DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ARRAY RADIATION PATTERN OF AN ANTENNA ARRAY

Abstract

For example, a device may include an antenna array that can be configured to include a multitude of antenna elements with configurable radiation patterns. For example, each configurable radiation pattern antenna element within the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements may have a configurable element radiation pattern. The device may also include control switching logic that can be configured to control an array radiation pattern of the antenna array. For example, the switching logic may be configured to control the array radiation pattern of the antenna array according to an array radiation pattern setting, such as by configuring a multitude of element radiation patterns for the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] An antenna array can be implemented using various types of devices, for example for wireless communication and / or other suitable applications.

[0002] The antenna array typically includes an array of antenna elements.

[0003] A radiation pattern of the antenna array can define a directional and / or angular dependence of the strength of radio waves transmitted by the antenna array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated in relation to others to clarify the representation. Furthermore, reference numbers may be repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are listed below. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a vehicle implementing a radar according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram representation of a robot that implements a radar according to some demonstrative points of view. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram representation of a radar device according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram representation of a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW) according to some demonstrative aspects. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an extraction scheme that can be implemented to extract distance and velocity (Doppler) estimates from digital received radar data values ​​according to some demonstrative considerations. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an angle determination scheme that can be implemented to determine angle of arrival (AoA) information based on a radio signal received by a receiving antenna array according to some demonstrative considerations. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a multiple-input, multiple-output radar antenna scheme (MIMO) which, according to some demonstrative points, can be implemented on the basis of a combination of transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) antennas. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram representation of elements of a radar device, including a radar front end and a radar processor, according to some demonstrative points of view. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a radar system that includes a variety of radar devices implemented in a vehicle according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a system according to some demonstrative points of view. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a multi-patch antenna element according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a dual-patch antenna element according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic representation of radiation patterns of a dual-patch antenna element according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of scenarios for adjusting the radiation pattern according to some demonstrative considerations. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic representation of an Rx switching logic including an Rx control switching logic according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic representation of an Rx switching logic including an Rx control switching logic according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic representation of a Tx switching logic including a Tx control switching logic according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 18 is a schematic representation of a Tx switching logic including a Tx control switching logic according to some demonstrative points. Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic flowchart illustration of a procedure for controlling an array radiation pattern of an antenna array according to some demonstrative considerations. Fig. Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of a manufactured product according to some demonstrative points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of certain aspects. However, experts in the field will understand that some aspects can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known methods, devices, components, units, and / or circuits have not been described in detail to avoid complicating the discussion.

[0006] Terms such as "process", "calculate", "determine", "ascertain", "analyze", "check" or the like may refer to the operation(s) and / or process(s) of a computer, computer platform, computer system, or other electronic computing device that manipulates and / or converts data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in the registers and / or memories of the computer into other data represented in a similar manner as physical quantities in the registers and / or memories of the computer or other information storage medium capable of storing instructions for carrying out operations and / or processes.

[0007] The expressions "multitude" and "a multitude," as used herein, include, for example, "several" or "two or more." For example, "a multitude of articles" includes two or more articles.

[0008] The words "exemplary" and "demonstrative" are used here to mean "as an example, instance, demonstration, or illustration." Any viewpoint or design described herein as "exemplary" or "demonstrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferential or advantageous over other viewpoints or designs.

[0009] References to “a point of view”, “a viewpoint”, “a demonstrative viewpoint”, “various viewpoints”, etc., indicate that the viewpoint(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or property, but not every viewpoint necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or property. Furthermore, the repeated use of the phrase “in a viewpoint” does not necessarily refer to the same viewpoint, although it may.

[0010] As used herein, the use of the ordinal adjectives 'first', 'second', 'third', etc. to describe a common object, unless otherwise stated, merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are being referred to, and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in any particular sequence, be it temporal, spatial, rank-wise, or in any other way.

[0011] The expressions "at least one" and "one or more" can be understood to include a numerical quantity greater than or equal to one, e.g., one, two, three, four, [...] etc. The phrase "at least one of" in relation to a group of elements can be used here to mean at least one element from the group of elements. For example, the phrase "at least one of" in relation to a group of elements can be used here to mean one of the listed elements, a multitude of one of the listed elements, a multitude of individual listed elements, or a multitude of multiples of individual listed elements.

[0012] The term "data," as used herein, may be understood to include information in any suitable analog or digital form, e.g., provided as a file, as a section of a file, as a set of files, as a signal or stream, as a section of a signal or stream, as a set of signals or streams, and the like. Furthermore, the term "data" may also be used as a reference to information, e.g., in the form of a pointer. However, the term "data" is not limited to the foregoing examples and may take various forms and / or represent any information as understood in engineering.

[0013] The terms "processor" or "controller" can be understood to encompass any type of technological unit capable of handling any suitable type of data and / or information. The data and / or information can be handled according to one or more specific functions performed by the processor or controller. Furthermore, a processor or controller can be understood to mean any type of switching logic, such as any type of analog or digital switching logic.A processor or controller can therefore be or include analog switching logic, digital switching logic, a mixed-signal circuit, a logic circuit, a processor, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), integrated switching logic, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any combination thereof. Any other type of implementation of the respective functions, which will be described in more detail below, can also be understood as a processor, controller, or logic circuit.It is self-evident that two (or more) processors, controllers or logical switching logics described herein can be realized as a single unit with equivalent functionality or the like, and that conversely, each individual processor, controller or logical switching logic described herein can be realized as two (or more) separate units with equivalent functionality or the like.

[0014] The term "memory" refers to any computer-readable medium (e.g., non-transient computer-readable medium) capable of storing data or information for retrieval. References to "memory" may be understood to include volatile or non-volatile memory, including random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state storage, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, and others, or any combination thereof. Registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, among others, are also included here under the term "memory." The term "software" may be used to refer to any type of executable instruction and / or logic, including firmware.

[0015] A "vehicle" can include any type of powered object. For example, a vehicle can be a powered object with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a reaction engine, an electrically powered object, a hybrid-powered object, or a combination thereof. A vehicle can be or include a car, a bus, a minibus, a van, a truck, a motorhome, a trailer, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a tricycle, a locomotive, a train car, a self-propelled robot, a people mover, a boat, a ship, a submersible, a submarine, a drone, an aircraft, a rocket, and much more.

[0016] The term "land vehicle" includes any type of vehicle configured to move on the ground, e.g. on a road, path, track, rail or rail, off-road or the like.

[0017] An "autonomous vehicle" can describe a vehicle capable of implementing at least one navigation change without driver input. A navigation change can describe or include a change in steering, braking, acceleration / deceleration, or any other operation related to the vehicle's movement. A vehicle can also be described as autonomous even if it is not fully autonomous, for example, if it operates with or without driver input. Autonomous vehicles can include vehicles that can operate under driver control during certain periods and without driver control during other periods.Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles may include vehicles that control only some aspects of vehicle navigation, such as steering to maintain a course between lane markings, or some steering operations under certain circumstances (e.g., not under all circumstances), while leaving other aspects of vehicle navigation to the driver (e.g., braking or deceleration under certain circumstances). Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles may include vehicles that jointly control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain circumstances (e.g., "hands-on," i.e., in response to driver input); and / or vehicles that control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain circumstances (e.g., "hands-off," i.e., independently of driver input).Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles can include vehicles that control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain circumstances, such as specific environmental conditions, e.g., spatial areas, road conditions, or the like. In some aspects, autonomous vehicles can take over some or all aspects of braking, speed control, steering, and / or other ancillary vehicle operations. An autonomous vehicle can include those capable of driving without a driver. The level of autonomy of a vehicle can be described or determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classification of the vehicle, e.g., as defined by the SAE, for example, in SAE J3016 2018: Taxonomy and definitions for terms related to driving automation systems for on-road motor vehicles, or by other relevant professional organizations.The SAE level can have a value ranging from a minimum level, e.g., level 0 (essentially no automation of driving), to a maximum level, e.g., level 5 (essentially complete automation of driving).

[0018] An “assisted vehicle” can describe a vehicle that is able to inform a driver or occupants of the vehicle about data it has collected or information derived from it.

[0019] The term "vehicle operating data" can be understood to describe any type of characteristic relating to the operation of a vehicle. For example, "vehicle operating data" can describe the condition of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's tire type, make and model, and / or age. Generally, the term "vehicle operating data" can describe or include static characteristics or static vehicle operating data (e.g., characteristics or data that do not change over time). As another example, additionally or alternatively, "vehicle operating data" can describe or include characteristics that change during the operation of the vehicle, such as environmental conditions like weather or road conditions during operation, fuel levels, fluid levels, operating parameters of the vehicle's power source, or the like.In general, the term "vehicle operating data" can describe or include different characteristics or varying vehicle operating data (e.g., characteristics or data that vary over time).

[0020] Some aspects can be used in conjunction with various devices and systems, for example, a radar sensor, radar device, radar system, vehicle, vehicle system, autonomous vehicle system, vehicle communication system, vehicle device, airborne platform, waterborne platform, road infrastructure, sports infrastructure, urban surveillance infrastructure, static infrastructure platforms, indoor platforms, moving platforms, robot platforms, industrial platforms, sensor device, user equipment (UE), mobile device (MD), wireless station (STA), sensor device, non-vehicle-bound device, mobile or portable device, and the like.

[0021] Some aspects can be used in conjunction with systems using high frequencies (HF), radar systems, vehicle radar systems, autonomous systems, robot systems, detection systems, or the like.

[0022] Some demonstrative aspects can be used in conjunction with an RF frequency in a frequency band with a starting frequency above 10 gigahertz (GHz), for example, a frequency band with a starting frequency between 10 GHz and 120 GHz. For example, some demonstrative aspects can be used in conjunction with an RF frequency with a starting frequency above 30 GHz, for example, above 45 GHz, e.g., above 60 GHz. For example, some demonstrative aspects can be used in conjunction with an automotive radar frequency band, e.g., a frequency band between 76 GHz and 81 GHz. However, other aspects can also be implemented in other suitable frequency bands, for example, in a frequency band above 140 GHz, a frequency band of 300 GHz, a sub-terahertz (THz) band, a THz band, an infrared (IR) band, and / or another frequency band.

[0023] As used herein, the term "switching logic" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated switching logic, an electronic switching logic, a processor (shared, dedicated, or in a group), and / or memory (shared, dedicated, or in a group) that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. From certain perspectives, some functions associated with the switching logic may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. From some perspectives, switching logic may include logic that is at least partially executable in hardware.

[0024] The term "logic" can refer, for example, to computational logic embedded in the switching logic of a computing device and / or to computational logic stored in the memory of a computing device. For instance, the logic may be accessible to a processor of the computing device to execute computational functions and / or operations. The logic may be embedded in various types of memory and / or firmware, such as silicon blocks in different chips and / or processors. The logic may be included in and / or implemented as part of various switching logics, such as radio switching logics, receiver switching logics, control switching logics, transceiver switching logics, processor switching logics, and / or the like.In one example, the logic can be embedded in volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory, including random-access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, persistent memory, and / or the like. The logic can be executed by one or more processors, using memory such as registers, buffers, stacks, and the like, associated with the one or more processors, for example, when required to execute the logic.

[0025] The term "communicate," as used here in relation to a signal, includes both sending and receiving the signal. For example, a device capable of communicating a signal may include a transmitter for sending the signal and / or a receiver for receiving it. The verb "communicate" can be used with reference to the act of transmitting or receiving. For instance, the phrase "to communicate a signal" may refer to the sending of the signal by a transmitter and does not necessarily include the receiving of the signal by a receiver. In another example, the phrase "to communicate a signal" may refer to the receiving of the signal by a receiver and does not necessarily include the sending of the signal by a transmitter.

[0026] The term "antenna," as used here, can include any suitable configuration, structuring, and / or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies, and / or arrays. In some perspectives, the antenna can implement transmit and receive functions using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In other perspectives, the antenna can implement transmit and receive functions with shared and / or integrated transmit / receive elements. For example, the antenna can include a phased array antenna, a MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) array antenna, a single-element antenna, an array of switching beam antennas, and / or the like. In one example, an antenna can be implemented as a separate element or as an integrated element, for example, as an on-module antenna, an on-chip antenna, or according to another antenna architecture.

[0027] Some demonstrative aspects are described here in relation to RF radar signals. However, other aspects can be implemented with respect to, or in conjunction with, other radar signals, wireless signals, IR signals, acoustic signals, optical signals, wireless communication signals, communication schemes, networks, standards, and / or protocols. For example, some demonstrative aspects can be implemented with respect to systems such as light detection systems (LiDAR) and / or sonar systems that utilize light and / or acoustic signals.

[0028] It will now be on Fig. 1 referred to, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle 100 in which a radar is implemented according to some demonstrative points.

[0029] In some demonstrative points of view, vehicle 100 can include a car, a truck, a motorcycle, a bus, a train, an aircraft, a watercraft, a cart, a golf cart, an electric cart, a means of transport or any other vehicle.

[0030] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle 100 may include a radar device 101, as described below. For example, the radar device 101 may include a radar detection device, a radar sensor device, a radar sensor, or the like, as described below.

[0031] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can be implemented as part of a vehicle system, for example a system that is implemented and / or installed in the vehicle 100.

[0032] For example, the radar device 101 can be implemented as part of an autonomous vehicle system, an automated driving system, an assisted vehicle system, a driver assistance and / or support system and / or similar.

[0033] For example, the radar device 101 can be installed in the vehicle 100 to detect nearby objects, e.g. during autonomous driving.

[0034] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can be configured to detect targets in the vicinity of the vehicle 100, e.g., in a distant environment and / or a near environment, for example using RF and analog chains, capacitor structures, large spiral transformers and / or other electronic or electrical elements, for example as described below.

[0035] For example, the radar device 101 can be mounted on the vehicle 100, e.g. placed directly on the vehicle or attached to it.

[0036] In some demonstrative points of view, the vehicle 100 can include a variety of radar devices, the vehicle 100 can include a single radar device 101.

[0037] In some demonstrative points of view, the vehicle 100 can include a variety of radar devices 101 which can be configured to cover a 360-degree field of view around the vehicle 100.

[0038] In other respects, the vehicle 100 may include any other suitable count, arrangement and / or configuration of radar devices and / or units suitable to cover any other field of view, e.g. a field of view of less than 360 degrees.

[0039] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can be implemented as a component in a series of sensors used for driver assistance and / or autonomous vehicles, for example due to the radar's ability to operate in almost all weather conditions.

[0040] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can be configured to support use in autonomous vehicles, as described below.

[0041] In one example, the radar device 101 can determine a class, location, orientation, speed, intention, perceptual understanding of the environment and / or any other information corresponding to an object in the environment.

[0042] In another example, the radar device 101 can be configured to determine one or more parameters and / or information for one or more operations and / or tasks, e.g., for path planning and / or other tasks.

[0043] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can be configured to map a scene by measuring the echoes (reflectivity) of targets and distinguishing them, for example, mainly in distance, speed, azimuth and / or elevation, as described below.

