Microwave radiation unit and transceiver comprising same

Abstract

The present application discloses a microwave radiation unit (10, 40) comprising a refractive beamformer (12) and at least one transmission line (14) wherein the at least one transmission line (14) is connected to the refractive beamformer (12, 42) by a conversion structure (16, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e). The conversion structure (16, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e) comprises a coupling structure (18, 72) and a waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) having a main propagation direction (T). The refractive beamformer (12) and the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) each comprise parallel metal layers (C1-CM1, C4-M2) and a solid state dielectric (36, 38) located between the parallel metal layers (C1-CM1, C4-M2). The solid-state dielectric (36) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) and the solid-state dielectric (38) of the refractive beamformer (18) comprise at least one common connection layer (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) made of a solid-state dielectric material (M1, M2, M3, M4) extending from the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) to the refractive beamformer (18) such that the solid-state dielectric (36) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) and the solid-state dielectric (38) of the refractive beamformer (12 The invention is characterized in that the at least one common connection layer (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) extends over the entire lateral extension of the solid-state dielectric (36) of the waveguide (20) and the solid-state dielectric (38) of the beamformer (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a microwave radiation unit according to the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] It is known that microwave radiating units for transmitting and / or receiving microwave radiation comprise a refractive beam former and at least one transmission line, wherein a transmission line is a structure capable of conducting electromagnetic waves.

[0003] The at least one transmission line is connected to the refractive beamformer via a conversion structure, wherein the conversion structure includes a coupling structure and a waveguide. The coupling structure changes the direction of the electric field and the magnetic field of the electromagnetic wave conducted by the transmission line to a different direction of the field of the electromagnetic wave in the waveguide.

[0004] The waveguide defines a main direction of travel of the electromagnetic waves, wherein the beamformer is arranged adjacent to the waveguide in the main direction of travel.

[0005] In transmit mode, electromagnetic microwaves radiated from the coupling structure are guided by the waveguide in the primary direction of travel and then impinge on the refractive beamformer. The refractive beamformer then transmits the radiation, shaped into a specific radiation pattern, into the air, where the radiation pattern depends on the refractive properties of the refractive beamformer. The refractive properties can be established through material selection or structural design.

[0006] Due to this quasi-optical behavior of the refractive beamformer, the radiation pattern thus produced is strictly dependent on the refractive properties of the refractive beamformer and its relative position to the waveguide.

[0007] A problem with existing solutions is that manufacturing such a solution is difficult because the positioning of the waveguide relative to the refractive beamformer is crucial to its performance. Since the refractive beamformer is a radiating component, its dielectric constant should be close to that of air. Consequently, the edge region of the refractive beamformer will contain a lower-density material, which is not conducive to reliable manufacturing of the refractive beamformer.

[0008] US2014 / 0176377 A1 discloses an antenna system with cylindrical lenses for focusing electromagnetic waves. The lenses are connected by waveguides integrated into the metal layers covering the cylindrical lenses on both sides. A coupling structure or substrate-integrated waveguide can be positioned within a recess in the lens. Positioning accuracy is dependent on mechanical tolerances.

[0009] Numan, AB, Frigon, JF, Laurin, JJ, "Printed W-band multibeam antenna with a Lunenberg lens-based beamforming network," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 66, No. 10, 2018, pp. 5614-5619, presents a refractive beamformer in which the beamformer and adjacent waveguide are both constructed from a solid dielectric, particularly a body of a printed circuit board (PCB) layer. The waveguide is implemented as a substrate-integrated waveguide, its material being fused with the material of the refractive beamformer. Furthermore, the solid dielectric of the beamformer is constructed from two different materials. A dielectric disk comprising a first inner layer of material with a higher dielectric constant is embedded in the center of the lens and is surrounded by a peripheral region comprising an outer layer of material with a lower dielectric constant. The solid dielectric includes through-holes distributed across its lateral extension to influence the density of the solid dielectric, thereby realizing a gradient index lens. The dielectric constant of the outer edge region of the dielectric disk matches the dielectric constant of the inner edge region of the peripheral region. The dielectric constant of the peripheral region decreases further toward its outer edge. This gradient refractive index distribution results in a matched Lunenberg lens, as the dielectric constants of the medium surrounding the lens and the lens edge region match each other. Electromagnetic waves are radiated into the air via an antenna connected to the Lunenberg lens. According to the disclosure, to provide the desired dielectric constant range from 3.66 at the center to 2.16 at the edge, two different solid dielectric materials are used.

[0010] Thus, by using a solid dielectric between two metal layers, in particular using the dielectric layer of a PCB core, a microwave radiating unit may be provided.

[0011] Application Contents

[0012] The object of the present application is to provide a reliable and simpler manufacturing process using the principle of a refractive beamformer and to enable the use of a microwave radiating unit at microwave frequencies exceeding 50 GHz.

[0013] This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 together with the characterizing features of its preamble.

[0014] The dependent claims are further preferred embodiments of the application.

[0015] The present application is based on the recognition that the relative edge dielectric constant of a refractive beamformer is much higher than 1 and is acceptable under certain conditions so that the refractive beamformer can emit radiation shaped into a specific radiation pattern into air.

[0016] A microwave radiation unit is used for transmitting and / or receiving microwave radiation and comprises a refractive beam former and at least one transmission line, wherein the transmission line has a structure capable of conducting electromagnetic waves.

[0017] The at least one transmission line is connected to the refractive beamformer via a conversion structure, wherein the conversion structure includes a coupling structure and a waveguide. The coupling structure changes the direction of the electromagnetic wave conducted by the transmission line to a different direction of the electromagnetic wave in the waveguide.

[0018] The waveguide is implemented such that it defines a primary direction of travel, wherein the beamformer is immediately adjacent to the waveguide in the primary direction of travel.

[0019] Both the refractive beamformer and the waveguide comprise parallel metal layers and a solid dielectric disposed therebetween. The parallel metal layers thus constrain the corresponding solid dielectric on two opposing sides, namely, the top and bottom sides. The parallel metal layers create a primary direction of travel for microwaves that is substantially parallel to the top and bottom metal layers. The solid dielectric comprises at least a structure of solid dielectric material; in particular, the solid dielectric can be a solid body of material with holes inserted therein.

