portion 116-4 includes one or more radiating channels 120-1 to 120-m corresponding to each hollow channel 118. Each radiating channel 120 is loaded with a non-air dielectric, such as a solid dielectric. The surface of each radiating channel 120 includes a pattern of radiating elements 122 that allow EM energy to escape the non-air dielectric. The radiating elements 122 provide openings through a layer or surface of the waveguide 112 to the non-air dielectric. The radiating elements 122 may include radiating slots within the surface of the waveguide 112. The radiating elements 122 may be horn-shaped elements, as will be further described. Regardless of the slot, horn, or other shape, the radiating elements 122 are configured to allow electromagnetic energy to dissipate from the dielectric loaded in the waveguide channel 112 to the environment 100. The waveguide portion 116-4 may form a radiating portion of the waveguide 112.

[0193] The transfer portion 116-3 is configured to transfer EM energy within the operating frequency range of the radar chip 110 between the air dielectric of the hollow channel 118 and the non-air dielectric of the radiating channel 116. In other words, the radiating channels 116 capture EM energy to receive radar signals, and the radiating elements 122 leak EM energy back into the environment 100, which effectively focuses the radiation pattern into an asymmetric radiation pattern within the field of view 108. The asymmetric coverage allows the radar system 104 to detect objects 106 in a particular portion of the field of view 108 (e.g., directly in front of the vehicle), but still detect objects 106 in the remaining portion of the field of view 108 (e.g., toward the side of the vehicle). As described above, the radar system 104 disposed near the front of the vehicle 102 can use an asymmetric radiation pattern in one plane (e.g., the azimuth plane) to focus on detecting objects 106 directly in front of the vehicle 102, rather than objects located toward the side of the vehicle 102.

[0194] The radiating element 122 forms an antenna element of the waveguide 112. The radiating element 122 is configured to convert electromagnetic energy between the respective radiating channels 120-1 to 120-m and the respective radiated fields of the respective radiating channels 120-1 to 120-m within the field of view 108.

[0195] like Figure 1 As shown, the waveguide 112 as a whole constitutes an antenna system of the radar system 104. The waveguide 112 or antenna system converts electromagnetic energy between the interior of each radiating channel 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m of the antenna system 112 and the environment 100. These individual channels 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m can form antennas of the antenna system 112. The converted electromagnetic energy can be radiated from the radiating channels 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m used as transmitting antennas and / or can be received by the radiating channels 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m used as receiving antennas.

[0196] With the waveguide 112 or antenna system, the individual radiating channels 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m and routing channels 118-1, 118-2, 118-3, 118-n form a waveguide that guides electromagnetic energy as a waveguide mode. Although the present disclosure represents the entire antenna system as a waveguide 112, the antenna system may therefore include several waveguides for guiding electromagnetic energy in the form of waveguide modes.

[0197] like Figure 1 As shown, the waveguide 112 or antenna system may include several radiating channels 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m forming the waveguide 112 or antenna system. In general, the waveguide 112 or antenna system may have at least one radiating channel for converting electromagnetic energy. For example, it may have only a single radiating channel 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-m.

[0198] The waveguide 112 uses a combination of an air dielectric filled in the hollow channel 118 and a non-air dielectric filled in the radiating channel 120 to obtain the beneficial properties of both air waveguides and dielectric waveguides. The EM energy loss within the waveguide 112 can be similar to the EM energy loss within a conventional all-air dielectric waveguide. However, in order to obtain a smaller size than a reference air waveguide, a portion of the waveguide 112 is filled with a dielectric so that the portion can occupy a smaller chip or package area than a reference air waveguide using only an air dielectric. In a larger radiation feature compared to the size of the radiating channel 120, the radiating channel 120 is improved by the non-air dielectric to have a similar emission characteristic as when air is used.

[0199] As is well known, all dielectrics have an associated loss tangent that controls the EM induced in the direction of propagation through the dielectric from the loss. Advanced antenna designs incorporating a larger number of radiating channels 120 can be used to improve efficiency losses due to dielectrics. The routing portion 116-4 having hollow channels 118 filled with air dielectric enables the waveguide 112 to prevent EM energy from being lost from the interior of the waveguide 112. The radiating channels 120 of the waveguide portion 106-4 corresponding to each hollow channel 118 are loaded with non-air dielectric, which reduces the size of the waveguide 112 when compared to an air waveguide with equivalent performance radiation characteristics. The surface of each radiating channel 120 allows EM energy to escape through the radiating element 122 and / or enter the non-air dielectric.

[0200] Waveguide theory

[0201] Waveguides have previously had only limited use, primarily because their designs were too large or bulky for many practical applications, such as for automotive applications. The antenna system according to the present disclosure is based on the recognition that modern waveguides can have several attributes and provide several opportunities, such as in automotive applications; they are becoming easier to manufacture as manufacturing technology advances, waveguides can be designed based on extensive research and well-known EM theory, and they can help perform low-loss operations, such as saving energy, which is a common problem to be solved. The reduction in size can come from replacing the propagation medium air in the air waveguide with a non-air dielectric material. The use of a material with a dielectric constant or permittivity (Dk) greater than air configures the waveguide to be lightweight and strong, and therefore more suitable for applications where the antenna system needs to be robust, such as when positioned on or near the exterior surface of the vehicle 102. However, the EM energy losses experienced using such dielectrics are a tradeoff, as Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 As described in .

[0202] Figure 2-1 An air waveguide 200-1 is shown comprising a channel carrying air. Figure 2-2 A dielectric waveguide 200-2 is shown that includes a channel loaded with a non-air dielectric, such as a substrate or other material with a Dk greater than air. The air waveguide 200-1 is suitable, for example, for a frequency band of 60 to 90 GHz. In this conventional air-filled waveguide 200-1, the basic design parameters are a and b, a being the wide dimension of the channel in the waveguide 200-1, and b being the narrow dimension of the channel. The waveguide 200-1 has an upper cutoff wavelength λ defined by Equation 1:

[0203] λ=2*a Equation 1

[0204] Waveguide 200-1 has a lower cutoff frequency f as defined in Equation 2, where c is the speed of light:

[0205] f=c / 2*a Equation 2

[0206] For example, if a0 is 3.0988 mm, and b0 is 1.5494 mm, the wavelength λ0 of the waveguide 200-1 is 3.79 mm. Half of the wavelength λ0 is λ0 / 2, which is equal to 1.898 mm.

[0207] Turning next to the dielectric waveguide 200-2, the dimensions a and b of the channel can be reduced while still achieving the wavelength λ and frequency f range of the air waveguide 200-2. These dimensions are reduced by a factor determined by the relative permittivity ε of the dielectric material used to fill the channel of the dielectric waveguide 200-2. r In equation 3, the reduced dimension a d yes:

[0208] AD = a / √(εr) Equation 3

[0209] For example, if the relative permittivity ε r is 3, then a d This means that the dielectric waveguide 200-2 is one third (approximately) of the size of the air waveguide 200-1.

[0210] Figure 3-1 An example air waveguide 300 having a radiation section 306 filled with air is shown. The air waveguide 300 includes a feed section 302, a routing section 304, and a radiation section 306. For the air waveguide 300, the dimensions are determined based on equations 1 and 2. At a given operating frequency range (or wavelength), only a limited number of radiation slots can be included in the radiation section 306 to meet the waveguide design principle of spacing the radiation slots apart by one wavelength λ or half a wavelength λ / 2. This simple construction of the air waveguide 300 is advantageous because no EM energy is lost in the radiation section 306 (which is typically one of the largest components in the antenna system). Because space may be limited in some applications, the radar system can provide a limited confined space for the radiation section 306, which reduces the number of radiation slots, thereby limiting the far-field energy capability of the antenna system.

[0211] Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 Shown from Figure 3-1 Radiating portions 306 - 1 and 306 - 2 are examples of radiating portion 306 .

[0212] The radiation portion 306-1 includes two radiation channels 120, each of which has a size a and has five radiation elements 122 formed as radiation slots. The radiation slots in each radiation channel 120 are equally spaced based on half of the wavelength λ of the operating frequency range. In each radiation channel 120, the size of the radiation slot of the radiation channel 120 is the wavelength λ of the operating frequency range.

[0213] Radiating section 306-2 is larger in size than radiating section 306-1 to accommodate the increased number of radiating slots in each radiating channel 120. Radiating section 306-2 includes two radiating channels 120, including eleven radiating slots, which is more than the number of radiating slots in each of the two radiating channels 120 of radiating section 306-1. In order to maintain low EM energy losses in this distribution network, air is used as the dielectric fill. In continuing with the previous example with reference to Equations 1 and 2, the length 310 of radiating section 306-2 of air-filled waveguide 300 is approximately 24 mm. The cost of this approach is that the resulting waveguide may be too large for a particular application.

[0214] With two radiating portions 306-1 and 306-2, each radiating element 122 is spaced apart in the propagation direction by a distance 312 equal to half the wavelength λ in air at the operating frequency, which is exemplarily equal to 76.5 GHz. In addition, the radiating element 122 has a length 314, which also corresponds to half the wavelength λ in air at the operating frequency.

[0215] Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5 The radiation portion 306 is shown after at least the radiation channel 120 is filled with a non-air dielectric. Figure 3-1 Radiating portions 306-3 and 306-4 are examples of radiating portions 306. The radiating slots 122 in each of the radiating portions 306-3 and 306-4 are based on the wavelength λ of the operating frequency range. g In each of these radiating portions 306-3 and 306-4, the size of the radiating slot is within the wavelength λ of the operating frequency range. g In the following examples, the size of radiating portion 306-1 is compared to the size of radiating portion 306-3, and the size of radiating portion 306-2 is compared to the size of radiating portion 306-4.

[0216] Since the dielectric is filled in the radiation channel 120 of the radiation portions 306-3 and 306-4, the wavelength λ at the operating frequency is smaller than the wavelength λ in the radiation channel 120 filled with air of the radiation portions 306-1 and 306-2. gIn these radiation channels 120, a factor of Among them, ε r is the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric. The dielectric arranged in the radiating portions 306-3 and 306-4 exemplarily has a relative dielectric constant ε of about 3. r , for example 3.

[0217] The radiating portion 306-3 includes two radiating channels 120, each of which has a lateral dimension a d The dielectric-filled radiating portion 306-3 appears to be approximately the same size as the air-filled radiating portion 306-1. However, the radiating portion 306-3 is able to accommodate eight radiating slots instead of just five, which can improve beam forming and focus the field of view 108.

