Waveguide with slot antenna and reflector

Abstract

This document describes techniques, apparatuses, and systems for waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors. An apparatus can include a waveguide channel including a hollow channel containing a dielectric and an array of slot antennas operatively connected to the dielectric through a surface. The apparatus also includes a reflector positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel. The reflector and the waveguide channel are positioned to generate a particular radiation pattern of antenna elements electrically coupled to the dielectric. In this way, the described waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors can adjust the positioning of the reflector to provide a radiation pattern with a wide or asymmetric beamwidth.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Some devices (e.g., radar systems) use electromagnetic signals to detect and track objects. One or more antennas are used to transmit and receive these electromagnetic signals. The radiation pattern of an antenna can be characterized by gain or beamwidth, with beamwidth indicating direction-dependent gain. Precise control of the radiation pattern can improve the application of a radar system. For example, many automotive applications require radar systems that provide wide beamwidths to detect objects within a specific field of view (e.g., in the path of a vehicle). Other automotive applications require asymmetric beamwidths to detect objects in different fields of view.

[0002] Waveguides can be used to improve and control the radiation pattern of any type of device. Because they are easy to design and have a relatively wide field of view, waveguides can include perforations or radiating slots to guide radiation near the antenna. These slot antennas typically require a large ground plane to achieve a wide field of view. Without a large ground plane, slot antennas may have a smaller field of view, with ripples in the radiation pattern. Furthermore, arrays of slot antennas are susceptible to coupling between adjacent antenna elements and edge firing, which negatively impacts phase monotonicity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document describes techniques, apparatus, and systems for waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors. The apparatus may include a waveguide channel comprising a hollow channel containing a dielectric and a slot antenna array operatively connected to the dielectric through a surface. The apparatus also includes a reflector positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel. The reflector and waveguide channel are positioned to generate a specific radiation pattern for antenna elements electrically coupled to the dielectric. In this manner, the described waveguide with slot antennas and reflectors can adjust the positioning of the reflector to provide a radiation pattern with a wide or asymmetrical beamwidth.

[0004] This document also describes methods performed by the techniques, apparatus and systems summarized above, and other methods set forth herein, as well as apparatus for performing these methods.

[0005] This invention provides a simplified concept related to waveguides having slot antennas and reflectors, which is further described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings. This invention is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The following figures illustrate details of one or more aspects of a waveguide with a slot antenna and a reflector in this document. Throughout the figures, the same numbers are generally used to refer to similar features and components: Figure 1 An example environment is shown in which a radar system with a slotted antenna and reflector assembly is used on a vehicle; Figure 2 A top view of a waveguide with a slot antenna and a reflector is shown; Figure 3 A side view of a waveguide with a slot antenna and a reflector is shown. Figure 4 Example radiation diagrams are shown in association with waveguides without reflectors and with reflectors; Figure 5 and Figure 6 A top view and a side view of a waveguide with slot antennas and asymmetrically spaced reflectors are shown. Figure 7A and Figure 7B A perspective view and exploded view of an example array of waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors are shown; Figure 8 An example radiation diagram is shown associated with an example array of waveguides having slot antennas and reflectors; Figure 9A and Figure 9B A perspective view and exploded view of another example array of waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors are shown; and Figure 10 An example method is shown for manufacturing a waveguide with a slot antenna and a reflector according to the techniques, apparatus and systems of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0007] Overview

[0008] Radar systems are a sensing technology that some automotive systems rely on to acquire information about their surroundings. Radar systems typically use antennas to direct electromagnetic energy or signals to be transmitted or received. Such radar systems can use multiple antenna elements in an array (e.g., slot antennas) to provide increased gain and directivity compared to the radiation pattern achievable using a single antenna element. Signals from multiple antenna elements are combined with appropriate phase and weighted amplitude to provide the desired radiation pattern.

[0009] Consider a waveguide used to transfer electromagnetic energy to and from antenna elements. A waveguide typically comprises an array of radiating slots (e.g., slot antennas) representing apertures within the waveguide. Manufacturers can choose the number and arrangement of slot antennas to provide the desired phasing, combination, or separation of electromagnetic energy. For example, slot antennas are equidistantly spaced along the direction of electromagnetic energy propagation on the waveguide surface.

