Antenna device with low ripple radiation pattern

Abstract

An antenna device (100) suitable for a vehicle radar transceiver. The antenna device includes a radiating layer (105) having a surface (110) defined by a surface boundary (115). One or more holes (120) are arranged on the surface. The antenna device also includes one or more surface current suppression members (130) arranged on the surface. The one or more surface current suppression members are arranged to suppress surface current from the holes to the surface boundary. The one or more surface current suppression members include one or more grooves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna device for a vehicle radar transceiver. An antenna device having an improved radiation pattern is disclosed.

[0002] background

[0003] Radar transceivers play an increasingly important role in modern vehicles. They can be used for autonomous driving or to provide useful information to the driver.

[0004] Radar operates by transmitting a signal via an antenna assembly in a direction of interest. The transmitted signal is then reflected by objects in the direction of interest. The reflected signal is then received by the antenna assembly and processed. The processed reflected signal can provide information about, for example, the object's range relative to the radar and its velocity relative to the radar.

[0005] In some vehicle applications, the radiation pattern of the antenna device in the elevation dimension should preferably include a single narrow beam. This can be achieved, for example, by an array of antenna elements. In this way, the field of view in the elevation dimension can be essentially parallel to the ground. Therefore, the radar can avoid detecting uninteresting objects above the vehicle, and it can also avoid unwanted ground reflections. Ideally, the radiation pattern of the antenna device in the azimuth dimension should be uniform over the field of view. The field of view in the azimuth dimension preferably has an angle as wide as possible, for example 180 degrees. However, practical antenna devices have a trade-off between azimuth beamwidth and ripple in the azimuth radiation pattern. A narrow azimuth beamwidth with low ripple reduces the field of view. On the other hand, a wider beamwidth with larger ripple transmits different amounts of power across the beam, which potentially complicates signal processing.

[0006] There is a need for antenna arrangements having improved radiation patterns.

[0007] Overview

[0008] The present disclosure provides an improved antenna device suitable for use in a vehicle radar transceiver. The antenna device includes a radiating layer having a surface defined by a surface boundary. One or more apertures are disposed on the surface. The antenna device also includes one or more surface current suppression members disposed on the surface. The one or more surface current suppression members are configured to suppress surface currents flowing from the apertures to the surface boundary.

[0009] Surface currents scattered from surface boundaries and / or adjacent slots generate unwanted radiation, disrupting the radiation pattern produced by one or more slots. The surface current suppression member suppresses the surface currents and thereby reduces the unwanted radiation. Thus, the surface current suppression member improves the radiation pattern of the antenna device by reducing ripple while maintaining a desired beamwidth.

[0010] According to various aspects, one or more surface current suppression members include one or more grooves. The grooves suppress surface currents by scattering them in a controlled manner. Surface currents interacting with the grooves are scattered as electromagnetic radiation, thereby reducing their energy and suppressing the current flow. The grooves have the advantage that they can be manufactured in a manner similar to holes in a radiation layer.

[0011] In an embodiment of the antenna device, the one or more grooves and the one or more holes are formed in a single layer, which is an advantage from a manufacturing point of view. In other words, the grooves and the holes are integrally formed on the same layer.

[0012] In an embodiment of the antenna device, the groove and the hole are formed from a single material, eg metal, which is an advantage from a manufacturing point of view.

[0013] According to various aspects, the one or more surface current suppression members include one or more electromagnetic absorbers.

[0014] Electromagnetic absorbers suppress surface currents by attenuation. One advantage of using electromagnetic absorbers is that they can be arranged on the surface after the radiating layer has been produced.

[0015] According to various aspects, at least one of the one or more electromagnetic absorbers is coated onto a surface. This provides an antenna device that is easy to manufacture and low-cost.

[0016] According to various aspects, at least one of the one or more electromagnetic absorbers is disposed within a recess formed in a surface. This arrangement allows the one or more electromagnetic absorbers to be positioned flush with the surface. This arrangement can save space, facilitate assembly, and, for example, prevent the electromagnetic absorber from snagging during antenna assembly.