[0218] The radiating element 122 of the radiating channel 120 has a wavelength λ equal to the reduced g half the length 314 and with a wavelength λ that is also equal to the reduction g The length 310 of each radiating channel 120 of the radiating portion 306-3 is approximately equal to Figure 3-2 The length 310 of the radiation channel 120 of the radiating portion 306-1 is shown. However, due to the reduced wavelength λ in the dielectric g With the reduced length 314 and distance 312 between radiating elements 122 , the radiating channels 120 of the radiating section 306 - 3 are configured to accommodate a greater number of radiating elements 122 than the air-filled radiating channels 120 of the radiating section 306 - 1 .

[0219] The length 310 of the radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-3 is equal to the wavelength λ g The length 310 of the radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-1 is equal to an integer multiple of half of the wavelength λ. The length 310 of the radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-3 is approximately equal to the length 310 of the air-filled radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-1, which means that the length 310 of the radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-3 is equal to the length 310 of the air-filled radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-1 until the difference is less than the wavelength λ. g The difference is equal to the length 310 of the air-filled radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-1 and the reduced wavelength λ g The difference between the nearest multiples of half.

[0220] The radiation portion 306-4 also includes two radiation channels 120, each of which has a lateral dimension a dThe radiating portion 306-4 has 11 radiating slots 122, which is the same as the pattern of the radiating slots 122 in the radiating portion 306-2. However, the radiating portion 306-4 filled with dielectric is significantly smaller than the radiating portion 306-2 filled with air. r For example, the radiation channel 120 of the radiation portion 306-4 may have a length 310 of approximately 14 mm. This reduction in length 310 is due to the radiation slots 122 having a smaller length 312 and a smaller separation distance 314, both of which are equal to the reduced wavelength λ. g half.

[0221] Radiating section 306-3 shows that for the same length as radiating section 306-1, a waveguide filled with a dielectric having a dielectric constant greater than air can have many more radiating slots 122 than a waveguide filled with air, thereby facilitating a far field pattern that can be shaped accordingly. Figure 3-3 and Figure 3-5 It can also be seen that when keeping the number of radiating elements 122 constant, the waveguide 306-4 filled with a dielectric having a dielectric constant greater than that of air can be configured to be smaller in size than the waveguide 306-2 filled with air, for example, with a length 315 smaller than that of the waveguide 306-2 filled with air and / or a width smaller than that of the waveguide 306-2 filled with air.

[0222] Detailed waveguide design

[0223] Figure 4-1 to Figure 4-3 Different examples of dielectric-loaded waveguides for low-loss signal distribution and small antenna size are shown. Figure 4-1 Shown as Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a top view of an example dielectric-loaded waveguide 400 - 1 of an example of a waveguide 112 . Figure 4-2 Shown as Figure 1 1. A top view of another example dielectric-loaded waveguide 400-2 of another example of the waveguide 112. Figure 4-3 A top view of a third example dielectric-loaded waveguide 400-3 is shown, which is a third example of the waveguide 112. Waveguides 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 are only some examples of the waveguide 112; other variations of the waveguide 112 are possible by mixing and matching features of the waveguides 400-1, 400-2, or 400-3 to achieve a desired radiation effect. This applies to all examples described herein of the waveguide 112; different examples and implementations may be mixed and matched by further applying EM design theory to combine their properties to achieve a desired antenna pattern.

[0224] The waveguide 400-1 includes a feeding portion 402, a routing portion 404, a transfer portion 406-1, and a radiating portion 408-1. The routing portion 404 includes a plurality of hollow channels 118, which constitute the routing channels of the routing portion 404. However, the radiating portion 408-1 is loaded with a non-air dielectric material. This combination of air and non-air dielectric material in the propagation path of the waveguide 400-1 enables it to have a smaller size and EM energy loss that is almost as low as the waveguide 300. By partially loading the waveguide 400-1 with a dielectric while keeping the rest filled with air, the size of the waveguide 400-1 can be greatly reduced compared to the waveguide 300. The radiating portion 408-1 of the waveguide 400-1 is, for example, smaller in length and / or width than the radiating portion 306 of the waveguide 300 by a factor of the square root of the relative dielectric constant used to fill the waveguide 400-1.

[0225] Another characteristic of waveguide 400-1 is apparent compared to waveguide 300; although four radiating elements 122 are shown in each radiating channel 120, the four radiating elements 122 occupy less space (e.g., less area, less volume) when radiating portion 408-1 is filled with dielectric material rather than air. In terms of the reduced size of radiating portion 408-1 filled with dielectric, that size may be the maximum length of the radiating channel 120 of radiating portion 408-1. Thus, the corresponding size of air waveguide 300 is the maximum length of the radiating channel 120 of radiating portion 306. That size may also be the maximum area or volume of the radiating channel 120 of radiating portion 408-1. Thus, the corresponding size of air waveguide 300 may be the maximum area or volume of the radiating channel 120 of radiating portion 306. In this manner, the dimensions of the radiating channels 120 of the radiating portion 408 - 1 are therefore smaller than corresponding dimensions of one or more radiating channels 120 of the air waveguide 300 configured to allow an equal amount of EM energy to escape from the air dielectric through the radiating slots 122 in the radiating portion 306 .

[0226] Figure 4-2The top view shown includes a waveguide 400-2, which includes a transmission portion 406-2 and a radiating portion 408-2. Compared to the waveguide 300, the waveguide 400-2 fits within a portion of the antenna panel of the same size (e.g., length, area, volume). However, the waveguide 400-2 includes a greater number of radiating elements 122 in the radiating portion 408-2. In other words, the amount of radiating elements 122 in the radiating slot pattern of each radiating channel 120 in the radiating portion 408-2 is greater than the amount of radiating slots 122 in the pattern of radiating slots 122 of each radiating channel 120 of the waveguide 300, which is configured to allow an amount of EM energy to escape from the radiating channel 120 that is equal to the EM energy allowed to escape from the radiating slots 122 of the radiating portion 306. Increasing the number of radiating elements 122 in a portion of the antenna panel occupied by the radiating channel 120 can increase the radiated far-field energy, which can be effectively controlled to obtain better radiation characteristics (e.g., sidelobe levels).

[0227] like Figure 4-2 As shown, the increase in radiating elements 122 may be due to the increase in radiating channels 120 connected to the routing channels 118. Alternatively or additionally, the increase in radiating elements 122 may also be due to a greater number of radiating elements 122 per radiating channel 120.

[0228] Unlike the radiating portion 408-1, there is no one-to-one correspondence between the hollow channels 118 of the routing portion 404 and the radiating channels 120 of the radiating portion 408-2. The number of radiating channels 120 in the waveguide 400-2 is greater than the number of hollow channels 118, and in the waveguide 400-1, the number of radiating channels 120 is equal to the number of hollow channels 118. Depending on the specific application of the radar system 104, the ratio of the hollow channels 118 to the radiating channels 120 of the waveguides 112, 400-1, 400-2, and 400-3 may vary.

[0229] Similar to the transfer section 116-3, the transfer sections 406-1 and 406-2 are configured to transfer EM energy within the operating frequency range of the radar chip 110 between the air dielectric of the hollow channel 118 in the routing section 404 and the non-air dielectric of the radiating channel 120 in the radiating sections 408-1 and 408-2. The transfer sections 406-1 and 406-2 are shown to have a plurality of sections 125. Each section 125 of the transfer sections 406-1 and 406-2 is specifically tuned to allow a precise portion of the EM energy to be transferred through the propagation path. The transfer sections 406-1 and 406-2 are configured to distribute the EM energy to cause a desired radiation pattern and radiation effect at the radiating sections 408-1 and 408-2, wherein the EM energy is allowed to escape from the radiating element 122. In this example, the number of radiating channels 120 is greater than or equal to the number of hollow channels 118. This allows for greater flexibility in beam forming, as there are more radiators 120 than channels 118. The section 125 forms a transmission section of the transmission portion 116-3, 406-1, 406-2.

[0230] The technical effect of allowing a greater density of radiating elements 122 within the radiating portions 408-1, 408-2, 408-3 by loading the radiating channel 120 with a dielectric having a relative permittivity greater than 1 is independent of the configuration of the transmitting portions 116-3, 406-1, 406-2. This also applies to all other transmitting portions of the present disclosure.

[0231] exist Figure 4-3 4, the waveguide 402-3 includes a transfer portion 4063 that transfers EM energy in the propagation path of the waveguide 402-3 from the routing portion 404 to the radiating portion 408-3. The radiating portion 408-3 includes at least one pair of radiating channels 120 separated by an isolation portion 410, which is an optional feature to improve the radiation pattern. The isolation portion 410 is configured to prevent interference between the first radiating channel 120 and the second radiating channel 120 by absorbing stray portions of EM energy reflected from different structures around the radiating channel 120 within the radar sensor and by absorbing interference currents that are allowed to escape each of the first radiating channel 120 and the second radiating channel 120, thereby enabling the system to positively influence the final radiation pattern.

[0232] In general, the isolation portion 410 may be disposed between two adjacent radiating channels 120 of the radiating portion 408-3. In some examples, the isolation portion 410 is disposed between two adjacent radiating channels 120 of the radiating portion 408-3, the two adjacent radiating channels 120 being associated with two different hollow channels 118 from the routing portion 404. In other examples, the isolation portion 410 is disposed between two adjacent radiating channels 120 of the radiating portion 408-3, the two adjacent radiating channels 120 being associated with the same hollow channel 118 from the routing portion 404. With regard to the arrangement of the isolation portion 410 between the first radiating channel 120 and the second radiating channel 120, the first radiating channel 120 and the second radiating channel 120 may correspond to the same channel in the hollow channels 118, or the first radiating channel 120 and the second radiating channel 120 may correspond to different hollow channels 118.

[0233] Figure 5 A top view of an example isolation section 500 of a dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and a small form factor antenna according to the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is illustrated. Isolation section 500 is an example of isolation section 410. Isolation section 500 includes embedded absorbing filaments (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA), high impact polystyrene (HIPS)); this enables isolation section 500 to absorb EM energy that is allowed to escape from radiating section 408-3. By absorbing stray EM energy, isolation section 500 can positively affect the final radiation pattern.

[0234] Figure 6 A top view of another example isolation section 600 of a dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present invention is illustrated. Isolation section 600 is an example of isolation section 410. Isolation section 600 includes a metamaterial absorptive substrate configured to absorb stray EM energy that is allowed to escape radiation channel 120 within a plurality of metamaterial structures 602 inside isolation section 600. By absorbing stray EM energy, isolation section 600 can positively affect the resulting radiation pattern.

[0235] Metamaterial structure 602 includes a metal structure 604 disposed on an absorptive substrate 605. Metal structure 604 is illustratively shaped as a cross-shaped cutout in a square metal sheet. Metal structure 604 may be made of copper, for example. The dimensions of metal structure 604 are adapted to receive electromagnetic energy having predetermined radiation characteristics (e.g., frequency, angle of incidence, etc.). After receiving, the electromagnetic energy is subsequently absorbed within substrate 605.