[0010] This document describes a waveguide with slot antennas and reflectors that provides a wide or asymmetric radiation pattern in the azimuth plane. The waveguide includes reflectors on both sides of the waveguide channel to provide the desired radiation pattern. The reflectors are positioned offset from the waveguide channel to influence the radiation pattern. The reflectors can be sized and positioned relative to the radiation slot array to generate a radiation pattern with a wide beamwidth or an asymmetric radiation pattern to obtain desired characteristics. The reflectors can also provide better isolation between multiple waveguides.

[0011] The waveguide with slotted antenna and reflector described could be particularly advantageous for use in automotive scenarios, such as detecting objects on the road in the path of a vehicle. The wide beamwidth allows the vehicle's radar system to detect objects in a larger field of view. As an example, a radar system placed near the front of a vehicle could use a wide beamwidth to focus on detecting objects in front of the vehicle.

[0012] This example waveguide is merely one example of the techniques, devices, and systems described for waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors. Other examples and implementations are described in this document.

[0013] Operating environment

[0014] Figure 1 An example environment 100 is shown in which a radar system 102 with a slotted antenna 114 and a reflector 116 is used on a vehicle 104. The vehicle 104 can use the waveguide 110 to enable the operation of the radar system 102, which is configured to determine the proximity, angle, or speed of one or more objects 108 in the vicinity of the vehicle 104.

[0015] Although shown as a car, vehicle 104 can represent other types of motorized vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, buses, tractors, semi-trailers, or construction equipment), non-motorized vehicles (e.g., bicycles), rail vehicles (e.g., trains or trams), water vehicles (e.g., boats or ships), aircraft (e.g., airplanes or helicopters), or spacecraft (e.g., satellites). Typically, manufacturers can mount radar system 102 onto any mobile platform, including mobile machinery or robotic equipment. In other implementations, other devices (e.g., desktop computers, tablets, laptops, televisions, computing watches, smartphones, gaming systems, etc.) can combine radar system 102 with waveguide 110 and the supporting technologies described herein.

[0016] In the depicted environment 100, a radar system 102 is mounted near or integrated within the front of a vehicle 104 to detect an object 108 and avoid collisions. The radar system 102 provides a field of view 106 directed toward one or more objects 108. The radar system 102 can project the field of view 106 from any external surface of the vehicle 104. For example, a vehicle manufacturer may integrate the radar system 102 into a bumper, side mirror, headlight, taillight, or any other internal or external location where the object 108 needs to be detected. In some cases, the vehicle 104 includes multiple radar systems 102, such as a first radar system 102 and a second radar system 102 providing a larger field of view 106. Typically, a vehicle manufacturer may design the location of one or more radar systems 102 to provide a specific field of view 106 encompassing an area of ​​interest, including, for example, in or around a driving lane aligned with the vehicle's path.

[0017] Example field of view 106 includes a 360-degree field of view, one or more 180-degree fields of view, one or more 90-degree fields of view, etc., which may overlap or be combined into a field of view 106 of a specific size. As described above, the described waveguide 110 includes a reflector 116 to provide a radiation pattern with wider coverage or asymmetry in the azimuth and / or elevation planes. As an example, a radar system 102 placed near the front of a vehicle 104 can use a wider beamwidth to focus on detecting objects in front of the vehicle (e.g., in a driving lane aligned with the vehicle's path). For example, wider coverage or a wider beamwidth can better detect objects in the driving path of the vehicle 104. In contrast, a waveguide configuration without the described reflector 116 can provide a relatively narrow radiation pattern that may not be able to detect objects offset from the driving path of the vehicle 104.

[0018] As another example, a radar system 102 positioned near the front corner (e.g., the left front corner) of vehicle 104 can use an asymmetrical radiation pattern in a plane to focus on detecting objects directly in front of vehicle 104 (e.g., in the left-hand portion of a driving lane aligned with the vehicle's path), rather than objects positioned to the side of vehicle 104 (e.g., in an adjacent driving lane of the vehicle's path). For example, asymmetrical coverage or asymmetrical beamwidth can concentrate the radiated EM energy within 30 to 90 degrees along the direction of travel of vehicle 104. In contrast, the waveguide configuration of the undescribed reflector 116 can provide a relatively uniform radiation pattern where the radiated EM energy is within approximately ±90 degrees of the direction of travel.