[0044] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can be configured to detect and / or perceive one or more objects that are in the vicinity, e.g., at a distance and / or near the vehicle 100, and to provide one or more parameters, attributes and / or information relating to the objects.

[0045] In some demonstrative points of view, the objects may include road users, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, road objects and markings, such as traffic signs, traffic lights, lane markings, road elements, e.g. a cobblestone crossing, a road edge, a road profile, a road roughness (or smoothness), general objects, such as a hazard, e.g. a tire, a box, a crack in the road surface, and / or the like.

[0046] In some demonstrative points of view, one or more parameters, attributes and / or information relating to the object may include a distance of the object from vehicle 100, an angle of the object relative to vehicle 100, a location of the object relative to vehicle 100, a relative speed of the object relative to vehicle 100 and / or the like.

[0047] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 101 can include a multiple input / multiple output radar device (MIMO) 101, as described below.

[0048] In one example, the MIMO radar device can be configured to use "spatial filtering", for example beam shaping and / or another mechanism, for one or both of the transmit (Tx) and / or receive (Rx) signals.

[0049] Some demonstrative aspects are described below with regard to a radar device, e.g., radar device 101, which is implemented as a MIMO radar. In other cases, however, radar device 101 can also be implemented as any other type of radar with a multitude of antenna elements, e.g., as a single-input, multiple-output (SIMO) radar or as a multiple-input, single-output (MISO) radar.

[0050] Some demonstrative aspects can be implemented with respect to a radar device, e.g., radar device 101, which is implemented as a MIMO radar, as described below. However, in other aspects, radar device 101 can also be implemented as any other type of radar, for example, as an electronic beam steering radar, as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), as an adaptive and / or cognitive radar that changes its transmission according to the environment and / or ego state, as a reflecting array radar, or the like.

[0051] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can include an antenna assembly 102, a radar front end 103 configured to transmit radar signals via the antenna assembly 102, and a radar processor 104 configured to generate radar information based on the radar signals, as described below.

[0052] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 104 can be configured to process radar information from the radar device 101 and / or to control one or more operations of the radar device 101, as described below.

[0053] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 104 may partially or completely include or implement switching logic and / or logic, e.g., one or more processors with switching logic and / or logic, memory switching logic and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functions of the radar processor 104 may be implemented by logic that can be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, as described below.

[0054] In one example, the radar processor 104 can include at least one memory which is coupled to the one or more processors and which can be configured to at least temporarily store at least some of the information processed by the one or more processors and / or the switching logic, and / or which can be configured to store the logic to be used by the processors and / or the switching logic.

[0055] In other respects, the radar processor 104 can be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of the vehicle 100.

[0056] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar frontend 103 can, for example, include one or more (radar) transmitters and one or more (radar) receivers, as described below.

[0057] From some demonstrative perspectives, the antenna arrangement 102 can include a variety of antennas for communicating the radar signals. For example, the antenna arrangement 102 can include multiple transmitting antennas in the form of a transmitting antenna array and multiple receiving antennas in the form of a receiving antenna array. In another example, the antenna arrangement 102 can include one or more antennas that function as both transmitting and receiving antennas. In the latter case, the radar front end 103 can, for example, include a duplexer or a circulator, i.e., switching logic for separating the transmitted from the received signals.

[0058] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the radar front end 103 and the antenna arrangement 102 can be controlled, e.g. by the radar processor 104, to send a radio transmission signal 105.

[0059] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the radio transmission signal 105 can be reflected by an object 106, resulting in an echo 107.

[0060] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 101 can receive the echo 107, e.g. via the antenna arrangement 102 and the radar front end 103, and the radar processor 104 can generate radar information, e.g. by calculating information about the position, radial velocity (Doppler) and / or direction of the object 106, e.g. in relation to the vehicle 100.

[0061] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 104 can be configured to provide the radar information to a vehicle control unit 108 of the vehicle 100, e.g. for autonomous driving of the vehicle 100.

[0062] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar processor 104 can be implemented as part of the vehicle control unit 108. In other aspects, the functionality of the radar processor 104 can be implemented as part of any other element of the radar device 101 and / or the vehicle 100. In still other aspects, the radar processor 104 can be implemented as a separate part or as part of another element of the radar device 101 and / or the vehicle 100.

[0063] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control one or more functions, operating modes, components, devices, systems and / or elements of the vehicle 100.

[0064] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, as described below.

[0065] In some demonstrative points of view, the vehicle systems may include, for example, a steering system, a braking system, a drive system and / or any other system of the vehicle 100.

[0066] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control the radar device 101 and / or process one or more parameters, attributes and / or information of the radar device 101.

[0067] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle control unit 108 can, for example, be configured to control the vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, for example based on radar information from the radar device 101 and / or one or more other sensors of the vehicle 100, e.g. light detection and distance measurement sensors (LIDAR sensors), camera sensors and / or the like.

[0068] In one example, the vehicle control unit 108 can control the steering system, the braking system and / or other vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, for example based on information from the radar device 101, e.g. based on one or more objects detected by the radar device 101.

[0069] In other respects, the vehicle control unit 108 can be configured to control all other additional or alternative functions of the vehicle 100.

[0070] Some demonstrative aspects are described here with regard to a radar device 101 implemented in a vehicle, e.g., vehicle 100. In other aspects, a radar device, e.g., radar device 101, can be implemented as part of any other element of a traffic system or network, for example, as part of road infrastructure and / or another element of a traffic network or system. Other aspects can be implemented with regard to any other system, environment, and / or device, which can be implemented in any other object, environment, location, or place. For example, radar device 101 can be part of a non-vehicle-bound device, which can be implemented, for example, in an interior space, stationary outdoor infrastructure, or another location.

[0071] In some demonstrative aspects, the Radar Device 101 can be configured to support security applications. For example, the Radar Device 101 can be configured to determine the type of operation, such as the intrusion of a person, an animal, movement in the environment, and the like, in order to identify the threat level of a detected event, and / or other additional or alternative operations.

[0072] Some demonstrative aspects can be implemented with regard to any other additional or alternative devices and / or systems, for example for a robot, as described below.

[0073] In other respects, the radar device 101 can be configured to support other uses and / or applications.

[0074] It will now be on Fig. 2 referenced, which schematically illustrates a block diagram of a robot 200 implementing a radar, in accordance with some demonstrative points.

[0075] In some demonstrative aspects, the robot 200 can include a robot arm 201. For example, the robot 200 can be implemented in a factory to handle an object 213. This object could be, for example, a part to be attached to a product that is currently being manufactured. The robot arm 201 can include a variety of movable elements, such as the movable elements 202, 203, 204, and a support 205. The movement of the movable elements 202, 203, and / or 204 of the robot arm 201, for example, by actuating the associated motors, can enable physical interaction with the environment to perform a task, such as handling the object 213.

[0076] In some demonstrative aspects, the robot arm 201 can include a variety of joint elements, e.g., joint elements 207, 208, 209, which can connect, for example, elements 202, 203, and / or 204 to each other and to the support 205. For example, a joint element 207, 208, 209 can have one or more joints, each of which can provide rotatable movement, e.g., a rotational movement, and / or translational movement, e.g., a displacement, for associated elements and / or movement of elements relative to each other. The movement of elements 202, 203, 204 can be initiated by suitable actuators.

[0077] From a demonstrative point of view, the element furthest from support 205, e.g., element 204, can also be referred to as the end effector 204 and may include one or more tools, such as a claw for grasping an object, a welding tool, or the like. Other elements, e.g., elements 202 and 203, which are closer to support 205, can be used to change the position of the end effector 204, e.g., in three-dimensional space. For example, the robot arm 201 can be configured to function similarly to a human arm, e.g., with a tool at its end.

[0078] In some demonstrative aspects, the robot 200 can include a (robot) controller 206 configured to implement interaction with the environment, e.g., by controlling the actuators of the robot arm, for example, according to a control program to control the robot arm 201 according to the task to be performed.

[0079] In some demonstrative terms, an actuator can include a component capable of influencing a mechanism or process in response to a control input. The actuator can respond to commands from the controller (called activation) by performing a mechanical movement. This means that an actuator, typically a motor (or electromechanical transducer), can be configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy when activated (i.e., controlled).

[0080] In some demonstrative aspects, the control unit 206 can communicate with a radar processor 210 of the robot 200.

[0081] In some demonstrative aspects, a radar front end 211 and a radar antenna assembly 212 can be connected to the radar processor 210. For example, the radar front end 211 and / or the radar antenna assembly 212 can be included as part of the robot arm 201.

[0082] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front end 211, the radar antenna assembly 212, and the radar processor 210 can be operated as a radar device and / or configured to form a radar device. For example, the antenna assembly 212 can be configured to perform one or more functions of the antenna assembly 102 ( Fig. 1) performs, the radar frontend 211 can be configured to perform one or more functions of the radar frontend 103 ( Fig. 1) performs, and / or the radar processor 210 may be configured to perform one or more functions of the radar processor 104 ( Fig. 1) performs, e.g. as described above.

[0083] In some demonstrative aspects, for example the radar front end 211 and the antenna arrangement 212 can be controlled, e.g. by the radar processor 210, to send a radio transmission signal 214.

[0084] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the radio transmission signal 214 can be reflected by the object 213, resulting in an echo 215.

[0085] In some demonstrative aspects, the echo 215 can be received, e.g. via the radar antenna arrangement 212 and the radar front end 211, and the radar processor 210 can generate radar information, e.g. by calculating information about the position, speed (Doppler) and / or direction of the object 213, e.g. in relation to the robot arm 201.

[0086] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 210 can be configured to provide the radar information to the robot controller 206 of the robot arm 201, e.g., to control the robot arm 201. For example, the robot controller 206 can be configured to control the robot arm 201 based on the radar information, e.g., to grasp the object 213 and / or perform another operation.

[0087] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 3 is taken, which schematically illustrates a radar device 300 according to some demonstrative points.

[0088] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can be implemented as part of a device or system 301, e.g. as described below.

[0089] For example, the radar device 300 can be implemented as part of the devices or systems described above with reference to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 are described, and / or be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of these devices or systems. In other respects, the radar device 300 may be implemented as part of any other device or system 301.

[0090] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can include an antenna arrangement that may include one or more transmitting antennas 302 and one or more receiving antennas 303. In other aspects, any other antenna arrangement can be implemented.

[0091] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar device 300 can include a radar front end 304 and a radar processor 309.

[0092] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the one or more transmitting antennas 302 can be coupled to a transmitter (or transmitter arrangement) 305 of the radar front end 304; and / or the one or more receiving antennas 303 can be coupled to a receiver (or receiver arrangement) 306 of the radar front end 304, e.g. as described below.

[0093] In some demonstrative points of view, the transmitter 305 may include one or more elements, for example an oscillator, a power amplifier and / or one or more other elements configured to generate radio transmit signals to be sent by the one or more transmitting antennas 302, for example as described below.

[0094] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 can, for example, provide digital radar transmit data values ​​to the radar front end 304. For instance, the radar front end 304 can include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 307 to convert the digital radar transmit data values ​​into an analog transmit signal. The transmitter 305 can then convert this analog transmit signal into a radio transmit signal to be sent by the transmitting antennas 302.

[0095] In some demonstrative points of view, the receiver 306 may include one or more elements, for example one or more mixers, one or more filters and / or one or more other elements configured to process, down-convert, radio signals received via the one or more receiving antennas 303, for example as described below.

[0096] In some demonstrative aspects, the receiver 306 can, for example, convert a radio signal received via one or more receiving antennas 303 into an analog signal. The radar front-end 304 can include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 308 to generate digital radar reception data values ​​based on the analog reception signal. For example, the radar front-end 304 can provide the digital radar reception data values ​​to the radar processor 309.

[0097] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 can be configured to process the digital radar reception data values ​​to detect, for example, one or more objects in the vicinity of the device / system 301. This detection can include, for example, determining information that includes one or more of the following: distance, velocity (Doppler), direction, and / or other information about one or more objects, e.g., in relation to the system 301.

[0098] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 can be configured to provide the acquired radar information to a control unit 310 of the device / system 301. For example, the control unit 310 can include a vehicle control unit, e.g., if the device / system 301 includes a vehicle device / system, a robot control unit, e.g., if the device / system 301 includes a robot device / system, or any other type of control unit for any other type of device / system 301.

[0099] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar information can be processed by the radar processor 309, e.g., by the system controller 310 and / or another element of the system 301, for example, in combination with information from one or more other information sources, for example, LiDAR information from a LiDAR processor, image information from an image processing-based processor, or the like.

[0100] In some demonstrative aspects, an environment model of the environment of the system 301 can be determined, e.g., by the system controller 310 and / or another element of the system 301, for example, based on the radar information of the radar processor 309 and / or the information from one or more other information sources.

[0101] In some demonstrative points of view, a driving guidance system, which may be implemented, for example, by the system control 310 and / or another element of the system 301, can process the environment model to decide, for example, on one or more measures that may be taken.

[0102] In some demonstrative aspects, the system controller 310 can be configured to control one or more controlled system components 311 of the system 301, e.g., a motor, a brake, a steering system, and the like, for example, by means of one or more corresponding actuators, for example, based on one or more action decisions.

[0103] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 may include a storage device 312 or a memory 313, e.g., to store information processed by the radar 300, for example, digital radar reception data values ​​processed by the radar processor 309, radar information generated by the radar processor 309, and / or any other data to be processed by the radar processor 309.

[0104] In some demonstrative aspects, the device / system 301 may, for example, include an application processor 314 and / or a communication processor 315 to implement at least partially one or more functionalities of the system controller 310 and / or to carry out communication between the system controller 310, the radar device 300, the controlled system components 311 and / or one or more additional elements of the device / system 301.

[0105] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar device 300 can be configured to generate and transmit the radio transmission signal in a form that can assist in determining distance, speed and / or direction, as described below.

[0106] For example, a radar's radio transmission signal can be configured to include a variety of pulses. For instance, a pulse transmission might include the transmission of short, high-energy bursts combined with periods when the radar device listens for echoes.

[0107] For example, to optimally support a highly dynamic situation, such as in an automotive scenario, a continuous wave (CW) can be used as the radio signal. A continuous wave, e.g., with a constant frequency, can support the determination of speed, but cannot enable distance determination, for example, because it lacks a time marker that would allow for distance calculation.

[0108] In some demonstrative points of view, the radio transmission signal 105 ( Fig. 1) transmitted using technologies such as frequency-modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW), phase-modulated continuous wave radar (PMCW), orthogonal frequency-division multiplex radar (OFDM) and / or any other type of radar technology capable of determining distance, speed and / or direction, e.g. as described below.

[0109] It will be on Fig. 4 Reference is made to a schematically illustrating an FMCW radar device according to some demonstrative points.

[0110] In some demonstrative aspects, the FMCW radar device 400 can include a radar front-end 401 and a radar processor 402. For example, the radar front-end 304 ( Fig. 3) include one or more elements of the radar front end 401 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor; and / or the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3) may include one or more elements of the radar processor and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor 402.