[0236] Figure 7-1 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the radiation channel 120 of the air waveguide 700. Figure 7-1 compared to, Figure 7-2 A cross-sectional view of an example radiating channel 120 of a dielectric loaded waveguide 702 for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas according to the disclosed techniques, devices and systems is shown. For the purposes of this example, consider: λ0 represents the free space wavelength, a represents the broadside dimension of the air-filled waveguide 700, t wall is the wall thickness of the radiation channel 120 of the air-filled waveguide 700, a d is the wide side dimension of the dielectric filled waveguide 702, t dall is the wall thickness of the waveguide 702 having the dielectric filled radiating channel 120.

[0237] The air waveguide 700 includes two adjacent radiating channels 120 having a pattern of radiating slots 122 passing through a top surface 123. The radiating slots 122 are separated by half the free space wavelength λ0. In the air waveguide 700, each radiating channel 120 has a wall thickness t wall Therefore, the adjacent wall 127 between two radiation channels 120 has a wall thickness t wall twice as much.

[0238] Waveguide 702 is an example of waveguide 112. Radiating channels 120 of waveguide 702 are separated by adjacent walls 127, the thickness of which is six times the thickness of the outer wall of the first radiating channel 120 and six times the thickness of the outer wall of the second radiating channel 120. The pattern of radiating elements 122 of radiating channel 120 is separated by half the wavelength λ of the operating frequency. Radiating channels 120 of waveguide 702 are separated by adjacent walls 127, the thickness of which is twice the thickness of the outer wall of each radiating channel 120. By filling the radiating channels 120 of waveguide 702 with a dielectric, the radiating channels 120 of waveguide 702 can have a greater wall thickness than waveguide 700. More specifically, using the relative permittivity ε r With a dielectric filler of 3, the estimated thickness of the adjacent walls between the radiation channels 120 of the waveguide 702 can be three times thicker than the adjacent walls 127 arranged between the radiation channels 120 of the air waveguide 700. The increase in wall thickness is significant for reducing manufacturing costs because the waveguide 702 is easier to manufacture with thicker walls than thin walls. This makes manufacturing easier, especially when metallized plastics, brazed aluminum, or injection molded plastics are used. Typically, components that go into a vehicle (such as the waveguide 702) are manufactured in large quantities (e.g., hundreds of thousands, millions); making manufacturing easier allows the waveguide 702 to be easier to manufacture than with thinner walls. In addition, the radiating element 122 of the waveguide 702 can be made closer to the outer wall of the radiation channel 120, i.e., away from the central axis, which enables the waveguide 702 to radiate a larger amount of power.

[0239] As an optional feature, an isolation portion 704, similar to isolation portion 410, partially penetrates the surface 123 of the radiation channel 120 and extends into the adjacent wall 127. The isolation portion 704 absorbs EM energy that escapes the radiation channel 122 within the absorber material or absorbent material filled within the cavity 126 of the adjacent wall 127. This provides similar benefits as the isolation portion 410 in that a more precise radiation pattern can be achieved.

[0240] like Figure 7-2 As shown, the thickness of the adjacent walls 127 of the two radiating channels 120 filled with dielectric may be greater than the thickness of the adjacent walls 127 of the two air-filled radiating channels 120. The outer wall of the radiating channel 120 filled with dielectric may have a thickness of half the thickness of the adjacent walls 127. The thickness of the outer wall may also be less than half the thickness of the adjacent walls 127. For example, the outer wall may have a thickness of at most one-sixth of the thickness of the adjacent walls 127.

[0241] For the dielectric loaded waveguide 702, the lateral distance between the radiating elements 122 of adjacent radiating channels 120 is equal to half the free space wavelength λ0, which is also Figure 7-1 The case of the air waveguide 700 shown. A distance of half the free space wavelength λ0 is suitable for the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic energy in the radiation field of an antenna system located in free space. Due to the reduced width dimension a of the dielectric filled radiation channel 120 d , the distance between the radiation channels 120 and thus the thickness of the adjoining wall 127 is greater in the case of radiation channels 120 filled with a dielectric than in the case of radiation channels 120 filled with air.

[0242] Figure 7-3 A cross-sectional view of an example radiating channel 122 of a dielectric-filled waveguide 702-1 for low-loss signal distribution and a small form factor antenna is shown, wherein the radiating channel 120 is separated by an isolation portion 704 extending to an isolation layer 706 in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure. Waveguide 702-1 is an example of a waveguide 702. The isolation portion 704 in the waveguide 702-1 extends to an isolation layer 706 disposed below the radiating channel 120. The isolation layer 706 is configured to absorb stray EM energy absorbed by the isolation portion 704. The isolation layer 706 is adjacent to a surface 124 of the radiating channel 120, which surface 124 is opposite to a surface 123 of the radiating channel 120 including the radiating element 122. For example, the radiating element 122 is disposed in a top surface 123 of the radiating channel 120. Disposed below the bottom surface 124 of the radiating channel 120 is the isolation layer 706. The isolation layer 706 is an extension of the isolation portion 704 and pulls EM energy absorbed from between the radiating channels 120 downwardly under the waveguide 702-1 to minimize interference.

[0243] Figure 8 A parallel layer stack of dielectric loaded waveguides 800 for low loss signal distribution in accordance with the techniques, devices and systems of the present invention is illustrated. Instead of a two-dimensional waveguide growing in the longitudinal and lateral directions, the waveguide 800 is a three-dimensional antenna that also has depth or height. Some advantages of this configuration include low loss RF power distribution, a small radiating channel (e.g., a horn), and an overall smaller antenna size that extends not only in the longitudinal and lateral directions but also in depth or height, enabling more antenna features to fit into the same coverage area as a two-dimensional antenna system.

[0244] The waveguide 800 is also part of the antenna system. The first layer 802 of the waveguide 800 has a feed portion configured to connect the channel 114 of the radar chip 110 to the waveguide 800. The first layer 802 can be considered as the bottom layer, which receives the feed from below. The feed portion is configured to connect the channel 114 of the radar chip 110 to the antenna system at the bottom surface of the first layer 802 opposite the second layer 804. Surrounding the feed portion of the first layer 802 is a three-dimensional groove or cavity 810 engraved in the first layer 802 to illuminate the hollow channel 118 on the next layer (i.e., the second layer 804).

[0245] The second layer 804 is adjacent to the first layer 802, i.e., above the first layer 802. The second layer 804 includes a routing portion having a hollow channel 118, which is configured to hold an air dielectric and is illustratively filled with an air dielectric, such as air. The hollow channel 118 is electrically coupled to the channel 114 of the radar chip 110 via a feeding portion. The second layer 804 uses the hollow channel 118 to guide electricity; since the air dielectric filler is used as a propagation medium, the hollow channel 118 exhibits very low EM energy losses. The second layer 804 may also include a transfer portion configured to transfer EM energy between the air dielectric of the hollow channel 118 and the non-air dielectric of the radiation channel 120.

[0246] The third layer 806 is adjacent to the side of the second layer 804 opposite to the first layer 802. Thus, the third layer 806 is disposed above the second layer 804. The third layer 806 includes a first waveguide portion including a radiation channel 120 coupled to the hollow channel 118 of the second layer 804. The radiation channel 120 includes a cavity of the third layer 806 filled or loaded with a non-air dielectric. The cavity of the third layer 806 has a shape extending from the second layer 804, through the third layer 806, and to the fourth layer 808.

[0247] The radiation channels 120 in the third layer 806 and the radiation channels therein can have a variety of shapes, including shapes having a height rather than just a length or width. Figure 8In the embodiment of the present invention, the radiating channels 120 in the third layer 806 are horn-shaped and filled with non-air dielectric material. These horns are illuminated by the hollow channels 118 at the second layer 804; moreover, filling with dielectric material makes their size much smaller than when filled with air. The horns can be connected to radiating slots or other variations of radiating elements 122.

[0248] The fourth layer 808 is an optional top layer. The fourth layer 808 is adjacent to the side of the third layer 806 opposite the second layer 804. Thus, the fourth layer 808 is disposed above the third layer 806. The fourth layer 808 defines a second waveguide portion including a surface 123 defining a plurality of radiating elements 122 that allow EM energy to escape the waveguide 800. The fourth layer 808 includes individual radiating elements 122 for directivity enhancement. When stacked on top of each other, the first layer 802, the second layer 804, the third layer 806, and the fourth layer 808 represent a stack of parallel layers. The waveguide 800 includes such a stack of parallel layers.

[0249] The first waveguide portion and the second waveguide portion form a radiating portion of the waveguide 800 .

[0250] Typically, the first layer 802 forms a feed layer for the antenna system, the second layer 804 forms a routing layer, the third layer 806 forms a first radiating layer, and the fourth layer 808 forms a second radiating layer. The fourth layer 808 is optional and can be used to enhance the directivity of the antenna system. The first layer 802 is part of the feed portion, the second layer 804 is part of the routing portion, and the third layer 806 and the fourth layer 808 are part of the radiating portion of the antenna system. Each layer 802, 804, 806, 808 may include two or more sublayers. For example, the third layer 806 may include several sublayers, each of which includes one of several stacked openings of increasing size, which defines each individual horn-shaped radiating channel 120. The radiating channel 120 may form a corrugated horn.

[0251] The dielectric filled within each radiation channel 120 may also be structured. For example, the dielectric within each radiation channel 120 may be configured to act as a lens for electromagnetic energy to enter and / or leave each radiation channel 120.

[0252] Other embodiments of the dielectric-loaded waveguide 800 may not include the fourth layer 808. For these embodiments, the radiating elements 122 are formed by openings of the radiating channels 120 that are located on the side of the third layer 806 opposite the second layer 804. These embodiments may provide an antenna pattern for an antenna system that is wider and less directional than embodiments equipped with a fourth layer 808 that extends the radiating channels 120 in a direction perpendicular to the height of the individual layers 802, 804, 806, 808.

[0253] For a dielectric loaded waveguide 800 comprising several stacked layers 802, 804, 806, 808 in height direction, the surface 123 with the radiating elements 122 may thus be located at the covering surface of the waveguide 800. The surface 123 is thereby oriented perpendicular to the propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy within the radiating channel 120. The surface 123 forms an end face of the radiating channel 120.

[0254] Fig. 9 A top view of a radar system 900 is shown, showing a size comparison between on-chip or board mounting of an air waveguide 902 (shown in dashed outline) and a dielectric loaded waveguide 904 (shown in solid outline) for low loss signal distribution and a small form factor antenna in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure. The radar system 900 includes two transmit channels Tx1 and Tx2 and four receive channels Rx1 to Rx4.