[0019] Object 108 is made of one or more materials that reflect radar signals. Depending on the application, object 108 may represent a target of interest. In some cases, object 108 may be a moving object or a stationary object. A stationary object may be continuous along a section of a road (e.g., a concrete barrier, guardrail) or discontinuous (e.g., a traffic cone).

[0020] Radar system 102 emits electromagnetic radiation by transmitting one or more electromagnetic signals or waveforms via slot antenna 114 and reflector 116. In environment 100, radar system 102 can detect and track object 108 by transmitting and receiving one or more radar signals. For example, radar system 102 may transmit electromagnetic signals between 100 and 400 GHz, between 4 and 100 GHz, or between approximately 70 and 80 GHz.

[0021] Radar system 102 can determine the distance to object 108 based on the time it takes for a signal to travel from radar system 102 to object 108 and back from object 108 to radar system 102. Radar system 102 can also determine the position of object 108 based on the angle of the direction of the maximum amplitude echo signal received by radar system 102.

[0022] Radar system 102 may be part of vehicle 104. Vehicle 104 may also include at least one vehicle system that relies on data from radar system 102, including a driver assistance system, an autonomous driving system, or a semi-autonomous driving system. Radar system 102 may include an interface to the vehicle system. Radar system 102 may output signals via the interface based on electromagnetic energy received by radar system 102.

[0023] Typically, automotive systems use radar data provided by radar system 102 to perform functions. For example, a driver assistance system may provide blind spot monitoring and generate a warning indicating a potential collision with object 108 detected by radar system 102. In this case, radar data from radar system 102 indicates when changing lanes is safe or unsafe. An autonomous driving system may move vehicle 104 to a specific location on the road while avoiding a collision with object 108 detected by radar system 102. The radar data provided by radar system 102 can provide information about the distance to and position of object 108, enabling the autonomous driving system to perform emergency braking, lane changes, or adjust the speed of vehicle 104.

[0024] Radar system 102 typically includes a transmitter (not shown) and at least one antenna, including waveguide 110, for transmitting electromagnetic signals. Radar system 102 typically includes a receiver (not shown) and at least one antenna, including waveguide 110, for receiving reflected versions of these electromagnetic signals. The transmitter includes components for transmitting electromagnetic signals. The receiver includes components for detecting reflected electromagnetic signals. The transmitter and receiver may be integrated together on the same integrated circuit (e.g., a transceiver integrated circuit) or separately on different integrated circuits.

[0025] The radar system 102 also includes one or more processors (not shown) and a computer-readable storage medium (CRM) (not shown). The processor may be a microprocessor or a system-on-a-chip. The processor executes instructions stored within the CRM. For example, the processor may control the operation of a transmitter. The processor may also process electromagnetic energy received by the antenna and determine the position of object 108 relative to the radar system 102. The processor may also generate radar data for automotive systems. For example, the processor may control an autonomous or semi-autonomous driving system of vehicle 104 based on processed electromagnetic energy from the antenna.

[0026] Waveguide 110 includes at least one layer, which can be any solid material, including wood, carbon fiber, glass fiber, metal, plastic, or combinations thereof. Waveguide 110 may also include a printed circuit board (PCB). Waveguide 110 is designed to mechanically support components (e.g., waveguide channel 112, slot antenna 114 in waveguide channel 112, reflector 116) to a dielectric using a conductive material. Waveguide channel 112 includes a hollow channel to contain a dielectric (e.g., air). Slot antenna 114 provides an opening through a layer or surface of waveguide channel 112. Slot antenna 114 is configured to allow electromagnetic energy to dissipate from the dielectric in waveguide channel 112 to the environment 100.

[0027] Reflector 116 is formed on the surface of waveguide 110 and extends to the side of waveguide channel 112. The reflector is not a parasitic element of the single slot antenna 114, but rather serves as a parasitic element of waveguide channel 112. Therefore, reflector 116 does not need to be part of the same component as waveguide channel 112 and can be separated from both waveguide channel 112 and slot antenna 114 by a small distance. Because reflector 116 is not part of the ground plane of waveguide 110, it can be attached in any manner if it is made of a reflective material. Reflector 116 serves as a secondary radiating element for electromagnetic energy dissipated through slot antenna 114 and does not require electrical connection to the ground structure of waveguide channel 112 and slot antenna 114. The entire far-field radiation pattern of waveguide 110 is shaped by the near-field radiation pattern of waveguide channel 112 (with slot antenna 114) and the two reflectors 116.