[0111] In some demonstrative aspects, the FMCW radar device 400 can be configured to communicate radio signals according to FMCW radar technology, e.g., instead of transmitting a radio signal at a constant frequency.

[0112] In some demonstrative aspects, the radio front end 401 can be configured to ramp up and down the frequency of the transmit signal, e.g., periodically, for example, according to a sawtooth waveform 403. In other aspects, a triangle waveform or another suitable waveform can be used.

[0113] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 402 can, for example, be configured to provide the waveform 403 to the frontend 401 in digital form, e.g. as a sequence of digital values.

[0114] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front end 401 can include a DAC 404 to convert the waveform 403 into an analog form and feed it to a voltage-controlled oscillator 405. For example, the oscillator 405 can be configured to generate an output signal that can be frequency-modulated from the waveform 403.

[0115] In some demonstrative points of view, the oscillator 405 can be configured to generate the output signal including a radio transmit signal that can be fed in and transmitted by one or more transmitting antennas 406.

[0116] In some demonstrative points of view, the radio transmit signal generated by the oscillator 405 can take the form of a sequence of chirps 407, which may be the result of modulating a sine wave with the sawtooth waveform 403.

[0117] In one example, a chirp 407 can correspond to the sine wave of the oscillator signal, which is frequency-modulated by a "tooth" of the sawtooth waveform 403, e.g. from the minimum frequency to the maximum frequency.

[0118] In some demonstrative aspects, the FMCW radar device 400 can include one or more receiving antennas 408 to receive a radio receive signal. The radio receive signal can be based on the echo of the radio transmit signal, e.g., in addition to noise, interference, or the like.

[0119] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 401 can include a mixer 409 to mix the radio transmit signal with the radio receive signal to form a mixed signal.

[0120] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front end 401 can include a filter, such as a low-pass filter (LPF) 410, which can be configured to filter the mixed signal from the mixer 409 and provide a filtered signal. For example, the radar front end 401 can include an ADC 411 to convert the filtered signal into digital radar receive data values ​​that can be provided to the radar processor 402. In another example, the filter 410 can be a digital filter, and the ADC 411 can be placed between the mixer 409 and the filter 410.

[0121] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 402 can be configured to process the digital radar reception data values ​​to provide radar information, e.g., range, velocity (speed / Doppler) and / or direction (AoA) information of one or more objects.

[0122] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 402 can be configured to perform a first Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) (also known as the "distance FFT") to extract a delay response that can be used to extract distance information, and / or a second FFT (also known as the "Doppler FFT") to extract a Doppler shift response that can be used to extract velocity information from the digital received data values.

[0123] From other perspectives, additional or alternative methods can be used to extract distance information. For example, in a digital radar implementation, a correlation with the transmitted signal can be used, e.g., after an implementation with adapted filters.

[0124] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 schematically illustrates an extraction scheme that can be implemented to extract range and velocity estimates (Doppler) from digital received radar data values ​​in accordance with some demonstrative considerations. For example, the radar processor 104 ( Fig. 1), the radar processor 210 ( Fig. 2), the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3) and / or the radar processor 402 ( Fig. 4) be configured to make distance and / or velocity (Doppler) estimates from digital received radar data values ​​according to one or more aspects of the extraction scheme of Fig. 5 to win.

[0125] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a radio receive signal, which may include echoes of a radio transmit signal, can be received by a receiving antenna array 501. The radio receive signal can be received by a radar front end 502 to generate digital radar receive data values, for example, as described above. The radar front end 502 can provide the digital radar receive data values ​​to a radar processor 503, which can process the digital radar receive data values ​​to provide radar information, for example, as described above.

[0126] From some demonstrative perspectives, the digital received data values ​​can be represented in the form of a 504 data cube. For example, the 504 data cube can include digitized samples of the received radio signal, based on a radio signal transmitted by one transmitting antenna and received by M receiving antennas. From some demonstrative perspectives, for example, in relation to a MIMO implementation, there can be multiple transmitting antennas, and the number of samples can be multiplied accordingly.

[0127] In some demonstrative points of view, a layer of the 504 data cube, for example a horizontal layer of the 504 data cube, can enclose patterns of an antenna, e.g. a corresponding antenna of the M-antennas.

[0128] From some demonstrative perspectives, the data cube can contain 504 samples for K-chirps. For example, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the patterns of the chirps are arranged in a so-called "slow-motion" direction.

[0129] From some demonstrative perspectives, the data cube can contain 504 L samples, e.g., L = 512 or any other number of samples, for a chirp, e.g., for each chirp. For example, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the samples per chirp are arranged in a so-called “fast time” direction of data cube 504.

[0130] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 503 can be configured to process a large number of samples, e.g., L samples collected for each chirp and for each antenna, using a first FFT. The first FFT can be performed, for example, for each chirp and each antenna, so that a result of processing the data cube 504 by the first FFT can again have three dimensions and be the size of the data cube 504, while including values ​​for L distance bins, e.g., instead of the values ​​for the L sampling times.

[0131] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 503 can be configured to process the result of the processing of the data cube 504 by the first FFT, for example by processing the result after a second FFT along the chirps, e.g. for each antenna and for each range bin.

[0132] For example, the first FFT can be performed in the "fast-motion" direction and the second FFT in the "slow-motion" direction.

[0133] In some demonstrative aspects, the result of the second FFT, e.g., when aggregating over the antennas, can provide a range / Doppler (R / D) map. The R / D map may, for example, exhibit FFT peaks that include peaks of FFT output values ​​(in the form of absolute values) for specific range / velocity combinations, e.g., for range / Doppler bins. For example, a range / Doppler bin may correspond to a range bin and a Doppler bin. For example, the radar processor may consider a peak as potentially corresponding to an object, e.g., with the range and velocity corresponding to the range and velocity bin of the peak.

[0134] In some demonstrative aspects, the extraction scheme of Fig. 5 can be implemented for an FMCW radar, e.g. for the FMCW radar 400 ( Fig. 4), as described above. In other respects, the extraction scheme of Fig. 5 can also be implemented for any other radar type. In one example, the radar processor 503 can be configured to determine a range / Doppler frequency map 505 from the digital received data values ​​of a PMCW radar, an OFDM radar, or another radar technology. For example, in adaptive or cognitive radar, the pulses in a frame, the waveform, and / or the modulation can be changed over time, e.g., according to the environment.

[0135] With reference to Fig. 3. In some demonstrative aspects, the receiving antenna arrangement 303 can be implemented with a receiving antenna array comprising a plurality of receiving antennas (or receiving antenna elements). For example, the radar processor 309 can be configured to determine the angle of arrival of the received radio signal, e.g., Echo 107 ( Fig. 1) and / or Echo 215 ( Fig. 2) For example, the radar processor 309 can be configured to determine the direction of a detected object, e.g., with respect to the device / system 301, for example, based on the angle of arrival of the received radio signal, as described below.

[0136] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 6, which schematically illustrates an angle determination scheme that can be implemented to determine information about the angle of arrival (AoA) based on an incoming radio signal received by a receiving antenna array 600, in accordance with some demonstrative considerations.

[0137] Fig. Figure 6 shows an angle determination scheme based on received signals at the receiving antenna array.

[0138] In some demonstrative aspects, for example in a virtual MIMO array, the angle determination can also be based on the signals sent by the array of Tx antennas.

[0139] Fig. Figure 6 shows a one-dimensional angle determination scheme. Other multi-dimensional angle determination schemes, e.g., a two-dimensional scheme or a three-dimensional scheme, can be implemented.

[0140] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the receiving antenna array can include 600 M antennas (numbered, from left to right, 1 to M).

[0141] Like the arrows in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the echo is assumed to originate from an object located in the upper left. Accordingly, the direction of the echo, e.g., of the incoming radio signal, can point towards the lower right. Following this example, the further to the left a receiving antenna is located, the earlier it will receive a specific phase of the incoming radio signal.

[0142] For example, a phase difference, denoted by Δφ, between two antennas of the receiving antenna array 600 can be determined as follows: Δφ=2πλ⋅d⋅sin(θ) where λ denotes a wavelength of the incoming radio signal, d a distance between the two antennas and θ an arrival angle of the incoming radio signal, e.g. in relation to a normal direction of the array.

[0143] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3) be configured to use this relationship between phase and angle of the incoming radio signal to determine, for example, the arrival angle of echoes by performing an FFT, e.g., a third FFT (“angle FFT”) across the antennas.

[0144] In some demonstrative applications, multiple transmitting antennas, e.g., in the form of a multi-transmitting antenna array, can be used to increase spatial resolution, for example, to provide high-resolution radar information. For instance, a MIMO radar system can use a virtual MIMO radar antenna, which can be formed by convolution of a multitude of transmitting antennas with a multitude of receiving antennas.

[0145] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 schematically illustrates a MIMO radar antenna scheme that can be implemented based on a combination of transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx) antennas in accordance with some demonstrative considerations.

[0146] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a radar MIMO arrangement can include a transmit antenna array 701 and a receive antenna array 702. For example, the one or more transmit antennas 302 ( Fig. 3) be implemented to include the transmitting antenna array 701, and / or the one or more receiving antennas 303 ( Fig. 3) can be implemented to include the 702 receiving antenna array.

[0147] In some demonstrative points of view, antenna arrays with multiple antennas can be used both to transmit the radio signals and to receive the echoes of the radio signals in order to provide a variety of virtual channels, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this. For example, a virtual channel can be formed as a convolution, for example as a Kronecker product, between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, e.g. as the virtual steering vector of the MIMO radar.

[0148] In some demonstrative points of view, a transmitting antenna, e.g., any transmitting antenna, can be configured to emit an individual radio transmit signal that, for example, has a phase associated with the respective transmitting antenna.

[0149] For example, an array with N transmitting antennas and M receiving antennas can be implemented to provide a virtual MIMO array of size N x M. For example, the virtual MIMO array can be formed using the Kronecker product operation, which is applied to the Tx and Rx steering vectors.

[0150] Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram representation of elements of a radar device 800, according to some demonstrative points. For example, the radar device 101 ( Fig. 1), the radar device 300 ( Fig. 3) and / or the radar device 400 ( Fig. 4) include one or more elements of the radar device 800 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar device 800.

[0151] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the radar device 800 can include a radar front-end 804 and a radar processor 834. For example, the radar front-end 103 ( Fig. 1), the radar frontend 211 ( Fig. 1), the radar front end 304 ( Fig. 3), the radar front end 401 ( Fig. 4) and / or the radar frontend 502 ( Fig. 5) include one or more elements of the Radar Frontend 804 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Radar Frontend 804.

[0152] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front-end 804 can be implemented as part of a MIMO radar which uses a MIMO radar antenna 881 which includes a plurality of Tx antennas 814 which are configured to transmit a plurality of Tx RF signals (also referred to as "Tx radar signals"); and a plurality of Rx antennas 816 which are configured to receive a plurality of Rx RF signals (also referred to as "Rx radar signals"), for example based on the Tx radar signals, as described below.

[0153] In some demonstrative points of view, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can include or be part of any type of antenna suitable for transmitting and / or receiving radar signals. For example, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented as part of any suitable configuration, structure, and / or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies, and / or arrays. For example, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented as part of a phased array antenna, a multi-element antenna, a group of switching beam antennas, and / or the like.In some aspects, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented to provide transmit and receive functionality using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In other aspects, the MIMO antenna array 881, the antennas 814, and / or the antennas 816 can be implemented to provide transmit and receive functionality using common and / or integrated transmit / receive elements.

[0154] In some demonstrative points of view, the MIMO radar antenna 881 can include a rectangular MIMO antenna array and / or a curved array, adapted, for example, to the design of a vehicle.

[0155] In other respects, any other shape, form and / or arrangement of the MIMO radar antenna 881 can be implemented.

[0156] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 804 can include one or more radios configured to generate and transmit the Tx RF signals via Tx antennas 814; and / or to process the Rx RF signals received via Rx antennas 816, e.g. as described below.

[0157] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 804 can include at least one transmitter (Tx) 883 which includes switching logic and / or logic configured to generate and / or transmit the Tx radar signals via the Tx antennas 814.

[0158] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar front end 804 can include at least one receiver (Rx) 885 with switching logic and / or logic to receive and / or process the Rx radar signals received via the Rx antennas 816, for example based on the Tx radar signals.

[0159] In some demonstrative points of view, the transmitter 883 and / or the receiver 885 may include switching logic; logic; high-frequency (HF) elements, switching logic and / or logic; baseband elements, switching logic and / or logic; modulation elements, switching logic and / or logic; demodulation elements, switching logic and / or logic; amplifiers; analog-to-digital and / or digital-to-analog converters; filters; and / or the like.

[0160] In some demonstrative points of view, the transmitter 883 can include a variety of Tx chains 810 configured to generate and transmit the Tx RF signals, e.g., via the Tx antennas 814; and / or the receiver 885 can include a variety of Rx chains 812 configured to receive and process the Rx RF signals received, e.g., via the Rx antennas 816.

[0161] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate radar information 813, for example, based on the radar signals transmitted by the MIMO radar antenna 881, as described below. For example, the radar processor 104 ( Fig. 1), the radar processor 210 ( Fig. 2), the radar processor 309 ( Fig. 3), the radar processor 402 ( Fig. 4) and / or the radar processor 503 ( Fig. 5) include one or more elements of the radar processor 834 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor 834.

[0162] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate radar information 813, for example, based on the radar Rx data 811 received by the multitude of Rx chains 812. For example, the radar Rx data 811 can be based on the radar Rx signals received via the Rx antennas 816.

[0163] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can include an input 832 to receive radar input data, e.g. including the radar Rx data 811 from the multitude of Rx chains 812.

[0164] In some demonstrative aspects, the Radar Processor 834 may partially or completely include or implement switching logic and / or logic, e.g., one or more processors with switching logic and / or logic, memory switching logic and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functions of the Radar Processor 834 may be implemented by logic that can be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, as described below.

[0165] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can include at least one processor 836, which may, for example, be configured to process the radar Rx data 811 and / or to perform one or more operations, procedures and / or algorithms.

[0166] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar processor 834 can include at least one memory 838, which is connected, for example, to the processor 836. For example, the memory 838 can be configured to store the data processed by the radar processor 834. For example, the memory 838 can at least temporarily store at least some of the information processed by the processor 836 and / or the logic to be used by the processor 836.

[0167] In some demonstrative points of view, the 836 processor can be connected to the 838 memory, for example via a 839 memory interface.

[0168] In some demonstrative aspects, the 836 processor can be configured to access the 838 memory, e.g., to write data to the 838 memory and / or to read data from the 838 memory, for example, via the 839 memory interface.

[0169] In some demonstrative aspects, the memory 838 can be configured to store at least some of the radar data, e.g., some of the radar Rx data or all of the radar Rx data, for example, for processing by the processor 836, as described below.

[0170] In some demonstrative points of view, the memory 838 can be configured to store processed data that may be generated by the processor 836 during the process of generating the radar information 813, as described below.