[0017] According to various aspects, a surface comprises a metallized coating on a support layer, and one or more electromagnetic absorbers form part of the support layer. Thus, an antenna device can include a support layer having slots cut out, wherein every surface except for a predetermined region is metallized. The predetermined region then constitutes the electromagnetic absorber. Such an antenna device is easy to manufacture and has low cost.

[0018] According to various aspects, the support layer comprises plastic. In this way, the support layer will have low cost and low weight.

[0019] According to various aspects, the support layer includes a primer. This makes it easier to metallize the support layer.

[0020] According to various aspects, the one or more apertures are elongated slots.

[0021] In this way, the radiating layer is cost-effective and high-performance in terms of, for example, losses, and exhibits a desired radiation pattern for, for example, a vehicle radar.

[0022] According to various aspects, one or more elongated slots extend in a first direction on the surface.

[0023] Thus, the antenna arrangement may comprise an antenna array having, for example, a narrow beamwidth in one dimension and a wide beam in another dimension.

[0024] According to various aspects, at least one of the elongated slots extends in a first direction and at least another of the elongated slots extends in a second direction on the surface. The second direction is different from or even orthogonal to the first direction.

[0025] In this way, the antenna arrangement can be used as a dual-polarization antenna arrangement, wherein the radiation pattern is improved for both polarizations.

[0026] According to various aspects, one or more surface current suppression members include at least one elongated element having an elongation direction in a first direction. Thus, one surface current suppression member can suppress surface currents generated by several holes extending in the first direction.

[0027] According to various aspects, one or more surface current suppression members are arranged to be connected to the surface boundary. In this way, the surface current suppression members can suppress the surface current caused by several holes on the radiation layer.

[0028] According to various aspects, one or more surface current suppression members are arranged in connection with the surface boundary and around one or more holes. In this way, the surface current suppression members can improve the radiation pattern in the azimuthal dimension for any orientation of the holes on the surface, which is an advantage.

[0029] According to various aspects, the antenna device includes a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of the one or more surface current suppression members is arranged between a first hole and a second hole in the plurality of holes. In this way, the surface current suppression member can suppress the surface current of the intermediate hole on the radiation layer.

[0030] According to various aspects, the antenna device includes a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes is surrounded by one or more surface current suppression members. In this way, the surface current suppression members can suppress surface currents in all directions from the surrounded holes.

[0031] According to aspects, an antenna device includes a frame, wherein the radiation layer is arranged to be received in the frame, and wherein the one or more surface current suppression members are arranged on the frame.

[0032] In this way, radiant layers of different configurations can be assembled into the same frame, thereby saving manufacturing costs. It is possible that the radiant layer includes multiple radiant layer modules arranged to be received in the frame. The frame is a structural support for one or more radiant layer modules and preferably comprises a conductive material. The one or more radiant layer modules can be releasably attached to the frame, for example, by an interference fit or a snap fit, to facilitate assembly.

[0033] According to various aspects, a vehicle includes an antenna apparatus.

[0034] According to various aspects, a radar transceiver for a vehicle includes an antenna apparatus.

[0035] In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless otherwise expressly defined herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, part, means, step, etc.]" are open to interpretation as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, part, means, step, etc., unless otherwise expressly stated. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person recognizes that, without departing from the scope of the present invention, different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1A shows a top view of a vehicle having a radar transceiver;

[0039] Figure 1B shows a side view of a vehicle having a radar transceiver;

[0040] Figure 2 An example antenna arrangement is schematically shown;

[0041] Figure 3 An example radiation pattern is shown;

[0042] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows a side view of an example antenna arrangement;

[0043] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figure 5Cshows example antenna devices having different configurations of surface current suppression members;

[0044] Figure 6 An example antenna arrangement with dual polarization is schematically shown;

[0045] Figure 7 An example antenna arrangement is schematically shown;

[0046] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example antenna arrangement including a frame;

[0047] Figure 9 An example antenna arrangement is schematically shown;

[0048] Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B and Figure 10C shows example antenna devices having different configurations of surface current suppression members;

[0049] Figure 11 An example antenna arrangement is schematically shown;

[0050] Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B 、 Figure 12C and Figure 12D shows example antenna devices having different configurations of surface current suppression members; and

[0051] Figure 13 An example antenna arrangement is schematically shown.