[0020] Furthermore, the solid dielectric body of the waveguide includes a waveguide connection region, and the solid dielectric body of the refractive beamformer includes a beamformer connection region. Electromagnetic waves travel from the beamformer connection region to the waveguide connection region, or other travel methods may be used. Both the waveguide connection region and the beamformer connection region extend in a primary travel direction and in directions transverse thereto.

[0021] The solid dielectric body of the waveguide and the solid dielectric body of the refractive beamformer comprise at least one common connecting layer made of a solid dielectric material, the common connecting layer extending from the waveguide to the refractive beamformer.

[0022] According to the application, the at least one common connection layer extends over the entire lateral extension of the solid dielectric body of the waveguide and of the solid dielectric body of the beamformer.

[0023] According to the present application, the solid dielectric body of the refractive beamformer and at least one connecting layer of the waveguide are made of the same solid dielectric material.

[0024] Thus, the conversion is facilitated by at least one common connecting layer made of a solid dielectric material connecting the refractive beamformer and the waveguide, thereby providing a conversion with a homogeneous material at least in the longitudinal extension of the waveguide.

[0025] Therefore, the common connection layer is arranged in the main travel direction and in a transverse direction thereof to cover the waveguide connection areas and beamformer connection areas adjacent in the corresponding directions, so that the solid dielectric body of the waveguide and the solid dielectric body of the refractive beamformer are at least partially fused to each other.

[0026] In particular, the depth of the waveguide connection region may be at least 20 microns in the main travel direction from the active boundary of the waveguide and / or the depth of the beamformer connection region may be at least 20 microns in the main travel direction from the active boundary of the beamformer.

[0027] As electromagnetic waves are converted between the waveguide and the refractive beamformer in a solid dielectric material, continuous conversion is provided and potential reflections at the interface between the refractive beamformer and the waveguide are reduced. In addition, because the refractive beamformer and waveguide are firmly connected to each other, a strong mechanical connection is achieved between the two and very precise positioning of the refractive beamformer and the waveguide is provided.

[0028] The dielectric material may be a composite material, in particular a monomeric composite material, especially a composite material comprising fibers and resin.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the common connection layer includes an interconnection region extending between the refractive beamformer and the waveguide. The interconnection region may extend between the active boundary of the waveguide and the active boundary of the refractive beamformer. The interconnection region is a continuous material connection and serves as a transition region extending from the waveguide to the beamformer. Alternatively, the waveguide connection region and the beamformer connection region may overlap, thereby eliminating the interconnection region.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the common connection layer extends in a direction orthogonal to the metal layers, corresponding to the distance between the parallel metal layers. This provides a uniform transition across the entire height of the waveguide. Alternatively, the solid dielectric of the waveguide and the solid dielectric of the refractive beamformer can comprise multiple common connection layers, preferably made of different materials with similar dielectric constants. Such an arrangement can facilitate manufacturing.

[0031] In particular, the at least one common connection layer extends over the entire lateral extension of the solid dielectric body of the waveguide and / or the solid dielectric body of the beamformer.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the solid dielectric of the waveguide in which electromagnetic microwaves travel comprises at least one layer of solid dielectric material having a relatively high relative dielectric constant, for example, greater than 2.5, preferably greater than 3, and particularly greater than or equal to 3.66.

[0033] In particular, at least one layer of a dielectric material of the solid dielectric body of the refractive beamformer has a relatively high relative permittivity, which may be approximately 3, more particularly approximately 3.66.

[0034] The high relative permittivity of the solid dielectric allows the size of the waveguide to be reduced while maintaining a certain operating frequency. This allows the use of multiple conversion structures within a conventional refractive beamformer of a given size. Although the edge permittivity of the refractive beamformer is higher than that of air, good coupling is achieved between the solid dielectric of the waveguide and the solid dielectric of the refractive beamformer because the two functional elements are fused together through at least one common connecting layer made of a single material, thereby reducing reflections between the waveguide and the refractive beamformer.

[0035] Thus, a microwave radiating unit is created which has a mechanically strong interconnection between the waveguide and the refractive beamformer and has a high radiation efficiency.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material of each of the refractive beamformer and the waveguide's connection region is set to match the dielectric constant of the waveguide's solid dielectric material, thereby keeping reflections low at the transition from one solid dielectric material to another material with the same dielectric constant. This achieves very good coupling from the lens to the waveguide and reduces losses. Consequently, radiation efficiency is improved, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0037] It was found that the mismatch conversion of the refractive beamformer to air can be compensated to a large extent by appropriate design of the refractive beamformer.By choosing appropriate refractive properties, the desired beam shape can be achieved regardless of the degree of mismatch in conversion.

[0038] In particular, the shape of the refractive beamformer has a circular or elliptical cross section. Due to the choice of such a cross-sectional shape of the beamformer, the radiation pattern can be further adapted to the geometry of the site.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the refractive beamformer is arranged directly adjacent to the waveguide so that there is no distance between the extreme end of the waveguide and the start of the refractive beamformer. According to this arrangement, the coupling position of the waveguide can be created in a very precise manner.

[0040] The waveguide preferably has a rectangular cross-section and includes side walls of the metal layer perpendicular to the top and bottom sides of the waveguide. Along the main direction of travel, the waveguide terminates at the extreme ends of the side walls of the metal layer perpendicular to the top and bottom sides of the waveguide. If the side walls are implemented as through-holes, the waveguide terminates at the last through-hole in the main direction of travel.

[0041] According to a highly preferred embodiment, the refractive beamformer is a gradient-index lens, particularly a generalized Lunenberg lens. In such an embodiment, the beamformer can shape radiation entering the refractive beamformer from the waveguide into a fan-shaped beam, for example. In a radiation pattern including a fan-shaped beam, the dielectric constant at the center of the lens can be higher than the dielectric constant at the edge of the lens, for example. This change in dielectric constant can be achieved by varying the density of the solid dielectric, which can be achieved by removing solid dielectric material from the solid dielectric. Therefore, the maximum achievable dielectric constant is determined by the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material itself. In particular, in a generalized Lunenberg lens, the density of the solid dielectric of the beamformer decreases from the center to the edge.