[0171] In some demonstrative aspects, memory 838 can be configured to store range information and / or Doppler information generated, for example, by processor 836 based on radar-Rx data. In one example, the range and / or Doppler information can be determined based on a cross-correlation (XCORR) applied to the radar-Rx data. Any other additional or alternative operation, algorithm, and / or procedure can be used to generate the range and / or Doppler information.

[0172] In some demonstrative aspects, memory 838 can be configured to store AoA information, which can be generated, for example, by processor 836 based on radar receiver data, range information, and / or Doppler information. In one example, the AoA information can be determined based on an AoA estimation algorithm. Any other additional or alternative operation, algorithm, and / or procedure can be used to generate the AoA information.

[0173] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate the radar information 813, which includes one or more range information, Doppler information and / or AoA information.

[0174] In some demonstrative viewpoints, radar information 813 may, for example, include point cloud 1 (PC1) information, including raw point cloud estimates, e.g. distance, radial velocity, azimuth and / or elevation.

[0175] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information 813 may include additional information which may be based on, for example, raw point cloud estimates and / or refer to the raw point cloud estimates.

[0176] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information can include 813 metadata information that corresponds to the raw point cloud estimates.

[0177] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information 813 may, for example, include information relating to a reliability mirror of the raw point cloud estimates, information relating to one or more parameters, conditions and / or criteria implemented in determining the raw point cloud estimates, and / or any other suitable additional or alternative information.

[0178] For example, radar information may include 813 Log Likelihood Ratio (LLR) information corresponding to raw point cloud estimates, radar cross-sectional (RCS) estimate information, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimate information and / or other suitable additional or alternative information.

[0179] From some demonstrative perspectives, radar information can include 813 Point Cloud 2 (PC2) information, which can be generated, for example, based on PC1 information. For instance, PC2 information can include clustering information, tracking information (e.g., tracking of probabilities and / or density functions), bounding box information, classification information, orientation information, and the like. In one example, PC2 information can be based on one or more temporal filtering techniques that can be applied to PC1 information, such as temporal filtering of multiple frames and / or multiple PC1 instances.

[0180] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar information 813 may include target tracking information corresponding to a variety of targets in an environment of the radar device 800, e.g. as described below.

[0181] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate the radar information 813 in the form of four-dimensional (4D) image information, e.g. a cube, which can represent 4D information corresponding to one or more detected targets.

[0182] In some demonstrative aspects, the 4D image information can include, for example, distance values, e.g., based on distance information; velocity values, e.g., based on Doppler information; azimuth values, e.g., based on azimuth AoA information; elevation values, e.g., based on elevation AoA information; and / or any other values.

[0183] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to generate the radar information 813 in any other form and / or to include other additional or alternative information.

[0184] In some demonstrative points of view, the radar processor 834 can be configured to process the signals communicated via the MIMO radar antenna 881 as signals of a virtual MIMO array formed by a convolution of the plurality of Rx antennas 816 and the plurality of Tx antennas 814.

[0185] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar front-end 804 and / or the radar processor 834 can be configured to utilize MIMO techniques to support, for example, a reduced physical array aperture, such as a smaller array size, and / or to use a reduced number of antenna elements. For example, the radar front-end 804 and / or the radar processor 834 can be configured to transmit orthogonal signals via one or more Tx arrays 824 with a plurality of N elements, such as Tx antennas 814, and process received signals via one or more Rx arrays 826 with a plurality of M elements, such as Rx antennas 816.

[0186] In some demonstrative aspects, the use of MIMO technology for transmitting orthogonal signals from the Tx arrays 824 with N elements and processing the received signals in the Rx arrays 826 with M elements can be equivalent, for example, under a far-field approach, to a radar that uses transmission from one antenna and reception with N*M antennas. For example, the radar front-end 804 and / or the radar processor 834 can be configured to use the MIMO antenna array 881 as a virtual array with an equivalent array size of N*M, which can define the locations of the virtual elements, for example, as a convolution of the locations of the physical elements, such as the antennas 814 and / or 816.

[0187] From some demonstrative perspectives, a radar system can include a variety of radar devices. For example, the vehicle can have 100 ( Fig. 1) include a large number of radar devices 800, e.g. as described below.

[0188] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 9, which schematically illustrates a radar system 901 comprising a variety of radar devices (also called RH radar devices) 910 implemented in a vehicle 900 according to some demonstrative points.

[0189] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the multitude of RH radar devices 910 can, for example, be arranged at a multitude of positions around the vehicle 900 in order to provide, for example, radar measurement in a large field of view around the vehicle 900, as described below.

[0190] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the plurality of RH radar devices 910 can, for example, include six RH radar devices 910, as described below.

[0191] In some demonstrative points of view, the multitude of RH radar devices 910 can, for example, be arranged in a multitude of positions around the vehicle 900, which can be configured to support 360-degree radar detection, for example a 360-degree field of view surrounding the vehicle 900, as described below.

[0192] In one example, 360-degree radar sensing can make it possible to provide a radar-based view of essentially the entire environment around the vehicle 900, as described below.

[0193] In other respects, the multitude of RH radar devices 910 can include any other number of RH radar devices 910, e.g., fewer than six radar devices or more than six radar devices.

[0194] In other respects, the multitude of RH radar devices 910 can be positioned in other locations and / or in a different arrangement to support radar detection in a different field of view around the vehicle 900, e.g. 360-degree radar detection or radar detection in a different field of view.

[0195] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include a first RH radar device 902, e.g. a front RH, on the front of the vehicle 900.

[0196] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include a second RH radar device 904, e.g. a rear RH, at the rear of the vehicle 900.

[0197] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include one or more RH radar devices at one or more corresponding corners of the vehicle 900. For example, the vehicle 900 can include a first RH radar device 912 at a first corner of the vehicle 900, a second RH radar device 914 at a second corner of the vehicle 900, a third RH radar device 916 at a third corner of the vehicle 900, and / or a fourth RH radar device 918 at a fourth corner of the vehicle 900.

[0198] In some demonstrative aspects, the vehicle 900 can represent one, some, or all of the multitude of [unclear] in Fig. The vehicle 900 may include the RH radar devices 910 shown in Figure 9. For example, the vehicle 900 may include the front RH radar device 902 and / or the rear RH radar device 904.

[0199] From other perspectives, the vehicle 900 may also include other additional or alternative radar devices, for example, at other additional or alternative positions around the vehicle 900. For example, the vehicle 900 may include a side radar, e.g., on one side of the vehicle 900.

[0200] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 900 can include a radar system control 950 configured to control one or more, e.g. some or all, of the RH radar devices 910.

[0201] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented by a dedicated control, e.g., a dedicated system control or central control, which may be separate from the RH radar devices 910 and may be configured to control some or all of the RH radar devices 910.

[0202] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented as part of at least one RH radar device 910.

[0203] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented by a radar processor of an RH radar device 910. For example, the radar processor 834 ( Fig. 8) include one or more elements of the Radar System Control 950 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Radar System Control 950.

[0204] In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of the radar system control 950 can be implemented by a system control of the vehicle 900. For example, the vehicle control 108 ( Fig. 1) include one or more elements of the Radar System Control 950 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Radar System Control 950.

[0205] From other perspectives, one or more functionalities of the 950 control unit can be implemented as part of another element of the 900 vehicle.

[0206] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, one RH radar device 910 of the plurality of RH radar devices 910 can include a baseband processor 930 (also referred to as a "baseband processing unit (BPU)") which can be configured to control the communication of radar signals through the RH radar device 910 and / or to process radar signals transmitted by the RH radar device 910. For example, the baseband processor 930 can replace one or more elements of the radar processor 834 ( Fig. 8) include and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of the radar processor 834 ( Fig. 8) carry out.

[0207] In other respects, an RH radar device 910 can exclude one or more, e.g., some or all, functionalities of the baseband processor 930 from the multitude of RH radar devices 910. For example, the controller 950 can be configured to perform one or more, e.g., some or all, functionalities of the baseband processor 930 for the RH.

[0208] In one example, the controller 950 can be configured to perform baseband processing for all RH radar devices 910, and all RH radio devices 910 can be implemented without baseband processors 930.

[0209] In another example, the controller 950 can be configured to perform baseband processing for one or more first RH radar devices 910, and the one or more first RH radar devices 910 can be implemented without baseband processors 930; and / or one or more second RH radar devices 910 can be implemented with one or more functionalities, e.g., some or all functionalities, of baseband processors 930.

[0210] In another example, one or more, e.g. some or all, RH radar devices 910 can be implemented with one or more functionalities, e.g. partial functionalities or complete functionalities, of baseband processors 930.

[0211] In some demonstrative aspects, the baseband processor 930 may include one or more components and / or elements configured for the digital processing of radar signals transmitted by the RH radar device 910, e.g., as described below.

[0212] In some demonstrative aspects, the 930 baseband processor can include one or more FFT engines, matrix multiplication machines, DSP processors and / or other additional or alternative baseband, e.g., digital, processing components.

[0213] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the RH radar device 910 can include a memory 932 which can be configured to store data that is processed and / or intended to be processed by the baseband processor 930. For example, the memory 932 can contain one or more elements of the memory 838 ( Fig. 8) include and / or one or more operations and / or functionalities of memory 838 ( Fig. 8) carry out.

[0214] In some demonstrative points of view, the 932 memory can include internal memory and / or an interface to one or more external memories, e.g., external DDR (Double Data Rate) memory and / or another type of memory.

[0215] In other respects, one RH radar device 910 of the multitude of RH radar devices 910 may not contain a memory 932. For example, the RH radar device 910 may be configured to provide radar data to the controller 950, e.g., in the form of raw radar data.

[0216] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the RH radar device 910 can include one or more RF units, e.g. in the form of one or more RF Integrated Chips (HF-ICs) 920, which can be configured to communicate radar signals, e.g. as described below.

[0217] For example, an HF-IC 920 can replace one or more elements of the frontend 804 ( Fig. 8) include and / or one or more processes and / or functionalities of the frontend 804 ( Fig. 8) carry out.

[0218] In some demonstrative points of view, the multitude of HF-ICs 920 can be operated in such a way as to form a radar antenna array that includes one or more Tx antenna arrays and one or more Rx antenna arrays.

[0219] For example, the multitude of HF-ICs 920 can be operated in such a way that they form a MIMO radar antenna 881 ( Fig. 8) form the Tx arrays 824 ( Fig. 8) and / or Rx arrays 826 ( Fig. 8) includes.

[0220] In some demonstrative aspects, the radar performance of a radar device, e.g., as above with reference to the Fig. 1-9 described, are influenced by one or more properties of an antenna array of the radar device, e.g. as described below.

[0221] In some demonstrative points of view, one or more properties of the antenna array of the radar device may, for example, be based on a size of the antenna array and / or on one or more properties of one or more array elements of the antenna array.

[0222] For example, there may be one or more technical problems, disadvantages and / or inefficiencies in the implementation of a fixed phased array antenna that has a large number of fixed and / or identical antenna elements exhibiting fixed and / or identical radiation patterns across the antenna array.

[0223] For example, a beam of the fixed phased array antenna can be controlled according to a beam steering mechanism, for example to scan an environment.

[0224] For example, a number of active antenna elements in the fixed phased array antenna can be controlled by selectively deactivating some of the antenna elements, for example to control a compromise between the beam focusing, the power consumption of the phased array antenna and / or the sampling rate of the phased array antenna.

[0225] In one example, one or more antenna elements of the multitude of fixed antenna elements can be deactivated, for example to increase the sampling rate of the phased array antenna and / or to reduce the power consumption of the phased array antenna.

[0226] In another example, the number of active antenna elements in the phased array antenna can be increased, for example to focus the beam of the phased array antenna array.

[0227] For example, the radiation pattern of each antenna element in the fixed phased array antenna can be set according to a predefined radiation pattern. For example, there may not be a way to change one or more properties of the radiation pattern of the antenna element of the fixed phased array, for example, to change them dynamically.

[0228] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9 described, be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which may be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control of a radiation pattern of the antenna array, as described below.

[0229] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device as described above with reference to the Fig. The device described in sections 1 to 9 can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functions of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., dynamic control, of one or more properties of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array, as described below.

[0230] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. The device described in sections 1 to 9 can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, for example, the dynamic control, of one or more properties of an antenna element, for example, each antenna element, of the antenna array, for example, as described below.

[0231] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. The device described in sections 1 to 9 can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functions of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which, for example, can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, such as dynamic control, of one or more properties of an antenna element, such as each antenna element, according to one or more radar communication and / or processing settings and / or requirements, such as those described below.

[0232] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. The device described in sections 1 to 9 can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., the dynamic control, of an element factor of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array, as described below.

[0233] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device as described above with reference to the Fig. The system described in sections 1 to 9 can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., dynamic control, of one or more radiation patterns of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array, as described below.

[0234] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9, can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functions of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., dynamic control, of a radiation pattern of an antenna element, e.g., each antenna element, of the antenna array, as described below.

[0235] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9 described, be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functions of a radiation pattern control mechanism to implement the control, for example dynamic control, of the radiation pattern and / or element factor of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array, for example to enhance a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and / or a signal-to-interference ratio (SINR), as described below.

[0236] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9, can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functions of a radiation pattern control mechanism to support the control, e.g., dynamic control, of the radiation pattern and / or element factor of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array, for example, to support reduced digital processing overhead for processing signals transmitted through the antenna array, for example, for a digital radar, as described below.

[0237] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9, can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control and / or modification, e.g., the dynamic control and / or modification, of one or more properties of an antenna element, e.g., each antenna element of the antenna array, as described below.

[0238] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. The device described in sections 1 to 9 can be configured to implement one or more operations and / or functions of a radiation pattern control mechanism, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., dynamic control, of a beamwidth and / or steering angle of an antenna element, e.g., a single antenna element and / or each antenna element of the antenna array, e.g., as described below.

[0239] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. As described in 1 to 9, it can be configured to implement an antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to control, for example, one or more properties of one or more antenna elements of the antenna array, for example as described below.

[0240] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. As described in sections 1 to 9, it can be configured to implement an antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern for an antenna element, e.g., for each antenna element of the antenna array, for example, to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., the dynamic control, of one or more properties of the antenna element, e.g., each antenna element of the antenna array, for example, as described below.

[0241] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9 can be configured to implement an antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern, which can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., dynamic control, of one or more properties of antenna elements of the antenna array according to a phased-array antenna scheme, e.g., as described below.

[0242] In some demonstrative points of view, a device implementing an antenna array, for example a radar device, as above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 9 described, be configured to implement an antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern, for example as part of or in the form of a multi-amplifier RF front end, as described below.

[0243] From some demonstrative points of view, the multi-amplifier RF front end can be based on a front end, e.g., an enhanced front end, which can be configured to include a variety of amplifiers, e.g., as described below.

[0244] In one example, the multi-amplifier RF front end can be implemented according to a multi-power amplifier (PA) architecture, for example, if the multi-amplifier RF front end is implemented as part of a transmitter front end, as described below.

[0245] In another example, the multi-amplifier RF front end can be implemented according to a multi-low-noise amplifier architecture (LNA), for example, when the multi-amplifier RF front end is implemented as part of a receiver front end, as described below.