[0052] Detailed description

[0053] The various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the various devices and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the various aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the accompanying drawings refer to like elements throughout.

[0054] The terms used herein are only used to describe various aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] Various types of antenna devices suitable for use in vehicle radar transceivers are disclosed herein. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example vehicle 101 including a radar transceiver 102 is schematically shown. More specifically, Figure 1A A top view of a vehicle is shown, wherein a radar transceiver is arranged at the front of the vehicle. Figure 1AAlso shown is a radiation pattern 103 of a radar transceiver in the azimuth dimension 104. A radiation pattern, or antenna pattern, or far-field pattern is the angle-dependent intensity of electromagnetic radiation from an antenna arrangement in a radar transceiver. If the antenna arrangement radiates equally across an angular span (e.g., 180 degrees) in the angular dimension (e.g., azimuth), the radiation pattern is uniform across that span. On the other hand, if the antenna arrangement is directional, the highest radiated power is contained in the main lobe. The main lobe has an angular width in degrees, which can be specified by the half-power beamwidth (HPBW), which is the angular span between two corner points where the radiated power is half its maximum value. Figure 1B A side view of a vehicle and a radiation pattern 103 of the antenna arrangement in an elevation dimension 105 are shown. It should be understood that the radar transceiver can be placed in other locations on the vehicle (e.g., on the side or in a rear-facing position). Furthermore, it should be understood that the disclosed antenna arrangement can be used with radar transceivers other than vehicle radar transceivers, or with other radio frequency applications (such as communication systems, positioning systems, etc.).

[0056] The antenna device disclosed herein has the ability to present a radiation pattern with a main lobe that is narrow in the elevation dimension and wide (with low ripple) in the azimuth dimension. Such a pattern allows detection of objects in a direction substantially parallel to the ground at a wide range of angles from the vehicle, while avoiding undesirable ground reflections and undesirable detections above the vehicle. For a vehicle radar transceiver, the narrow main lobe in the elevation dimension can, for example, be a pattern covering an angular span of up to 40 degrees and preferably 15 degrees. The azimuth dimension main lobe width of a vehicle radar transceiver may be on the order of 180 degrees.

[0057] The ripple in the main lobe is the variation of the radiated power with respect to the angle within the main lobe (e.g., in the azimuth dimension). If the amplitude of the ripple is greater than half the maximum radiated power, the radiation pattern will no longer include a single main lobe. The ripple can be periodic or aperiodic with respect to the angle.

[0058] Figure 2An antenna arrangement is shown that includes slot antennas arranged in an antenna array. The antenna arrangement includes a radiating layer 105 having a surface 110. The surface is bounded by a surface boundary 115. The radiating layer has two sides and is associated with a thickness. The thickness is much smaller than the size of the side. A slot antenna typically includes a conductive surface having a cutout portion (i.e., a slot). The conductive surface serves as a ground plane. The conductive surface includes a good electrical conductor, such as copper. The slot is typically substantially rectangular, with a first side having a length corresponding to half the wavelength of the intended radio frequency signal and a second side having a length substantially shorter than the first side (e.g., one-tenth the length of the first side). The corners may be rounded to improve the bandwidth of the slot antenna. Bandwidth is the frequency span over which an antenna can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. To further improve the bandwidth, the slot aperture may have a dumbbell shape, i.e., the two short sides have an elliptical shape. Other substantially rectangular slot aperture shapes are also possible.

[0059] It should be noted that the disclosed antenna device can include any aperture. Thus, the one or more apertures 120 may optionally be elongated slots in the disclosed antenna device 100. However, for readability, the non-limiting example of the one or more apertures being elongated slots is used throughout the detailed description.

