Ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, ultrasonic radar sensor and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of radar sensors, and particularly discloses an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, an ultrasonic radar sensor and a vehicle, the circuit comprises a driving circuit, a chip and a power supply circuit, the driving circuit comprises a first resistor, a control unit and a first capacitor, one end of the first resistor is connected with the power supply circuit, and the other end of the first resistor is connected with the chip; the other end of the first resistor is connected with the control end of the control unit, the control end of the control unit is further connected with the first driving end of the chip, the first connecting end of the control unit is connected with the power circuit, and the second connecting end of the control unit is connected with the second driving end of the chip. The second connecting end of the control unit is further connected with the positive signal input end of the chip through the first capacitor. According to the technical scheme, the size, the weight and the cost of the radar sensor are reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of radar sensor, in particular to an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, an ultrasonic radar sensor and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the increasing maturity of the automotive industry, the safety requirements for automobiles are becoming higher and higher. At present, APA (Automatic Parking Assistant) and UPA (Ultrasonic Parking Assistant) are used to explore front and rear obstacles.

[0003] Since the probe core needs high-voltage driving to have greater power to detect obstacles farther away, a transformer is generally configured on the ultrasonic radar sensor to boost the driving of the probe core. However, the total volume and total weight of the transformer are large, and the cost is high, resulting in a large volume, high weight and high cost of the ultrasonic radar sensor. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, an ultrasonic radar sensor and a vehicle, to solve the problem that in the prior art, the transformer is used to boost the driving of the probe core in the ultrasonic radar sensor, resulting in a large volume, high weight and high cost of the ultrasonic radar sensor.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first aspect of the present application provides an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, the circuit comprising: a driving circuit, a chip and a power supply circuit, the driving circuit comprising a first resistor, a control unit, a first capacitor, one end of the first resistor being connected with the power supply circuit, the other end of the first resistor being connected with the control terminal of the control unit, the control terminal of the control unit being further connected with the first driving end of the chip, the first connection end of the control unit being connected with the power supply circuit, the second connection end of the control unit being connected with the second driving end of the chip, and the second connection end of the control unit being further connected with the positive signal input end of the chip through the first capacitor.

[0006] In the embodiments of the present application, the driving circuit further comprises a second resistor and a second capacitor, the second connection end of the control unit being connected with the first capacitor through the second resistor, and the first capacitor being connected with the second capacitor in parallel.

[0007] In the embodiments of the present application, the circuit further comprises a third capacitor and a third resistor, the first capacitor being connected with the positive signal input end of the chip through the third capacitor and the third resistor in sequence.

[0008] In this embodiment, the power supply circuit includes a fourth resistor, a first diode, a second diode, a fourth capacitor, a fifth capacitor, and a sixth capacitor. The fourth resistor is connected to the anode of the first diode, the cathode of the first diode is connected to the cathode of the second diode, the anode of the second diode is connected to the power supply terminal of the chip, the anode of the first diode is also grounded through the fourth capacitor, the cathode of the first diode is also grounded through the fifth capacitor, and the anode of the second diode is also grounded through the sixth capacitor.

[0009] In this embodiment, the positive terminal of the second diode is also grounded through a fifth resistor.

[0010] In this embodiment, the positive terminal of the second diode is also connected to the driving power supply terminal of the chip.

[0011] In this embodiment of the application, the chip is an ASIC chip.

[0012] In this embodiment, the control unit is a MOS transistor, the control terminal of the control unit is the gate of the MOS transistor, the first connection terminal of the control unit is the source of the MOS transistor, and the second connection terminal of the control unit is the drain of the MOS transistor.

[0013] A second aspect of this application provides an ultrasonic radar sensor, comprising:

[0014] The ultrasonic radar sensor circuit according to the first aspect above.

[0015] A third aspect of this application provides a vehicle, comprising:

[0016] According to the ultrasonic radar sensor in the second aspect above.

[0017] In this embodiment, one end of the first resistor is connected to the power supply circuit, and the other end of the first resistor is connected to the control terminal of the control unit. The control terminal of the control unit is also connected to the first driving terminal of the chip. The first connection terminal of the control unit is connected to the power supply circuit, and the second connection terminal of the control unit is connected to the second driving terminal of the chip. The second connection terminal of the control unit is also connected to the positive signal input terminal of the chip through the first capacitor, which significantly reduces the size, weight and cost of the ultrasonic radar sensor.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the embodiments of this application, but do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that the acquisition, transmission, storage, use, and processing of data in the technical solution of this application all comply with the relevant provisions of national laws and regulations. In the embodiments of this application, certain existing industry solutions such as software, components, and models may be mentioned. These should be considered exemplary, intended only to illustrate the feasibility of implementing the technical solution of this application, and do not imply that the applicant has already used or necessarily used such solutions.