[0246] In some demonstrative aspects, the antenna element architecture with configurable radiation pattern can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the control, e.g., the dynamic control, of a radiation pattern of an antenna element, e.g., of each antenna element, in an antenna array, e.g., as described below.

[0247] In some demonstrative aspects, the antenna element architecture with configurable radiation pattern can be configured to provide a technical solution to support a configurable element radiation pattern of an antenna element, for example for an antenna array of a phased array radar, as described below.

[0248] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element architecture can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports the control, e.g., adaptive control, of a radiation pattern, e.g., a beamwidth and / or steering angle, of an antenna element, e.g., each antenna element, of the antenna array, e.g., as described below.

[0249] In some demonstrative aspects, this ability to adaptively control the radiation pattern of the antenna element, e.g., each antenna element, can be implemented to provide an engineering solution that supports improved radar performance of an antenna array, e.g., improved SNR, improved equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP), and / or interference suppression of the antenna array, as described below.

[0250] In some demonstrative aspects, the antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern can be implemented by a multi-terminal antenna element that can be configured to provide the configurable element radiation pattern, as described below.

[0251] In some demonstrative aspects, the antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern can be configured to provide a technical solution to support the configurable element radiation pattern of the antenna element, for example by controlling a power for a terminal, for example for each terminal, of the multi-terminal antenna element, for example as described below.

[0252] In some demonstrative aspects, the multi-connection antenna element can include two or more separate antenna connections, e.g., as described below.

[0253] In some demonstrative points of view, a connection, e.g., each connection, of the multi-connector antenna element can be connected to its own amplifier, e.g., as described below.

[0254] In some demonstrative points of view, outputs or inputs of substantially all amplifiers of the same multi-connector antenna element may be connected to two or more different antenna connections of the same multi-connector antenna element, as described below, for example.

[0255] In some demonstrative points of view, the outputs or inputs of essentially all amplifiers of the same multi-connector antenna element can be combined, for example by using a phase shifter or a phase rotator, as described below.

[0256] In some demonstrative aspects, the outputs or inputs of substantially all amplifiers of the same multi-terminal antenna element may be connected to two or more different antenna terminals of the same multi-terminal antenna element, for example to provide a technical solution for controlling a radiation pattern of the multi-terminal antenna element, as described below.

[0257] In some demonstrative aspects, the outputs or inputs of essentially all amplifiers of the same multi-connector antenna element can be coherently combined, for example according to a desired radiation pattern shaping, as described below.

[0258] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports the shaping of a radiation pattern of an antenna element of an antenna array, e.g., each antenna element of the antenna array, for example, to control a field of view (FoV) of the antenna array, e.g., to control dynamically, as described below.

[0259] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports, for example, the control, such as dynamic control, of the FoV of the antenna array, for example to improve the SNR and / or EIRP of a radar system implementing the antenna array, for example as described below.

[0260] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element architecture can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports enhanced control of a radar beam to a specific angle, as described below.

[0261] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports attenuation, e.g., avoidance, of strong interference that can compress a receiver, e.g., any receiver, of a MIMO radar, as described below.

[0262] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element architecture can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports attenuation, e.g. avoidance, of strong interference, for example by directing an element beam of an antenna element away from the interference, as described below.

[0263] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports a cost-effective and / or flexible implementation of an antenna array, for example for a multimodal system to control a radiation pattern of an antenna element of the antenna array, for example as described below.

[0264] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports adaptive control of the radiation pattern of the antenna element of the antenna array, as described below.

[0265] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports a very wide beamwidth of the antenna element, as described below.

[0266] For example, the very wide beamwidth of the antenna element can essentially cover most of the half hemisphere in front of the antenna array.

[0267] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with a configurable radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports a narrow beamwidth of the antenna element, as described below.

[0268] For example, the narrow beamwidth of the antenna element can be focused on a specific area in the half-hemisphere in front of the antenna array. For example, the narrow beamwidth of the antenna element can be implemented to support scanning and / or beam steering within the specific area in the half-hemisphere.

[0269] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports directing the narrow beamwidth of the antenna element to an area that may not be in a normal direction of the antenna array, as described below.

[0270] For example, the narrow beam width of the antenna element can be controlled in directions other than the normal direction of the antenna array, e.g. up to a certain mirror.

[0271] According to this example, the configurable antenna element architecture with radiation pattern can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports setting a peak in the antenna element's radiation pattern, which, for example, can set the antenna array's field of view to a specific degree above the horizon. For example, this setting can be implemented to support scanning an environment located above the horizon. This setting can also provide a technical solution to improve the overall directionality and / or gain of the antenna array.

[0272] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 10 was taken, which schematically illustrates a System 1000 according to some demonstrative points.

[0273] From a demonstrative point of view, one or more components of System 1000 can be implemented as part of a radar device. For example, the radar device 800 ( Fig. 8) include one or more elements of System 1000 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of System 1000.

[0274] In some demonstrative aspects, the System 1000 can be implemented as part of another suitable device and / or system.

[0275] For example, in some demonstrative aspects, the System 1000 may be implemented as part of a device, such as a mobile device, a computing device and / or a wireless communication device, for example to transmit wireless RF communication signals.

[0276] For example, the System 1000 can be implemented in some demonstrative aspects to transmit wireless RF communication signals via millimeter wave frequencies (mmWave) and / or other suitable frequencies.

[0277] In some demonstrative points of view, the system 1000 can include an antenna array 1020 which includes a variety of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, e.g. as described below.

[0278] In some demonstrative points of view, a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022 may have a configurable element radiation pattern 1023, for example as described below.

[0279] In some demonstrative aspects, the system 1000 can include a control switching logic 1040 which can be configured to control an array radiation pattern 1024 of the antenna array 1020, for example according to an array radiation pattern setting as described below.

[0280] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to adjust the array radiation pattern 1024 of the antenna array 1020, for example, according to the array radiation pattern setting, for example by configuring a variety of element radiation patterns 1023 for the variety of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting, for example as described below.

[0281] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the multitude of element radiation patterns 1023 for the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 122, for example, such that the array radiation pattern 1024 of the antenna array 1020 can be formed by a combination of the multitude of element radiation patterns 1023, as described below.

[0282] In some demonstrative aspects, the array radiation pattern setting can include a width setting of the width of the array radiation pattern 1024, e.g., as described below.

[0283] In some demonstrative aspects, the array radiation pattern setting may include a control angle setting of a control angle of the array radiation pattern 1024, as described below.

[0284] In other respects, the array radiation pattern setting can include any other additional and / or alternative setting of the array radiation pattern 1024.

[0285] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting of the array radiation pattern 1024, as described below.

[0286] In one example, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control the steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example, based on the steering angle setting of the steering angle of the array radiation pattern 1024.

[0287] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a width of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting of the array radiation pattern 1024, as described below.

[0288] In one example, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control the width of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example, based on the width setting of the width of the array radiation pattern 1024.

[0289] In some demonstrative aspects, the width of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can be more than half the wavelength of an RF signal to be transmitted via the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0290] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure a first plurality of element radiation patterns 1023 for the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on a first array radiation pattern setting, as described below.

[0291] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure a second set of element radiation patterns 1023 for the set of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on a second array radiation pattern setting, as described below.

[0292] In some demonstrative aspects, the second array radiation pattern setting may differ from the first array radiation pattern setting, e.g., as described below.

[0293] In some demonstrative aspects, the second set of element radiation patterns 1023 may differ from the first set of element radiation patterns 1023, e.g., as described below.

[0294] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure one and the same element radiation pattern 1023 for two or more configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022 of the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting of the array radiation pattern 1024, as described below.

[0295] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure two different element radiation patterns 1023 for two or more configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022 of the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting of the array radiation pattern 1024, e.g. as described below.

[0296] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure a first element radiation pattern 1023 for a first configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting of the array radiation pattern 1024, e.g. as described below.

[0297] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure a second element radiation pattern 1025 for a second configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1026 of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example based on the array radiation pattern setting of the array radiation pattern 1024, e.g. as described below.

[0298] In some demonstrative aspects, the first element radiation pattern 1023 may differ from the second element radiation pattern 1025, as described below.

[0299] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a variety of sub-antenna elements 1032, as described below.

[0300] In some demonstrative points of view, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a plurality of terminals 1036 which can be configured to connect the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032 to the control switching logic 1040, as described below.

[0301] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0302] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 according to the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example by configuring a sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0303] In some demonstrative aspects, the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a beamwidth setting of a beamwidth of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023, e.g. as described below.

[0304] In some demonstrative aspects, the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a beam gain setting of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023, e.g., as described below.

[0305] In some demonstrative aspects, the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a beam gain setting of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023, as described below.

[0306] In some demonstrative aspects, the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a steering angle setting of a steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern 1023, e.g. as described below.

[0307] In some demonstrative points of view, the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032 can include a setting for RF signals 1045 transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0308] In some demonstrative aspects, the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032 may include a phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0309] In some demonstrative points of view, the phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032 may include phases to be applied between RF signals 1045 transmitted over the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0310] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control an initial phase setting for the multitude of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0311] In some demonstrative points of view, the first phase setting may include first phases to be applied between the RF signals 1045 transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0312] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a second phase setting for the multitude of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0313] In some demonstrative points of view, the second phase setting may include second phases to be applied between the RF signals 1045 that are transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g. as described below.

[0314] In some demonstrative aspects, the setting of the second phase may differ from the setting of the first phase, as described below.

[0315] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the first phase setting, for example, on the basis of a first steering angle corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0316] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the second phase setting, for example, on the basis of a second steering angle corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0317] In some demonstrative aspects, the second steering angle may differ from the first steering angle, as described below.

[0318] In some demonstrative aspects, the sub-element setting for the multitude of sub-antenna elements 1032 can include a sub-element counting setting, e.g., as described below.

[0319] In some demonstrative aspects, the sub-element counting setting can include a count of active sub-antenna elements 1032 of the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032 for transmitting the RF signals 1045, e.g. as described below.

[0320] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a first sub-element counting setting, which includes a first count of active sub-antenna elements 1032, for example based on a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0321] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a second sub-element counting setting, which includes a second count of active sub-antenna elements 1032, for example based on a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0322] In some demonstrative aspects, the second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 may differ from the first element radiation pattern setting, e.g., as described below.

[0323] In some demonstrative aspects, the second count of active sub-antenna elements may differ from the first count of active sub-antenna elements, for example as described below.

[0324] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the first sub-element counting setting, for example, based on a first beamwidth corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0325] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the second sub-element counting setting, for example, based on a second beamwidth corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0326] In some demonstrative aspects, the second beam width can differ from the first beam width, as described below.

[0327] In some demonstrative aspects, the first beam width can be wider than the second beam width, as described below.

[0328] In some demonstrative points of view, the first count of active sub-antenna elements may be lower than the second count of active sub-antenna elements, for example, if the first beamwidth is larger than the second beamwidth, for example, as described below.

[0329] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the first sub-element counting setting, for example, based on a first beam gain corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0330] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to configure the second sub-element counting setting, for example, based on a second beam gain corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example, as described below.

[0331] In some demonstrative aspects, the second beam amplification may differ from the first beam amplification, as described below.

[0332] In some demonstrative aspects, the second beam amplification can be greater than the first beam amplification, as described below.

[0333] In some demonstrative points of view, the second count of active sub-antenna elements can be greater than the first count of active sub-antenna elements, for example, if the second beam gain is greater than the first beam gain, as described below.

[0334] In other respects, any other suitable additional or alternative sub-element counting settings can be implemented, for example based on any other suitable criteria and / or any other additional or alternative attributes that correspond to the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0335] In some demonstrative points of view, the first count of active sub-antenna elements can be one, as described below.

[0336] From other perspectives, any other first count of active sub-antenna elements can be implemented.

[0337] In some demonstrative aspects, the second count of active sub-antenna elements can be greater than one, as described below.

[0338] From other perspectives, any other second count of active sub-antenna elements can be implemented.

[0339] In some demonstrative points of view, the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032 may include a sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, e.g., as described below.

[0340] In some demonstrative points of view, the sub-element gain setting can include a variety of gains to be applied to RF signals 1045 transmitted via the variety of sub-antenna elements 1032, as described below.

[0341] In some demonstrative points of view, the plurality of amplifications may include a first amplification to be applied with respect to a first sub-antenna element of the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, as described below, for example.

[0342] In some demonstrative points of view, the plurality of amplifications may include a second amplification to be applied with respect to a second sub-antenna element of the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, as described below.

[0343] In some demonstrative aspects, the second reinforcement may differ from the first reinforcement, as described below.

[0344] In some demonstrative points of view, the second reinforcement can be essentially the same as the first reinforcement, as described below.

[0345] In some demonstrative points of view, the plurality of gains may include a third gain to be applied with respect to a third sub-antenna element of the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, as described below, for example.

[0346] In some demonstrative aspects, the third reinforcement may differ from the first reinforcement, as described below.

[0347] In some demonstrative aspects, the third reinforcement may differ from the second reinforcement, as described below.

[0348] In some demonstrative points of view, the third reinforcement may be essentially the same as the first reinforcement and / or the second reinforcement, as described below.

[0349] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a first sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, for example based on a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0350] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a second sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements 1032, for example based on a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0351] In some demonstrative aspects, the second element radiation pattern setting may differ from the first element radiation pattern setting, e.g., as described below.

[0352] In some demonstrative aspects, the second sub-element gain setting may differ from the first sub-element gain setting, as described below.

[0353] In other respects, the sub-element setting for the multitude of sub-antenna elements 1032 can include any other additional and / or alternative setting.

[0354] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can include a variety of RF paths 1042 or be implemented using the same, as described below.

[0355] In some demonstrative aspects, the multitude of RF paths 1042 can be connected to the multitude of connections 1036 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, as described below.

[0356] In some demonstrative points of view, the multitude of RF paths 1042 can be configured to process the RF signals 1045 that can be transmitted via the multitude of ports 1036, as described below.

[0357] In some demonstrative points of view, at least one RF path 1042 of the plurality of RF paths 1042 can include at least one amplifier 1044, e.g. as described below.

[0358] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control an amplification of the amplifier 1044 of an RF path 1042 according to the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, as described below.

[0359] In some demonstrative points of view, the at least one RF path 1042 of the plurality of RF paths 1042 can include at least one phase shifter 1046, e.g. as described below.

[0360] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to specify a phase shift to be applied by the phase shifter 1046 to an RF signal 1045 via the at least one RF path 1042, for example as described below.

[0361] In some demonstrative points of view, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can be configured to provide a technical solution to support different configurations of the antenna element, for example, in contrast to a standard antenna element of a digital phased-array radar antenna.

[0362] In some demonstrative points of view, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include at least two terminals 1036.

[0363] In some demonstrative aspects, a terminal 1036, e.g., each terminal 1036 of the at least two terminals 1036, can be connected to another sub-antenna element 1032, e.g., a “sub-element” or a “radiating part”, of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0364] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control one sub-antenna element 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 so that it operates in a stand-alone mode, while other sub-antenna elements 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 remain inactive.

