A compact integrated device of a radio frequency front end module and an antenna array applied to a millimeter wave radar

Abstract

The application discloses a compact integrated device of a radio frequency front end module and an antenna array applied to a millimeter wave radar, which comprises a main plate, a radio frequency front end module and an antenna module, a recess is arranged in the middle of the main plate, a first shielding shell is arranged in the recess, a first secondary plate is arranged on the surface of the main plate and covers the first shielding shell, the antenna module is arranged in the first shielding shell and is arranged on one side of the secondary plate, a second shielding shell is arranged outside the secondary plate, a second secondary plate is arranged on the outer side of the second shielding shell, the radio frequency front end module is arranged on the second secondary plate, and a connecting mechanism is arranged on one side of the main plate and the second shielding shell. The application has the advantages of simple structure, vertical stacking and multi-stage shielding structure, and can realize the extreme compact integration of the radio frequency front end and the antenna on one side of the main plate under the premise of ensuring the effective electromagnetic isolation between the radio frequency front end and the antenna and between them and other parts of the main plate, and can maximize the utilization of the PCB space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of millimeter-wave radar technology, and more specifically to a compact integrated device for a radio frequency front-end module and antenna array used in millimeter-wave radar. Background Technology

[0002] Millimeter-wave radar is a sensor that uses electromagnetic waves in the millimeter-wave frequency band for detection, ranging, speed measurement, and imaging. It is one of the "eyes" of modern autonomous vehicles and intelligent perception systems, and a core component of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

[0003] Currently, the mainboard inside millimeter-wave radar is generally a double-sided structure, with the radio frequency front-end module and antenna module installed on the two sides respectively. This installation method occupies a lot of space, making it impossible or too close to other electronic components, and lacks shielding effect, affecting the quality of use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a compact integrated device for a radio frequency front-end module and an antenna array used in millimeter-wave radar. The radio frequency front-end module and the antenna module are mounted on the same side of the motherboard, allowing more electronic devices to be installed on the other side and increasing the shielding effect, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a compact integrated device for a radio frequency front-end module and an antenna array for millimeter-wave radar, comprising a motherboard, a radio frequency front-end module, and an antenna module. The motherboard has a groove in the middle, in which a first shielding shell is installed. A first sub-plate covering the first shielding shell is provided on the surface of the motherboard. The antenna module is disposed inside the first shielding shell and installed on one side of the sub-plate. A second shielding shell is installed outside the sub-plate, and a second sub-plate is installed on the outer side of the second shielding shell. The radio frequency front-end module is installed on the second sub-plate, and a connecting mechanism is installed on one side of the motherboard located on the second shielding shell.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution, the connecting mechanism includes a fixed base, a connecting column, and a connecting plate. The fixed base is provided with a connecting hole with one end open. The outer ring surface of the connecting hole is provided with a connecting port that communicates with the outside. The connecting column is axially inserted into the connecting hole. One end of the connecting plate passes through the connecting port and is installed on the connecting column, and the other end is installed on the second shielding shell. A locking and positioning component is installed in the opening at one end of the connecting hole.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution, the locking and positioning component includes a handle, a stud, and a positioning pin. The positioning pin and the stud are disposed in the opening of the connecting hole. The inner wall surface of the opening of the connecting hole is provided with threads and is threadedly connected to the stud. The end of the connecting pin facing the opening is provided with a positioning groove. One end of the positioning pin protrudes to form a positioning part, which is inserted into the positioning groove. The end of the stud away from the positioning pin extends to the outside and is fixedly connected to the handle.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution, an axial groove is provided on the inner wall surface of the connection hole opening, and the outer ring surface of the positioning post protrudes from the groove to form a slide bar, which is slidably disposed in the groove.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, an annular groove is provided on the end face of the positioning post facing the stud, and a connecting ring is slidably connected in the annular groove. One end of the connecting ring is installed on the stud, and the cross-sections of the connecting ring and the annular groove are arranged in a trapezoidal structure.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the width of the connection port is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection hole.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, one end of the second shielding shell is provided with a wiring groove, and a wire connected to the antenna module is installed on the first sub-board. The other end of the wire passes through the wiring groove and is fixedly connected to the main board.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, both the first shielding shell and the second shielding shell are made of metal materials.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the invention has a simple structure, and the radio frequency front-end module and antenna module can be installed on one side of the motherboard through the first and second sub-boards, so that more electronic components can be installed on the remaining other side and the space between adjacent installations can be increased. The antenna module can be covered by the first and second shielding shells, which greatly reduces the interference of the antenna module to external electronics. At the same time, after lifting the second shielding shell, the connecting post can be removed along the connecting hole, so that the first sub-board, the second sub-board, the radio frequency front-end module and the antenna module can be removed from the motherboard independently, which facilitates their maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after removing the stud and the grip; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after further removal of the positioning post; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first shielding shell of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention after the first sub-plate is opened.

