Millimeter wave radar device, sensor system and vehicle

Abstract

The present application discloses a millimeter wave radar device, a sensor system and a vehicle, which belong to the field of millimeter wave radar. The device comprises an antenna assembly and an electro-optical conversion module; the antenna assembly is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, and the electro-optical conversion module is electrically connected to an optical fiber communication interface; wherein the antenna assembly is used to transmit millimeter wave signals, and the electro-optical conversion module is used to convert the millimeter wave signals transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module into optical signals and output them through the optical fiber communication interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of millimeter wave radar, and specifically relates to a millimeter wave radar device, a sensor system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, vehicles have become an indispensable means of transportation for people's daily lives. Usually, a millimeter-wave radar is installed on a vehicle. During the driving process of the vehicle, the millimeter-wave radar transmits and receives millimeter waves. By calculating the time delay between the transmitted millimeter wave and the echo signal of the millimeter wave, the distance between the target and the transmitting point can be determined, and the azimuth and other information can also be calculated using the phase difference of the received millimeter wave echo. However, in the related technology, the speed of data transmission of the millimeter-wave radar is low. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a millimeter wave radar device, a sensor system and a vehicle, which at least solve the problem of low speed of millimeter wave radar data transmission.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a millimeter wave radar device, the millimeter wave radar device comprising: an antenna assembly and an electro-optical conversion module;

[0005] The antenna assembly is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, and the electro-optical conversion module is electrically connected to an optical communication interface;

[0006] The antenna assembly is used to transmit millimeter wave signals, and the electro-optical conversion module is used to convert the millimeter wave signals transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module into optical signals and output them through the optical fiber communication interface.

[0007] Optionally, the antenna assembly includes an antenna array and a transceiver assembly;

[0008] The antenna array is electrically connected to the transceiver component, the transceiver component is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, the transceiver component is used to modulate the millimeter wave signal, and the antenna array is used to transmit and / or receive the millimeter wave signal.

[0009] Optionally, the antenna array includes a receiving antenna group and a transmitting antenna group;

[0010] The receiving antenna group and the transmitting antenna group are both electrically connected to the transceiver assembly. The receiving antenna group is used to transmit the millimeter wave signal, and the receiving antenna group is used to receive the echo signal of the millimeter wave signal.

[0011] Optionally, the electro-optical conversion module includes a protocol conversion unit, which is electrically connected to the antenna assembly and the optical fiber communication interface. The protocol conversion unit is used to convert the signal transmitted to the protocol conversion unit into an optical signal so that the signal transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface can be transmitted by optical fiber.

[0012] Optionally, the protocol conversion unit is used to convert an optical signal received from the optical fiber communication interface into an electrical signal.

[0013] Optionally, the electro-optical conversion module further includes an optical transmitter;

[0014] The optical transmitter is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit, and the optical transmitter is communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface. The optical transmitter is used to transmit a first optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface according to the optical signal output by the protocol conversion unit.

[0015] Optionally, the electro-optical conversion module also includes an optical receiver, which is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit and communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface; the optical receiver is used to receive the optical signal transmitted from the optical fiber communication interface and transmit it to the protocol conversion unit.

[0016] Optionally, the electro-optical conversion module further includes an optically driven limiting amplifier unit;

[0017] The optically driven limiting amplifier unit is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit, and the optical transmitter is electrically connected to the optically driven limiting amplifier unit, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit is used to amplify or limit the optical signal output by the protocol conversion unit and transmit it to the optical transmitter;

[0018] The optical receiver is in communication connection with the optically driven limiting amplifier unit, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit amplifies or limits the optical signal output from the optical receiver and transmits the amplified optical signal to the protocol conversion unit.

[0019] Optionally, the millimeter wave radar device further includes a control module;

[0020] The antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module are both electrically connected to the control module, and the control module is used to control the antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module.

[0021] Optionally, the control module includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the transceiver component, and the transceiver component is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, and the control unit is used to control the antenna component to transmit millimeter wave signals, and control the electro-optical conversion module to convert the millimeter wave signals transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module into optical signals and output them through the optical fiber communication interface.

[0022] Optionally, the control module includes a control unit and a processing unit, the control unit is electrically connected to the transceiver component, the processing unit is electrically connected to the transceiver component, and the processing unit is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, the control unit is used to control the operation of the transceiver component, the transceiver component is used to transmit the millimeter wave signal to the processing unit, the processing unit is used to process the millimeter wave signal to obtain a target signal, and send the target signal to the electro-optical conversion module.