[0365] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control a sub-antenna element 1032 so that it operates in combination with one or more other sub-antenna elements 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022. For example, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to combine the sub-antenna element 1032 coherently with the other sub-antenna elements 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0366] In some demonstrative points of view, a sub-antenna element 1032, e.g., each sub-antenna element 1032, can be configured as a matched antenna.

[0367] In some demonstrative points of view, the total physical area of ​​a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, which includes, for example, all its radiating parts, may be small enough to provide, for example, a technical solution to support the implementation of an array of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022 at a suitable distance, for example, for beam steering.

[0368] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to activate only one sub-antenna element 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example to provide a technical solution that supports a wide beamwidth pattern for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0369] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to activate two or more sub-antenna elements 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example to provide a technical solution that supports a narrower radiation pattern for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0370] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to apply a phase shift between sub-antenna elements 1032 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example to provide a technical solution that supports beam steering capabilities for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0371] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to support the wide beamwidth pattern, the narrow beamwidth pattern and / or the beam steering capabilities for the configurable beam pattern antenna element 1022, for example, even in the case of a relatively “moderate” mutual coupling between the sub-antenna elements 1032 of the configurable beam pattern antenna element 1022, which can nevertheless support an essentially “self-contained” operation of each sub-antenna element 1032.

[0372] In some demonstrative points of view, a Tx array, e.g. a Tx array 824 ( Fig. 8), include an antenna array 1020. For example, the antenna array 1020 can be part of a transmitter front end, e.g., the transmitter 883 ( Fig. 8), be implemented.

[0373] In one example, the control switching logic 1040 can include a multi-PA architecture, for example when the antenna array 1020 is implemented as part of a transmitter frontend, as described below.

[0374] In some demonstrative points of view, an Rx array, for example an Rx array 826 ( Fig. 8), including the antenna array 1020. For example, the antenna array 1020 can be used as part of a receiver front end, e.g., the receiver 885 ( Fig. 8), be implemented.

[0375] In another example, the control switching logic 1040 can include a multi-LNA architecture, for example when the antenna array 1020 is implemented as part of a receiver frontend, as described below.

[0376] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can include a variety of power combiners for the variety of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example when the antenna array 1020 is implemented as part of a receiver front end, as described below.

[0377] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can include a variety of power dividers for the variety of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022, for example when the antenna array 1020 is implemented as part of a transmitter front end, as described below.

[0378] In some demonstrative aspects, the multitude of power combiners and / or the multitude of power dividers can be implemented, for example, in addition to time delay elements and / or phase shifters, e.g., phase shifters 1046.

[0379] For example, phase shifters can be implemented instead of time delay elements, for instance, for implementations with relatively low bandwidth, e.g., for implementations configured for about 10% of a carrier frequency and below.

[0380] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can include a power divider or a power combiner, at least one phase shifter, e.g. the phase shifter 1046, and / or at least one amplifier, e.g. the amplifier 1044, for a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, in order to provide, for example, a technical solution to controllably support a wide beamwidth pattern, a narrow beamwidth pattern and / or beam steering capabilities for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022.

[0381] In some demonstrative points of view, the at least one amplifier can be positioned relatively close to the multitude of terminals 1036 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example in front of the phase shifter and / or the power divider or the power combiner, in order to provide, for example, a technical solution to avoid losses that may be caused by the phase shifter, the power divider and / or the power combiner.

[0382] From some demonstrative perspectives, the System 1000 can be configured to provide a technical solution for supporting systems that use a phased antenna array. For example, the System 1000 can be implemented to support RF communications performed by radar applications, localization applications, satellite applications, communications applications, drone applications, and / or the like.

[0383] In some demonstrative aspects, the System 1000 can be configured to provide a technical solution to increase the performance of a system implementing RF signal communication and / or to support a wider covered field of view, for example, even without significant performance and / or SNR degradation, e.g., while maintaining full flexibility.

[0384] In some demonstrative aspects, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 can include a multi-patch antenna element, as described below.

[0385] In some demonstrative points of view, the multi-patch antenna element can include a first antenna patch and a second antenna patch, as described below.

[0386] In some demonstrative aspects, the multi-patch antenna element can include a first connection 1036 for connecting the first antenna patch to the control switching logic 1040 and a second connection 1036 for connecting the second antenna patch to the control switching logic 1040, as described below.

[0387] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic 1040 can be configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern 1023 of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example by configuring a setting for the first antenna patch and the second antenna patch, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022, for example as described below.

[0388] Referring to Fig. Figure 11, which schematically illustrates a multi-patch antenna element 1130 according to some demonstrative points. For example, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the multi-patch antenna element 1130 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the multi-patch antenna element 1130.

[0389] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can include a multitude of antenna patches 1131, e.g. as described below.

[0390] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multiple patch antenna element 1130 can include a first antenna patch 1132, e.g. as described below.

[0391] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can include a second antenna patch 1134, e.g. as described below.

[0392] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can include a first connection 1136, for example to connect the first patch 1132 with a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), to connect, as described below, for example.

[0393] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can include a second connection 1138, for example to connect the second patch 1134 to the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), to connect, as described below, for example.

[0394] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can have a configurable element radiation pattern 1123.

[0395] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern 1123 of the multi-patch antenna element 1130 according to an element radiation pattern setting for the multi-patch antenna element 1130, for example by configuring a setting for the first antenna patch 1132 and the second antenna patch 1134, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the multi-patch antenna element 1130.

[0396] In some demonstrative points of view, the width 1145 of each of the first antenna patches 1132 and of the second antenna path 1134 may not exceed one quarter of a wavelength (λ / 4) of an RF signal transmitted via the multiple patch antenna element 1130, as described below.

[0397] In some demonstrative points of view, a width 1147 of the multiple patch antenna element 1130 may not be more than half a wavelength (λ / 2) of the RF signal transmitted via the multiple patch antenna element 1130, as described below.

[0398] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first connection 1136 can be arranged on a first side of the multi-patch antenna element 1130, as described below.

[0399] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the second connection 1138 can be on a second side of the multi-patch antenna element 1130, for example opposite the first side, as described below.

[0400] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can include a plurality of grounded vias 1133 between the first antenna patch 1132 and the second antenna patch 1134, e.g. as described below.

[0401] In some demonstrative aspects, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can be configured to provide a technical solution for connecting two or more antenna patches 1131 of the multi-patch antenna element 1130 to the control switching logic, e.g., the control switching logic 1040, via two or more terminals of the multi-patch antenna element 1130. Fig. 10), to connect.

[0402] In some demonstrative aspects, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can include a dual-patch antenna element, as described below.

[0403] In some demonstrative points of view, the dual-patch antenna element can include two quarter-wavelength patches, which are attached, for example, in a "back-to-back" configuration, as described below.

[0404] In some demonstrative points of view, the two quarter-wavelength patches attached in the "back-to-back" configuration can form a half-wavelength antenna element, e.g., as described below.

[0405] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first antenna patch 1132 can include a first quarter-wavelength patch, and the second antenna patch 1134 can include a second quarter-wavelength patch. For example, the multi-patch antenna element 1130 can be configured such that the first quarter-wavelength patch 1132 and the second quarter-wavelength patch 1134 can share an equal number of grounded vias 1133.

[0406] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 12, which schematically illustrates a dual-patch antenna element 1230 according to some demonstrative points. For example, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the dual-patch antenna element 1230; and / or the multi-patch antenna element 1130 ( Fig. 11) may include one or more elements of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functions of the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0407] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can include a first antenna patch 1232.

[0408] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can include a second antenna patch 1234.

[0409] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can include a first connection 1236, for example to connect the first patch 1232 with a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), to connect.

[0410] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can include a second connection 1238, for example to connect the second patch 1234 to the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), to connect.

[0411] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can have a configurable element radiation pattern 1223.

[0412] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern 1223 of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 according to an element radiation pattern setting for the dual-patch antenna element 1230, for example by configuring a setting for the first antenna patch 1232 and the second antenna patch 1234, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0413] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the width 1245 of each of the first antenna patches 1232 and the second antenna path 1234 cannot be more than a quarter of a wavelength (λ / 4) of an RF signal to be transmitted via the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0414] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the width 1247 of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 cannot be more than half a wavelength (λ / 2) of the RF signal to be transmitted via the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0415] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the first connection 1236 can be arranged on a first side of the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0416] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second connection 1238 can be located on a second side of the dual-patch antenna element 1230, for example opposite the first side.

[0417] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can include a plurality of grounded vias 1233 between the first antenna patch 1232 and the second antenna patch 1234.

[0418] In some demonstrative points of view, the dual patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution to support the operation of the dual patch antenna element 1230 in a first mode, e.g. as a half-wavelength patch antenna element, e.g. similar to a standard half-wavelength patch antenna element.

[0419] In some demonstrative aspects, a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to operate the dual patch antenna element 1230 as a half-wavelength patch antenna element, for example by feeding the dual patch antenna element 1230 with a symmetrical feed, which includes, for example, two differential feeds via the first terminal 1236 and the second terminal 1238 respectively.

[0420] From a demonstrative point of view, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution for supporting its operation in a second mode, such as a single quarter-wavelength patch antenna element. For example, the single quarter-wavelength patch antenna element can be used to support a wider radiation pattern of the dual-patch antenna element 1230, such as twice the width of a radiation pattern of the half-wavelength patch antenna element. For instance, the width of the radiation pattern of the single quarter-wavelength patch antenna element can cover a field of view of more than 140 degrees (°).

[0421] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to operate the dual-patch antenna element 1230 as a single quarter-wavelength patch antenna element, for example by feeding the dual-patch antenna element 1230 via a single port, via the first port 1236 or via the second port 1238.

[0422] From a demonstrative point of view, the Dual Patch Antenna Element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports its operation in a third mode, such as two cooperating quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements. This mode can be used, for example, to provide a beam with the beamwidth of a single half-wavelength patch antenna element while simultaneously steering the beam. For instance, the radiation pattern of the two cooperating quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements can support a beam with a width that covers a field of view greater than 140°, such as during beam steering.

[0423] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to operate the dual-patch antenna element 1230 as the two cooperating quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements, for example by applying a phase shift between two RF signals transmitted via the two antenna patches of the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0424] In some demonstrative aspects, the Dual Patch Antenna Element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports the operation of two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements together, for example, to provide a beam with a beamwidth narrower than the beamwidth of a single half-wavelength patch antenna element, such as during beam control. For example, the beamwidth of the two cooperating quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements can cover a field of view narrower than 140° while the beam is controlled within a 140° field of view.

[0425] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to operate the dual-patch antenna element 1230 as the two cooperating quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements to provide, for example, a technical solution that supports a relatively narrow beamwidth by, for example, applying a phase offset of 180° between two RF signals transmitted via the two antenna patches of the dual-patch antenna element 1230.

[0426] In some demonstrative aspects, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution to support improved performance.

[0427] In some demonstrative points of view, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports increased coverage in essentially all fields of view, e.g., essentially without diffraction lobes.

[0428] In some demonstrative points of view, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports an antenna element of a phased array antenna.

[0429] For example, the overall size of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 cannot be more than half the wavelength of an RF signal to be transmitted via the dual-patch antenna element 1230. For example, the overall size of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be less than half the wavelength of an RF signal to be transmitted via the dual-patch antenna element 1230, even if each of the patch antennas 1232 and 1234, for example, includes quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements, due to a substrate's dielectric constant that can "shrink" the size of the patch antenna element. According to this example, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can easily fit into a half-wavelength phased array antenna and can cover the entire field of view of the phased array antenna. B. without diffraction lobes.

[0430] From a demonstrative point of view, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented with a gap between the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements 1232 and 1234, for example, to provide a technical solution to reduce mutual coupling between the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements 1232 and 1234 and / or to improve isolation between the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements 1232 and 1234. For example, this implementation can still maintain a half-wavelength spacing of the phased array antenna, for example, due to the dielectric constant of the substrate.

[0431] In some demonstrative aspects, one or more, e.g., some or all, of the multitude of grounded vias 1233 can be shared by or common to the first antenna patch 1232 and the second antenna patch 1234. For example, as in Fig. Figure 12 shows that the first antenna patch 1232 and the second antenna patch 1234 share the same multitude of grounded vias 1233.

[0432] In some demonstrative points of view, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 may include one or more first grounded vias, e.g., first dedicated grounded vias, for the first antenna patch 1232 and / or one or more second grounded vias, e.g., second dedicated grounded vias, for the second antenna patch 1234.

[0433] For example, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can include a first plurality of grounded vias, which can be configured to short-circuit an edge of the first antenna patch 1232, and a second plurality of grounded vias, which can be configured to short-circuit an edge of the second antenna patch 1234. For example, the first plurality of grounded vias and the second plurality of grounded vias can be implemented, for instance, in an implementation of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 with the gap between the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements 1232 and 1234.

[0434] In some demonstrative points of view, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports a controllable beamwidth, which can be controlled to a first beamwidth and a second beamwidth that is wider than the first beamwidth.

[0435] In some demonstrative aspects, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 can be implemented to provide a technical solution that supports controllable steering of a beam of the dual-patch antenna element 1230, for example to a first side or to a second side opposite the first side.

[0436] Referring to Fig. Figure 13, which schematically illustrates the radiation patterns of a dual-patch antenna element according to some demonstrative points.

[0437] In one example, the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) be configured to emit one or more of the radiation patterns of Fig. 13 provides.

[0438] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the dual-patch antenna element can be controlled to generate a first radiation pattern 1302.

[0439] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to use the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) to control in order to provide the first radiation pattern 1302, for example by operating only a single quarter-wavelength patch antenna element of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12), e.g., the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) or the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12).

[0440] In some demonstrative aspects, a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to control the dual-patch antenna element 1230 to provide the first radiation pattern 1302, for example to provide an increased, e.g. a maximum FoV, for example an FoV of at least 140°, which can even support difficult “grazing” angles, for example over ±70°, for example with respect to a “forward” axis at 0°.

[0441] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the dual-patch antenna element can be controlled to generate a second radiation pattern 1304.

[0442] In some demonstrative aspects, a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to use the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) to control in order to provide the second radiation pattern 1304, for example by jointly operating two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12), e.g., the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) and the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12). For example, the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) and the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12) can be operated with a phase shift of 180° between two RF signals, which can be fed in different directions to the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements. This phase shift of 180° can, for example, be configured so that a beam formed by the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements is focused in the forward direction.

[0443] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to control the dual-patch antenna element 1230 to provide the second radiation pattern 1304, for example to support relatively high directivity and / or gain and / or improved SNR, for example when maximum FoV is not required.

[0444] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the dual-patch antenna element can be controlled to generate a third radiation pattern 1322.