[0060] Multiple slot antennas can form an array. For example, multiple vertically elongated slots can be stacked vertically. In such a vertical stack, the slots can be arranged in a sliding symmetric manner for a small vertical distance between the slots. Figure 2 Sliding symmetry in

[15] involves arranging every other slot in a vertical stack with a horizontal translation (along direction B), thereby having a vertical line of symmetry (along direction A). Multiple vertically elongated slot antennas can also be arranged horizontally in a horizontal array. Combinations of horizontal and vertical arrangements of slots are also possible.

[0061] Figure 3 The radiation patterns in the azimuth dimension of different slot antenna arrangements are shown, where the slots are oriented so that they are vertically elongated (at Figure 230). An ideal slot antenna with an infinite ground plane exhibits a completely uniform radiation pattern 301 over a 180 degree span in the azimuth dimension. However, due to the finite ground plane, a real conventional slot antenna exhibits ripples 304 in the radiation pattern 303 in the azimuth dimension. This ripple can be reduced at the expense of making the beam narrower, as in 302. The finite ground plane causes surface currents to scatter at the edges of the ground plane and / or at any adjacent slots. Here, the surface currents are generated by the slot apertures. In other words, the discontinuities in the ground plane cause the scattering. If the ground plane were infinite, there would be no scattered surface currents generated by the edges of the ground plane. The scattered surface currents cause unwanted radiation from the antenna device, which destroys the radiation pattern produced by the slot apertures.

[0062] Figure 2 An example antenna arrangement of the present disclosure is shown. Figures 4A-12D A more detailed view and various embodiments of the disclosed antenna device are shown in . The disclosed antenna device 100 includes a radiating layer 105 having a surface 110, the surface 110 being bounded by a surface boundary 115. One or more holes 120 are arranged on the surface. The antenna device also includes one or more surface current suppression members 130 arranged on the surface 110, wherein the one or more surface current suppression members are arranged to suppress surface currents from the holes 120 to the surface boundary 115. Surface currents scattered at the surface boundary 115 and / or at any adjacent slots produce unwanted radiation, which disrupts the radiation pattern produced by the one or more slots. The surface current suppression members suppress the surface currents and thereby reduce the unwanted radiation. Therefore, the surface current suppression members improve the radiation pattern of the antenna device in terms of reducing ripple while maintaining a wide main lobe. The radiation pattern of the disclosed antenna device is therefore more uniform and similar to Figure 3 The flat radiation pattern 301 in FIG.

[0063] Surface 110 of radiating layer 105 is electrically conductive. However, it should be understood that a plastic film or the like may cover the radiating layer. Therefore, the outer surface of antenna assembly 100 need not be electrically conductive. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the radiating layer comprises metallized plastic. However, either or both sides of the plastic layer may be metallized; that is, the metallization may constitute surface 110.

[0064] The surface 110 is not necessarily a flat surface. It will be appreciated that other surface shapes are possible, such as a surface having an arcuate form in one or two dimensions (as in, for example, a conformal antenna). Figure 9 An example antenna arrangement is shown, wherein the surface has an arcuate form.The surface boundary may for example be a rectangle, a circle or any other closed formed shape.

[0065] The antenna device 100 may include one or more elongated slots 120 extending along a first direction A on the surface 110. The one or more elongated slots extending in the direction A may, for example, form an array in the direction A and / or in a direction perpendicular to the direction A.

[0066] Figure 2 An example antenna device 100 is shown in which a plurality of elongated slots 120 extend along a direction A. Two surface current suppression members, also extending along the direction A, are arranged on respective sides of a surface 110 that extend along the direction A. In the antenna device of this example, the two surface current suppression members improve the radiation pattern in the azimuth dimension of all slot antennas because the surface current suppression members suppress surface currents flowing from the slots to the surface boundaries extending along the direction A, thereby reducing unwanted scattering of the surface currents. Therefore, according to some aspects, one or more surface current suppression members 130 include at least one elongated element having an elongated direction in a first direction A. Figure 7 A similar antenna arrangement with an array in a first direction A is shown.

[0067] Figure 6 An example antenna arrangement 100 is shown in which at least one of the elongated slots 120 extends in a first direction A and at least another of the elongated slots extends in a second direction B on the surface 110. The second direction B is different from or even orthogonal to the first direction A. Such a slot arrangement may be used for a dual-polarized antenna arrangement in which the radiation patterns for both polarizations are improved because the surface current suppression member suppresses unwanted radiation from scattered surface currents on all sides of the surface 110.