[0028] This document references Figures 2 to 10 An example embodiment of waveguide 110 for providing wide or asymmetric coverage in an antenna radiation pattern is described in more detail.

[0029] Figure 2 A top view 200 of a waveguide 202 with a slot antenna 114 and a reflector 116 is shown. Waveguide 202 is... Figure 1 Example of waveguide 110. Figure 3 The image shows a side view 210 of waveguide 202. Waveguide 202 includes waveguide channel 112, multiple slot antennas 114, and two reflectors 116.

[0030] Waveguide channel 112 is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals emitted by the transmitter and antenna 204. Antenna 204 can be electrically coupled to the bottom surface of waveguide channel 112. The bottom surface of waveguide channel 112 is the first layer or surface of printed circuit board (PCB) 206, on which waveguide channel 112 and reflector 116 are positioned.

[0031] Waveguide channel 112 may include a hollow channel for a dielectric. The dielectric typically comprises air, and waveguide 202 is an air waveguide. Waveguide channel 112 includes a feed point at one end of waveguide 202 in the longitudinal direction 208. Antenna 204 is electrically coupled to the dielectric via the bottom surface of waveguide channel 112. Electromagnetic signals enter waveguide channel 112 through the feed point and exit waveguide channel 112 via slot antenna 114. Figure 2 In the middle, the waveguide channel 112 forms an approximately rectangular shape in the longitudinal direction 208.

[0032] The slot antenna 114 provides an opening in the surface (e.g., the top surface) of the waveguide channel 112. For example, the slot antenna 114 may have an opening as shown in the image. Figure 2The illustrated approximate rectangular shape (e.g., a longitudinal slot parallel to the longitudinal direction 208). The longitudinal slot allows the slot antenna 114, in conjunction with the reflector 116, to produce a horizontally polarized radiation pattern. In other implementations, the slot antenna 114 may have other shapes, including approximately circular, elliptical, or square.

[0033] The dimensions of slot antenna 114 are determined and it is positioned within waveguide channel 112 to produce a specific radiation pattern for antenna 204. For example, at least some of the slot antennas 114 are offset by different or non-uniform distances (e.g., in a sawtooth shape) from the longitudinal direction 208 (e.g., the centerline of waveguide channel 112) to reduce or eliminate sidelobes in the radiation pattern from waveguide 202. As another example, slot antenna 114 closer to the wall at opposite ends of waveguide channel 112 may have a larger longitudinal opening than slot antenna 114 closer to the opening of waveguide channel 112. The specific dimensions and location of slot antenna 114 can be determined by constructing and optimizing a model of waveguide 202 to produce the desired radiation pattern.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple slot antennas 114 are uniformly distributed along the waveguide channel 112 along the longitudinal direction 208. Each pair of adjacent slot antennas 114 is separated by a uniform distance along the longitudinal direction 208 to produce a specific radiation pattern. The uniform distance, typically less than one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, can prevent grating lobes in the radiation pattern.

[0035] Reflector 116 is positioned on or attached to the outer surface of PCB 206. In the depicted implementation, reflector 116 has an approximately rectangular shape. Depending on the orientation and positioning of one or more waveguide channels 112, reflector 116 may have an approximately square, T-shaped, or L-shaped shape in other implementations. In yet another implementation, reflector 116 may combine the shapes described.

[0036] Reflector 116 is positioned adjacent to and offset from the longitudinal side of slot antenna 114. The longitudinal side of reflector 116 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction 208. Reflector 116 is offset from the longitudinal side of waveguide channel 112 by a uniform or equal distance (e.g., 2 mm) to generate a specific coverage band in the radiation pattern of antenna 204. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In other implementations shown, the reflector can be offset by different distances from the longitudinal side of waveguide channel 112 to generate an asymmetric radiation pattern.

[0037] Electromagnetic radiation leaking through slot antenna 114 can excite reflector 116 to generate a radiation pattern with a wide beamwidth in the azimuth plane. The shape and size of reflector 116, as well as their offset from waveguide channel 112, can be configured to change the bandwidth and characteristics of the radiation pattern. The specific dimensions and location of reflector 116 can be determined by constructing and optimizing a model of waveguide 202 to produce the desired radiation pattern.