[0023] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0025] To better illustrate the ultrasonic radar sensor circuit provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the prior art is further described. With the acceleration of automotive intelligence, automatic parking assist systems and ultrasonic parking assist systems have become indispensable safety features in modern vehicles. Automatic parking assist systems and ultrasonic parking assist systems detect obstacles by emitting high-frequency sound waves. The probe core is the core component of the ultrasonic sensor or transducer, responsible for emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. It is usually made of piezoelectric materials. Using the probe core as the core component requires a high-voltage drive of 80-200V to generate sufficient detection power, while vehicle circuits generally use a low-voltage power supply of 12V / 24V. This makes the configuration of the step-up transformer a critical technical aspect. The current industry-standard solution is to configure an independent step-up transformer for each ultrasonic radar sensor. Based on a standard configuration of 12 ultrasonic radar sensors per vehicle, the entire system requires 12 independent transformer modules. First, the transformer is large in size, especially when multiple ultrasonic radar sensors need to be installed in the vehicle, significantly increasing the overall size of the transformer. This not only occupies valuable interior space but may also affect the vehicle's design and layout. Secondly, transformers are relatively heavy, and the cumulative weight of multiple transformers increases the overall weight of the vehicle, thus affecting fuel efficiency and handling performance. Furthermore, transformers are expensive to manufacture; the configuration of transformers for multiple ultrasonic radar sensors significantly increases vehicle production costs. In addition, the layout of multiple discrete transformers leads to an exponential increase in wiring harness complexity and total cable length, not only increasing the risk of failure but also contradicting the trend towards modularization and integration in automotive electronics.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the first aspect of this application provides an ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, which includes a driving circuit 110, a chip U1, and a power supply circuit 120. The driving circuit 110 includes a first resistor R1, a control unit D1, and a first capacitor C1. One end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the power supply circuit 120, and the other end of the first resistor R1 is connected to the control terminal of the control unit D1. The control terminal of the control unit D1 is also connected to the first driving terminal DRV1 of the chip U1. The first connection terminal of the control unit D1 is connected to the power supply circuit 120, and the second connection terminal of the control unit D1 is connected to the second driving terminal DRV2 of the chip U1. The second connection terminal of the control unit D1 is also connected to the positive signal input terminal VINP of the chip U1 through the first capacitor C1.

[0027] The first drive terminal DRV1 and the second drive terminal DRV2 are respectively connected to the control unit D1 to form a closed-loop control. When the first drive terminal DRV1 is driven, the control unit D1 is turned on to charge the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 and to provide positive half-cycle power to the probe core. When the first drive terminal DRV1 is turned off, the control unit D1 is turned off, the second drive terminal DRV2 is turned on to discharge the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 and to provide negative half-cycle power to the probe core, thus realizing one working cycle.

[0028] The technical solutions described in this application successfully optimize the design of ultrasonic radar sensors, significantly reducing their size, weight, and cost. Specifically, replacing traditional transformers with integrated high-voltage drive circuits not only reduces the number of components but also drastically shrinks the overall size and weight of the ultrasonic radar sensor. Simultaneously, it further reduces production costs. This application not only improves the performance of ultrasonic radar sensors but also saves space in vehicles, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces overall vehicle manufacturing costs, providing consumers with a more cost-effective solution.

[0029] In this embodiment of the application, the driving circuit 110 further includes a second resistor R2 and a second capacitor C2. The second connection terminal of the control unit D1 is connected to the first capacitor C1 through the second resistor R2, and the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are connected in parallel.

[0030] The main function of the second resistor R2 is to limit the current flow rate and prevent signal abrupt changes from impacting subsequent circuits. It also works with the first capacitor C1 to form a low-pass filter, which can effectively filter out high-frequency noise and ensure the smoothness and stability of the signal. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are connected in parallel to further enhance the filtering performance.

[0031] In this embodiment of the application, the circuit further includes a third capacitor C3 and a third resistor R3. The first capacitor C1 is connected to the positive signal input terminal VINP of the chip U1 in sequence through the third capacitor C3 and the third resistor R3.