[0023] Optionally, the millimeter-wave radar device also includes a power management module, which is located in the shell. A power interface is provided on the shell, and the power interface is electrically connected to the power management module. The power management module is electrically connected to the control module and the electro-optical conversion module. The power interface is used to electrically connect to a power supply line in the vehicle, and the power management module is used to power the control module and the electro-optical conversion module.

[0024] Optionally, a CAN interface is provided on the shell, the control module is electrically connected to the CAN interface, the CAN interface is used to connect to a CAN line in the vehicle, and the CAN line transmits a wake-up signal to the control module through the CAN interface.

[0025] Optionally, the millimeter wave radar device further includes a clock module, which is electrically connected to the control module, and the clock module is used to provide a reference clock signal to the control module so that the control module operates according to the reference clock signal.

[0026] Optionally, the millimeter wave radar device further includes a housing;

[0027] The antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module are both arranged in the housing, and the optical fiber communication interface is arranged on the housing.

[0028] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a sensor system, comprising the millimeter wave radar device described in any one of the first aspects above, the sensor system also comprising a controller, the controller is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion module, and the optical fiber communication interface is connected to the photoelectric conversion module via an optical fiber.

[0029] Optionally, the sensor system further comprises a camera; the camera is connected to the controller via the optical fiber; and / or

[0030] The sensor system also includes a laser radar, which is electrically connected to the controller through the optical fiber.

[0031] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a vehicle body;

[0032] The vehicle further includes the millimeter-wave radar device described in any one of the first aspects above, and the millimeter-wave radar device is installed on the vehicle body; or

[0033] The vehicle further comprises a sensor system as described in any one of the above second aspects.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present application, since the antenna assembly is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, and the electro-optical conversion module is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface, the control module can control the antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module so that the antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module can operate, so that once the antenna assembly transmits the millimeter wave signal, the millimeter wave signal can be transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module, and the millimeter wave signal is an electrical signal, and the electro-optical conversion module can convert the millimeter wave signal into an optical signal, that is, the electro-optical conversion module converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal can be transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface, and then when the millimeter wave radar device provided in the embodiment of the present application is installed in the vehicle, the optical fiber communication interface can be electrically connected to the controller of the vehicle through optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar device is electrically connected to the controller in the vehicle through optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar wave can quickly transmit the optical signal to the controller. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by setting up an electro-optical conversion module and an antenna assembly, the millimeter wave signal transmitted by the antenna assembly can be converted into an optical signal by the electro-optical conversion module and transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface, so that the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface, and the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted through the optical fiber communication interface. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by setting up an electro-optical conversion module, an antenna assembly and an optical fiber communication interface, the transmission speed of the millimeter radar device to transmit data can be effectively improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 One of the schematic diagrams showing a millimeter wave radar device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 A second schematic diagram showing a millimeter wave radar device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 A third schematic diagram showing a millimeter wave radar device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an optical MAC chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 One of the schematic diagrams showing a sensor system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 6 A second schematic diagram showing a sensor system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Reference numerals:

[0042] 10: housing; 101: optical fiber communication interface; 102: power interface; 103: CAN interface; 20: antenna assembly; 21: antenna array; 22: transceiver assembly; 211: receiving antenna group; 212: transmitting antenna group; 30: control module; 31: control unit; 32: processing unit; 40: electro-optical conversion module; 41: protocol conversion unit; 42: optical receiver; 43: optical transmitter; 44: optically driven limiting amplifier unit; 50: power management module; 60: clock module; 300: controller; 310: optoelectronic conversion module; 400: camera; 500: lidar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The term "first" or "second" in the specification and claims of this application may include one or more of the features explicitly or implicitly. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally means that the objects connected before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the millimeter wave radar device includes: an antenna assembly 20 and an electro-optical conversion module 40 .