[0255] It can be seen that the radar system 900 does not have an unrestricted space due to the limited size of the board 901 carrying the waveguide 904 and the board 901 having predetermined positions of the transmit channels Tx1, Tx2 and the receive channels Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, Rx4, which are adapted to the positions of the corresponding channels 114 of the underlying radar chip 110. In the case of a dielectric-filled radiator post or radiating channel 120, the antenna or waveguide 904 can be made small based on the relative dielectric constant ε r The factor of the square root of , thereby allowing a greater number of radiating channels 120 to be present on the board 901, which can translate into higher radiated power and more beamforming possibilities. As an optional variation, the receiver channel Rx1 includes multiple dielectric waveguides 904; two dielectric-loaded antennas or waveguides 904 are connected to one RF delivery section in the receiver channel Rx1, rather than a single dielectric-loaded waveguide 904 connected to one RF delivery section, as shown in other channels. Adding one or more dielectric-filled waveguides 904 to a single channel 114 provides the radar system 900 with beamforming flexibility in azimuth and asymmetric azimuth patterns. The beamwidth in azimuth of the radar system 900 can be limited by the spacing of the antennas or waveguides 904 and the distance between the delivery of the channel 114. The use of dielectric-filled waveguide 904 antennas allows for greater flexibility in arranging the components of the radar system 900.

[0256] Fig.10 A three-dimensional view illustrating the radiating portion of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antenna according to the techniques, devices and systems of the present invention. Radiating portion 1000 may correspond to one of the radiating portions from air waveguide 300. Radiating portion 1002 may correspond to Figure 1 1002. Radiating section 1002 illustrates that by using dielectrics in radiating section 1002, a greater number of radiating elements 122 and radiating channels 120 are possible in approximately the same footprint as radiating section 1000, which is filled with air. Radiating sections 120 of radiating section 1002 may be arranged adjacently on their short sides, and others adjacently on their long sides.

[0257] The length of the radiating portion 1000 along the longitudinal direction 1004 is 25 mm, and the width along the transverse direction 1005 is 1.27 mm. The length of the radiating portion 1002 along the longitudinal direction 1004 is 28 mm, and the width along the transverse direction 1005 is 1.46 mm. The radiating portions 1000, 1005 are configured to operate at an operating frequency of 76.5 GHz. The dielectric disposed within the radiating portion 1005 exemplarily has a relative dielectric constant ε of 3 r .

[0258] Figure 11-1 The air waveguide in the azimuth and elevation planes (i.e., with Fig.10 100-1 of an example antenna pattern (waveguide) of the radiating portion 1000 shown. Figure 11-2 An example antenna pattern 1100-2 illustrates a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution in the azimuth and elevation planes and a small form factor antenna in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present invention. Figure 11-2 The antenna pattern 1100-2 shown is a Fig.10 The antenna pattern of the waveguide of the radiating portion 1002 is shown. Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2 When the dielectric is loaded with a waveguide, it has a more favorable antenna pattern than an air waveguide. This desirability in the radiation pattern results from the higher directivity and the possibility to manipulate the pattern in any desired way by means of amplitude and phase tapers.

[0259] therefore, Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2 Each depicts a transverse antenna gain 1101 in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 1004 along the propagation direction in the radiation channel 120, whereby the transverse antenna gain 1101 is shown as a function of an angle θ relative to a normal direction 1006 perpendicular to the surface 123 of the radiation channel 120. In addition, Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2 Each depicts a longitudinal antenna gain 1102 in a longitudinal plane spanned by a longitudinal direction 1004 and a normal direction 1006 and perpendicular to a transverse direction 1005. The longitudinal antenna gain 1102 is likewise depicted in terms of an angle θ.

[0260] from Figure 11-2 It can be seen that for the dielectric-filled radiating portion 1002, the antenna gain in the visual axis direction (i.e., θ is equal to 0°) is greater than the antenna gain of the air-filled radiating portion 1000. In addition, in the longitudinal direction 1004 and the transverse direction 1005, the main lobe of the radiating portion 1002 centered in the visual axis direction is narrower than that of the radiating portion 1000.

[0261] Figure 12-1 The air waveguide (i.e. Fig.10 An exemplary omnidirectional gain antenna pattern 1200-1 of an air waveguide having a radiating portion 1000 is shown. Figure 12-2 An example omnidirectional dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas according to the techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is shown, and gain radiation pattern 1200-2 has been achieved, i.e. Fig.10 The waveguide shown has a radiating portion 1002. In comparison Figure 12-1 and Figure 12-2 When , the radiating portion 1002 of the dielectric loaded waveguide has a more suitable antenna pattern than the radiating portion 1000 of the air waveguide. Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2 The lateral antenna gain 1101 shown in corresponds to the portion passing through the antenna patterns 1200 - 1 , 1200 - 2 in a plane spanned by the lateral 1005 and normal directions 1006 . Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2 The longitudinal antenna gain 1102 shown in corresponds to the portion passing through the antenna patterns 1200 - 1 , 1200 - 2 in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction 1004 and the normal direction 1006 .

[0262] Figure 13-1 A top cross-sectional view of an example radiating portion 1300 of a dielectric-loaded waveguide for low-loss signal distribution and a small form factor antenna in accordance with the techniques, devices, and systems of the present invention is illustrated. In this example, the radiating portion 1300 includes a radiating channel 1302 filled with a non-air dielectric 130. The radiating channel 1302 represents a normal radiating antenna element. The surface 123 of the radiating channel 1302 may have a pattern of radiating elements 122 that allows EM energy to escape the non-air dielectric.

[0263] However, the absorption channel 1304 is unique to the radiating portion 1300, and the absorption channel 1304 shares the adjacent wall 1303 with the radiating channel 1302. This means that the outer wall of the radiating channel 1302 is adjacent to the outer wall of the absorption channel 1304. The surface 123 of the absorption channel 1304 also has a pattern of elements 1305 (e.g., grooves, cones), which are called absorption elements, which have a similar pattern or the same pattern as the radiating elements 122 in the radiating channel 1302. The pattern of the radiating elements 122 in the surface 123 of the radiating channel 1302 enables the radiating channel 1302 to radiate normally as an antenna element. In contrast, these absorption patterns are arranged to absorb patterns of unwanted EM reflections in the environment near the radiating portion 1300, for example, reflections from the radar antenna cover or other parts of the vehicle 102, which are trapped between the radar antenna cover and the surface 123 of the radiating portion 1300 when the radiating channel 1302 radiates. The pattern of absorption grooves 1305 in the surface 123 of the absorption channel 1304 allows unwanted EM reflections to be absorbed by the absorber material 140 of the absorption channel 1304, rather than interfering with the radar signal of the radiation channel 1302. In this way, the absorption channel 1304 improves the antenna characteristics of the radar system 104 (e.g., resonant frequency stability, ripple-free radiation envelope, reduced intra-antenna isolation).

[0264] The absorbing channel 1304 is collocated with the radiating channel 1302 and loaded with an absorber material 140 that provides a similar antenna neighborhood for the radiating channel 1302 and the adjacent radiating antenna or radiating channel 1302. Being in a similar antenna neighborhood means that they can have similar expected antenna characteristics (e.g., key performance indicators, resonant frequency, beamforming / directivity, antenna pattern), as established by the overall design of the radar system 104. If the antenna neighborhood is different between the collocated radiating channels 1302, the antenna characteristics can frequently change by various amounts. The absorbing channel 1304 appears to have the same shape and form as the radiating channel 1302, except that the absorbing channel 1304 has a long RF path filled with absorber material 140. The absorber material 140 fills the entire RF path of the absorbing channel 1304, including an absorbent layer that optionally extends to the radiating channel 1302 and below the absorbing channel 1304.

[0265] Typically, the absorbing channel 1304 constitutes an additional channel in addition to the radiating channel 1302. The absorbing channel 1304 is electromagnetically coupled to the radiating channel 1302 to allow at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy to be transferred between the radiating channel 1302 and the additional channel formed by the absorbing channel 1304. Thus, the electromagnetic coupling may be due to reflection between the surface 123 and a radome disposed in front of the surface 123 and / or due to surface currents flowing along the surface 123.

[0266] The pattern of radiating elements 122 and the pattern of absorbing elements 1305 on surface 123 can produce overlapping radiation patterns. Thus, the radiation patterns can overlap by at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 25%, such as by 25%. For example, the pattern of radiating elements 122 and the pattern of absorbing elements 1305 can produce the same radiation pattern. The radiation pattern or antenna pattern thereby specifies the spatial distribution of electromagnetic energy that leaves and / or enters the radiating element 122 or the absorbing element 1305 as radiation. Thus, the radiation diagram specifies the directivity and / or gain of the pattern of radiating elements 120 or the pattern of absorbing elements 1305.

[0267] For example, Figure 13-2 Another example radiating portion 1300-1 of a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antenna according to the techniques, devices and systems of the present disclosure is shown. The radiating portion 1300-1 includes an absorption layer 1306 arranged below at least one of the following: the radiating channel 1302, the absorption channel 1304, the outer wall of the radiating channel 1302, or the outer wall of the absorption channel 1304. The absorption channel 1304 and the absorption layer 1306 work together to absorb unwanted reflections by directing the unwanted EM energy below the two channels 1302 and 1304 and pull them further away from the radiating channel 1302. In this example, the absorption layer 1306 is filled with an absorber material 140 and includes an interface to the absorption channel 1304. The interface with the absorption channel 1304 passes through another surface 124 of the absorber channel 1304 opposite to the surface 123 having a pattern of absorption elements 1305. The absorption layer 1306 absorbs unwanted EM reflections and stray surface currents to provide better antenna response.

[0268] Each of the radiating parts according to the present disclosure may include a Figure 13-1 One or more additional channels of absorption channel 1304 shown in .

[0269] Figure 13-3 A top view of a radar system including dielectric loaded waveguides for low loss signal distribution and on-chip mounting of small form factor antennas in accordance with techniques, devices, and systems of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 13-3 It is shown how there is empty space in the RF board 901 to accommodate other components on either side of the radiating channels 1302-1, 1302-2 and 1302-3 of the radiating portion 1300-3. Figure 13-4 Shows Figure 13-3 Spurious radiation characteristics of an on-chip installation of a dielectric-loaded waveguide are shown. Figure 13-4The stray radiation characteristics of the on-chip installation of the dielectric loaded waveguide shown may interfere with the radar signals captured by the radiating channels 1302-1, 1302-2, and 1302-3. Figure 13-4 As shown, unwanted reflections 1322 and re-reflections from radome 1330 may cause interference.

[0270] The stray radiation characteristics of the board 901 include stray emissions 1310 from the side surfaces of the board 901, which are generated by surface currents 1312 flowing from the radiation channels 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3 via unoccupied areas between the edge of the board 901 and the radiation channels 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3. Reflection 1322 corresponds to a portion of electromagnetic energy radiated by the radiation channel 120 via the radiation element 122 as antenna radiation 1320, wherein the portion of the electromagnetic energy does not pass through the radome 1330 arranged in front of the radiation element 122, but is reflected at least once at the radome 1330.