[0032] The circuit design also includes a third capacitor C3 and a third resistor R3. These three capacitors, along with the first capacitor C1, form a filtering and regulation network at the signal input. Specifically, the first capacitor C1 acts as a decoupling capacitor at the input, primarily used to filter out high-frequency noise and interference from the power supply, ensuring the purity of the input signal. The first capacitor C1 is connected to the positive signal input terminal VINP of chip U1 via the third capacitor C3 and the third resistor R3, forming an RC filter network. The third capacitor C3 further filters out high-frequency noise in the signal and, together with the third resistor R3, forms a low-pass filter, effectively suppressing high-frequency interference signals and ensuring that only effective low-frequency signals can reach the positive signal input terminal VINP of chip U1. The third resistor R3 limits transient changes in current, preventing signal abrupt changes from impacting the positive signal input terminal VINP of chip U1, thereby protecting the internal circuitry of chip U1. This embodiment improves signal stability and anti-interference capability, optimizes signal transmission quality, and ensures that chip U1 can accurately identify and process input signals.

[0033] In this embodiment, the power supply circuit 120 includes a fourth resistor R4, a first diode D2, a second diode D3, a fourth capacitor C4, a fifth capacitor C5, and a sixth capacitor C6. One end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the anode of the first diode D2, the cathode of the first diode D2 is connected to the cathode of the second diode D3, the anode of the second diode D3 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC of the chip, the anode of the first diode D2 is also grounded through the fourth capacitor C4, the cathode of the first diode D2 is also grounded through the fifth capacitor C5, and the anode of the second diode D3 is also grounded through the sixth capacitor C4.

[0034] The other end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the power input terminal H1 of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). It is understood that the ultrasonic radar sensor circuit in this embodiment can be mounted on the PCB, with a safe power supply voltage provided through the PCB's power input terminal H1. This embodiment utilizes the unidirectional conduction characteristic of diodes to prevent damage to the circuit from reverse power connection or reverse voltage. The anode of the first diode D2 is grounded through the fourth capacitor C4, primarily used to filter out high-frequency noise and ensure the purity of the input power supply voltage. The cathode of the first diode D2 is grounded through the fifth capacitor C5, further filtering out mid-to-high-frequency noise and preventing interference signals from being transmitted to subsequent circuits. The anode of the second diode D3 is grounded through the sixth capacitor C6, primarily used to stabilize the voltage at the chip's power supply terminal VCC, suppressing voltage fluctuations and transient interference, ensuring stable chip operation.

[0035] In this embodiment, the positive terminal of the second diode D3 is also grounded through the fifth resistor R5.

[0036] In this circuit, the second diode D3 and the fifth resistor R5 together form a voltage regulator circuit. Its main function is to ensure that the second diode D3, acting as a Zener diode, maintains a minimum conduction current under normal operating conditions, thereby guaranteeing the stability and reliability of the power supply circuit. In this voltage regulator circuit, the fifth resistor R5 acts as a current-limiting resistor, limiting the current flowing through the second diode D3 to prevent excessive current from damaging it. Simultaneously, the second diode D3 provides an additional current path, ensuring that it receives sufficient current to maintain its conduction state even under input voltage fluctuations or load changes. Specifically, when the input voltage is high, the fifth resistor R5 limits the increase in current, preventing the Zener diode from failing due to overcurrent; while when the input voltage is low, the second diode D3 provides the necessary current supplement, ensuring that the Zener diode always operates above the minimum conduction current, thus maintaining a stable output voltage. This design not only improves the circuit's anti-interference capability but also extends the lifespan of the Zener diode and reduces the overall power consumption of the circuit.

[0037] In this embodiment, the positive terminal of the second diode is also connected to the driving power supply terminal VCCI of the chip. The second diode limits the voltage of the driving power supply terminal VCCI within a safe range to prevent overvoltage damage to the chip U1.

[0038] Schematic, the power supply voltage of the PCB power input terminal H1 is 35V, the voltage of the first diode D2 is configured to be 0.4 volts, the voltage of the second diode D3 is configured to be 26 volts, and the operating voltage of chip U1 = the power supply voltage of the PCB power input terminal H1 - the regulated voltage of the second diode D3 - the voltage of the first diode D2. The calculated operating voltage of chip U1 is 8.6 volts, and the normal operating voltage range of chip U1 is 6-18 volts. It can be verified that the operating voltage of chip U1 in this embodiment meets the normal operating voltage range of chip U1.

[0039] In this embodiment, chip U1 is an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chip. ASIC chips can efficiently process signals generated by ultrasonic radar sensors. When the ultrasonic radar sensor is working, the ASIC chip receives and processes reflected waves from the target object. These reflected waves contain a large amount of information, such as the target's distance, speed, and direction. Through its built-in signal processing circuitry, the ASIC chip can analyze this information accurately and in real time, converting it into usable data output.