[0047] The antenna assembly 20 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101; wherein the antenna assembly 20 is used to transmit millimeter wave signals, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 is used to convert the millimeter wave signals transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40 into optical signals and output them through the optical fiber communication interface 101.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, since the antenna assembly 20 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, once the antenna assembly 20 transmits the millimeter wave signal, the millimeter wave signal can be transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40. The millimeter wave signal is an electrical signal, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 can convert the millimeter wave signal into an optical signal, that is, the electro-optical conversion module 40 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal can be transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101. Then, when the millimeter wave radar device provided in the embodiment of the present application is installed in the vehicle, the optical fiber communication interface 101 can be electrically connected to the controller 300 of the vehicle through optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar device is electrically connected to the controller 300 in the vehicle through optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar wave can quickly transmit the optical signal to the controller 300. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the electro-optical conversion module 40 and the antenna assembly 20, the millimeter wave signal transmitted by the antenna assembly 20 can be converted into an optical signal by the electro-optical conversion module 40 and transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, so that the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted through the optical fiber communication interface 101. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the electro-optical conversion module 40, the antenna assembly 20 and the optical fiber communication interface 101, the transmission speed of the millimeter radar device to transmit data can be effectively improved.

[0049] It should be noted that the information carried by the millimeter wave signal may be information such as the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle, the azimuth of the obstacle, etc.

[0050] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the antenna component 20 can transmit millimeter waves, and the antenna component 20 can also receive the echo of the transmitted millimeter waves.

[0051] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, after the optical fiber communication interface 101 is connected to the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is connected to the controller 300 of the vehicle, the transmission speed of the optical fiber is relatively high, which can be as high as 25Gbps, which is much higher than the speed of the millimeter wave radar in the related art to transmit data, thereby greatly improving the transmission speed of the millimeter wave radar device of the present application to transmit data. And the improvement of the speed of the millimeter wave radar device of the present application to transmit data to the controller 300 in the vehicle can also make the millimeter wave radar device of the present application transmit data to the controller 300 in the vehicle in a shorter time, so that the delay of the entire data transmission process can reach the microsecond level. In addition, the optical fiber communication interface 101 of the millimeter wave radar device provided in the embodiment of the present application transmits an optical signal, not a telecommunication signal in the related art, so that the optical signal has good immunity to the electromagnetic field, avoids being affected by the components of the vehicle that generate the electromagnetic field, and can improve the stability of the millimeter wave radar device transmitting data to the controller 300 of the vehicle, that is, the millimeter wave radar device provided in the embodiment of the present application has good anti-interference ability when transmitting data to the controller 300 of the vehicle.

[0052] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the millimeter wave radar device may further include a housing 10 ; the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 are both disposed in the housing 10 , and an optical fiber communication interface 101 is disposed on the housing 10 .

[0053] Since the antenna assembly 20, the control module 30 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 are all arranged in the shell 10, the shell 10 can protect the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40, thereby avoiding the problem that the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 are easily damaged, and when the millimeter-wave radar device is installed on the vehicle, the shell 10 can also be directly installed, thereby facilitating the installation of the millimeter-wave radar device on the vehicle.

[0054] In addition, in some embodiments, the antenna assembly 20 may include an antenna array 21 and a transceiver assembly 22; the antenna array 21 is electrically connected to the transceiver assembly 22, the transceiver assembly 22 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, the transceiver assembly 22 is used to modulate millimeter wave signals, and the antenna array 21 is used to transmit and / or receive millimeter wave signals.

[0055] Since the antenna array 21 is electrically connected to the transceiver assembly 22, and the transceiver assembly 22 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, when the transceiver assembly 22 is in operation, the transceiver assembly 22 adjusts the millimeter wave signal, and the transceiver assembly 22 can demodulate the echo signal of the millimeter wave, so that the electro-optical conversion module 40 can convert the millimeter wave signal. In addition, the antenna array 21 can transmit millimeter waves, and / or the antenna array 21 can receive the echo of the millimeter wave, so that the antenna assembly 20 can normally receive and / or transmit millimeter waves.

[0056] It should be noted that the transceiver component 22 includes components such as an amplifier, an oscillator, a switch, and a mixer. The specific structure of the transceiver component 22 can refer to the structure of the existing transceiver component, which will not be repeated here. Among them, the transceiver component 22 can be an existing monolithic microwave integrated circuit (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit, MMIC).

[0057] In addition, the number of antenna arrays 21 and the number of transceiver components 22 can be set according to actual needs. For example, the number of antenna arrays 21 is 2, and the number of transceiver components 22 is 2. For another example, the number of antenna arrays 21 is 4, and the number of transceiver components 22 is 4. This embodiment of the present application is not limited here.

[0058] In addition, in some embodiments, the antenna array 21 may include a receiving antenna group 211 and a transmitting antenna group 212; the receiving antenna group 211 and the transmitting antenna group 212 are both electrically connected to the transceiver component 22, the receiving antenna group 211 is used to transmit millimeter wave signals, and the receiving antenna group 211 is used to receive echo signals of millimeter wave signals.