[0042] Preferably, the solid dielectric material is selected to satisfy conditions related to the size of the waveguide. The maximum dielectric constant is preferably achieved at the center of the lens, where the dielectric constant is approximately equal to that of the waveguide. Furthermore, the edge dielectric constant of the lens can be reduced by gradually reducing or removing material toward the edge regions.

[0043] In this case, because the solid dielectric material cannot completely disappear at the edges, some solid dielectric material remains, allowing at least one common connection layer made of a single material to extend from the waveguide to the lens / beamformer. Although there is a mismatch in the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric as a whole (e.g., the dielectric constant perceived by electromagnetic waves), the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material itself is matched, thereby reducing electromagnetic wave reflection at adjacent connection areas and improving radiation efficiency.

[0044] The solid dielectric material may be a compound of materials, in particular a composite material.

[0045] Lunenberg lenses are known in the art, with defined radiation characteristics that are strictly dependent on the positioning of the waveguide relative to the outer edge of the beamformer, in particular allowing for fan-shaped beams that can be beneficially used in radar imaging applications.

[0046] According to a preferred aspect of the present application, the solid dielectric material of the common connection layer extends over a large portion of the waveguide and is therefore selected to have a higher dielectric constant than air to reduce the size of the waveguide at a given frequency. However, this results in the dielectric constant (ε) at the edge of such a lens being increased relative to that of a classic Lunenberg lens and thus mismatched with the dielectric constant of air.

[0047] Since the lens is designed to compensate for the effects of the mismatch transition, the mismatch transition does not significantly affect the radiation characteristics, but allows for a good transition between the waveguide and the lens.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment, the refractive beamformer, in particular the lens, has a cylindrical shape and a central axis. In this case, in particular, the dielectric constant ε (permittivity) at the center of the lens around the central axis can be configured such that the lens can focus electromagnetic energy similarly to a classic Lunenberg lens, although the edge dielectric constant of the lens is offset compared to a classic Lunenberg lens.

[0049] Since the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material of the waveguide is equal to the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material at the edge of the beamformer, in particular, the dielectric constant at the edge of the lens, the focusing characteristics of the lens can be ensured even when the dielectric constant at the edge of the lens is greater than the dielectric constant of air by adaptively configuring ε between the center and the edge of the lens based on a specific construction method.

[0050] According to this structure, the central relative dielectric constant ε 中心 Relative dielectric constant ε 边缘 The relationship between ε_center = 1.42√(ε_edge) + 0.58, with a tolerance of 0.2. According to this configuration, in some cases, the dielectric constant at the center is smaller than the dielectric constant at the edge, while in other cases the opposite is true. According to this configuration, the deviation in dielectric constant from the center to the edge can be selected to be sufficiently small so that the desired variation can be achieved using a single solid dielectric material by varying the density of the solid dielectric body of the beamformer.

[0051] Therefore, the relative dielectric constant ε at the edge 边缘 When the focusing angle is greater than 1.5, the focusing characteristics of the classic Lunenberg lens are almost achieved.

[0052] According to a highly preferred embodiment, the refractive beamformer and the waveguide have the same height, in particular, the distance between the respective opposing metal layers is equal, in particular, approximately 2.2 mm. In the case of a cylindrical lens, the height is the dimension along the central axis. The height of the lens is the extension perpendicular to the circular face of the lens. The greater the height, the smaller the second dimension of the fan beam.

[0053] The parallel metal layers of the waveguide and the parallel metal layers of the lens may be connected to each other. According to this embodiment, the waveguide and the refractive beamformer, in particular the cylindrical lens, may be made as a single flat piece of solid dielectric material covered by a pair of metal monolayers located on either side of the solid dielectric material.

[0054] The lens, in particular a cylindrical lens, is preferably made of a single solid dielectric material, wherein the refractive properties of the lens are influenced by holes introduced into the solid dielectric. In particular, the holes are filled with air. The holes are introduced so that the density of the lens can be varied by changing the number or diameter of the holes, such that the density of the lens gradually changes, in particular increases, from the edge region to the center. The holes are preferably introduced parallel to the central axis and extend through the entire thickness of the lens.

[0055] Preferably, the waveguide is a rectangular waveguide, wherein the height of the lens is equal to the height of the waveguide, and wherein the width of the waveguide is set so that the waveguide operates in a given frequency band.

[0056] The length of the waveguide in the main direction of travel corresponds to a multiple of half the guided wavelength. The guided wavelength is defined as the minimum distance between two equal phase planes along the waveguide. L G =L / (sqrt(1-(f c / f) 2 )), where f c is the cutoff frequency, f is the operating (center) frequency, and L is the wavelength corresponding to frequency f in a certain dielectric medium.

[0057] The cutoff frequency is determined by the waveguide dimensions: f c = c / 2a, where a is the width of the waveguide for vertical polarization; or f c =c / 2b, where b is the waveguide height in the case of horizontal polarization, especially the height of the lens.

[0058] For polarization with the electric field perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical lens, the height of the waveguide is h>λ 考虑波导的DSM / 2, where λ 考虑波导的DSM With the guide wavelength L G The same, where the corresponding dielectric medium is the solid dielectric material of the waveguide; this can be achieved by a probe extending into the waveguide perpendicular to the lens axis.

[0059] For polarization parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical lens, the width of the waveguide, i.e. the dimension perpendicular to the height axis of the lens, is preferably w>λ 考虑波导的DSM / 2, which can be achieved by extending the probe into the waveguide parallel to the lens axis.

[0060] Thus, the transmission line may be a coaxial cable and the coupling structure may be an inner conductor of the coaxial cable extending into a hole in the solid dielectric body of the waveguide, in particular a blind hole, in which the inner conductor penetrates the wall of the waveguide without making electrical contact therewith.