[0068] exist Figure 2 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example antenna device 100 in , one or more surface current suppression members 130 are arranged to connect the surface boundaries 115 . Figure 4A and Figure 4B Details of an example surface boundary 115 are shown. Figure 4A In the embodiment, the surface boundary includes a 90-degree corner. Therefore, the surface current suppression member is arranged to connect the corners. Figure 4BIn FIG, the surface boundary includes rounded corners. Thus, the surface current suppression member is arranged near the corner 410. It should be understood that other shapes of the surface boundary are possible. It should also be understood that the surface current suppression member may extend beyond the surface boundary, so that the surface current suppression member may be arranged partially on the surface 110 and partially on the adjacent surface 420. The adjacent surfaces may be arranged, for example, at 90 degrees relative to the surface 110, but other angles are also possible.

[0069] exist Figure 6 In an exemplary embodiment of the antenna device of FIG. 1 , one or more surface current suppression members 130 are arranged to connect the surface boundary 115 and surround the one or more holes 120. Here, surrounding means forming a perimeter around the surrounded object, such as Figure 6 However, it should be understood that small gaps can be formed in the perimeter without loss of functionality. In this type of configuration, the surface current suppression member can improve the radiation pattern in the azimuth dimension for any orientation of the slots on the surface 110, which is an advantage.

[0070] exist Figure 10A 、 Figure 10B 、 Figure 10C and Figure 12A In an example embodiment of an antenna device, wherein each antenna device includes a plurality of holes 120, at least one of the one or more surface current suppression members 130 is arranged between a first hole and a second hole in the plurality of holes. Here, arranged between means located on a straight line drawn between two adjacent slots, see for example Figure 10B Line D or Figure 10C Line E in.

[0071] exist Figure 11 In an example embodiment of the antenna device, it includes a plurality of holes 120, at least one hole of the plurality of holes is surrounded by one or more surface current suppression members.

[0072] In the disclosed antenna device 100, one or more surface current suppression members 130 may include one or more electromagnetic absorbers. Electromagnetic absorbers suppress surface currents by attenuation. Electromagnetic absorbers typically include lossy materials that attenuate the transmission or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, the electromagnetic absorber should be neither a good electrical insulator (like rubber, for example) nor a good electrical conductor (like copper, for example). An example of an electromagnetic absorber is a foam material loaded with iron and / or carbon. The electromagnetic absorber can be resonant, i.e., a specific frequency is attenuated (e.g., 30 GHz), or broadband, i.e., a frequency span is attenuated (e.g., 1 GHz to 40 GHz). The attenuation of electromagnetic radiation in one direction depends on the thickness of the electromagnetic absorber in the same direction. One example of attenuation per length is 10 dB / cm at 2 GHz. Another example is 150 dB / cm at 30 GHz. Both examples of attenuation per length can be applied to the disclosed antenna device 100.

[0073] Figure 5A A side view of an example antenna device 100 is shown in which one or more electromagnetic absorbers are arranged on top of a surface 110. Note that the height of the radiating layer 105 (in the figure) is lower than that of the rest of the figure. Figure 5A 110 ). The diagrams (e.g., extending along direction C) are not necessarily drawn to scale. At least one of the one or more electromagnetic absorbers 130 can be coated 511 onto the surface 110 for a fast and cost-effective manufacturing process. Coating can include spraying the electromagnetic absorbing material onto the surface 110. Additionally, the one or more electromagnetic absorbers 130 can be attached to the surface 110 using an adhesive.

[0074] Figure 5B A side view of an example antenna device 100 is shown in which at least one of the one or more electromagnetic absorbers 130 is disposed in a recess 512 formed in the surface 110. Note that the height of the radiating layer 105 (in the FIGURE 100) is lower than that of the rest of the figure. Figure 5B 1 and 2. The electromagnetic absorbers 110 and 111 may be arranged flush with the surface 110. This arrangement may save space, facilitate assembly, and may be used to prevent the electromagnetic absorbers from snagging during antenna assembly, for example.