[0016] The components are as follows: 1. Mainboard; 2. First sub-board; 3. Second shielding shell; 4. Wiring groove; 5. Second sub-board; 6. RF front-end module; 7. Mounting base; 8. Connecting plate; 9. Handle; 10. Connecting hole; 11. Slide groove; 12. Positioning post; 13. Connecting post; 14. Annular groove; 15. Positioning groove; 16. First shielding shell; 17. Antenna module; 18. Stud. Detailed Implementation

[0017] All features disclosed in this specification, or all steps in all disclosed methods or processes, may be combined in any way, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps.

[0018] Any feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features for a similar purpose, unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, unless specifically stated otherwise, each feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0019] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a compact integrated device for a radio frequency front-end module and antenna array used in millimeter-wave radar includes a main board 1, a radio frequency front-end module 6, and an antenna module 17. The main board 1 has a groove in the middle, in which a first shielding shell 16 is installed. A first sub-plate 2 covering the first shielding shell 16 is provided on the surface of the main board 1. The antenna module 17 is disposed inside the first shielding shell 16 and installed on one side of the sub-plate. A second shielding shell 3 is installed outside the sub-plate. A second sub-plate 5 is installed on the outer side of the second shielding shell 3. The radio frequency front-end module 6 is installed on the second sub-plate 5. A connecting mechanism is installed on the main board 1 on one side of the second shielding shell 3. Both the first and second auxiliary boards are PCB boards.

[0020] In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism includes a fixed base 7, a connecting post 13, and a connecting plate 8. The fixed base 7 is provided with a connecting hole 10 with one end open. The outer ring surface of the connecting hole 10 is provided with a connecting port that communicates with the outside. The connecting post 13 is axially inserted into the connecting hole 10. One end of the connecting plate 8 passes through the connecting port and is installed on the connecting post 13, and the other end is installed on the second shielding shell 3. A locking and positioning component is installed in the opening at one end of the connecting hole 10.

[0021] In this embodiment, the locking and positioning component includes a handle 9, a stud 18, and a positioning pin 12. The positioning pin 12 and the stud 18 are disposed in the opening of the connecting hole 10. The inner wall surface of the opening of the connecting hole 10 is provided with threads and is threadedly connected to the stud 18. The end of the connecting pin 13 facing the opening is provided with a positioning groove 15. One end of the positioning pin 12 protrudes to form a positioning part, which is inserted into the positioning groove 15. The end of the stud 18 away from the positioning pin 12 extends to the outside and is fixedly connected to the handle 9.

[0022] In this embodiment, a sliding groove 11 is provided axially on the inner wall surface of the opening of the connecting hole 10, and the outer ring surface of the positioning post 12 protrudes from the sliding groove 11 to form a sliding strip, which is slidably disposed in the sliding groove 11.

[0023] In this embodiment, an annular groove 14 is provided on one end face of the positioning post 12 facing the stud 18. A connecting ring is slidably connected in the annular groove 14. One end of the connecting ring is installed on the stud 18. The cross-sections of the connecting ring and the annular groove 14 are arranged in a trapezoidal structure.

[0024] In this embodiment, the width of the connection port is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection hole 10, which prevents the connecting post from detaching directly from the connection port.

[0025] In this embodiment, one end of the second shielding shell 3 is provided with a wiring groove 4, and a wire connected to the antenna module 17 is installed on the first sub-board 2. The other end of the wire passes through the wiring groove 4 and is fixedly connected to the main board 1. The wires on the first sub-board and the second sub-board are all spring wires, and the other end of the spring wires is fixedly connected to the main board.

[0026] In this embodiment, both the first shielding shell 16 and the second shielding shell 3 are made of metal materials, which increases the robustness and shielding effect.

[0027] Working principle: The device integrates the radio frequency front-end module 6 and the antenna module 17 on the same side of the motherboard 1 through a stacked structure. Its core lies in using a multi-level shielding structure to achieve a compact layout and electromagnetic compatibility.

[0028] The antenna module 17 is mounted on the first sub-board 2 and is completely covered by the first shielding shell 16. The first shielding shell 16 is embedded in the groove of the main board 1 and is jointly sealed by the main board 1 and the first sub-board 2 covering it to form an independent shielding cavity, which effectively isolates the electromagnetic interference of the antenna module 17 to other circuits on the main board 1 below.

[0029] The second shielding shell 3 is placed outside the first sub-plate 2 as a second electromagnetic shield to further prevent radio frequency signals from leaking out or external interference from entering.

[0030] The RF front-end module 6 is mounted on the second sub-board 5, which is fixed on the outside of the second shielding shell 3. This vertical stacking structure of "main board 1 → first shielding shell 16 (containing antenna module) → first sub-board 2 → second shielding shell 3 → second sub-board 5 (installing RF front-end module)" achieves high integration of the two core functional modules on one side of the main board, freeing up valuable space on the other side of the main board for the layout of other electronic components or increasing the trace spacing.