[0271] To prevent these stray radiation characteristics and eliminate some of the undesirable reflections 1322 and re-reflections, Figure 13-5 The technology, device and system according to the present disclosure are shown Figure 13-3 A top view of a radar system modified to include a dielectric loaded waveguide for low loss signal distribution and absorption channels 1304-1 and 1304-2 in an on-chip mounting of a small form factor antenna. Absorption channels 1304-1 and 1304-2 are on either side of radiating channels 1302-1, 1302-2, and 1302-3 of radiating portion 1300-5 to absorb EM energy reflected between objects (e.g., radome, bumper, other parts of the vehicle) and direct it away from radiating element 122. As shown in FIG. Figure 13-5 As shown, the absorption channels 1304-1 and 1304-2 provide a consistent antenna neighborhood, enabling better transmission and reception using the radiation channels 1302-1, 1302-2, and 1302-3. In other words, the absorption channels 1304-1, 1304-2 maintain the operating environment near the radiating surface of the antenna to avoid some undesirable EM reflections, and thus provide a consistent antenna response and easier radar control. Generally, accounting for unwanted reflections in an environment without using the absorption channels 1304-1 and 1304-2 is a complex and computationally intensive problem, which can be avoided by normalizing the antenna neighborhood.

[0272] like Figure 13-5As shown, the distance between the absorption channel 1304-1, 1304-2 and the adjacent radiating channel 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3 can be the same as the distance between two adjacent radiating channels 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3. The distance can be equal to an integer multiple of half the free space wavelength at the operating frequency of the antenna system. The antenna neighborhood of each individual radiating channel 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3 can be equal to the area around the respective radiating channel 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3, which includes the immediately adjacent radiating channels 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3 and / or the absorption channel 1304-1, 1304-2.

[0273] Example Method

[0274] Fig.14 An exemplary process 1400 for using dielectric loaded waveguides and small form factor antennas for low loss signal distribution according to the techniques, devices and systems of the present invention is described. The process 1400 is shown as a collection of operations (or actions) performed, but is not necessarily limited to the order or combination of operations shown here. In addition, any of one or more of the operations may be repeated, combined, or reorganized to provide other processes or methods. In various parts of the following discussion, reference may be made to Figure 1 The environment 100 of the embodiment of the present invention and the entities detailed in all other figures are only referred to as examples. The described technology is not limited to being performed by one entity or multiple entities.

[0275] At 1402, a dielectric filled waveguide is formed for low loss signal distribution and small form factor antennas. For example, waveguide 112 is formed.

[0276] At 1404 , the waveguide is integrated into the radar system. For example, the feed portion 106 - 1 of the waveguide 112 is electrically connected to the channel 114 of the radar chip 110 .

[0277] At 1406, an EM signal is received or transmitted via a waveguide. For example, the radar chip 110 transmits or receives a radar signal using the waveguide 112. EM energy in the propagation direction of the waveguide 112 carries the radar signal. A portion of the EM energy is allowed to escape the non-air dielectric of the waveguide 112 through the radiating element 122. The radar signal may take the form of a radar detection result. The radar system may output the radar detection result to a vehicle system of the vehicle 102. In response to receiving a radar detection result indicating to the radar system 104 that the object 106 is present in the field of view 108, the vehicle 102 may perform a driving operation based on the radar detection result observed using the waveguide 112. For example, the vehicle system may drive the vehicle 102 around the object 106 to avoid a collision.

[0278] manufacture

[0279] Fig.15 and Fig.16 A method of manufacturing an antenna system according to the present disclosure is shown. The method includes providing a first portion 151 and a second portion 152 of an antenna board of the antenna system. The first portion 151 forms an upper portion of the antenna board and includes a surface 123 with a radiating element 122. In addition, the first portion 151 may optionally include a cavity 126 for an isolation portion 170 and / or an isolation portion 170.

[0280] The first portion 151 forms a first cavity portion 161 of the cavity 160 of one of the radiation channels 120. Furthermore, the first portion 151 forms an additional first cavity portion 161 of the cavity 160 of the remaining radiation channels 120. The first cavity portion 161 has an opening extending in the lateral width of the radiation channel 120. The opening faces away from the surface 123 having the radiation element 122.

[0281] The second portion 152 comprises a surface 124 located opposite to the surface 123 with the radiating element 122. The second portion 152 forms the lower part of the antenna board. It comprises a second cavity portion 162 of the cavity 160 of the dielectric 130 receiving the radiating channel 120. In addition, the second portion 152 comprises additional second cavity portions 162 of the cavity 160 of the remaining radiating channels 120. Each second cavity portion 162 has an opening facing away from the surface 124 and extending over the lateral width of the radiating channel 120.

[0282] The first and second portions 151, 152 are configured to be joined together in a contact region 155. For the present embodiment, the contact region is formed by contact surfaces extending parallel to the surface 123 on the first portion 151 and the surface 124 on the second portion 152.

[0283] During assembly of the antenna board, the individual dielectrics 130 filling the individual radiating channels 120 are provided as solid bodies, ie elongated rods. The bodies of the dielectrics 130 are oriented to extend along the propagation direction within the radiating channels 120. They are oriented parallel to the radiating channels 120.

[0284] During assembly, the dielectric 130 is arranged between the first portion 151 and the second portion 152 of the antenna board. Therefore, the dielectric 130 can be arranged on one of the first portion 151 and the second portion 152. For example, each dielectric 130 can be arranged in one of the first cavity portions 161 or in one of the second cavity portions 162. After the dielectric 130 is arranged at one of the portions 151, 152, the remaining portions 151, 152 can be located near the dielectric 130 so that the dielectric 130 is arranged between the first portion and the second portion.

[0285] In a further manufacturing step of the method, the first part 151 and the second part 152 are joined together, for example via contact surfaces, in a contact area 155. Thus, the first part 151 and the second part 152 may be irreversibly and permanently connected to each other in the contact area 155. For example, the first part 151 and the second part 152 may be glued or welded or soldered together.

[0286] This produces Fig.16 The first part 151 and the second part 152 are connected to each other at the contact area 155 , and the dielectric 130 of the radiating channel 120 is accommodated in their respective cavities 160 .

[0287] The first part 151 and / or the second part 152 of the antenna board can be provided as an injection molded part. The method for manufacturing the antenna board can also include the step of forming the first part 151 and / or the second part 152, for example, by injection molding. The first part 151 and / or the second part 152 can be formed of an insulating material, such as plastic. The method can also include the step of coating the first part 151 and / or the second part 152 with a metal surface, for example by electroplating, spraying, etc. The coating can also be applied to the contact surface of the contact area 155.

[0288] Fig.17 1 shows a top view of another embodiment of an antenna board 901 of an antenna system according to the present disclosure, Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an antenna board 901 of an antenna system according to the present disclosure is shown. As long as no differences are disclosed in the description and the drawings, the antenna system is configured as disclosed for other antenna systems according to the present disclosure.

[0289] The plate 901 has a conductive surface 123 arranged on an insulating substrate. Thus, the insulating substrate is plated with the conductive surface 123. The surface 123 is structured and comprises openings for the radiating elements 122 defining two parallel radiating channels 120.

[0290] Furthermore, the conductive surface 123 has openings exposing the substrate material. The substrate material comprises an absorber material 140 which is exposed in the openings and absorbs the electromagnetic energy converted by the radiating element 122. The openings thus form an isolation portion 170 of the plate 901. The isolation portion 170 electromagnetically isolates the two propagation channels 120 and their radiating elements 122 from each other.

[0291] from Fig.18As can be seen from the cross-sectional view of the plate 901, the plate 901 comprises a first part 151 arranged on a second part 152. Each part 151, 152 comprises a substrate with a conductive structure 910, which comprises a surface 123 with a radiating element 122. The conductive structure 910 can be applied to all sides of the substrate of the respective part 151, 152. For example, the conductive structure 110 can be applied by coating, such as electroplating, spraying, galvanizing, etc. The substrates of both parts 151, 152 include an absorber material 140.

[0292] The side surfaces of the first and second parts 151, 152 facing each other are configured with corresponding openings exposing the absorber material 140. These openings are arranged adjacent to each other, thereby forming a connection 708 connecting the absorber material 140 of the first part 151 to the absorber material 140 of the second part 152, which first part 151 also has the radiating element 122 and the opening forming the isolation part 170. The absorber material 140 in the second part 152 forms an isolation layer of the plate 901.

[0293] Radiating channels 120 are formed in the first portion 151. They are configured to extend from the surface 123 with the radiating elements 122 into longitudinal grooves in the substrate. The grooves have side walls which are covered with a conductive material and form conductive structures which laterally delimit the waveguides of the radiating channels 120.

[0294] To manufacture Fig.17 and Fig.18 In the antenna board 901 shown, the substrate of the first part 151 (which is made of absorber material 140) is first constructed into a cavity with a radiation channel 120, for example by cutting or milling. Subsequently, the outer and inner surfaces of the cavity are covered with a conductive structure 910. Then, the cavity of the radiation channel 120 is filled with a dielectric 130.

[0295] In a subsequent step, the surface 123 is applied as a continuous metal surface on the absorber material 140 of the substrate and on the dielectric 130 filled in the radiation channel 120. The metal surface is subsequently structured to form the radiation element 122 and to form openings exposing the absorber material 142 of the absorption element 170. The structuring can be performed, for example, by photolithography, mask etching, etc.

[0296] in conclusion

[0297] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be implemented in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. From the foregoing description, it is apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Although described as a way to improve radar performance, the techniques described above may be applied to other problems to effectively improve antenna patterns used to detect objects with sensors, such as in an automotive environment.

[0298] Some additional advantages of dielectric loaded radiating channels, in addition to those mentioned above, include: greater freedom for adjoining walls between two radiating channels, low cost due to smaller potential antenna panels, more directivity due to a larger number of radiating elements with effective amplitude tapers and improved sidelobe levels are possible. Additional advantages include increased isolation between radiating channels due to increased distance due to increased adjoining wall thickness. Furthermore, asymmetric antenna patterns are possible. Even though the antenna efficiency may be slightly reduced due to dielectric losses, and in some examples, these minor disadvantages are outweighed by the many advantages of integrating dielectric loaded waveguides and small form factor antennas for low loss signal distribution in automotive radar systems mentioned above.

[0299] According to the present invention, a channel such as a radiating channel, a routing channel or an absorbing channel is loaded with a dielectric, which means that the corresponding channel is filled with a dielectric. Thus, the dielectric is arranged in the interior or cavity of the corresponding channel.