[0038] Figure 3 A side view 210 of a waveguide 202 with a slot antenna 114 and a reflector 116 is shown. The waveguide 202 includes a PCB 206, a waveguide channel 112, and a reflector 116. The waveguide channel 112 and the reflector 116 may be made of metal or a metal-plated material. The slot antenna 114 forms an opening in the waveguide channel 112. The reflector 116 is positioned on the PCB 206.

[0039] Waveguide channel 112 can form an approximately rectangular opening in the side view 210 of waveguide 202. In other implementations, waveguide channel 112 can form an approximately square, elliptical, or circular opening in the side view 210 of waveguide 202.

[0040] In the depicted implementation, reflector 116 has a height greater than that of waveguide channel 112 (e.g., 1.2 mm, or 1.7 mm). In other implementations, reflector 116 may have a smaller height than waveguide channel 112. For ease of fabrication, reflector 116 typically has the same height. In other implementations, reflector 116 may have different heights.

[0041] The width of reflector 116 is typically uniform (e.g., 2 mm). In other implementations, the width of reflector 116 may vary based on the number and relative placement of the array of waveguide channels 112. The width of reflector 116 can be designed to optimize the radiation pattern of antenna 204; specifically, the width of reflector 116 can affect the tail of the radiation pattern.

[0042] Figure 4 Radiation patterns 400 and 402 are shown, respectively, associated with example waveguides having and not having reflector 116. The example waveguide with reflector 116 could be... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Waveguide 202. Radiation patterns 400 and 402 are associated with the azimuth direction of the example waveguide. In other implementations, radiation patterns 400 and 402 may be associated with the elevation direction depending on the waveguide orientation.

[0043] In the azimuth direction, the example waveguide without reflector 116 generates radiation pattern 402, which has a relatively large gain roll-off of approximately ±40 degrees. In contrast, radiation pattern 400 shows that the example waveguide with reflector 116 pushes the gain roll-off to approximately ±50 degrees and provides uniform gain within that beamwidth (e.g., between ±50 degrees and ±50 degrees). In this way, the example waveguide with reflector 116 provides a larger field of view.

[0044] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Top view 500 and side view 502 of waveguide 504 with slot antenna 114 and reflector 116 are shown respectively. Similar to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Waveguide 202 and waveguide 504 include PCB 206, waveguide channel 112 with slot antenna 114, and reflector 116. In the depicted implementation, reflector 116 is spaced apart from the longitudinal side of waveguide channel 112 by different distances. For example, one reflector 116 is spaced apart from the longitudinal side of waveguide channel 112 by a first distance ( D 1) 506, while another reflector 116 is spaced a second distance from the other longitudinal side of the waveguide channel 112 ( D 2) 508. The first distance 506 is typically at least three times the second distance 508 to provide an asymmetric radiation map.

[0045] In the depicted implementation, reflector 116 has a height greater than that of waveguide channel 112 (e.g., 1.2 mm, for example, 1.7 mm). In other implementations, reflector 116 may have a smaller height than waveguide channel 112. For ease of fabrication, reflector 116 typically has the same height. In the depicted implementation, waveguide channel 112 has a width of approximately 3.14 mm, a first distance 506 of approximately 0.65 mm, and a second distance 508 of approximately 2 mm. In other implementations, the width of waveguide channel 112, the first distance 506, and the second distance 508 may have different values ​​and may be configured based on a desired asymmetric radiation pattern of waveguide 504.

[0046] Electromagnetic radiation leaking through slot antenna 114 is reflected by reflector 116 to generate an asymmetric radiation pattern in either the azimuth or elevation plane. The shape, size, and offset of reflector 116 (e.g., first distance 506 and second distance 508) can be configured to alter the bandwidth and characteristics of the radiation pattern. Specific dimensions and positions of reflector 116 can be determined by constructing and optimizing a model of waveguide 504 to produce the desired radiation pattern.

[0047] Waveguide 504 can generate an asymmetric radiation pattern in either the azimuth or elevation plane, allowing radar system 102 to focus the radiation pattern of the corresponding antenna onto a portion of the field of view 106 where the potential object 108 is more likely to be located, compared to what a radar system can achieve using a more uniform radiation pattern. As an example, radar system 102 with asymmetrically spaced reflectors 116 positioned close to the front of vehicle 104 can use an asymmetric radiation pattern in a single plane to focus on detecting an object 108 directly in front of vehicle 104, rather than an object located to the side of vehicle 104.