[0059] Since the receiving antenna group 211 and the transmitting antenna group 212 are both electrically connected to the transceiver assembly 22, the transmitting antenna can be driven by the transceiver assembly 22 so that the transmitting antenna can transmit millimeter waves, and the transceiver assembly 22 can receive the echo of the millimeter wave received by the receiving antenna group 211, thereby obtaining the echo signal of the millimeter wave and demodulating the echo signal of the millimeter wave. That is, by setting the receiving antenna group 211 and the transmitting antenna group 212, it is convenient for the antenna array 21 to receive and / or transmit millimeter waves.

[0060] It should be noted that the receiving antenna group 211 may include multiple receiving antennas, and the transmitting antenna group 212 may also include multiple transmitting antennas. For example, the receiving antenna group 211 includes 2 receiving antennas, and the transmitting antenna group 212 includes 2 transmitting antennas. For another example, the receiving antenna group 211 includes 8 receiving antennas, and the transmitting antenna group 212 includes 8 transmitting antennas. The specific number of receiving antennas in the receiving antenna group 211 and the specific number of transmitting antennas in the transmitting antenna group 212 are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0061] In addition, in some embodiments, the electro-optical conversion module 40 may include a protocol conversion unit 41, which is electrically connected to the antenna assembly 20 and the optical fiber communication interface 101. The protocol conversion unit 41 is used to convert the signal transmitted to the protocol conversion unit 41 into an optical signal so that the signal transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101 can be transmitted by optical fiber.

[0062] Since the protocol conversion unit 41 is electrically connected to the antenna assembly 20, and the protocol conversion unit 41 is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, after the antenna assembly 20 transmits the millimeter wave signal to the protocol conversion unit 41, the protocol conversion unit 41 can convert the protocol in the signal into an optical protocol, and the signal containing the optical protocol can be transmitted by the optical fiber, that is, the protocol conversion unit 41 converts the electrical signal transmitted to the protocol conversion unit 41 into an optical signal, so that the optical signal can be transmitted by the optical fiber. That is, by setting the protocol conversion unit 41, the protocol in the millimeter wave signal can be converted, that is, the type of the millimeter wave signal is converted from an electrical signal to an optical signal, which is convenient for subsequent transmission by the optical fiber.

[0063] It should be noted that when the antenna assembly 20 includes an antenna array 21 and a transceiver assembly 22, the transceiver assembly 22 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41, so that the transceiver assembly 22 can transmit the millimeter wave signal to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the protocol conversion unit 41 converts the protocol in the signal so that the converted signal can be transmitted by optical fiber.

[0064] In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the protocol conversion unit 41 may be a chip, for example, the protocol conversion unit 41 is an optical MAC chip. In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the protocol conversion unit 41 may convert the MIPI / SPI / RGMII / SGMII / RMII and other protocol signals in the millimeter wave signal into a PON protocol, wherein the PON protocol is an optical protocol. The optical MAC chip may include a MIPI interface, a hybrid interface, an RGMII interface, a GPIO interface, a CAN interface 103, a debug interface, an optical network unit interface, a control subunit, a network switching unit, and a security unit. The hybrid interface is used to convert the SPI protocol and the I2C protocol, the MIPI interface is used to convert the MIPI protocol, the RGMII interface is used to convert the RGMII protocol, and the GPIO interface is used to convert the GPIO protocol. The CAN interface 103 is used to connect the CAN line in the vehicle.

[0065] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the protocol conversion unit 41 is used to convert the optical signal received from the optical fiber communication interface 101 into an electrical signal. Through such a setting, once the optical fiber connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101 can transmit signals in both directions, the protocol conversion unit 41 can effectively convert the type of signal and convert the optical signal received from the optical fiber communication interface 101 into an electrical signal, so that the millimeter wave radar device can effectively interact or communicate with the components connected to the optical fiber through the optical fiber.

[0066] In addition, in some embodiments, the electro-optical conversion module 40 may further include an optical transmitter 43; the optical transmitter 43 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the optical transmitter 43 is communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and the optical transmitter 43 is used to transmit a first optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface 101 according to the optical signal output by the protocol conversion unit 41.