[0061] According to the present application, in the case where the probe extends parallel to the central axis, the width of the waveguide is less than the height of the waveguide, while both the width and the height of the waveguide are greater than half the wavelength, i.e. the wavelength in the case of a solid dielectric material of the waveguide. In this case, the probe excites a traveling mode characterized by the second lowest cutoff frequency, i.e. according to the standard notation for waveguides (i.e. TE mn ) can be expressed as TE 10 , where m is a number related to the width of the waveguide and n is a number related to the height of the waveguide.

[0062] According to the present application, the waveguide is filled with a solid dielectric material having a higher relative permittivity than air, so that the wavelength in the solid dielectric material is smaller than the wavelength in air, thereby reducing the width of the waveguide relative to the lens diameter, which is determined by the diameter of the parallel metal layers.

[0063] The reduction in the width of the waveguides enables higher resolution of adjacent waveguides, particularly along the periphery of the cylindrical lens.

[0064] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present application, the transmission line, the transmission structure and the refractive beamformer are integrally manufactured as a single piece. This means that the dielectric of the transmission line, the dielectric of the waveguide and the dielectric of the lens comprise at least one common connecting layer made of the same dielectric material.

[0065] In this case, the coupling structure comprises in particular a probe. Although the probe may be perpendicular to the central axis of the lens, it preferably extends parallel to the central axis of the lens.

[0066] In the case where the probe extends parallel to the central axis, the length of the probe inside the waveguide is in particular half the height of the waveguide. G Small, ideally relative to the guide wavelength L G As small as possible.

[0067] Preferably, the solid dielectric material and metal layers of the waveguide and lens are part of a multilayer printed circuit board structure (PCB structure) comprising prepreg layers and / or core layers, wherein the core layer comprises a metal layer and a dielectric layer. The core layers and prepreg layers are stacked along a central axis, each layer comprising a dielectric layer of a solid dielectric material extending from the waveguide to the lens. The solid dielectric in this case comprises multiple composite material layers. Such solid dielectric material layers, in particular the core layers or prepreg layers, may comprise a fiber fabric, in particular a glass fiber fabric, and a polymer matrix, in particular a resin matrix. Since the solid dielectric material extends from the waveguide to the lens, a monolithic transition is achieved from the waveguide to the refractive beamformer, i.e., the lens, along the main direction of travel. The use of multiple composite material layers allows for the manufacture of thin and mechanically robust devices. Preferably, the dielectric constants of the layers are matched so that each layer of solid dielectric material has a similar dielectric constant. When multiple core layers are used between the outermost metal layers, the intermediate metal layers of the core layer are removed in the lens and waveguide regions where solid dielectric is required. The metal coating is removed before the layers are assembled.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the dielectric material of each layer has a relative permittivity between 3.4 and 3.8. Thus, the permittivity remains constant not only along the primary direction of travel but also within a narrow range in the height direction. While the permittivity of the solid dielectric material is within this range, the presence of the voids results in a permittivity of 2.6 at the edge of the solid dielectric and approximately 2.9 at the center of the beamformer. The waveguide's solid dielectric preferably has a permittivity between 3.4 and 3.8.

[0069] In particular, the transmission lines and the coupling structures are also implemented as PCB structures. In this case, the coupling structures are probes extending parallel to the lens axis and are manufactured as metallized blind holes.

[0070] The multilayer circuit board includes an intermediate core layer having at least one metal layer, wherein blind vias connect this metal layer to a transmission line, which preferably comprises a first metallized conductive path, particularly located on a top layer of a solid dielectric. The conductive path trace is not connected to the metallized top layer of dielectric material covering the waveguide. The metal layer of the intermediate core layer, which can be one of a plurality of intermediate core layers between parallel metal layers, is preferably spaced as evenly as possible relative to the outermost parallel metal layers.

[0071] The conductive path of the transmission line may further include a second trace parallel to the first conductive path and spaced a predetermined distance apart in a direction extending along the central axis of the lens, wherein the first conductive path and the second conductive path are separated by a layer of solid dielectric material. The conductive path may be established using metal layers on both sides of the solid dielectric layer of the core layer.

[0072] The second trace is preferably the ground plane of the PCB structure. This topology allows for G-CPW transmission. Unlike the first conductive path, the second trace does not contact the blind via, but can extend in a semicircular pattern around it. The second trace can even completely surround the blind via without significantly extending beyond it into the primary direction of travel of the waveguide.

[0073] The side walls of the waveguide are preferably embodied as through-holes, wherein the distance between adjacent through-holes of the same side wall is small relative to the guided wavelength. This distance is less than λ / 2 in a solid dielectric. According to the present application, the distance between the central axes of the through-holes in the main direction of wave propagation is less than 0.8 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm.

[0074] When the radiating element is implemented as a PCB structure, the solid dielectric body of the lens comprises multiple layers of solid dielectric material, where the density of the lens is influenced by the distribution of through-holes. These through-holes can have any cross-sectional shape and are introduced after all layers are assembled. The through-holes can be laser-drilled to achieve high precision, which is particularly useful in specific areas where a large number of holes is required to achieve a low dielectric constant. Preferably, the through-holes have a circular cross-section for ease of manufacture.

[0075] According to a very preferred embodiment, the microwave radiating unit comprises a plurality of transmission lines and waveguides and lenses as described above.

[0076] Another aspect of the present application relates to a printed circuit board transceiver comprising at least one radiating element as described above, wherein at least one transmission line is connected to at least one integrated circuit for feeding signals to and / or receiving signals from the radiating element, wherein the integrated circuit is mounted on the same multi-layer circuit board as the radiating element.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the losses of the radiating element are low.

[0078] The integrated circuit is preferably mounted on a layer of the PCB structure where the transmission lines are accessible, more preferably on the top or bottom layer.

[0079] According to this arrangement, high power efficiency is provided and interference is reduced.

[0080] According to a further preferred embodiment of the printed circuit board transceiver, the printed circuit board transceiver comprises two microwave radiating units as described above, wherein the two microwave radiating units are connected to at least one integrated circuit, the at least one integrated circuit being in particular a radar circuit.