[0048] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Perspective view 700 and exploded view 702 of an example array of waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors are shown respectively. Similar to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The waveguide 504 shown in the implementation includes a PCB 704, a waveguide channel 112 with a slot antenna 114, and a reflector 116. The reflectors 116 are spaced apart from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel 112 at different distances and together form a reflector assembly 706.

[0049] Each waveguide channel 112 can be manufactured using a stamping process on a stretchable metal sheet. Similarly, a stamping process or a similar process can be used to form a slot antenna 114 in each waveguide channel 112. The waveguide channels 112 can be assembled onto a PCB 704 using a solder reflow process.

[0050] The reflector assembly 706 can be attached or held in place on top of the PCB 704 via ribs (not shown) of the radome of the radar system 102, screws, adhesives, or any other attachment means. The reflector assembly 706 can be a single structure made of any molded or three-dimensionally printed material with high reflectivity to electromagnetic signals, including aluminum, electroplated plastic, or conductive plastic.

[0051] Figure 8 Example radiation patterns 800 and 802 are shown associated with an example array of waveguides having a slot antenna 114 and a reflector 116. The example array of waveguides could be... Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe waveguide has reflectors 116 asymmetrically spaced from waveguide channels 112. By asymmetrically spaced the reflectors 116 relative to waveguide channels 112, a skew or tilt is introduced into the radiation pattern 802 in the azimuth plane, where energy is focused on a specific portion of the antenna radiation pattern. In contrast, the radiation pattern 800 in the elevation plane is relatively uniform with a narrower beamwidth. The waveguide can generate an asymmetrical radiation pattern 802 in the azimuth plane, allowing the radar system to focus the radiation pattern of the corresponding antenna on the portion of the field of view where a potential object is more likely to be located. As an example, a radar system placed near the front of a vehicle can use an asymmetrical radiation pattern in a plane to focus on detecting objects directly in front of the vehicle, rather than objects positioned to the side of the vehicle.

[0052] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Perspective view 900 and exploded view 902 of another example array of waveguides with slot antennas and reflectors are shown, respectively. The waveguide in the shown implementation includes a PCB (not shown), waveguide channels 112 with slot antennas 114, and reflectors 116. The reflectors 116 are spaced apart from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel 112 at different distances and collectively form a reflector assembly 906. The waveguide channels 112 collectively form a waveguide channel assembly 908.

[0053] Each of the reflector assembly 906 and the waveguide channel assembly 908 is a single structure to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify assembly. The reflector assembly 906 and the waveguide channel assembly 908 can be manufactured using hydroformed metal sheets or plates. Two metal sheets can be joined together using a braising process to achieve conductivity between the metal sheets or plates. The reflector assembly 906 and the waveguide channel assembly 908 can also be joined together using conductive adhesives, dispensing, or similar techniques.

[0054] Example Method

[0055] Figure 10 An example method 1000 is shown that can be used to manufacture a waveguide with slot-fed dipole elements according to the techniques, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein. Method 1000 is shown as a plurality of operations (or actions) performed, but is not necessarily limited to the order or combination of operations shown herein. Furthermore, any one or more operations may be repeated, combined, or rearranged to provide other methods. References may be made in the sections discussed below. Figure 1 Environment 100 and Figures 1 to 9B The entities detailed herein are for illustrative purposes only. This technique is not limited to being performed by one or more entities.

[0056] At position 1002, multiple waveguide channels are formed. Each waveguide channel includes a hollow channel for a dielectric. The hollow channel includes multiple slot antennas, each slot antenna providing an opening through the surface of the waveguide channel defining the hollow channel. Each of the slot antennas is also operatively connected to the dielectric. The waveguide channels can be formed by stamping, cutting, machining, casting, molding, or some other method. For example, each waveguide channel can be manufactured by applying a stamping process to a stretchable sheet of metal. As another example, the waveguide channels can be formed using a hydroforming process on a sheet of metal.

[0057] At position 1004, multiple reflectors are formed. The reflectors can be formed by stamping, cutting, machining, casting, molding, or some other method. For example, the reflectors can be formed from a monolithic molded material (e.g., aluminum) or a three-dimensional printed material (e.g., electroplated plastic, conductive plastic) that reflects electromagnetic waves. As another example, the reflectors can be formed on a metal sheet using a hydroforming process.