[0067] Since the optical transmitter 43 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the optical transmitter 43 is communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, once the antenna assembly 20 transmits the millimeter wave signal to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the protocol conversion unit 41 converts the millimeter wave signal from an electrical signal to an optical signal, the optical signal can be transmitted to the optical transmitter 43, and the optical transmitter 43 can transmit the optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface 101, thereby outputting the optical signal through the optical fiber communication interface 101. That is, by providing the optical transmitter 43, it is possible to facilitate the transmission of the optical signal converted by the protocol conversion unit 41 to the optical fiber communication interface 101.

[0068] In addition, in some embodiments, the electro-optical conversion module may further include an optical receiver 42, which is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41 and communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101; the optical receiver 42 is used to receive the optical signal transmitted from the optical fiber communication interface 101 and transmit it to the protocol conversion unit 41.

[0069] Since the optical receiver 42 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the optical receiver 42 is communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, once the optical fiber communication interface 101 is connected to other components through optical fiber, the other components can transmit signals to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and the optical fiber communication interface 101 can transmit the signals to the protocol conversion unit 41, so that the millimeter wave radar device can communicate or interact with other components connected by optical fiber. That is, by providing the optical receiver 42, it is convenient for the millimeter wave radar device to communicate or interact with other components connected by optical fiber.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the optical receiver 42 may be a laser, and the optical transmitter 43 may be a light detector. In addition, the optical fiber connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101 may transmit data in both directions, that is, the data of the millimeter radar wave device may be transmitted to the controller 300 of the vehicle, and the data of the controller 300 of the vehicle may also be transmitted to the millimeter radar wave device.

[0071] In addition, in some embodiments, the electro-optical conversion module 40 may also include an optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44; the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the optical receiver 42 and the optical transmitter 43 are both electrically connected to the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 is used to amplify or limit the optical signal output by the protocol conversion unit 41 and transmit it to the optical transmitter 43; the optical receiver 42 is communicatively connected to the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 amplifies or limits the optical signal output by the optical receiver 42 and transmits it to the protocol conversion unit 41.

[0072] Since the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit 41, and the optical receiver 42 and the optical transmitter 43 are both electrically connected to the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44, the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 can drive the optical signal transmitted to the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 to the optical transmitter 43, so that the optical transmitter 43 can effectively transmit the optical signal, and then transmit the optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 can also amplify and / or limit the optical signal, or the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 amplifies or limits the optical signal output from the optical receiver 42 and transmits it to the protocol conversion unit 41, so that the millimeter wave radar device can effectively interact with other components connected to the optical fiber.

[0073] It should be noted that the optical driving limiting amplification unit 44 can integrate the laser driving function and the receiving limiting amplification function into one chip, that is, the optical driving limiting amplification unit 44 can be a chip with a driving limiting amplification function.

[0074] In addition, in some embodiments, the millimeter wave radar device may also include a control module 30; the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 are both electrically connected to the control module 30, and the control module 30 is used to control the antenna assembly 20 to transmit the millimeter wave signal, and control the electro-optical conversion module 40 to convert the millimeter wave signal transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40 into an optical signal and output it through the optical fiber communication interface 101.

[0075] Since the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 are both electrically connected to the control module 30, the housing 10 is provided with an optical fiber communication interface 101, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, the control module 30 can control the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40, so that the antenna assembly 20 transmits the millimeter wave signal, and can also make the electro-optical conversion module 40 convert the millimeter wave signal transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40 into an optical signal and output it through the optical fiber communication interface 101. That is, by setting the control module 30, the operation of the millimeter wave radar device can be effectively ensured.

[0076] It should be noted that the control module 30 may be located in the housing 10 , so that the housing 10 also protects the control module 30 .

[0077] In addition, in some embodiments, the control module 30 may include a control unit 31, the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the transceiver component 22, and the transceiver component 22 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, the control unit 31 is used to control the operation of the transceiver component 22, and the transceiver component 22 is used to transmit the millimeter wave signal to the electro-optical conversion module 40.

[0078] Since the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the transceiver assembly 22, and the transceiver assembly 22 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, the control unit 31 only controls the transceiver assembly 22, so that the transceiver assembly 22 operates under the control of the control unit 31, and the transceiver assembly 22 transmits the millimeter wave signal to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 converts the millimeter wave signal into an optical signal, transmits the optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and transmits it to the vehicle controller 300, and the vehicle controller 300 processes the optical signal to obtain information such as the distance and azimuth of the obstacle in front of the vehicle in the optical signal. That is, by setting the control unit 31, the structure of the millimeter wave radar device can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0079] In addition, in some embodiments, the control module 30 may include a control unit 31 and a processing unit 32, the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the transceiver component 22, the processing unit 32 is electrically connected to the transceiver component 22, and the processing unit 32 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, the control unit 31 is used to control the operation of the transceiver component 22, the transceiver component 22 is used to transmit the millimeter wave signal to the processing unit 32, the processing unit 32 is used to process the millimeter wave signal to obtain the target signal, and send the target signal to the electro-optical conversion module 40.