[0300] The use of "or" and grammatically related terms represents non-exclusive substitution without limitation unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of: a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination of multiples of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and cc or any other order of a, b, and c).

[0301] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to:

[0302] 1. A device, comprising:

[0303] An antenna system, the antenna system comprising:

[0304] a routing portion having one or more hollow channels, each of the hollow channels being filled with an air dielectric;

[0305] a feeding portion configured to connect each of the hollow channels to a corresponding channel of a radar chip; and

[0306] A waveguide portion includes one or more radiating channels corresponding to each hollow channel, each radiating channel is loaded with a non-air dielectric, and a surface of each radiating channel has a pattern of radiating elements that allow electromagnetic (EM) energy to escape the non-air dielectric.

[0307] 2. The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the antenna system further comprises:

[0308] A transfer portion is configured to transfer EM energy between the air dielectric of the hollow passage and the non-air dielectric of the radiating passage allowing escape from the radiating element.

[0309] 3. A device according to embodiment 2, wherein the waveguide portion includes at least one pair of radiation channels separated by an isolation portion, and the isolation portion is configured to prevent interference between the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel of the pair of radiation channels by absorbing stray portions of EM energy that is allowed to escape from each of the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel of the pair of radiation channels, thereby avoiding negative impact on the final radiation pattern.

[0310] 4. The device according to embodiment 3, wherein:

[0311] The surface of each radiation channel is a first surface of each radiation channel;

[0312] The isolation portion extends from the pair of radiating channels to an isolation layer disposed below a second surface of each radiating channel, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; and

[0313] The isolation layer is configured to absorb a stray portion of the EM energy absorbed by the isolation portion.

[0314] 5. The apparatus of embodiment 3, wherein the isolation portion comprises a metamaterial absorptive substrate configured to absorb within a plurality of metamaterial structures within the isolation portion a stray portion of EM energy allowed to escape each of the first and second radiation channels.

[0315] 6. The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein:

[0316] The first radiation channel and the second radiation channel correspond to the same hollow channel among the hollow channels; or

[0317] The first radiation channel and the second radiation channel correspond to different hollow channels.

[0318] 7. The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the pattern of radiating elements of the first radiating channel and the pattern of radiating elements of the second radiating channel are separated by half a wavelength of an operating frequency of the radar chip.

[0319] 8. The apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the first radiation channel and the second radiation channel are separated by an adjacent wall, the adjacent wall having a thickness that is twice as thick as an outer wall of the first radiation channel and twice as thick as an outer wall of the second radiation channel.

[0320] 9. The apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein:

[0321] The first radiation channel and the second radiation channel are separated by an adjacent wall having a thickness six times that of an outer wall of the first radiation channel and six times that of an outer wall of the second radiation channel,

[0322] The isolated portion of the waveguide partially passes through a surface of the first radiating channel, partially passes through a surface of the second radiating channel, and enters the abutment wall.

[0323] 10. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the radiation channel of the waveguide portion has a size smaller than a corresponding size of one or more radiation channels of an air waveguide configured to allow an equal amount of EM energy to escape from an air dielectric through the radiating elements of the air waveguide.

[0324] 11. The apparatus of embodiment 10, wherein:

[0325] The dimensions of the radiating channel of the waveguide portion include a maximum length of the radiating channel of the waveguide portion;

[0326] The respective dimensions of the radiating channel of the air duct include a maximum length of the radiating channel of the air duct.

[0327] 12. The apparatus of embodiment 10, wherein:

[0328] The dimension of the radiating passage of the waveguide portion comprises a maximum area or volume of the radiating passage of the waveguide portion;

[0329] The respective dimensions of the radiating channel of the air duct comprise a maximum area or volume of the radiating channel of the air duct.

[0330] 13. The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein:

[0331] The amount of radiating elements in the pattern of radiating elements per radiating channel is greater than the amount of radiating slots in the pattern of radiating slots per air channel of an air waveguide configured to allow an amount of EM energy to escape from the air channel that is equal to the EM energy that is allowed to escape from the radiating elements.

[0332] 14. The device according to embodiment 1 further comprises: a device configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals via the antenna system.

[0333] 15. An apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein the device includes a radar system.

[0334] 16. The apparatus of embodiment 15, wherein the radar system is configured to be mounted as part of a vehicle.

[0335] 17. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the amount of the radiation channels is greater than or equal to the amount of the hollow channels.

[0336] 18. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein:

[0337] Each of the hollow channels comprises an air dielectric filled cavity that is rectangular in shape in all three dimensions; and

[0338] Each radiating channel comprises a non-air dielectric filled cavity that is rectangular in all three dimensions.

[0339] 19. A device, comprising:

[0340] An antenna system, the antenna system comprising:

[0341] a first layer having a feed portion configured to connect a channel of a radar chip to the antenna system;

[0342] a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer comprising a routing portion having a hollow channel configured to hold an air dielectric, the hollow channel being electrically coupled to the channel of the radar chip via the feeding portion;

[0343] a third layer adjacent to a side of the second layer opposite the first layer, the third layer comprising a first waveguide portion, the first waveguide portion comprising a radiating channel coupled to the hollow channel, the radiating channel being loaded with a non-air dielectric; and

[0344] A fourth layer adjacent to the third layer on an opposite side of the second layer, the fourth layer defining a second waveguide portion including a surface defining a plurality of radiating elements that allow electromagnetic (EM) energy to escape from the antenna system.

[0345] 20. The apparatus of embodiment 19, wherein the radiation channel comprises a cavity filled with the third layer of the non-air dielectric.

[0346] 21. The apparatus according to embodiment 20, wherein the cavity of the third layer has a shape extending from the second layer, through the third layer and up to the fourth layer.

[0347] 22. The device of embodiment 19, wherein the feeding portion is configured to connect the channel of the radar chip to the antenna system at a bottom surface of the first layer opposite to the second layer.

[0348] 23. The device of embodiment 22, wherein the first layer, the second layer, the third layer and the fourth layer comprise a stack of parallel layers.

[0349] 24. The apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the second layer further comprises a transfer portion configured to transfer EM energy allowed to escape from the radiating element between the air dielectric of the hollow channel and the non-air dielectric of the radiating channel.

[0350] 25. A device, comprising:

[0351] An antenna system, the antenna system comprising:

[0352] a feed portion configured to connect the antenna system to a radar chip; and

[0353] A waveguide portion, the waveguide portion comprising:

[0354] a radiation channel corresponding to a channel of the radar chip, the radiation channel being loaded with a non-air dielectric and having a surface having a pattern of radiation elements that allow electromagnetic (EM) energy to escape the non-air dielectric; and

[0355] An absorption channel is paired with the radiating channel, the absorption channel is loaded with an absorber material, and the surface of the absorption channel has a pattern of absorption elements, and the pattern of absorption elements allows unwanted EM reflections and stray currents near the surface of the radiating channel to be absorbed by the absorber material.

[0356] 26. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein the pattern of the absorptive elements comprises a pattern of absorptive grooves or cones for absorbing unwanted EM reflections.

[0357] 27. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein an outer wall of the radiation channel is adjacent to an outer wall of the absorption channel.

[0358] 28. The apparatus according to embodiment 25, further comprising:

[0359] An absorbent layer, the absorbent layer being arranged below at least one of:

[0360] Radiation channel;

[0361] Absorption channel;

[0362] The outer wall of the radiation channel; or

[0363] The outer wall of the absorption channel,

[0364] The absorption layer is configured to absorb unwanted EM reflections further away from the radiation channel than from the absorption channel.

[0365] 29. The apparatus of embodiment 28, wherein the absorbent layer is loaded with the absorber material and comprises an interface to the absorbent channels through another surface of the absorbent channels opposite to the surface having the pattern of absorbent grooves.

[0366] 30. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein the waveguide comprises metal or plastic.

[0367] 31. The apparatus of embodiment 25, wherein the waveguide comprises metal-coated plastic.

[0368] 32. A method comprising the following steps:

[0369] A driving operation is performed by the vehicle based on radar detection results observed by the antenna system of the device using any combination of embodiments 1-29.

[0370] 33. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor of a vehicle to perform a driving maneuver based on radar detection results observed by an antenna system of an apparatus using any combination of embodiments 1-29.

[0371] 34. A system comprising: means for performing a driving operation based on radar detection results observed by an antenna system of an apparatus using any combination of embodiments 1-29.

[0372] The present invention also relates to the following embodiments:

[0373] 1. An antenna system (112), the antenna system comprising:

[0374] a feeding portion (116-1, 302, 402) configured to connect the antenna system to a radar device, such as a radar chip (110); and

[0375] A waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5), such as a radiating portion, includes one or more radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), each radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is configured to be coupled to a channel (114) of a radar device, the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) being filled with a first dielectric (130), and respective surfaces (123) of the radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) each having at least one radiating element (122) that allows electromagnetic (EM) energy to escape from and / or enter the first dielectric (130); and

[0376] One or more additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2), the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) being filled with a second dielectric different from the first dielectric (130), the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) being electromagnetically coupled to the radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) to allow transfer of at least a portion of electromagnetic (EM) energy between the radiating channels (120, 1302, 13021, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2).

[0377] 2. The antenna system (112) according to embodiment 1, wherein the first dielectric (130) has a relative dielectric constant greater than 1.

[0378] 3. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) form a routing channel (118), such as a hollow channel, of a routing portion (116-2) of the antenna system, wherein the feed portion (116-1, 302, 402) is configured to connect each of the routing channels (118) to a channel (114) of the radar device,

[0379] wherein electromagnetic coupling between the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) and the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) couples each of one or more radiation channels (120, 1302, 13021, 1302-2, 1302-3) to one of the routing channels (118),

[0380] Wherein, for example, the loss tangent of the second dielectric is smaller than the loss tangent of the first dielectric (130).

[0381] 4. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 3, wherein:

[0382] The second dielectric is a liquid dielectric, such as an air dielectric, and / or

[0383] The first dielectric (130) is a non-air dielectric, such as a liquid dielectric or a non-liquid dielectric, such as a solid.

[0384] 5. The antenna system (112) according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the antenna system (112) further comprises:

[0385] A transfer portion (116-3, 406-1, 406-2) configured to transfer EM energy allowed to escape and / or enter the radiating element (122) between a second dielectric of the routing channel (118) and a first dielectric of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0386] 6. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 3 to 5, wherein the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are connected to the same routing channel in the routing channel (118).

[0387] 7. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 3 to 6, wherein the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are connected to different routing channels (118).

[0388] 8. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 3 to 7, wherein the routing portion (116-2) is provided in a routing layer (804), wherein the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) includes a radiating layer (806),

[0389] The radiation layer (806) is adjacent to one side of the routing layer (804).