[0075] Figure 5C A side view of an example antenna device 100 is shown, wherein the surface 110 comprises a metallized coating on a support layer 510, and the one or more electromagnetic absorbers 130 form part of the support layer. The radiating layer thus comprises the support layer and the metallization. Note that the height of the radiating layer 105 (at Figure 5CThe antenna device is not necessarily drawn to scale (extending in direction C). On the support layer, the side opposite to the surface 100 can also be metallized. Preferably, the inner side of the slot is also metallized. In other words, the antenna device can include a support layer with a slot cutout, wherein every surface except a predetermined area is metallized. The predetermined area then constitutes the electromagnetic absorber 130. When the support layer is metallized, the predetermined area can, for example, be covered with a removable film.

[0076] In an example embodiment of the disclosed antenna device, the support layer comprises plastic, wherein the plastic has electromagnetic absorption properties in an operating frequency band of the antenna device.

[0077] The metallization of plastic can be accomplished in two steps, where a primer is first applied to the plastic surface before the plastic surface is coated with the desired metal. In the present disclosure, the desired metals for plastic metallization (such as copper, silver and gold) have low loss and high conductivity. Many other metals and alloys are also possible. Examples of suitable primers are nickel, chromium, palladium and titanium, but many other materials are also possible. Therefore, in another example embodiment of the disclosed antenna device, only the area coated with the primer includes the electromagnetic absorber 130, that is, the supporting layer includes the primer. In other words, the antenna device may include a plastic layer with a narrow slot cut, wherein each surface is coated with the primer. Thereafter, each area except the predetermined area is metallized. The predetermined area constitutes the electromagnetic absorber 130.

[0078] Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B 、 Figure 12C and Figure 12D An example antenna device 100 is shown. Here, one or more surface current suppression members 130 include one or more grooves. The grooves suppress surface currents by scattering them in a controlled manner. Surface currents interacting with the grooves are scattered as electromagnetic radiation, thereby reducing their energy and suppressing the current flow. Surface currents generated by one or more slots that are scattered at surface boundaries 115 and / or at any adjacent slots degrade the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100. By scattering the surface currents in a controlled manner, the desired radiation pattern can be maintained. The inside of the grooves is preferably conductive.

[0079] Figure 12B 、 Figure 12C and Figure 12D Shown along Figure 12A Different embodiments of antenna devices as viewed in cross section F in FIG. Note that the height (extending in the figure along direction C) is not necessarily drawn to scale compared to the rest of the figure. Figure 12B and Figure 12C In FIG, a slot 120 is a cut that penetrates the surface 110 and provides a passage, while a groove is a recess that does not provide a passage. Figure 12B It is shown that the grooves can be shallower than the slots; Figure 12C and Figure 12D It is shown that the slots can be shallower or equally shallow than the grooves. In other words, the thickness of the radiative layer around the grooves (in the figure along direction C) can be greater than the thickness around the slots. Figure 12D An embodiment is shown in which one or more grooves comprise two layers. More specifically, the grooves penetrate the radiating layer 105 and extend into the support layer 1205. The continuation of the groove in the support layer 1205 does not necessarily match the dimensions of the portion of the groove opening in the radiating layer. For example, the continuation can be wider. The purpose of the support layer is to close the groove. The support layer is preferably conductive. The support layer may or may not be an integral part of the optional distribution layer. Typically, in antenna devices, a distribution layer is present that faces the surface of the radiating layer that is not intended to radiate. The distribution layer distributes RF signals to and from the slots in the radiating layer.

[0080] Optionally, one or more grooves 130 are elongated grooves having a second width W2 that matches the first width W1 of one of the elongated slots 120. Figure 12A A) and width W1, wherein the width is transverse to the direction of elongation (W1 in Figure 12A and Figure 12B The groove has a length along the elongation direction and a width W2, wherein the width W2 is measured perpendicular to the elongation direction. Figure 12A As shown, the length of the groove can be substantially longer than the width. It can also be seen that the length of the groove matches the extension of the slot. According to various aspects, multiple grooves are arranged adjacent to the slot. The grooves can also be arranged asymmetrically across the array antenna, meaning that different apertures across the array will be affected differently by the grooves. This can be useful if asymmetric beam shaping is desired.