[0080] Since the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the transceiver assembly 22, the processing unit 32 is electrically connected to the transceiver assembly 22, and the processing unit 32 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, the control unit 31 can control the transceiver assembly 22 so that the transceiver assembly 22 operates under the control of the control unit 31, and the transceiver assembly 22 can transmit the millimeter wave signal to the processing unit 32, and the processing unit 32 can process the millimeter wave signal to obtain the target signal, which contains the target information, and then send the target signal to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 converts the target signal into an optical signal, transmits the optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and transmits it to the vehicle controller 300. That is, by setting the processing unit 32, the millimeter wave radar device can have processing capabilities, and after the millimeter wave radar device is applied to the vehicle, the processing intensity of the vehicle controller 300 can be reduced.

[0081] In addition, in some embodiments, the millimeter wave radar device may further include a power management module 50, which is located in the shell 10. A power interface 102 is provided on the shell 10, and the power interface 102 is electrically connected to the power management module 50. The power management module 50 is electrically connected to the control module 30 and the electro-optical conversion module 40. The power interface 102 is used to electrically connect to the power supply line in the vehicle, and the power management module 50 is used to supply power to the control module 30 and the electro-optical conversion module 40.

[0082] Since the housing 10 is provided with a power interface 102, and the power interface 102 is electrically connected to the power management module 50, when the millimeter wave radar device of the present application is applied to a vehicle, the power interface 102 can be electrically connected to the power supply line in the vehicle, so that the electric energy can be transmitted to the power interface 102 through the power supply line, and then transmitted to the power management module 50. The power management module 50 is electrically connected to the control module 30 and the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the power management module 50 can supply power to the control module 30 and the electro-optical conversion module 40, so that the control module 30 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 can operate normally. That is, by providing the power management module 50, the normal operation of each module in the millimeter wave radar device can be ensured.

[0083] It should be noted that when the electro-optical conversion module 40 includes a protocol conversion unit 41, an optical receiver 42, an optical transmitter 43, and an optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44, the protocol conversion unit 41, the optical receiver 42, the optical transmitter 43, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit 44 are all electrically connected to the power management module 50, and the power management module 50 can supply power to these components. In addition, when the antenna assembly 20 includes an antenna array 21 and a transceiver assembly 22, the transceiver assembly 22 is electrically connected to the power management module 50, and the power management module 50 provides power to the transceiver assembly 22. When the control module 30 includes a control unit 31, the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the power management module 50, and the power management module 50 provides power to the control unit 31. When the control module 30 includes a control unit 31 and a processing unit 32, the control unit 31 and the processing unit 32 are both electrically connected to the power management module 50, and the power management module 50 provides power to the control unit 31 and the processing unit 32.

[0084] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the power management module 50 may be a power management chip.

[0085] In addition, in some embodiments, a CAN interface 103 may be provided on the housing 10 , and the control module 30 is electrically connected to the CAN interface 103 . The CAN interface 103 is used to connect to a CAN line in the vehicle, and the CAN line transmits a wake-up signal to the control module 30 through the CAN interface 103 .

[0086] Since the control module 30 is electrically connected to the CAN interface 103, when the millimeter wave radar device of the present application is applied to a vehicle, the CAN interface 103 can be electrically connected to the CAN line in the vehicle, so that the CAN line can transmit the wake-up signal to the CAN interface 103, and then the CAN interface 103 transmits the wake-up signal to the control module 30, and the control module 30 can control the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 to operate, so that the millimeter wave radar device can be awakened. In addition, by setting the CAN interface 103, the CAN interface 103 can be directly electrically connected to the CAN line in the vehicle, avoiding connecting the millimeter wave radar device of the present application to the main line in the vehicle, and thus saving the number of wiring harnesses. That is, by setting the CAN interface 103, the millimeter wave radar device of the present application can have a sleep wake-up function, that is, when the millimeter wave radar device is not needed, the millimeter wave radar device is in a sleep state, and when the millimeter wave radar device is needed, the millimeter wave radar device can be awakened, thereby saving power consumption.