[0390] The surface (123) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) having at least one radiation element (122) that allows electromagnetic (EM) energy to escape and / or enter the first dielectric (130) is located on the side of the radiation layer (806) opposite to the routing layer (804).

[0391] 9. The antenna system (112) according to embodiment 8,

[0392] wherein the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) includes another radiation layer (808),

[0393] The other radiation layer (808) is adjacent to a side of the radiation layer (806) opposite to the routing layer (804),

[0394] The further radiation layer (808) includes a surface (123) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) having at least one radiation element (122) that allows electromagnetic (EM) energy to escape from and / or enter the first dielectric (130).

[0395] 10. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the at least one radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) comprises a cavity (810) of the radiation layer (806) filled with the first dielectric (130).

[0396] 11. The antenna system (112) according to embodiment 10, wherein the cavity (810) of the radiation layer (806) has a shape extending from the routing layer (804), passing through the radiation layer (806), and extending all the way to the other radiation layer (808).

[0397] 12. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the feeding part (116-1, 302, 402) is arranged in a feeding layer (802),

[0398] The routing layer (804) is adjacent to the feeding layer (802),

[0399] Wherein, for example, the side of the routing layer (804) adjacent to the radiation layer (806) is positioned opposite to the feeding layer (802).

[0400] 13. An antenna system (112) according to embodiment 12, wherein the feeding portion (116-1, 302, 402) is configured to connect the channel (114) of the radar device to the antenna system at a bottom surface (123) of the feeding layer (802) opposite to the routing layer (804).

[0401] 14. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 8 to 13, wherein the routing layer (804) and the radiating layer (806) comprise stacks of parallel layers.

[0402] 15. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 8 to 14, wherein the routing layer (804) further comprises a transfer portion (116-3, 406-1, 406-2), the transfer portion being configured to transfer EM energy allowed to escape and / or enter the radiating element (122) between a second dielectric of the routing channel (118) and a first dielectric (130) of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0403] 16. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein one or more of the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) are configured as absorbing channels (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2),

[0404] wherein the second dielectric is configured as an absorber material (140), and

[0405] wherein each surface (123) of each absorption channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) has at least one absorption element (1305), for example a pattern of absorption elements (1305), the at least one absorption element allowing part of the electromagnetic energy entering and / or leaving the first dielectric (130) to be absorbed by the absorber material (140),

[0406] Wherein, part of the electromagnetic energy is, for example, EM reflection near the surface (123) of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) or surface current propagating at the surface (123) of at least one radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0407] 17. An antenna system (112) according to embodiment 16, wherein the absorption element (1305), for example each absorption element (1305) of the pattern of absorption elements (1305), comprises an absorption groove and / or an absorption cone to capture part of the electromagnetic energy, for example EM reflection.

[0408] 18. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the pattern of the absorption element (1305) is equal to the pattern of the radiation element (122) of at least one of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0409] 19. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein an outer wall of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is adjacent to an outer wall of the absorbing channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2).

[0410] 20. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 16 to 19, further comprising:

[0411] an absorbent layer (1306) disposed below at least one of:

[0412] Radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3);

[0413] Absorption channels (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2);

[0414] an outer wall of a radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3); or

[0415] The outer wall of the absorption channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2),

[0416] The absorbing layer (1306) is configured to absorb the portions of the electromagnetic energy, such as the EM reflections, further away from the radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) than the absorbing channels (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2).

[0417] 21. An antenna system (112) according to embodiment 20, wherein the absorption layer (1306) is filled with an absorber material (140) and / or includes an interface to the absorption channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2), which passes through another surface (124) of the absorption channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) opposite to the surface (123) having at least one absorption element (1305).

[0418] 22. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein:

[0419] The waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) includes at least one pair of radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) separated by an isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704), the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) being configured to allow radiation to escape and / or enter the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) by absorbing the radiation. The invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the first radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the pair of radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0420] 23. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 22, wherein:

[0421] The surface (123) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is a first surface (123) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3);

[0422] The isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) extends from the pair of radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) to an isolation layer (706) disposed below a second surface (124) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), the second surface (124) being opposite to the first surface (123); and

[0423] The isolation layer (706) is configured to absorb a stray portion of the EM energy absorbed by the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704).

[0424] 24. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) includes a metamaterial absorption substrate (600), the metamaterial absorption substrate being configured to absorb stray portions of EM energy allowed to escape and / or enter each of the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) within a plurality of metamaterial structures (602) inside the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704).

[0425] 25. An antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) of the waveguide partially passes through the surface (123) of the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), partially passes through the surface (123) of the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), and protrudes into an adjacent wall (127, 1303) that separates the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0426] 26. An antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 22 to 25, wherein the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) is accommodated in a cavity (126) of the antenna system, and the cavity (126) has an opening at a surface (123) having the radiating element (122).

[0427] 27. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the pattern of the radiating elements (122) of the first radiation channel in the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the pattern of the radiating elements (122) of the second radiation channel in the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are separated by half the wavelength of the operating frequency of the radar device.

[0428] 28. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein a first radiation channel among the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and a second radiation channel among the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are separated by an adjacent wall (127, 1303), and the adjacent wall (127, 1303) is thicker than an outer wall of the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), for example, at least twice as thick, for example, at least six times as thick, or as thick as, and / or is thicker than an outer wall of the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), for example, at least twice as thick, for example, at least six times as thick, or as thick as,.

[0429] 29. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the dimensions of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) are smaller than corresponding dimensions of one or more radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of an air waveguide, the air waveguide being configured to allow an equal amount of EM energy to escape through the radiating element (122) of the air waveguide and / or enter the air dielectric.

[0430] 30. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 29, wherein:

[0431] The dimensions of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) include the a maximum length of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5); and

[0432] The respective dimensions of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the air waveguide include a maximum length of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the air waveguide.

[0433] 31. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 29 or 30, wherein:

[0434] The dimensions of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) include the dimensions of the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) the maximum area or volume of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the guide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5); and

[0435] The respective dimensions of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the air waveguide include the maximum area or volume of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) of the air waveguide.

[0436] 32. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein:

[0437] The number of radiating elements (122) in the pattern of radiating elements (122) of each radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is greater than the number of radiating elements in the pattern of radiating elements of the air channel of the air waveguide, wherein the air waveguide has the same length as the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3),

[0438] wherein the spacing and / or length of the radiating elements of the air waveguide is a first multiple of the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy within the air waveguide,

[0439] wherein the spacing and / or length of the radiating elements (122) of the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is a second multiple of the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy within the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), and

[0440] Wherein, the first multiple is equal to the second multiple.

[0441] 33. An antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the first dielectric (130) is a structured dielectric, and the structured dielectric is configured to act as a lens for allowing electromagnetic energy to escape and / or enter the first dielectric (130).

[0442] 34. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and / or the additional channel (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) comprises metal and / or plastic, such as metal-coated plastic.

[0443] 35. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 34, wherein the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and / or the additional channel (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) is configured as a waveguide, such as a tubular waveguide.

[0444] 36. An antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the one or more radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 13023) each include a pattern of radiation elements (122), and the radiation elements (122) are sequentially coupled to the corresponding radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) along the propagation direction of electromagnetic (EM) energy within the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 13023).

[0445] 37. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein the number of radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 13023) is greater than or equal to the number of additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2).

[0446] 38. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein:

[0447] Each of the additional channels (118, 1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) comprises a cavity (810) which is rectangular in shape at least in its cross-section, for example rectangular in shape in all three dimensions, and is filled with a second dielectric; and / or

[0448] Each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) comprises a cavity (810) which is rectangular in shape at least in its cross section, for example rectangular in shape in all three dimensions, and is filled with a first dielectric (130).

[0449] 39. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38,

[0450] wherein the one or more radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are formed by a first portion (151) and a second portion (152),

[0451] wherein the first portion (151) only partially surrounds the first dielectric (130), and

[0452] Wherein, the second portion (152) is connected to the first portion (151) along a contact area (155).

[0453] 40. The antenna system (112) of embodiment 39, wherein the first portion (151) includes the at least one radiating element (122).

[0454] 41. An antenna system (112) according to embodiment 39 or 40, wherein the contact area (155) extends parallel to a surface (123) of a radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) having at least one radiation element (122), and / or extends parallel to a propagation direction of electromagnetic energy within the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

[0455] 42. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 39 to 41,

[0456] The contact area (155) is located at a side surface (123) of the first dielectric (130), and the side surface (123) connects the first surface of the dielectric (130) with the second surface of the dielectric (130).

[0457] The first surface and the second surface of the dielectric (130) are located on opposite sides of the dielectric (130), and

[0458] The first surface is positioned adjacent to a surface (123) of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) having the radiation element (122).

[0459] 43. The antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 39 to 42, wherein the second portion (152) surrounds a remaining portion of the first dielectric (130) that is not surrounded by the first portion (151).

[0460] 44. The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 39 to 43, wherein the first portion (151) and the second portion (152) each include a cavity portion (161, 162) that accommodates a portion of the first dielectric (130).

[0461] 45. An antenna system (112) according to any one of embodiments 39 to 44, wherein the second portion (152) includes another surface (124) of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), and the other surface (124) is oriented parallel to the surface (123) having the at least one radiation element (122).

[0462] 46. ​​A device, comprising:

[0463] The antenna system (112) of any one of embodiments 1 to 45; and

[0464] A device, such as a radar chip (110), is configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals via an antenna system (112).

[0465] 47. An apparatus according to embodiment 46, wherein the device and / or the antenna system (112) is part of a radar system (104).

[0466] 48. An apparatus according to embodiment 47, wherein the radar system (104) is configured to be installed as part of a vehicle (102), such as a motor vehicle (102).

[0467] 49. A method (1400), comprising the steps of:

[0468] A driving operation is performed by a vehicle (102), such as a motor vehicle (102), based on radar detection results observed by an antenna system (112) using any combination of embodiments 1 to 45.

[0469] 50. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor of a vehicle (102), such as a motor vehicle (102), to perform a driving maneuver based on radar detection results observed by an antenna system (112) using any combination of embodiments 1 to 45.

[0470] 51. A system comprising: means for performing a driving operation based on a radar detection result observed by an antenna system (112) using any combination of embodiments 1 to 45.

[0471] 52. A method of manufacturing an antenna system (112) of any combination of embodiments 1 to 45, the method comprising the following steps:

[0472] Providing a first portion (151) of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and a second portion (152) of the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3);

[0473] Disposing a first dielectric (130) between the first portion (151) and the second portion (152);

[0474] connecting the first portion (151) and the second portion (152) to form the radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3),

[0475] The radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) has a cavity (161, 162) filled with the first dielectric (130).