[0058] At position 1006, multiple waveguide channels and multiple reflectors are assembled onto a PCB to form a device configured for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic signals via an antenna element. The multiple reflectors are positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of each waveguide channel. The multiple reflectors and multiple waveguide channels are arranged to produce a specific radiation pattern for an antenna element electrically coupled from the bottom surface of the hollow channel of each waveguide channel to a dielectric. The waveguide channels can be assembled onto the PCB using solder. The reflector assembly can be attached to or held in place on the PCB using screws, adhesives, or radome structures (e.g., via ribs of the radome structure).

[0059] Example

[0060] Examples are provided in the following sections.

[0061] Example 1. An apparatus comprising: a waveguide channel including a hollow channel for a dielectric, the hollow channel including a plurality of slot antennas, each of the slot antennas including an opening through a surface defining the hollow channel of the waveguide channel, each of the slot antennas being operatively connected to the dielectric; and two reflectors positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel, the reflectors and the waveguide channel being arranged to produce a specific radiation pattern of antenna elements electrically coupled to the dielectric.

[0062] Example 2. The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the two reflectors are not part of the ground plane of the waveguide channel.

[0063] Example 3. The apparatus of Example 1 or 2, wherein two reflectors are offset by equal distances from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel.

[0064] Example 4. An apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein: a first reflector of the two reflectors is offset from a first longitudinal side of the waveguide channel by a first distance; and a second reflector of the two reflectors is offset from a second longitudinal side of the waveguide channel by a second distance, the second distance being not equal to the first distance.

[0065] Example 5. The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein the second distance is at least three times the first distance.

[0066] Example 6. An apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein each of the two reflectors has a height greater than the height of the waveguide channel.

[0067] Example 7. An apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein: the hollow channel forms an approximately rectangular shape along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide channel; and a plurality of slot antennas are offset from the centerline of the hollow channel by a non-uniform distance, the centerline being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide channel.

[0068] Example 8. The apparatus of Example 7, wherein a plurality of slot antennas are uniformly distributed along the longitudinal direction.

[0069] Example 9. An apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein an antenna element is electrically coupled from the bottom surface of a waveguide channel to a dielectric.

[0070] Example 10. An apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein the bottom surface of the hollow channel is formed of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0071] Example 11. An apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein the two reflectors have approximately rectangular shapes.

[0072] Example 12. A system comprising: an antenna element; and an apparatus configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals via the antenna element, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of waveguide channels, each waveguide channel including a hollow channel for a dielectric, the hollow channel including a plurality of slot antennas, each slot antenna including an opening through a surface defining the hollow channel of the waveguide channel, each slot antenna being operatively connected to the dielectric; and a plurality of reflectors positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of each waveguide channel, the plurality of reflectors and the plurality of waveguide channels being arranged to produce a specific radiation pattern of the antenna element electrically coupled from the bottom surface of the hollow channel of each waveguide channel to the dielectric.

[0073] Example 13. The system of Example 12, wherein the system includes a vehicle and the device includes a radar system.

[0074] Example 14. The system of Example 12 or 13, wherein multiple reflectors comprise a single structure.

[0075] Example 15. The system of Example 14, wherein multiple waveguide channels comprise another single structure.

[0076] Example 16. A method comprising: forming a plurality of waveguide channels, each waveguide channel including a hollow channel for a dielectric, the hollow channel including a plurality of slot antennas, each slot antenna including an opening through a surface defining the hollow channel of the waveguide channel, each slot antenna being operatively connected to the dielectric; forming a plurality of reflectors; and assembling the plurality of waveguide channels and the plurality of reflectors onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to form a device configured for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic signals via an antenna element, the plurality of reflectors being positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of each waveguide channel, the plurality of reflectors and the plurality of waveguide channels being arranged to produce a specific radiation pattern of an antenna element electrically coupled from the bottom surface of the hollow channel of each waveguide channel to the dielectric.

[0077] Example 17. The method of Example 16, wherein: each waveguide channel is formed by stamping a sheet of metal and assembled onto a PCB using solder; and the plurality of reflectors include a single structure which is attached to or held in place to the PCB using at least one of screws, adhesives or radome structures.