[0040] In this configuration, the VCCI drive power supply terminal of chip U1 is connected to the signal line H2 on the PCB via resistors R7 (seventh resistor) and R8 (eighth resistor). The bidirectional interface port TRX is connected between resistors R7 and R8 via resistor R6 (sixth resistor). TRX is also grounded via capacitor C7 (seventh capacitor). The midpoint between resistors R7 and R8 is also grounded via capacitor C8 (eighth capacitor). The internal digital power supply port LDO15 is grounded via capacitor C9 (ninth capacitor). The test enable port TESTEN, the first digital test control port TESTD1, the second digital test control port TESTD2, the third digital test control port TESTD3, the first analog test control port TESTA1, and the second analog test control port TESTA2 are all grounded. The NC port and VCCO terminal are also grounded. The port is left floating. The positive signal input terminal VINP is connected to the negative signal input terminal VINN through the eleventh capacitor C11. The positive signal input terminal VINP is connected to the first load terminal H3 of the PCB through the third resistor R3 and the third capacitor C3 in sequence. The negative signal input terminal VINN is connected to the second load terminal H4 of the PCB through the ninth resistor R9 and the tenth capacitor C10 in sequence. The first load terminal H3 and the second load terminal H4 of the PCB are connected through the tenth resistor R10. The first load terminal H3 and the second load terminal H4 of the PCB are also connected through the twelfth capacitor C12 and the thirteenth capacitor C13. The analog ground port GNDA is connected to the internal analog power supply port LDO50 through the fourteenth capacitor C14 and grounded. The digital ground port GNDD, the driver ground port GNDP are grounded, and the EP port is grounded.

[0041] In this embodiment, the control unit is a MOS transistor, the control terminal of the control unit is the gate of the MOS transistor, the first connection terminal of the control unit is the source of the MOS transistor, and the second connection terminal of the control unit is the drain of the MOS transistor.

[0042] A second aspect of this application provides an ultrasonic radar sensor, comprising:

[0043] The ultrasonic radar sensor circuit according to the first aspect above.

[0044] It is understood that the ultrasonic radar sensor provided in this application includes all the components of the ultrasonic radar sensor circuit in the above embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0045] A third aspect of this application provides a vehicle, comprising:

[0046] According to the ultrasonic radar sensor in the second aspect above.

[0047] It is understood that the vehicle provided in this application embodiment includes all the components of the ultrasonic radar sensor in the above embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0049] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0050] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0051] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0052] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0053] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0054] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0055] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0056] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic radar sensor circuit, characterized in that, The circuit includes a driving circuit, a chip, and a power supply circuit. The driving circuit includes a first resistor, a control unit, and a first capacitor. One end of the first resistor is connected to the power supply circuit, and the other end of the first resistor is connected to the control terminal of the control unit. The control terminal of the control unit is also connected to the first driving terminal of the chip. The first connection terminal of the control unit is connected to the power supply circuit, and the second connection terminal of the control unit is connected to the second driving terminal of the chip. The second connection terminal of the control unit is also connected to the positive signal input terminal of the chip through the first capacitor.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving circuit also includes a second resistor and a second capacitor. The second connection terminal of the control unit is connected to the first capacitor through the second resistor, and the first capacitor and the second capacitor are connected in parallel.

3. The circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit also includes a third capacitor and a third resistor, and the first capacitor is connected to the positive signal input terminal of the chip in sequence through the third capacitor and the third resistor.

4. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply circuit includes a fourth resistor, a first diode, a second diode, a fourth capacitor, a fifth capacitor, and a sixth capacitor. The fourth resistor is connected to the anode of the first diode, the cathode of the first diode is connected to the cathode of the second diode, the anode of the second diode is connected to the power supply terminal of the chip, the anode of the first diode is also grounded through the fourth capacitor, the cathode of the first diode is also grounded through the fifth capacitor, and the anode of the second diode is also grounded through the sixth capacitor.

5. The circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positive terminal of the second diode is also grounded through the fifth resistor.

6. The circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positive terminal of the second diode is also connected to the driving power supply terminal of the chip.

7. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chip is an ASIC chip.

8. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is a MOS transistor, the control terminal of the control unit is the gate of the MOS transistor, the first connection terminal of the control unit is the source of the MOS transistor, and the second connection terminal of the control unit is the drain of the MOS transistor.

9. An ultrasonic radar sensor, characterized in that, include: The ultrasonic radar sensor circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The ultrasonic radar sensor according to claim 9.

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