[0476] 53. A method according to embodiment 52, wherein the first part (151) has a first cavity part (161) suitable for accommodating the first dielectric (130), and / or the second part (152) has a second cavity part (162) suitable for accommodating the first dielectric (130).

[0477] 54. A method according to embodiment 52 or 53, wherein providing the first part (151) and / or providing the second part (152) comprises: forming the first part (151) and / or the second part (152) by molding, for example by injection molding.

[0478] 55. A method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 54, wherein the first portion (151) and / or the second portion (152) is provided with a conductive surface, for example, a metal coating.

[0479] 56. The method according to any one of embodiments 52 to 55, further comprising the step of providing the first dielectric (130) as a solid element, such as a strip.

[0480] Reference numerals list

[0481] 100 Environment

[0482] 102 Vehicles

[0483] 104 Radar System

[0484] 106 objects

[0485] 108 Field of view

[0486] 110 Radar Chip

[0487] 112 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0488] 114 channels

[0489] 116-1 Feeding part

[0490] 116-2 Routing Section

[0491] 116-3 Transmission section

[0492] 116-4 Waveguide section

[0493] 118 Hollow Channel

[0494] 120 Radiant Channels

[0495] 122 Radiating elements

[0496] 123 Surface

[0497] 124 Surface

[0498] 125 Segment

[0499] 126 Cavity

[0500] 127 Adjacent wall

[0501] 130 Dielectric

[0502] 140 Absorbent material

[0503] 150 Antenna Board

[0504] 151 Part 1

[0505] 152 Part 2

[0506] 155 Contact area

[0507] 160 Cavity

[0508] 161 First cavity part

[0509] 162 Second cavity part

[0510] 170 Isolation section

[0511] 200-1 Air Waveguide

[0512] 200-2 Dielectric Waveguide

[0513] 300 Air waveguide

[0514] 302 Feeding part

[0515] 304 Routing Section

[0516] 306 Radiation Part

[0517] 306-1 Radiation part

[0518] 306-2 Radiation

[0519] 306-3 Radiation

[0520] 306-4 Radiation

[0521] 310 Length

[0522] 312 Distance

[0523] 314 Length

[0524] 400-1 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0525] 400-2 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0526] 400-3 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0527] 400-4 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0528] 402 Feeding part

[0529] 404 Routing Section

[0530] 406-1 Transfer section

[0531] 406-2 Transfer section

[0532] 408-1 Radiation part

[0533] 408-2 Radiation

[0534] 410 Isolation Section

[0535] 500 Isolation Section

[0536] 600 Isolation Section

[0537] 602 Metamaterial Structure

[0538] 604 Metal Structure

[0539] 605 substrate

[0540] 700 Air Waveguide

[0541] 702 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0542] 704 Isolation Section

[0543] 706 Isolation Layer

[0544] 708 connections

[0545] 800 Dielectric Loaded Waveguide

[0546] 802 First Floor

[0547] 804 Second Floor

[0548] 806 Third Floor

[0549] 808 Fourth Floor

[0550] 810 Cavity

[0551] 900 Radar System

[0552] 901 Board

[0553] 902 Air Waveguide

[0554] 904 Dielectric-filled waveguide

[0555] 910 Conductive structure

[0556] Tx1 Transmit channel

[0557] Tx2 Transmit Channel

[0558] Rx1 receiving channel

[0559] Rx2 receiving channel

[0560] Rx3 receiving channel

[0561] Rx4 receiving channel

[0562] 1000 Radiation Part

[0563] 1002 Radiation

[0564] 1004 Vertical direction

[0565] 1005 Horizontal

[0566] 1006 Normal direction

[0567] 1100-1 Antenna Pattern

[0568] 1100-2 Antenna Pattern

[0569] 1101 Horizontal antenna gain

[0570] 1102 Longitudinal antenna gain

[0571] 1200-1 Antenna Pattern

[0572] 1200-2 Antenna Pattern

[0573] 1300 Radiation Part

[0574] 1300-1 Radiation

[0575] 1300-3 Radiation

[0576] 1300-5 Radiation

[0577] 1302 Radiation Channel

[0578] 1302-1 Radiation Channel

[0579] 1302-2 Radiation Channel

[0580] 1302-3 Radiation Channel

[0581] 1303 Adjacent wall

[0582] 1304 Absorption Channel

[0583] 1304-1 Absorption Channel

[0584] 1304-2 Absorption Channel

[0585] 1305 Adsorption element

[0586] 1306 Absorption layer

[0587] 1310 Spurious Emissions

[0588] 1312 Surface current

[0589] 1320 Antenna Transmitter

[0590] 1321 Final Launch

[0591] 1322 Reflection

[0592] 1330 Radome

[0593] 1400 Methods

[0594] a Board size

[0595] a d Reduced width size

[0596] b Narrow size

[0597] b d Reduced narrow size

[0598] t wall Wall thickness

[0599] t d_wall Reduced wall thickness

[0600] λ Air wavelength

[0601] λ g Reduce wavelength

[0602] ε r Relative dielectric constant

Claims

1. An antenna system (112) for a vehicle (102), the antenna system comprising: a feed portion (116-1, 302, 402) configured to connect the antenna system (112) to a radar device of the vehicle (102); as well as a waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5), the waveguide portion including one or more radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), Each of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is configured to be coupled to a channel (114) of the radar device. The radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is filled with a first dielectric (130), and wherein the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) include respective surfaces (123) each having at least one radiation element (122) that allows electromagnetic energy to escape from and / or enter the first dielectric (130); and one or more additional channels, the additional channels being filled with a second dielectric different from the first dielectric (130), the additional channels being electromagnetically coupled to the radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) to allow transfer of at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy between the radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the additional channels, wherein one or more of the additional channels form a routing channel (118) of a routing portion (116-2) of the antenna system (112), The feeding section (116-1, 302, 402) is configured to connect each of the routing channels (118) to a channel (114) of the radar device. wherein the electromagnetic coupling between the additional channel and the radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) couples each of the one or more radiating channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) to one of the routing channels (118), and The first dielectric (130) has a relative dielectric constant greater than 1, and the second dielectric used for the routing channel (118) is air.

2. The antenna system (112) according to claim 1, in, The routing channel (118) of the routing portion (116-2) of the antenna system (112) forms a hollow channel, The loss tangent of the second dielectric used for the routing channel (118) is smaller than the loss tangent of the first dielectric (130).

3. The antenna system (112) according to claim 2, in, The first dielectric (130) is a non-air dielectric.

4. The antenna system (112) according to claim 3, in, The first dielectric (130) is solid.

5. The antenna system (112) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are connected to one of the routing channels (118).

6. The antenna system (112) according to claim 1, in, The routing part (116-2) is arranged in the routing layer (804), wherein the waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) includes a radiation layer (806), The radiation layer (806) is adjacent to one side of the routing layer (804). The surface (123) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) having at least one radiation element (122) allowing the electromagnetic energy to escape from and / or enter the first dielectric (130) is located on a side of the radiation layer (806) opposite to the routing layer (804).

7. The antenna system (112) of claim 6, wherein: The routing layer (804) and the radiating layer (806) comprise a stack of parallel layers.

8. The antenna system (112) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The feeding part (116-1, 302, 402) is arranged in a feeding layer (802), The routing layer (804) is adjacent to the feeding layer (802). wherein the side of the routing layer (804) adjacent to the radiation layer (806) is positioned opposite to the feed layer (802), The feeding portion (116-1, 302, 402) is configured to connect the channel (114) of the radar device to the antenna system (112) at a bottom surface of the feeding layer (802) opposite to the routing layer (804).

9. The antenna system (112) according to claim 1, in, One or more of the additional channels, different from one or more of the additional channels forming the routing channel (118), are configured as absorption channels (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2), wherein the second dielectric used for the absorption channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) is configured as an absorber material (140), and The corresponding surfaces of the absorption channels (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) each have at least one absorption element (1305), and the at least one absorption element allows a portion of the electromagnetic energy entering and / or leaving the first dielectric (130) to be absorbed by the absorber material (140). The portion of the electromagnetic energy is electromagnetic energy reflection near the surface (123) of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and / or surface current propagating at the surface (123) of at least one of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

10. The antenna system (112) of claim 9, wherein: The absorption element (1305) comprises an absorption groove and / or an absorption cone to capture the portion of the electromagnetic energy.

11. The antenna system (112) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The at least one absorption element (1305) of the corresponding surface of each absorption channel (1304, 1304-1, 1304-2) is a pattern of the absorption element (1305).

12. The antenna system (112) of claim 1, wherein: The waveguide portion (116-4, 306, 306-1, 306-2, 306-3, 306-4, 408-1, 408-2, 1000, 1002, 1300, 1300-1, 1300-3, 1300-5) includes at least one pair of radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) separated by an isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704), the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) being configured to allow radiation to escape and / or enter the pair of radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) by absorbing radiation. 0, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the stray part of the electromagnetic energy of each radiation channel in the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) to prevent interference between the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

13. The antenna system (112) according to claim 12, in, The surface (123) of each of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) is a first surface of each of the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), The isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) extends from the pair of radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) to an isolation layer (706) arranged below a second surface (124) of each radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), the second surface (124) being opposite to the first surface, and Wherein the isolation layer (706) is configured to absorb a stray portion of the electromagnetic energy absorbed by the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704).

14. The antenna system (112) according to claim 12 or 13, in, The isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) includes a metamaterial absorption substrate configured to absorb within a plurality of metamaterial structures (602) of the isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) the stray portion of the electromagnetic energy allowed to escape and / or enter the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), and / or The isolation portion (170, 500, 600, 704) of the antenna system (112) partially passes through the surface (123) of the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), partially passes through the surface (123) of the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3), and enters an adjacent wall (127, 1303) separating the first radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and the second radiation channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

15. The antenna system (112) of claim 1, wherein: The first dielectric (130) is a structured dielectric configured to act as a lens for allowing the electromagnetic energy to escape from and / or enter the first dielectric (130).

16. The antenna system (112) of claim 1, in, The radiating channel (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) and / or the additional channel are configured as a waveguide.

17. The antenna system (112) of claim 16, wherein: The one or more radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) each include a pattern of radiation elements (122), and the radiation elements (122) are sequentially coupled to the corresponding radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) along the propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy within the radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3).

18. The antenna system (112) of claim 1, in, The one or more radiation channels (120, 1302, 1302-1, 1302-2, 1302-3) are formed by a first portion (151) and a second portion (152), The first portion (151) only partially surrounds the first dielectric (130). Wherein, the second portion (152) is connected to the first portion (151) along a contact area (155).

19. The antenna system (112) of claim 18, wherein: The first portion (151) includes a cavity portion that accommodates a portion of the first dielectric (130), and the second portion (152) includes a cavity portion that accommodates a portion of the first dielectric (130).

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