[0081] This allows for high-resolution radar applications at high frequencies, particularly in the frequency range around 60 GHz.

[0082] According to a further refinement of the present application, a printed circuit board transceiver includes a circuit board having a first rigid portion having a first microwave radiating element; and a second rigid portion having a second microwave radiating element and a connecting portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are interconnected by the connecting portion, such that the first portion is tiltable relative to the second portion. Preferably, the connecting portion is implemented such that the first portion, the second portion, and the connecting portion comprise a common layer, wherein the thickness of the connecting portion is less than that of the first portion and the second portion, thereby providing the connecting portion with flexibility, particularly bendability, such that the first portion is tiltable relative to the second portion, similar to a film hinge.

[0083] The lens and waveguide are both part of the same structural element, which is a laminated structure in which each dielectric layer can be a single piece of solid dielectric material. The laminated structure is composed of a core layer and prepreg layers, where the prepreg layers are selected for high-frequency applications and have a dielectric constant close to that of the dielectric material of the core layer. The laminated layers have a laminated sandwich structure similar to a printed circuit board, or the structural element is a printed circuit board. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] A further development of the present application is described in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0085] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of the basic principle of a microwave radiation unit;

[0086] Figure 2 is a top view of the microwave radiation unit;

[0087] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 sectional view taken along line III-III;

[0088] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed view of the cross-section;

[0089] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of VV;

[0090] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Detailed view of

[0091] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Detailed DP perspective cut view;

[0092] Figure 8 A radar arrangement comprising two radiating elements is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Figure 1A perspective view of the microwave radiation unit 10 is shown in this state for the purpose of illustrating the basic principles.

[0094] It should be noted that only one waveguide and one conversion structure are exemplarily shown in this embodiment, but multiple waveguides and conversion structures can be assembled together with the refractive beamformer in a similar manner.

[0095] The microwave radiating unit 10 includes a refractive beamformer 12 and at least one transmission line 14. The at least one transmission line 14 is connected to the refractive beamformer 12 via a conversion structure 16, wherein the conversion structure 16 includes a coupling structure 18 and a waveguide 20 having a main direction of travel T in which the electromagnetic microwaves travel. Along the main direction of travel T, the microwaves travel from the coupling structure 18 toward the refractive beamformer 12.

[0096] The refractive beamformer 12 and the waveguide 20 each include a solid dielectric body. According to the present application, the dielectric body of the refractive beamformer and the dielectric body of the waveguide include at least one common connection layer L1, L2, L3, L4, which are made of solid dielectric materials M1, M2, M3, M4, respectively. The common connection layers L2, L3, L4 can be arranged similarly to the common connection layer L1, and will be Figure 1 The common connection layer L1 is exemplarily discussed in detail in .

[0097] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, a common connection layer L1 is commonly used for the solid dielectric body of the waveguide and the solid dielectric body of the refractive beamformer. The common connection layer L1 is made of a dielectric material M1 that extends from the waveguide 20 to the refractive beamformer 12 in the main propagation direction T of the wave, thereby connecting the waveguide 20 and the refractive beamformer 12. Thus, for example, in the uppermost layer L1, microwaves travel from the waveguide 20 to the refractive beamformer 12 within the same solid dielectric material. In this example, the at least one common connection layer L1 extends across the entire dielectric body of the waveguide 20 and the entire dielectric body of the refractive beamformer 12 in the lateral extension direction.

[0098] Furthermore, a waveguide connection region 32 is shown, which extends a certain distance in the direction of the probe from the extreme end of the waveguide 20. The shown position of the end of the waveguide 20 is the active limit of the waveguide 20. The extension of the waveguide connection region 32 is less than 2 meters, down to a minimum of 20 micrometers.

[0099] Furthermore, a beamformer connection region 34 is shown, extending from the edge of the beamformer 12 toward its center. The beamformer connection region 34 extends less than 2 millimeters, down to a minimum of 20 microns. In the example shown, the waveguide connection region 32 and the beamformer connection region 34 overlap. According to the present application, a common connection layer L1 extends completely over the waveguide connection region 32 and the beamformer connection region 34. The common connection layer L1 extends from the end of the waveguide connection region 32 to the end of the beamformer connection region 34.

[0100] In this example, each of the four layers L1, L2, L3, and L4 extending from waveguide 20 to refractive beamformer 12 comprises a single dielectric material. Essentially, each solid dielectric material M1, M2, M3, and M4 has a substantially identical dielectric constant, resulting in a uniform dielectric constant throughout the entire dielectric substrate. Alternatively, the substrate need not be comprised of layers of a single solid dielectric material but can be a single solid dielectric material. In this example, each layer L1, L2, L3, and L4 is a common connecting layer extending from waveguide 20 to refractive beamformer 12.

[0101] According to the smooth transition from the waveguide 20 to the refractive beamformer 12, reflections at the transition between the waveguide 20 and the beamformer 12, which would reduce efficiency, may be avoided.

[0102] The refractive beamformer 12 shapes the electromagnetic waves and radiates them into the surrounding air.

[0103] Furthermore, the radiating element includes metal layers on both sides of the solid dielectric material, namely, on the top side above the solid dielectric material of the uppermost layer L1 and on the bottom side below the solid dielectric material of the lowermost layer L4. The metal layers define a refractive beamformer 12 and at least one waveguide 20. For clarity, the metal layers are omitted in this figure.

[0104] The waveguide 20 is a rectangular waveguide, the specific embodiment of which is described with the help of the following figures. The rectangular waveguide 20 has a width w and a height h, wherein the height is parallel to the central axis A of the cylindrical refractive beamformer 12.

[0105] The coupling unit 18 is a probe that extends parallel to the central axis A of the cylindrical refractive beamformer 12 .

[0106] In this solution, in TE 10 Waves are generated in a mode in which the polarization direction of the electric field (E field) and thus the microwaves is parallel to the central axis A.