[0445] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to use the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) controls it to provide the third radiation pattern 1322, for example by jointly operating two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12), e.g. the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) and the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12), to operate, applying a positive phase shift between each of the two RF signals transmitted via the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements. For example, the positive phase shift applied between the two RF signals can be configured to form the third radiation pattern 1322, which may be tilted to the right. In one example, the positive phase shift between the two RF signals can be applied, for instance, by applying a positive phase shift to the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) and a zero-phase offset at the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12). In another example, the positive phase shift between the two RF signals can be applied, for example by applying a positive phase shift to the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12) and a zero-phase offset at the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12).

[0446] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to use the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) to control in order to provide the third radiation pattern 1322, for example to support improved coverage for a right side while suppressing possible interference on a left side and / or when the left side is not relevant.

[0447] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the dual-patch antenna element can be controlled to generate a fourth radiation pattern 1324.

[0448] In some demonstrative aspects, a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to use the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) controls it to provide the fourth radiation pattern 1324, for example by jointly operating two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements of the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12), e.g. the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) and the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12), with a negative phase shift, e.g., opposite to the positive phase shift applied between the two RF signals transmitted via the two quarter-wavelength patch antenna elements. In one example, the negative phase shift can include the same phase shift as the positive phase shift, but with a negative sign. For example, the negative phase shift applied between the two RF signals can be configured to form the fourth radiation pattern 1324, which may be tilted to the left. In one example, the negative phase shift between the two RF signals can be applied, for example, by applying a negative phase shift to the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12) and a zero-phase offset at the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12). In another example, the negative phase shift between the two RF signals can be applied, for example by applying a negative phase shift to the second antenna patch 1234 ( Fig. 12) and a zero-phase offset at the first antenna patch 1232 ( Fig. 12).

[0449] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to use the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) controls it to provide the fourth radiation pattern 1324, for example to support improved coverage for the left side while suppressing possible interference on the right side, and / or when the right side is not relevant.

[0450] Referring to Fig. 14. Scenarios for adjusting the radiation pattern are schematically illustrated according to some demonstrative points of view.

[0451] In some demonstrative points of view, a scenario 1410 may show a jamming radar signal 1405 from a vehicle 1403, which may cause interference to a front radar of a vehicle 1408, for example from the left side of the vehicle 1408.

[0452] In some demonstrative aspects, the switching logic, e.g., the switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to control the front radar of vehicle 1408 to focus on targets on the right side of vehicle 1408, e.g. to detect a vehicle 1410, for example by using the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) to control so that they produce the radiation pattern 1322 ( Fig. 13) provides, which is inclined to the right.

[0453] In some demonstrative points of view, a scenario 1420 may show a target 1422 with a low radar cross-section (RCS), e.g. a bicycle or the like, which may be located relatively far from the front radar of the vehicle 1408, e.g. at a distance of more than 250 meters from the front radar of the vehicle 1408.

[0454] In some demonstrative aspects, a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), can be configured to control the front radar of vehicle 1408 to provide a radiation pattern with relatively high directivity towards the front, for example by controlling the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12), to create the radiation pattern 1304 ( Fig. 13) to provide, which is relatively narrow and forward-facing.

[0455] In some demonstrative points of view, a scenario 1430 may show a target 1415 that may be located at a grazing angle relative to the front radar of the vehicle 1408, e.g. at a grazing angle of at least 70°.

[0456] In some demonstrative aspects, the control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10), be configured to control the front radar of vehicle 1408 to provide a radiation pattern with a very wide beamwidth, for example to assist in the detection of target 1415, for example by using the dual-patch antenna element 1230 ( Fig. 12) to control so that the radiation pattern 1302 ( Fig. 13) is provided, which covers a field of view of more than 140°.

[0457] Referring to Fig. 15, which schematically illustrates the Rx switching logic 1501 including the Rx control switching logic 1540 according to some demonstrative points.

[0458] For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the Rx control switching logic 1540 and / or execute one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Rx control switching logic 1540.

[0459] In some demonstrative points of view, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can be configured to control a configurable element radiation pattern 1523 of a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522, for example according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522.

[0460] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522 can include a first sub-antenna element (sub-element 1) and a second sub-antenna element (sub-element 2).

[0461] For example, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522.

[0462] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522 can include a first connection 1503 that connects the first sub-antenna element to the Rx control switching logic 1540.

[0463] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522 can include a second connection 1507, which connects the second sub-antenna element to the Rx control switching logic 1540.

[0464] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can include a first Rx path 1510 which can be configured to process a first Rx signal 1515 transmitted via the first antenna connection 1503.

[0465] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can include a second Rx path 1520 which can be configured to process a second Rx signal 1517 transmitted via the second antenna connection 1507.

[0466] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the first Rx path 1510 can include a first LNA 1511 which can be configured to amplify the first Rx signal 1515.

[0467] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the first Rx path 1510 can include a first phase shifter 1513 which can be configured to apply a first phase shift to the first Rx signal 1515.

[0468] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the second Rx path 1520 can include a second LNA 1512, which can be configured to amplify the second Rx signal 1517.

[0469] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the second Rx path 1520 can include a second phase shifter 1514 which can be configured to apply a second phase shift to the second Rx signal 1517.

[0470] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can include a power combiner 1506 which can be configured to combine the first Rx signal 1515 and the second Rx signal 1517 into an Rx signal 1505.

[0471] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can include an Rx chain switching logic 1508 which can be configured to process the Rx signal 1505.

[0472] In some demonstrative aspects, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can be configured to control, for example, an amplification of the LNA 1511 and / or an amplification of the LNA 1512 based on an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522.

[0473] In some demonstrative aspects, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can be configured to control the phase shifter 1513 and / or the phase shifter 1514 to, for example, create a phase offset between the first Rx signal 1515 in the first Rx path 1510 and the second Rx signal 1517 in the second Rx path 1520, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522.

[0474] In some demonstrative points of view, each LNA of the LNAs of the Rx control switching logic 1540 can have a gain control, and / or each phase shifter of the phase shifters of the Rx control switching logic 1540 can have an offset control function.

[0475] From other perspectives, only one LNA of the LNAs of the Rx control switching logic 1540 can have gain control, and / or only one phase shifter of the phase shifters of the Rx polarization control circuit 1540 can have an offset control function. For example, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can include a single variable phase shifter and / or a single gain-controlled LNA.

[0476] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the Rx control switching logic 1540 can include two Rx paths which can be connected to two sub-antenna elements of the antenna element 1522 with configurable radiation pattern via two terminals of the antenna element 1522 with configurable radiation pattern.

[0477] In other respects, the Rx control switching logic 1502 can include more than two Rx paths, which can be connected to more than two sub-antenna elements of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522 via more than two terminals of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1522.

[0478] In some demonstrative aspects, the Rx control switching logic 1502 can include at least one phase rotator, for example, instead of at least one phase shifter, e.g., phase shifter 1513 and / or phase shifter 1514, to provide a technical solution that supports phase offsets with improved resolution.

[0479] Referring to Fig. 16, which schematically illustrates the Rx switching logic 1601 including the Rx control switching logic 1640 according to some demonstrative points.

[0480] For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the Rx control switching logic 1640 and / or execute one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Rx control switching logic 1640.

[0481] In some demonstrative points of view, the Rx control switching logic 1640 can be configured to control a configurable element radiation pattern 1623 of a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1622, for example according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1622.

[0482] For example, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1622 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1622.

[0483] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the Rx control switching logic 1640 can have a configuration similar to, for example, the Rx control switching logic 1540 ( Fig. 15) is similar, while for example it includes a first phase rotator 1633 instead of the first phase shifter 1533 ( Fig. 15) and, for example, a second phase rotator 1634 instead of the second phase shifter 1534 ( Fig. 15) may include.

[0484] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 17 is taken, which schematically illustrates the Tx switching logic 1701 including the Tx control switching logic 1740 according to some demonstrative points.

[0485] For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the Tx control switching logic 1740 and / or execute one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Tx control switching logic 1740.

[0486] In some demonstrative points of view, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can be configured to control a configurable element radiation pattern 1723 of a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722, for example according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722.

[0487] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the antenna element 1722 with configurable radiation pattern can include a first sub-antenna element (sub-element 1) and a second sub-antenna element (sub-element 2).

[0488] For example, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722.

[0489] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the antenna element 1722 with configurable radiation pattern can include a first connection 1703 that connects the first sub-antenna element to the Tx control switching logic 1740.

[0490] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the antenna element 1722 with configurable radiation pattern can include a second connection 1707, which connects the second sub-antenna element to the Tx control switching logic 1740.

[0491] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include a first Tx path 1710 which can be configured to send a first Tx signal 1715 via the first antenna connection 1703.

[0492] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include a second Tx path 1720 which can be configured to send a second Tx signal 1717 via the second antenna connection 1707.

[0493] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the first Tx path 1710 can include a first PA 1711 which can be configured to amplify the first Tx signal 1715.

[0494] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the first Tx path 1710 can include a first phase shifter 1713 which can be configured to apply a first phase shift to the first Tx signal 1715.

[0495] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the second Tx path 1720 can include a second PA 1712, which can be configured to amplify the second Tx signal 1717.

[0496] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the second Tx path 1720 can include a second phase shifter 1714, which can be configured to apply a second phase shift to the second Tx signal 1717.

[0497] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include a power divider 1706 which can be configured to split a Tx signal 1705 into the first Tx signal 1715 and the second Tx signal 1715.

[0498] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include a Tx chain circuit 1708 which can be configured to generate the Tx signal 1705.

[0499] In some demonstrative aspects, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can be configured to control, for example, an amplification of the PA 1711 and / or an amplification of the PA 1712 based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722.

[0500] In some demonstrative aspects, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can be configured to control the phase shifter 1713 and / or the phase shifter 1714 to, for example, create a phase offset between the first Tx signal 1715 in the first Tx path 1710 and the second Tx signal 1717 in the second Tx path 1720, for example based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722.

[0501] In some demonstrative points of view, each PA of the PAs of the Tx control switching logic 1740 can have a gain control, and / or each phase shifter of the phase shifters of the Tx control switching logic 1740 can have an offset control function.

[0502] From other perspectives, only one PA of the PAs in the Tx control switching logic 1740 can have gain control, and / or only one phase shifter of the phase shifters in the Tx polarization control circuit 1740 can have an offset control function. For example, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include a single variable phase shifter and / or a single gain-controlled PA.

[0503] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include two Tx paths which can be connected to two sub-antenna elements of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722 via two terminals of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1722.

[0504] In other respects, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include more than two Tx paths, which can be connected to more than two sub-antenna elements of the antenna element 1722 with configurable radiation pattern via more than two terminals of the antenna element 1722 with configurable radiation pattern.

[0505] In some demonstrative aspects, the Tx control switching logic 1740 can include at least one phase rotator, for example, instead of at least one phase shifter, e.g., phase shifter 1713 and / or phase shifter 1714, to provide a technical solution that supports phase offsets with improved resolution.

[0506] Reference is made to Fig. 18 taken, which schematically illustrates the Tx switching logic 1801 including the Tx control switching logic 1840 according to some demonstrative points.

[0507] For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the Tx control switching logic 1840 and / or execute one or more operations and / or functionalities of the Tx control switching logic 1840.

[0508] In some demonstrative points of view, the Tx control switching logic 1840 can be configured to control a configurable element radiation pattern 1823 of a configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1822, for example according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1822.

[0509] For example, the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1022 ( Fig. 10) include one or more elements of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1822 and / or perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element 1822.

[0510] In some demonstrative aspects, such as in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the Tx control switching logic 1840 can be configured similarly to the Tx control switching logic 1740 ( Fig. 17) while, for example, they have a first phase rotator 1833 instead of the first phase shifter 1713 ( Fig. 17) includes, for example, a second phase rotator 1834 instead of the second phase shifter 1714 ( Fig. 17) may exhibit.

[0511] Referring to Fig. Figure 19 schematically illustrates a procedure for controlling an array radiation pattern of the antenna array according to some demonstrative aspects. For example, one or more of the operations of the procedure according to Fig. 19 by a radar system, e.g. the radar system 900 ( Fig. 9), a radar device, e.g. the radar device 800 ( Fig. 8), a radar frontend, e.g. the radar frontend 804 ( Fig. 8); and / or a control switching logic, e.g. the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10).

[0512] As specified in Block 1902, the method may include controlling an array radiation pattern of an antenna array according to an array radiation pattern setting. For example, the antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements with a configurable radiation pattern. For example, one configurable radiation pattern antenna element of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements may have a configurable element radiation pattern. For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to display the array radiation pattern 1024 ( Fig. 10) of the antenna array 1020 ( Fig. 10) for example, according to the array radiation pattern setting as described above.

[0513] As specified in Block 1903, the procedure can include determining a variety of element radiation pattern settings for the variety of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting. For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to provide the multitude of element radiation pattern settings for the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022 ( Fig. 10) for example, based on the array radiation pattern setting for the 1020 antenna array ( Fig. 10) determined, e.g. as described above.

[0514] As specified in Block 1904, the procedure can include configuring a multitude of element radiation patterns for the multitude of antenna elements with configurable radiation patterns based on the multitude of element radiation pattern settings. For example, the control switching logic 1040 ( Fig. 10) be configured to detect the multitude of elemental radiation patterns 1023 ( Fig. 10) for the multitude of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements 1022 ( Fig. 10) to configure, for example based on the multitude of element radiation pattern settings, as described above.

[0515] Reference is made to Fig. Figure 20, which schematically illustrates a manufactured product 2000 according to some demonstrative aspects, is taken. The product 2000 may include one or more tangible, computer-readable (“machine-readable”), non-transient storage media 2002, which may include computer-executable instructions, e.g., implemented by logic 2004, which, when executed by at least one computer processor, enables the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities that, with reference to a Fig.1 to 19, and / or one or more of the processes described herein. The terms “non-transient machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable non-transient storage medium” may be understood to include all machine- and / or computer-readable media, with the sole exception of a transitory transmission signal.

[0516] In some demonstrative points of view, Product 2000 and / or Machine Readable Storage Medium 2002 may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile storage, non-volatile storage, removable or non-removable storage, erasable or non-erasable storage, writable or rewritable storage and the like. For example, machine-readable storage media can include RAM, DRAM, Double Data Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon oxide nitride oxide silicon memory (SONOS), a disk, a hard disk, and the like.The computer-readable storage medium may include any suitable medium involved in downloading or transmitting a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer, transmitted by data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium over a communication link, e.g., a modem, radio or network connection.

[0517] In some demonstrative points of view, Logic 2004 can include instructions, data, and / or code which, when executed by a machine, can cause the machine to perform a procedure, process, and / or operations as described herein. The machine can include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computer platform, computing unit, processing unit, any suitable computer system, processing system, any suitable computer, processor, or the like, and can be implemented using a suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and the like.

[0518] In some demonstrative aspects, Logic 2004 can include or be implemented as software, a software module, an application, a program, a subroutine, instructions, an instruction set, computational code, words, values, symbols, and the like. Instructions can include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. Instructions can be implemented according to a predefined computer language, style, or syntax to instruct a processor to perform a specific function. The implementation of instructions can be done using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming language, machine code, and the like. EXAMPLES

[0519] The following examples relate to further aspects.