[0031] Antenna module 17 is electrically connected to main board 1 via wires (preferably spring wires) mounted on the first sub-board 2. The wires are led out from the wiring slot and connected to main board 1. RF front-end module 6 is connected to main board 1 via lines (also preferably spring wires) on its second sub-board 5. The use of all spring wires provides the necessary length margin for subsequent disassembly.

[0032] When it is necessary to fix the entire integrated module (including the first / second sub-board, shielding shell and internal module) to the main board 1, first insert the connecting post 13 into the connecting hole 10 of the fixing seat 7 along the axial direction.

[0033] At this time, one end of the connecting plate 8 passes through the positioning port and connects to the second shielding shell 3. Then, rotate the handle 9 to drive the stud 18 to be screwed into the thread at the end of the connecting hole 10. The screwing in of the stud 18 pushes the positioning pin 12, which is slidably engaged with it through the trapezoidal cross-section connecting ring, to slide along the slide groove 11 into the connecting hole 10 until the positioning part at the front end of the positioning pin 12 is inserted into the positioning groove 15 at the end of the connecting pin 13.

[0034] This process completes the axial locking and circumferential positioning of the connecting post 13, thereby firmly locking the entire integrated module onto the motherboard 1. The design of the connection port width being smaller than the inner diameter of the connection hole prevents the connecting post 13 from coming out radially.

[0035] When the RF front-end module 6 or antenna module 17 needs to be repaired, rotate the lever 9 in the opposite direction to disengage the stud 18. The positioning post 12 moves outward under the action of the stud 18, and its positioning part exits from the positioning groove 15 of the connecting post 13, thus releasing the lock on the connecting post 13.

[0036] At this point, the connecting plate can be lifted. The rotation of the connecting plate drives the second shielding shell, the first sub-plate, and the antenna module. After the antenna module is removed from the first shielding shell, the connecting post 13 is directly pulled out axially from the connecting hole 10. Subsequently, the entire integrated unit consisting of the second shielding shell 3, the second sub-plate 5, the RF front-end module 6, the first sub-plate 2, the first shielding shell 16, and the antenna module 17 can be lifted upwards to separate it from the main board 1.

[0037] Since the connecting wires of antenna module 17 and RF front-end module 6 are both spring wires, they provide sufficient extension length, allowing the integrated unit to be tested and repaired completely detached from the motherboard mounting position, providing a large operating space and great convenience.

[0038] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions conceived without inventive effort should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array used in millimeter-wave radar, characterized in that: The system includes a motherboard (1), an RF front-end module (6), and an antenna module (17). The motherboard (1) has a groove in the middle, in which a first shielding shell (16) is installed. The surface of the motherboard (1) has a first sub-plate (2) that covers the first shielding shell (16). The antenna module (17) is located inside the first shielding shell (16) and installed on one side of the sub-plate. A second shielding shell (3) is installed on the outside of the sub-plate. A second sub-plate (5) is installed on the outer side of the second shielding shell (3). The RF front-end module (6) is installed on the second sub-plate (5). A connecting mechanism is installed on one side of the motherboard (1) located on the second shielding shell (3).

2. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism includes a fixed base (7), a connecting column (13) and a connecting plate (8). The fixed base (7) has a connecting hole (10) with one end open. The outer ring surface of the connecting hole (10) has a connecting port that communicates with the outside. The connecting column (13) is axially inserted into the connecting hole (10). One end of the connecting plate (8) passes through the connecting port and is installed on the connecting column (13), and the other end is installed on the second shielding shell (3). A locking and positioning component is installed in the opening at one end of the connecting hole (10).

3. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking and positioning component includes a handle (9), a stud (18), and a positioning pin (12). The positioning pin (12) and the stud (18) are disposed in the opening of the connecting hole (10). The inner wall surface of the opening of the connecting hole (10) is provided with threads and is threadedly connected to the stud (18). The end of the connecting pin (13) facing the opening is provided with a positioning groove (15). One end of the positioning pin (12) protrudes to form a positioning part, which is inserted into the positioning groove (15). The end of the stud (18) away from the positioning pin (12) extends to the outside and is fixedly connected to the handle (9).

4. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 3, characterized in that: A sliding groove (11) is provided axially on the inner wall surface of the opening of the connecting hole (10). The outer ring surface of the positioning post (12) protrudes from the sliding groove (11) to form a slide bar, which is slidably disposed in the sliding groove (11).

5. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning post (12) has an annular groove (14) on one end face facing the stud (18). A connecting ring is slidably connected in the annular groove (14). One end of the connecting ring is installed on the stud (18). The cross-section of the connecting ring and the annular groove (14) is set in a trapezoidal structure.

6. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 2, characterized in that: The width of the connection port is smaller than the inner diameter of the connection hole (10).

7. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second shielding shell (3) has a wiring groove (4) at one end, and a wire connected to the antenna module (17) is installed on the first sub-board (2). The other end of the wire passes through the wiring groove (4) and is fixedly connected to the main board (1).

8. The compact integrated device for radio frequency front-end module and antenna array applied to millimeter-wave radar according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first shielding shell (16) and the second shielding shell (3) are made of metal.

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