[0107] Figure 2A top view of a microwave radiating element 40 is shown. The microwave radiating element 40 has a refractive beamformer, i.e., a cylindrical lens 42, and five conversion structures 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e, each including a waveguide 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, and 52e, respectively. Lens 42 is a cylindrical lens having a plurality of apertures 44 to influence the dielectric constant of lens 42. All waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, and 52e are connected to the same refractive beamformer 42. The conversion structures 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e are connected to the circuit via respective transmission lines 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e. The traces of the transmission lines 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e are obtained by etching from a solid metal layer. The metal material is shown in black.

[0108] Since the dielectric of the waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e has a relatively high relative permittivity, the width of the waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e can be relatively small, so that the waveguides can be arranged closely so that the waveguides can generate intermediate beams.

[0109] The metal layers of lens 42 have a diameter D, which is the relevant diameter for lens calculations. The solid dielectric between the parallel metal layers preferably has the same diameter D as the metal layers or a slightly larger diameter. In PCB manufacturing, since printed circuit boards cannot be cut until lamination is complete, a slightly larger diameter of the solid dielectric may be required.

[0110] Since the metal layer must have very precise boundaries, the lens needs to be cut at a certain safety distance.

[0111] The through hole 44 affects the dielectric constant of the dielectric body, wherein the minimum distance between the hole 44 and the boundary is preferably less than 100 micrometers. In the current embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the through hole 44 is circular, but it can also be any other shape.

[0112] The size of the holes 44 may vary in such a way that the holes 44 have a larger diameter as they are positioned closer to the periphery and a smaller diameter as they are positioned closer to the center of the lens 42. Preferably, the holes 44 are arranged in an azimuthally symmetrical manner.

[0113] However, other solutions are also conceivable, such as an asymmetric lateral distribution of the holes 44. The shape and distribution of the holes 44 can vary more or less randomly, but in any case, it is necessary to achieve a specific gradient in the relative dielectric constant to provide a gradient refractive index that preferably varies squarely with radial distance.

[0114] The ends of waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e are located near the virtual boundary of lens 42. The distance between waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e and the virtual boundary of lens 42 is preferably less than the diameter of the through hole. The virtual boundary is defined, for example, by the diameter of the metal layer of lens 42. In a highly preferred embodiment, the distance from the center of lens 42 to its focal point is greater than the distance to the ends of waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e, which are located outside the boundary of hole 44 but within the boundary of the metal layer.

[0115] The lens 42 is shown to produce a radiation pattern comprising a fan-shaped beam.

[0116] In this example, there are five conversion structures 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, where the relative permittivity ε of the solid dielectric is r is greater than 2.5, and more preferably greater than 3. Due to the higher dielectric constant, the size of the waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e can be reduced at a specific frequency. Therefore, multiple conversion structures 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e can be provided to increase the resolution achievable by a single refractive beamformer at a given frequency.

[0117] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows an exemplary embodiment of a stacked microwave radiation unit 40 according to the present application. The transition of the dielectric body 36 of the waveguide to the dielectric body 38 of the lens 42 at the transition point TP shows that each layer includes a dielectric material that extends uniformly from the waveguide 52c to the lens 42. The microwave radiation unit 40 is implemented as a printed circuit board having multiple layers. With the help of Figure 4 The detailed view of D1 shown in FIG. 5 describes these layers in more detail.

[0118] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 Detailed view of detail D1. The stacked structure includes four core layers C1, C2, C3, and C4, which are interconnected by three prepreg layers P1, P2, and P3 made of dielectric material. The uppermost core layer C1 includes a metal layer C1-M1 located on its upper side. This metal layer C1-M1 is preferably made of copper and extends over waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e and lens 42. The lowermost core layer C4 includes a metal layer C4-M2 located on its lower side. This metal layer C4-M2 also extends over waveguides 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e and lens 42. Metal layers C1-M1 and C4-M2 confine microwaves in an axial direction parallel to the central axis A.

[0119] Metal layer C1-M1 is interrupted outside of coupling structure 72 because metal layer C1-M1 forms the trace of transmission line 62c in its first section until it reaches coupling structure 72. The second trace of transmission line 62c in this section is established by the lower metal layer C1-M2. In this case, metal layer C1-M2 does not extend beyond coupling structure 72. Coupling structure 72 can be connected to the lower metal layer C2-M2 of the second core layer C2. Coupling structure 72 is configured as a blind via, which can be filled with metal. As can be seen from this cross-sectional view, the intermediate metal layers of core layers C1 to C4 have been largely removed, so that the remaining substrate essentially consists of the solid dielectric material of dielectric portions C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, and C4-DL, as well as prepreg layers P1, P2, and P3. The dielectric constants of the dielectric materials of the prepreg layers P1, P2, P3 and the dielectric materials of the dielectric core layers C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL are well matched to provide uniform properties not only in the travel direction T but also in the height direction.

[0120] Since the dielectric material in the waveguide has a relatively high relative permittivity (>3), the height h and especially the width w of the waveguide can be reduced relative to a waveguide filled with air.

[0121] It can be seen that the holes 44 are through holes formed simply by drilling through the entire height of the stack.

[0122] The metal layers C1-M1 and C1-M2 that form transmission line 62c may be used throughout the device to provide connections for transmission lines 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 62e.

[0123] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 2 52b. The sectional view shows a section through the side wall of the rectangular waveguide 52b. Layers C1-M1 and C4-M2 implement the upper and lower walls of the rectangular waveguide 52b.

[0124] In addition, the waveguide connection region 32 is shown to extend a certain distance from the extreme end of the waveguide 52b in the probe direction. The shown position of the end of the waveguide 52b is the effective boundary of the waveguide 52b. The extension range of the waveguide connection region 32 is less than 2 mm and can be as small as 20 microns.

[0125] Furthermore, the beamformer connection region 34 is shown extending from the edge of the beamformer to its center. The beamformer connection region 34 extends less than 2 mm and can be as small as 20 microns.

[0126] According to the present application, the beamformer 42 and the waveguide 52 b share a common connection layer made of a dielectric material and extending to cover at least the beamformer connection region 34 and the waveguide connection region 32 .