[0081] The antenna device 100 may optionally include a distribution layer 1320 having a transmission line based on gap waveguide technology. Figure 13 An example of such an antenna device is shown in . Transmission lines are used to transmit radio frequency signals. Transmission lines based on gap waveguide technology typically consist of two parts: a metamaterial structure surface 1325 and a flat metal surface placed in close proximity to each other, but not necessarily in direct contact. The metamaterial structure surface may, for example, include repeated conductive pins 1326 or repeated conductive cavities. The metamaterial structure surface is sometimes referred to as an artificial magnetic conductor. The metamaterial structure creates a barrier that prevents electromagnetic waves from propagating in undesired directions. In this way, the metamaterial structure replaces two walls in a rectangular waveguide. This does not require a completely sealed metal housing, which is an advantage.

[0082] As described, a notch is a recessed portion that does not provide electromagnetic pathways. Furthermore, one or more notches may comprise two layers. More specifically, a notch may penetrate radiating layer 105 and extend into distribution layer 1320. The purpose of the connecting portion of distribution layer 1320 is to close the notch. Thus, the notch remains a recessed portion that does not provide pathways. In other words, one or more notches are through-holes in the radiating layer and electromagnetically terminate in the distribution layer. Termination means that electromagnetic radiation cannot propagate into the notch and then pass through it; that is, the notch can be considered a single-port network.

[0083] Figure 13 An example surface current suppression member 130 is shown that includes a groove that penetrates the radiation layer 105 and extends into the distribution layer 1320. Here, the extension into the distribution layer is mostly surrounded by a conductive protrusion 1326 that constitutes an EBG structure 1325. The EBG structure prevents electromagnetic coupling along the surface of the EBG structure. Therefore, the EBG structure arranged adjacent to the extended groove effectively closes the groove. Figure 13 In FIG, it can be noted that there are no protrusions at each end 1310 of the groove. This is possible because in this particular example device there are no electric fields at these locations that need to be contained functionally. In other words, the extended grooves remain closed. However, protrusions can optionally be placed at those locations for other purposes (such as mechanical and shielding). It is also possible to shield the closed grooves without an EBS structure (for example by arranging a normal waveguide cavity in the distribution layer). In FIG. Figure 12D and Figure 13 In the embodiment, the groove is electromagnetically isolated from the narrow slot below the radiation layer (ie, the direction in which the radiation layer faces the support / distribution layer).

[0084] Figure 8 An example antenna device 100 is shown including a frame 710, wherein the radiating layer 105 is received in the frame, and wherein one or more surface current suppression members 130 are arranged on the frame. This allows radiating layers of different configurations to be assembled into the same frame, thereby saving manufacturing costs. The radiating layer may include multiple radiating layer modules arranged to be received in the frame. The frame provides structural support for the one or more radiating layer modules and preferably comprises a conductive material. The one or more radiating layer modules may be releasably attached to the frame, for ease of assembly, using, for example, an interference fit or a snap fit.

[0085] According to some aspects, a vehicle 101 includes an antenna arrangement 100 .

[0086] According to some aspects, a radar transceiver 102 for a vehicle includes an antenna assembly 100 .

Claims

1. An antenna device (100) for a vehicle radar transceiver, the antenna device comprising: a radiative layer (105) having a surface (110), the surface (110) being defined by a surface boundary (115); one or more holes (120) disposed on the surface (110); Distribution layer (1320); as well as One or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged on the surface (110), wherein the one or more surface current suppression members are arranged to suppress surface current from the hole (120) to the surface boundary (115), wherein the one or more surface current suppression members (130) include one or more grooves, wherein the one or more grooves are through holes in the radiation layer and electromagnetically terminate in the distribution layer.

2. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The one or more grooves and the one or more holes are formed in a single layer.