[0087] In addition, in some embodiments, the millimeter wave radar device may further include a clock module 60, which is electrically connected to the control module 30, and the clock module 60 is used to provide a reference clock signal to the control module 30 so that the control module 30 operates according to the reference clock signal.

[0088] Since the clock module 60 is electrically connected to the control module 30, the clock module 60 can transmit the generated reference clock signal to the control module 30, and the control module 30 can operate according to the reference clock signal, so that the control module 30 can perform timing control on the units or modules connected thereto, so that each module or component in the millimeter wave radar device can operate in an orderly manner. That is, by setting the clock module 60, the operation of the millimeter wave radar device can be facilitated.

[0089] It should be noted that the clock module 60 may be a crystal oscillator, and of course, the clock module 60 may also be other components that can generate a clock signal, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present application, since the antenna assembly 20 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, the control module 30 can control the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 so that the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 can operate, so that once the antenna assembly 20 transmits the millimeter wave signal, the millimeter wave signal can be transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the millimeter wave signal is an electrical signal, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 can convert the millimeter wave signal into an optical signal, that is, the electro-optical conversion module 40 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal can be transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and then when the millimeter wave radar device provided in the embodiment of the present application is installed in the vehicle, the optical fiber communication interface 101 can be electrically connected to the controller 300 of the vehicle through optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar device is electrically connected to the controller 300 in the vehicle through optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar wave can quickly transmit the optical signal to the controller 300. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the electro-optical conversion module 40 and the antenna assembly 20, the millimeter wave signal transmitted by the antenna assembly 20 can be converted into an optical signal by the electro-optical conversion module 40 and transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, so that the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted through the optical fiber communication interface 101. That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by providing the electro-optical conversion module 40, the antenna assembly 20 and the optical fiber communication interface 101, the transmission speed of the millimeter radar device to transmit data can be effectively improved.

[0091] The present application embodiment provides a sensor system, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the sensor system includes the millimeter wave radar device in any of the above embodiments, and the sensor system also includes a controller 300; the controller 300 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion module 310, and the optical fiber communication interface 101 is connected to the photoelectric conversion module 310 through an optical fiber.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, since the antenna assembly 20 is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface 101, the control module 30 can control the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 so that the antenna assembly 20 and the electro-optical conversion module 40 can operate, so that once the antenna assembly 20 transmits the millimeter wave signal, the millimeter wave signal can be transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40, and the millimeter wave signal is an electrical signal, and the electro-optical conversion module 40 can convert the millimeter wave signal into an optical signal, that is, the electro-optical conversion module 4 0 converts the electrical signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal can be transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101. The optical fiber communication interface 101 is electrically connected to the vehicle controller 300 through the optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar device is electrically connected to the controller 300 through the optical fiber, so that the millimeter wave radar can quickly transmit the optical signal to the photoelectric conversion module 310, and the photoelectric conversion module 310 can convert the optical signal into an electrical signal, and then transmit it to the controller 300, so that the controller 300 can recognize the electrical signal, and then the controller 300 can obtain the information transmitted by the millimeter wave radar device. That is, by setting the photoelectric conversion module 310, the millimeter wave signal transmitted by the antenna assembly 20 can be converted into an optical signal by the electro-optical conversion module 40 and transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, so that the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface 101, and the information carried in the millimeter signal can be quickly transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module 40 through the optical fiber communication interface 101. The electro-optical conversion module 40 converts the optical signal, so that the controller 300 can quickly obtain the information transmitted by the millimeter wave radar device.

[0093] In addition, in some embodiments, the sensor system further includes a camera 400; the camera 400 is connected to the controller 300 via an optical fiber; and / or the sensor system further includes a laser radar 500, which is electrically connected to the controller 300 via an optical fiber. Through such an arrangement, the camera 400 and the laser radar 500 in the vehicle can share the optical fiber with the millimeter wave radar device to transmit data, thereby reducing the number of optical fibers in the vehicle, which helps to reduce costs.

[0094] An embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, which includes a body; the vehicle also includes the millimeter wave radar device in any of the above embodiments, and the millimeter wave radar device is installed on the body; or the vehicle also includes the sensor system in any of the above embodiments.

[0095] It should be noted that both cameras and lidar can be installed on the vehicle body.