[0078] Example 18. The method of Example 17, wherein a single structure comprises a molding material or a three-dimensional printed material, said material comprising at least one of aluminum, electroplated plastic, or conductive plastic.

[0079] Example 19. The method of Example 16, wherein: multiple waveguide channels include a single structure; multiple reflectors include another single structure; and the single structure and the other single structure include hydroformed metal plates.

[0080] Example 20. The method of Example 16, wherein two of the multiple reflectors are offset by unequal distances from each longitudinal side of each of the multiple waveguide channels.

[0081] Conclusion

[0082] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be practiced in various ways within the scope of the following claims. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for radar, the apparatus comprising: A waveguide channel including a hollow channel for a dielectric, the hollow channel including a plurality of slot antennas, each of the slot antennas including an opening through the waveguide channel defining a surface of the hollow channel, each of the slot antennas being operatively connected to the dielectric. Two reflectors are positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of the waveguide channel, and the reflectors and the waveguide channel are arranged to produce a specific radiation pattern of an antenna element electrically coupled to the dielectric; and The plurality of reflectors comprises a single structure, and the plurality of waveguide channels comprises another single structure, wherein: The first of the two reflectors is offset from the first longitudinal side of the waveguide channel by a first distance; and The second reflector of the two reflectors is offset from the second longitudinal side of the waveguide by a second distance, which is not equal to the first distance.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The two reflectors are not part of the ground plane of the waveguide channel.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second distance is at least three times the first distance.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The two reflectors each have a height greater than the height of the waveguide channel.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow channel forms an approximately rectangular shape along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide channel; and The plurality of slot antennas are offset by a non-uniform distance from the centerline of the hollow channel, the centerline being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide channel.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of slot antennas are evenly distributed along the longitudinal direction.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna element is electrically coupled from the bottom surface of the waveguide channel to the dielectric.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the hollow channel is formed by a printed circuit board (PCB).

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The two reflectors have an approximately rectangular shape.

10. A system for radar, the system comprising: Antenna elements; Device, configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals via the antenna element, the device comprising: Multiple waveguide channels, each waveguide channel including a hollow channel for a dielectric, the hollow channel including multiple slot antennas, each of the slot antennas including an opening through the waveguide channel defining a surface of the hollow channel, each of the slot antennas being operatively connected to the dielectric; A plurality of reflectors, each of which is positioned adjacent to and offset by a first longitudinal side of each waveguide channel by a first distance; A second plurality of reflectors, each of which is positioned adjacent to and offset by a second distance from a second longitudinal side of each waveguide channel; and The first plurality of reflectors, the second plurality of reflectors, and the plurality of waveguide channels are arranged to generate a specific radiation pattern of the antenna element, the antenna element being electrically coupled from the bottom surface of the hollow channel of each waveguide channel to the dielectric; and Wherein, the first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors each comprise a single structure, and wherein the plurality of waveguide channels each comprise another single structure.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The system includes vehicles, and the equipment includes radar systems.

12. A method for radar, the method comprising: Multiple waveguide channels are formed, each waveguide channel including a hollow channel for a dielectric, the hollow channel including multiple slot antennas, each of the slot antennas including an opening through the waveguide channel defining the surface of the hollow channel, and each of the slot antennas being operatively connected to the dielectric. Multiple reflectors are formed; The plurality of waveguide channels and the plurality of reflectors are assembled onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to form a device configured for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic signals via an antenna element. The plurality of reflectors are positioned adjacent to and offset from each longitudinal side of each waveguide channel. The plurality of reflectors and the plurality of waveguide channels are arranged to produce a specific radiation pattern of the antenna element electrically coupled from the bottom surface of the hollow channel of each waveguide channel to the dielectric. Two of the plurality of reflectors are offset by unequal distances from each longitudinal side of each waveguide channel. Each waveguide channel is formed by stamping a metal sheet and assembled onto the PCB using solder; and The plurality of reflectors include a single structure which is attached to or held in place to the PCB using at least one of screws, adhesives, or radome structures.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The individual structure comprises a molded material or a three-dimensional printed material, the material comprising at least one of aluminum, electroplated plastic, or conductive plastic.

14. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The multiple waveguide channels comprise a single structure; The plurality of reflectors includes another single structure; and The individual structure and the other individual structure comprise hydroformed metal sheets.

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