3. The antenna device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more apertures (120) are elongated slots.

4. The antenna device (100) according to claim 3, wherein The elongated slot extends along a first direction (A) on the surface (110).

5. The antenna device (100) according to claim 4, wherein At least one of the elongated slots extends along the first direction (A), and at least another one of the elongated slots extends along a second direction (B) on the surface (110), wherein the second direction (B) is different from or even orthogonal to the first direction (A).

6. The antenna device (100) according to claim 4, wherein The one or more surface current suppression members (130) include at least one elongated element having an elongated direction along the first direction (A).

7. The antenna device (100) according to claim 5, wherein The one or more surface current suppression members (130) include at least one elongated element having an elongated direction along the first direction (A).

8. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-7, wherein: The one or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged to connect the surface boundaries (115).

9. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-7, wherein: The one or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged to connect the surface boundary (115) and surround the one or more holes (120).

10. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-7, comprising a plurality of holes (120), wherein: At least one of the one or more surface current suppression members (130) is arranged between a first hole and a second hole among the plurality of holes.

11. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-7, comprising a plurality of holes (120), wherein: At least one of the plurality of holes is surrounded by the one or more surface current suppression members.

12. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-7, comprising a frame (710), wherein: The radiation layer (105) is arranged to be received in the frame (710), and wherein the one or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged on the frame (710).

13. A vehicle (101) comprising the antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. A radar transceiver (102) for a vehicle, comprising the antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An antenna device (100) for a vehicle radar transceiver, the antenna device comprising: a radiative layer (105) having a surface (110), the surface (110) being defined by a surface boundary (115); one or more holes (120) disposed on the surface (110); as well as One or more surface current suppression members (130) arranged on the surface (110), wherein the one or more surface current suppression members are arranged to suppress surface current from the hole (120) to the surface boundary (115), wherein the one or more surface current suppression members (130) include one or more electromagnetic absorbers, wherein the surface (110) includes a metallized coating on a support layer (510), and the one or more electromagnetic absorbers (130) constitute part of the support layer, wherein every area except a predetermined area of ​​the support layer is metallized, and wherein the predetermined area constitutes the electromagnetic absorber (130).

16. The antenna device (100) according to claim 15, wherein The one or more apertures (120) are elongated slots.

17. The antenna device (100) according to claim 16, wherein The elongated slot extends along a first direction (A) on the surface (110).

18. The antenna device (100) according to claim 17, wherein At least one of the elongated slots extends along the first direction (A), and at least another one of the elongated slots extends along a second direction (B) on the surface (110), wherein the second direction (B) is different from or even orthogonal to the first direction (A).

19. The antenna device (100) according to claim 17, wherein The one or more surface current suppression members (130) include at least one elongated element having an elongated direction along the first direction (A).

20. The antenna device (100) according to claim 18, wherein The one or more surface current suppression members (130) include at least one elongated element having an elongated direction along the first direction (A).

21. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein: The one or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged to connect the surface boundaries (115).

22. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein: The one or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged to connect the surface boundary (115) and surround the one or more holes (120).

23. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15-20, comprising a plurality of holes (120), wherein: At least one of the one or more surface current suppression members (130) is arranged between a first hole and a second hole among the plurality of holes.

24. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15-20, comprising a plurality of holes (120), wherein: At least one of the plurality of holes is surrounded by the one or more surface current suppression members.

25. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15-20, wherein At least one of the one or more electromagnetic absorbers (130) is coated (511) onto the surface (110).

26. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15-20, wherein At least one of the one or more electromagnetic absorbers (130) is disposed in a recess (512) formed in the surface (110).

27. The antenna device (100) of claim 15, wherein: The support layer (510) comprises plastic.

28. The antenna device (100) of claim 15, wherein: The support layer (510) includes a primer.

29. The antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15-20 and 27-28, comprising a frame (710), wherein: The radiation layer (105) is arranged to be received in the frame (710), and wherein the one or more surface current suppression members (130) are arranged on the frame (710).

30. A vehicle (101) comprising an antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15-29.

31. A radar transceiver (102) for a vehicle, comprising the antenna device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 29.

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