[0096] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0097] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A millimeter wave radar device, characterized in that: The millimeter wave radar device includes: an antenna assembly and an electro-optical conversion module; The antenna assembly is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, and the electro-optical conversion module is electrically connected to an optical fiber communication interface; Wherein, the antenna assembly is used to transmit millimeter wave signals, and the electro-optical conversion module is used to convert the millimeter wave signals transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module into optical signals and output them through the optical fiber communication interface; The millimeter wave radar device also includes a housing and a control module; The housing is provided with a CAN interface, the control module is electrically connected to the CAN interface, the CAN interface is used to connect a CAN line in the vehicle, and the CAN line transmits a wake-up signal to the control module through the CAN interface; The antenna assembly includes an antenna array and a transceiver assembly; The antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module are both electrically connected to the control module, and the control module is used to control the antenna assembly to transmit the millimeter wave signal, and control the electro-optical conversion module to convert the millimeter wave signal transmitted to the electro-optical conversion module into an optical signal and output it through the optical fiber communication interface; The control module includes a control unit and a processing unit, the control unit is electrically connected to the transceiver component, the processing unit is electrically connected to the transceiver component, and the processing unit is electrically connected to the electro-optical conversion module, the control unit is used to control the operation of the transceiver component, the transceiver component is used to transmit the millimeter wave signal to the processing unit, the processing unit is used to process the millimeter wave signal to obtain a target signal, and send the target signal to the electro-optical conversion module; The millimeter wave radar device further includes a clock module, the clock module is electrically connected to the control module, and the clock module is used to provide a reference clock signal to the control module so that the control module operates according to the reference clock signal; The antenna assembly and the electro-optical conversion module are both arranged in the housing, and the optical fiber communication interface is arranged on the housing.

2. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 1, characterized in that The antenna array is electrically connected to the transceiver component, the transceiver component is used to modulate the millimeter wave signal, and the antenna array is used to transmit and / or receive the millimeter wave signal.

3. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The antenna array includes a receiving antenna group and a transmitting antenna group; The receiving antenna group and the transmitting antenna group are both electrically connected to the transceiver assembly. The receiving antenna group is used to transmit the millimeter wave signal, and the receiving antenna group is used to receive the echo signal of the millimeter wave signal.

4. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electro-optical conversion module includes a protocol conversion unit, and the protocol conversion unit is electrically connected to the optical fiber communication interface; The protocol conversion unit is used to convert the signal transmitted to the protocol conversion unit into an optical signal, so that the signal transmitted to the optical fiber communication interface can be transmitted by the optical fiber.

5. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The protocol conversion unit is used to convert the optical signal received from the optical fiber communication interface into an electrical signal.

6. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electro-optical conversion module also includes an optical transmitter; The optical transmitter is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit, and the optical transmitter is communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface. The optical transmitter is used to transmit a first optical signal to the optical fiber communication interface according to the optical signal output by the protocol conversion unit.

7. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electro-optical conversion module also includes an optical receiver, which is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit and communicatively connected to the optical fiber communication interface; the optical receiver is used to receive the optical signal transmitted from the optical fiber communication interface and transmit it to the protocol conversion unit.

8. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electro-optical conversion module also includes an optically driven limiting amplifier unit; The optically driven limiting amplifier unit is electrically connected to the protocol conversion unit, and the optical transmitter is electrically connected to the optically driven limiting amplifier unit, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit is used to amplify or limit the optical signal output by the protocol conversion unit and transmit it to the optical transmitter; The optical receiver is in communication connection with the optically driven limiting amplifier unit, and the optically driven limiting amplifier unit amplifies or limits the optical signal output from the optical receiver and transmits the amplified optical signal to the protocol conversion unit.

9. The millimeter wave radar device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The millimeter-wave radar device also includes a power management module, which is located in the shell. A power interface is provided on the shell, and the power interface is electrically connected to the power management module. The power management module is electrically connected to the control module and the electro-optical conversion module. The power interface is used to electrically connect to a power supply line in the vehicle, and the power management module is used to power the control module and the electro-optical conversion module.

10. A sensor system, characterized in that: The millimeter wave radar device comprises the millimeter wave radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor system further comprises a controller, the controller is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion module, and the optical fiber communication interface is connected to the photoelectric conversion module via an optical fiber.

11. The sensor system according to claim 10, characterized in that The sensor system further comprises a camera; the camera is connected to the controller via the optical fiber; and / or The sensor system also includes a laser radar, which is electrically connected to the controller through the optical fiber.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises a vehicle body; The vehicle further comprises a millimeter wave radar device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the millimeter wave radar device is installed on the vehicle body; or The vehicle further comprises a sensor system as claimed in claim 10 or 11.

Images