[0127] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A more detailed view of D2 is shown in FIG. , where a via 82 extends from the top metal layer C1-M1 to the bottom metal layer C4-M2. Thus, the distance between metal layers C1-M1 and C4-M2 constitutes the height h of waveguide 52c. The distance VD between the two vias 82 is set to be small relative to the wavelength of microwaves in the dielectric material.

[0128] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 6 VII-VII of the transition between the tangent lines VII and VII. The connection region extends from the end of the waveguide connection region 32 near the probe to the end of the beamformer connection region 34 near the center of the refractive beamformer. It will be appreciated that the solid dielectric material extends from the waveguide 52b to the lens 42 along the main travel direction T of the waveguide 52b and extends over the connection region.

[0129] Since the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric material is equal at the transition point TP, no reflection occurs. In the transition region, the dielectric constant remains constant. The dielectric constant of the solid dielectric of the refractive beamformer 42 changes within the virtual boundary VP of the lens, and refraction occurs there.

[0130] The through-holes 82 of the waveguide 52b and the through-holes 44 of the lens can be manufactured very precisely. Consequently, a very precisely positioned transition point between the waveguide and the lens can be produced that exhibits robust mechanical properties while maintaining a compact size. As can be seen, even though the overall dielectric constant of the lens differs from that of the waveguide due to the holes 44 introduced in the PCB, the reflection performance is still improved because the microwaves travel from the waveguide to the lens in the uniform material between the holes 44.

[0131] Figure 8 The radar device 100 according to the present application is shown, which provides two microwave radiation units 110 and 120. Figures 2 to 7 As described in .

[0132] As previously described, first microwave radiating element 110 is implemented on a first rigid portion of PCB 70, and second microwave radiating element 120 is implemented on a second rigid portion of PCB 70. PCB 70 is, in particular, a multilayer circuit board. First microwave radiating element 110 and second microwave radiating element 120 are connected to at least one radar control unit 140 via transmission lines 116a, 116b, 126a, and 126b.

[0133] The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 are interconnected via a connecting portion 130. Connecting portion 130 comprises only the first core layer, wherein metal layers C1-M1 and C1-M2 are used to provide transmission lines 126a, 126b between the first and second portions of PCB board 70. This allows for highly efficient and noise-reduced signal transmission between the first and second portions. Because most of the other core layers have been removed, the remaining C1-DL layer is sufficiently flexible to bend to allow a 90° angle to be formed between the two radiating elements. By using the first radiating element 110 as a transmitting antenna and the second radiating element 120 as a receiving antenna, and by connecting both the first radiating element 110 and the second radiating element 120 to at least one radar control unit 140, a highly efficient, high-frequency, three-dimensional radar imaging device can be provided.

[0134] Reference Signs List

[0135] 10 Microwave radiation unit

[0136] 12 Refractive Beamformer

[0137] 14 Transmission Line

[0138] 16 Conversion Structure

[0139] 18 Coupling structure

[0140] 20 waveguide

[0141] 32 waveguide connection area

[0142] 34 Beamformer connection area

[0143] 36 Waveguide dielectric

[0144] 38 Dielectric of the Refractive Beamformer

[0145] 40 Microwave Radiation Unit

[0146] 42 Gradient Index Lens

[0147] 50a conversion structure

[0148] 50b conversion structure

[0149] 50c conversion structure

[0150] 50d conversion structure

[0151] 50e conversion structure

[0152] 52a waveguide

[0153] 52b waveguide

[0154] 52c waveguide

[0155] 52d waveguide

[0156] 52e waveguide

[0157] 62a transmission line

[0158] 62b transmission line

[0159] 62c transmission line

[0160] 62d transmission line

[0161] 62e transmission line

[0162] 70 PCB board

[0163] 72 coupled structures

[0164] 82 through holes

[0165] 100 radar devices

[0166] 110 Microwave Radiation Unit

[0167] 116a transmission line

[0168] 116b transmission line

[0169] 120 microwave radiation unit

[0170] 126a transmission line

[0171] 126b transmission line

[0172] 130 connection part

[0173] 140 Radar Control Unit

[0174] A Center Axis

[0175] C1 Core Layer

[0176] C1-M1 metal layer

[0177] C1-DL dielectric layer

[0178] C1-M2 metal layer

[0179] C2 Core Layer

[0180] C2-M1 metal layer

[0181] C2-DL dielectric layer

[0182] C2-M2 metal layer

[0183] C3 Core Layer

[0184] C3-M1 metal layer

[0185] C3-DL dielectric layer

[0186] C3-M2 metal layer

[0187] C4 Core Layer

[0188] C4-M1 metal layer

[0189] C4-DL dielectric layer

[0190] C4-M2 metal layer

[0191] P1 prepreg layer

[0192] P2 prepreg layer

[0193] P3 prepreg layer

[0194] T Main direction of travel

[0195] TP conversion point

Claims

1. A microwave radiating unit (10, 40) comprising a refractive beam former (12) and at least one transmission line (14), wherein: The at least one transmission line (14) is connected to the refractive beamformer (12, 42) via a transition structure (16, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e), the transition structure (16, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e) comprising a coupling structure (18, 72) and a waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) having a primary direction of travel (T), wherein the refractive beamformer (12) and the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) each comprise parallel metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2) and a solid dielectric (36, 38) located between the parallel metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2), wherein the waveguide (2 The solid dielectric body (36) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) and the solid dielectric body (38) of the refractive beamformer (18) comprise at least one common connecting layer (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) made of one solid dielectric material (M1, M2, M3, M4) extending from the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) to the refractive beamformer (18), such that the solid dielectric body (36) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) and the solid dielectric body (38) of the refractive beamformer (12, 42) are at least partially fused to each other, Characterized in that the at least one common connection layer (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) extends over the entire lateral extension of the solid dielectric body (36) of the waveguide (20) and the solid dielectric body (38) of the beamformer (12).

2. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one common connection layer (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) comprises an interconnection region located between an active boundary of the refractive beamformer (12) and an active boundary of the waveguide (20).

3. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The extension distance of the common connection layer in a direction perpendicular to the metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2) is equal to the distance between the parallel metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2).

4. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The solid dielectric body (36) of the waveguide (20) and the solid dielectric body (38) of the refractive beamformer (12) include a plurality of common connection layers (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3), and the dielectric materials (M1, M2, M3, M4) of the plurality of common connection layers may be different but have similar dielectric constants.

5. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The distance between the refractive beamformer (12) and the waveguide (20) is less than 0.2 mm.

6. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The refractive beam former (12) is cylindrical, and its cross section is elliptical, in particular circular, and is parallel to the metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2).

7. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The refractive beam former (12) is a gradient index lens (42), in particular a generalized Lunenberg lens.

8. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 7, characterized in that The refractive beamformer (12) has a cylindrical shape with a central axis (A), wherein the height of the refractive beamformer (12) is the same as the height of the waveguide (20), in particular about 2.2 mm, wherein in particular the waveguide (20; 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) is connected to adjacent metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2) of the lens (42).

9. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that The solid dielectric body (38) of the gradient index lens (42) comprises at least one layer (C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) of a solid dielectric material, wherein the refractive properties of the gradient index lens (42) are established by holes (44) introduced into the solid dielectric body (38), the holes (44) being in particular filled with a fluid, more particularly filled with air.

10. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 9, characterized in that The holes (44) are introduced so that the density of the solid dielectric (38) of the gradient index lens (42) is changed by changing the number and / or diameter of the holes (44), wherein the density changes from the edge area to the center, in particular increases from the edge area to the center.

11. The microwave radiation unit according to claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The height of the gradient refractive index lens (42) is equal to the height of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e), wherein the width (w) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) is set so that the waveguide operates in a given frequency band.

12. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The length (L) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) in the main direction of travel (T) corresponds to the guided wavelength L G Half of, wherein the guided wavelength is defined as the distance between two equal phase planes along the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e).

13. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that For polarization perpendicular to the central axis (A) of the cylindrical lens, the height (h) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) is greater than half the guided wavelength (λ) in the solid dielectric material of the waveguide. 考虑波导的DSM / 2).

14. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that For polarization parallel to the central axis (A) of the cylindrical lens (42), the width (w) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) is greater than half the guided wavelength (λ) in the solid dielectric material of the waveguide. 考虑波导的DSM / 2).

15. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 15, characterized in that The width (w) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) is smaller than the height (h) of the waveguide (20, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e).

16. A microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The transmission line (14), the conversion structure (16), and the refractive beamformer (12, 42) are integrally fabricated in a single solid dielectric body (36, 38).

17. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of claims 6 to 16, characterized in that The coupling structure (18, 72) comprises a probe, wherein the length of the probe within the waveguide (20; 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) is in particular half the height (h) of the waveguide (20; 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) when the probe extends parallel to the central axis (A) of the cylindrical refractive beamformer (12, 42).

18. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 17, characterized in that In case the probe extends perpendicularly to the central axis (A), the length of the probe corresponds to half the width of the waveguide (20; 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e).

19. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The diameter of the probe is relative to the guide wavelength L G Ideally, it is relatively small relative to the guide wavelength L G As small as possible.

20. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one common connection layer (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) extends over the entire solid dielectric body (36, 38), and the metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2) are part of a multilayer printed circuit board (70), wherein the dielectric layers (L1, L2, L3, L4, C1-DL, C2-DL, C3-DL, C4-DL, P1, P2, P3) are stacked along a central axis and in particular comprise a core layer (C1, C2, C3, C4) and / or a prepreg layer (P1, P2, P3).

21. The microwave radiation unit according to any one of claims 13, 14, 15 and 17 and claims 19 to 20, characterized in that The probe (72) is embodied as a blind hole.

22. The microwave radiation unit according to claim 21, characterized in that The multilayer printed circuit board (70) comprises an intermediate metal layer (C2-M2) connected to the transmission line (C1-M1; 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 62).

23. The microwave radiation unit according to claims 21 to 22, characterized in that The multilayer circuit board (70) is stacked so that the distance between the middle metal layer (C2-M2) to which the blind via extends and the outermost parallel metal layers (C1-M1, C4-M2) is approximately half the height (h) of the waveguide (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e).

24. The microwave radiation unit according to claims 21 to 23, characterized in that The multilayer circuit board (70) providing the transmission line (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 62e) includes a metal trace (C1-M1) located on top of a dielectric (C1-DL) and a ground layer (C1-M2) located below the uppermost layer of dielectric material and opposite to the metal trace to constrain the electric field in a direction parallel to the column axis (A), wherein the ground layer (C1-M2) is constructed not to be conductively connected to the blind hole (72).

25. The microwave radiation unit according to claims 19 to 24, characterized in that The sidewalls of the waveguides (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e) are implemented as through holes (82), and the distance between adjacent through holes is shorter than the guide wavelength (L G ), preferably less than 0.8 mm, more preferably less than 0.4 mm.

26. A printed circuit board transceiver (100) comprising a multilayer circuit board (70) and at least one microwave radiating element (110, 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The dielectric of the waveguide and the dielectric of the refractive beamformer are formed by layers of a multilayer circuit board (70), wherein the at least one transmission line (116a, 116b, 126a, 126b) is connected to at least one integrated circuit (140) for providing signals to and / or receiving signals from the radiating elements (110, 120), wherein the integrated circuit (140) is mounted on the multilayer circuit board (70), preferably on a layer to which the transmission line is accessible, more preferably on a top layer or a bottom layer.

27. The printed circuit board according to claim 26, wherein: The printed circuit board comprises at least two microwave radiating units (110, 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the at least two microwave radiating units (110, 120) are connected to the at least one integrated circuit (140), wherein the integrated circuit (140) is in particular a radar circuit.

28. The printed circuit board according to claim 27, wherein: The multilayer circuit board (70) comprises a connecting portion (130) connecting the at least two microwave radiation units (110, 120), wherein the connecting portion (130) comprises at least three layers (C1-M1; C1-DL, C1-M2), wherein two layers are used to implement the transmission line on the connecting portion.

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