[0520] Example 1 includes a device comprising an antenna array that includes a plurality of antenna elements with a configurable radiation pattern, wherein one antenna element with a configurable radiation pattern of the plurality of antenna elements with a configurable radiation pattern has a configurable element radiation pattern; and switching logic configured to control an array radiation pattern of the antenna array according to an array radiation pattern setting by configuring a plurality of element radiation patterns for the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting.

[0521] Example 2 includes the subject of Example 1, and optionally, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element comprises a plurality of sub-antenna elements, the control switching logic being configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element by configuring a sub-element set for the plurality of sub-antenna elements based on the element radiation pattern set for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element.

[0522] Example 3 includes the subject of Example 2, and optionally, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements includes a setting for radio frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements.

[0523] Example 4 includes the subject matter of Example 2 or 3, and optionally, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements includes a phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the phase setting includes phases to be applied between radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted over the plurality of sub-antenna elements.

[0524] Example 5 includes the subject matter of Example 4, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a first phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the first phase setting includes first phases to be applied between the RF signals transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a second phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the second phase setting includes second phases to be applied between the RF signals transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements, and wherein the second phase setting is different from the first phase setting.

[0525] Example 6 includes the subject of Example 5, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure the first phase setting based on a first steering angle corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, and to configure the second phase setting based on a second steering angle corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, the second steering angle being different from the first steering angle.

[0526] Example 7 includes the subject of any one of Examples 2 to 6, and optionally, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements includes a sub-element counting setting, wherein the sub-element counting setting includes a count of active sub-antenna elements of the plurality of sub-antenna elements for transmitting RF signals.

[0527] Example 8 includes the subject of Example 7, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a first sub-element counting setting that includes a first count of active sub-antenna elements based on a first element radiation pattern setting, and to control a second sub-element counting setting that includes a second count of active sub-antenna elements based on a second element radiation pattern setting that differs from the first element radiation pattern setting, wherein the second count of active sub-antenna elements differs from the first count of active sub-antenna elements.

[0528] Example 9 includes the subject of Example 8, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure the first sub-element counting setting based on a first beamwidth corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure the second sub-element counting setting based on a second beamwidth corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, the second beamwidth being different from the first beamwidth.

[0529] Example 10 includes the subject of Example 9, and optionally, wherein the first beamwidth is wider than the second beamwidth, and wherein the first count of active subantenna elements is smaller than the second count of active subantenna elements.

[0530] Example 11 includes the subject of any one of Examples 8 to 10, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure the first sub-element count setting based on a first beam gain corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, the second beam gain being different from the first beam gain of the antenna element, and wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure the second sub-element count setting based on a second beam gain corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, the second beam gain being different from the first beam gain.

[0531] Example 12 includes the subject of Example 11, and optionally, wherein the second beam gain is greater than the first beam gain, and wherein the second count of active sub-antenna elements is greater than the first count of active sub-antenna elements.

[0532] Example 13 includes the subject of any one of Examples 8 to 12, and optionally, where the first count of active subantenna elements is one.

[0533] Example 14 includes the subject of any one of Examples 8 to 13, and optionally, where the second count of active subantenna elements is greater than one.

[0534] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 to 14, and optionally, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements comprises a sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the sub-element gain setting comprises a plurality of gains to be applied to radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted over the plurality of sub-antenna elements.

[0535] Example 16 includes the subject matter of Example 15, and optionally, wherein the plurality of gains comprises a first gain to be applied with respect to a first subantenna element of the plurality of subantenna elements, and a second gain to be applied with respect to a second subantenna element of the plurality of subantenna elements, wherein the second gain is different from the first gain.

[0536] Example 17 includes the subject matter of Example 15 or 16, and optionally, wherein the plurality of gains comprises a first gain to be applied with respect to a first subantenna element of the plurality of subantenna elements, and a second gain to be applied with respect to a second subantenna element of the plurality of subantenna elements, wherein the second gain is substantially equal to the first gain.

[0537] Example 18 includes the subject matter of Example 17, and optionally, wherein the plurality of gains includes a third gain to be applied with respect to a third subantenna element of the plurality of subantenna elements, wherein the third gain is different from the first gain.

[0538] Example 19 includes the subject of any of Examples 15 to 18, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a first sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements based on a first element radiation pattern setting for the antenna element with configurable radiation pattern, and to control a second sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements based on a second element radiation pattern setting for the antenna element with configurable radiation pattern, wherein the second element radiation pattern setting differs from the first element radiation pattern setting, and the second sub-element gain setting differs from the first sub-element gain setting.

[0539] Example 20 includes the subject of any one of Examples 2 to 19, and optionally, wherein the element radiation pattern setting includes at least one beam width setting of a beam width of the configurable element radiation pattern, one beam gain setting of a beam gain of the configurable element radiation pattern, or one steering angle setting of a steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern.

[0540] Example 21 includes the subject of any one of Examples 2 to 20, and optionally, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element includes a plurality of connections to connect the plurality of sub-antenna elements to the control switching logic.

[0541] Example 22 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 21, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure a first element radiation pattern for a first configurable radiation pattern antenna element of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting, and to configure a second element radiation pattern for a second configurable radiation pattern antenna element of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting, wherein the first element radiation pattern is different from the second element radiation pattern.

[0542] Example 23 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 22, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure one and the same element radiation pattern for two or more configurable radiation pattern antenna elements of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting.

[0543] Example 24 includes the subject of any one of Examples 1 to 23, and optionally, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element comprises a multi-patch antenna element, the multi-patch antenna element comprising: a first antenna patch; a second antenna patch; a first terminal connecting the first patch to the control switching logic; a second terminal connecting the second patch to the control switching logic; wherein the control switching logic is configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element by configuring a setting for the first antenna patch and the second antenna patch based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element.

[0544] Example 25 includes the subject of Example 24, and optionally, wherein the width of each first antenna patch and each second antenna path is not more than one quarter of a wavelength of a radio frequency (RF) signal to be transmitted via the configurable radiation pattern antenna element.

[0545] Example 26 includes the subject of Example 24 or 25, and optionally, wherein the first terminal is located on a first side of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element and the second terminal is located on a second side of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element opposite the first side.

[0546] Example 27 includes the subject of any one of Examples 24 to 26, and optionally, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element comprises a plurality of grounded vias between the first antenna patch and the second antenna patch.

[0547] Example 28 includes the subject of any one of Examples 24-27, and optionally, wherein the first antenna patch includes a first quarter-wavelength patch and the second antenna patch includes a second quarter-wavelength patch, wherein the first quarter-wavelength patch and the second quarter-wavelength patch share an equal number of ground vias.

[0548] Example 29 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 28, and optionally, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element comprises a plurality of terminals, wherein the control switching logic comprises a plurality of radio frequency paths (RF paths) connected to the plurality of terminals, and wherein the plurality of RF paths is configured to process RF signals to be transmitted via the plurality of terminals.

[0549] Example 30 includes the subject of Example 29, and optionally, wherein at least one RF path of the plurality of RF paths includes at least one amplifier, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control an amplifier gain based on an element radiation pattern setting for the antenna element with configurable radiation pattern.

[0550] Example 31 includes the subject matter of Example 29 or 30, and optionally, wherein at least one RF path of the plurality of RF paths includes at least one phase shifter, wherein the control switching logic is configured to specify a phase shift to be applied by the phase shifter to an RF signal via the at least one RF path.

[0551] Example 32 includes the subject of any one of Examples 1 to 31, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure a first plurality of element radiation patterns for the plurality of antenna elements with configurable radiation pattern based on a first array radiation pattern setting, and to configure a second plurality of element radiation patterns for the plurality of antenna elements with configurable radiation patterns based on a second array radiation pattern setting, wherein the second array radiation pattern setting is different from the first array radiation pattern setting, and the second plurality of element radiation patterns is different from the first plurality of element radiation patterns.

[0552] Example 33 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 32, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a width of the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element based on the array radiation pattern setting.

[0553] Example 34 includes the subject of any of Examples 1 to 33, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element based on the array radiation pattern setting.

[0554] Example 35 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 34, and optionally, wherein a width of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element is not more than half a wavelength of a radio frequency (RF) signal to be transmitted via the configurable radiation pattern antenna element.

[0555] Example 36 includes the subject of any one of Examples 1 to 35, and optionally, wherein the array radiation pattern setting includes at least one width setting of a width of the array radiation pattern or one steering angle setting of a steering angle of the array radiation pattern.

[0556] Example 37 includes the subject of any one of Examples 1 to 36, and optionally, wherein the control switching logic is to configure the plurality of element radiation patterns for the plurality of antenna elements with configurable radiation pattern such that the array radiation pattern of the antenna array is formed by a combination of the plurality of element radiation patterns.

[0557] Example 38 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 37 and optionally includes a radar device, wherein the radar device comprises a transmit (Tx) array comprising a plurality of Tx antennas connected to a plurality of Tx chains to transmit radar Tx signals, and a receive (Rx) array comprising a plurality of Rx antennas connected to a plurality of Rx chains to receive radar Rx signals based on the radar Tx signals, wherein at least one of the Tx arrays or the Rx arrays comprises the antenna array.

[0558] Example 39 includes the subject of Example 38 and optionally includes a radar processor configured to generate radar information based on the radar Rx signals.

[0559] Example 40 includes the subject matter of Example 39 and optionally a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises the radar device and a control system to control one or more systems of the vehicle based on the radar information.

[0560] Example 41 includes a device comprising the device from any of Examples 1 to 40 and a communication interface for communicating signals via the antenna array.

[0561] Example 42 includes a controller configured to control an array radiation pattern of an antenna array according to one of Examples 1 to 40.

[0562] Example 43 includes an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements with a configurable radiation pattern according to one of Examples 1 bjs 40.

[0563] Example 44 includes a device comprising an antenna array, a communication interface for transmitting signals over the antenna array, and a controller configured to control an array radiation pattern of the antenna array according to any one of Examples 1 to 40.

[0564] Example 45 comprises a product comprising one or more physical, computer-readable, non-transitory storage media comprising instructions that are operable such that, when executed by at least one processor, they enable that at least one processor to cause a device to perform one of the operations described in any one of Examples 1 to 40.

[0565] Example 46 includes a method for controlling an array radiation pattern of an antenna array according to one of Examples 1 to 40.

[0566] Example 47 includes a device comprising means for controlling an array radiation pattern of an antenna array according to any one of Examples 1 to 40.

[0567] Functions, processes, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more aspects may be combined with or used in combination with one or more other functions, processes, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more other aspects, or vice versa.

[0568] While certain features have been illustrated and described here, a person skilled in the art may conceive of many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents. It is therefore self-evident that the attached claims are intended to cover all modifications and alterations that correspond to the true spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Device, comprising: an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements with a configurable radiation pattern, wherein one antenna element with a configurable radiation pattern of the plurality of antenna elements with a configurable radiation pattern has a configurable element radiation pattern; and A control switching logic configured to control an array radiation pattern of the antenna array according to an array radiation pattern setting by configuring a variety of element radiation patterns for the variety of antenna elements with configurable radiation patterns based on the array radiation pattern setting. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element with configurable radiation pattern comprises a plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element by configuring a sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements comprises a setting for radio frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements. [4] Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements comprises a phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the phase setting comprises phases to be applied between radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a first phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the first phase setting comprises first phases to be applied between the RF signals transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a second phase setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the second phase setting comprises second phases to be applied between the RF signals transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the second phase setting differs from the first phase setting, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure the first phase setting based on a first steering angle corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the antenna element with configurable radiation pattern,and to configure the second phase setting based on a second steering angle corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, wherein the second steering angle differs from the first steering angle. [6] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements comprises a sub-element counting setting, wherein the sub-element counting setting comprises a count of active sub-antenna elements of the plurality of sub-antenna elements for transmitting RF signals. [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a first sub-element counting setting comprising a first count of active sub-antenna elements based on a first element radiation pattern setting, and to control a second sub-element counting setting comprising a second count of active sub-antenna elements based on a second element radiation pattern setting that differs from the first element radiation pattern setting, wherein the second count of active sub-antenna elements differs from the first count of active sub-antenna elements. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the control switching logic is configured to: Configuring the first sub-element counting setting based on a first beamwidth corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, and configuring the second sub-element counting setting based on a second beamwidth corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, where the second beamwidth differs from the first beamwidth; and / or Configuring the first sub-element count setting based on a first beam gain corresponding to a first element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, and configuring the second sub-element count setting based on a second beam gain corresponding to a second element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element, where the second beam gain differs from the first beam gain. [9] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the sub-element setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements comprises a sub-element gain setting for the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the sub-element gain setting comprises a plurality of gains to be applied to high-frequency (HF) signals transmitted via the plurality of sub-antenna elements. [10] Device according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of gains comprises a first gain to be applied with respect to a first sub-antenna element of the plurality of sub-antenna elements, and a second gain to be applied with respect to a second sub-antenna element of the plurality of sub-antenna elements, wherein the second gain differs from the first gain. [11] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the array radiation pattern setting comprises at least one beam width setting of a beam width of the configurable element radiation pattern, one beam gain setting of a beam gain of the configurable element radiation pattern or one steering setting of a steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern. [12] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control switching logic is configured to configure a first element radiation pattern for a first configurable radiation pattern antenna element of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting, and to configure a second element radiation pattern for a second configurable radiation pattern antenna element of the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements based on the array radiation pattern setting, wherein the first element radiation pattern differs from the second element radiation pattern. [13] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the antenna element with configurable radiation pattern comprises a multi-patch antenna element, wherein the multi-patch antenna element comprises: a first antenna patch; a second antenna patch; a first connection that links the first patch to the control switching logic; and a second connection that connects the second patch to the control switching logic; wherein the control switching logic is configured to control the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element according to an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element by configuring a setting for the first antenna patch and the second antenna patch based on the element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element. [14] Device according to claim 13, wherein the width of each first antenna patch and each second antenna path is not more than one quarter of a wavelength of a radio frequency signal (RF signal) to be transmitted via the configurable radiation pattern antenna element. [15] Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first connection is located on a first side of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element and the second connection is located on a second side of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element opposite the first side. [16] Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element comprises a plurality of grounded vias between the first antenna patch and the second antenna patch. [17] Device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first antenna patch comprises a first quarter-wavelength patch and the second antenna patch comprises a second quarter-wavelength patch, wherein the first quarter-wavelength patch and the second quarter-wavelength patch share an equal plurality of grounding vias. [18] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the configurable radiation pattern antenna element comprises a plurality of connections, wherein the control switching logic comprises a plurality of radio frequency paths (RF paths) connected to the plurality of connections, wherein the plurality of RF paths is configured to process RF signals to be transmitted via the plurality of connections. [19] Device according to claim 18, wherein: at least one RF path of the plurality of RF paths comprises at least one amplifier, wherein the control circuit is configured to control an amplifier gain based on an element radiation pattern setting for the configurable radiation pattern antenna element; and / or wherein at least one RF path of the plurality of RF paths includes at least one phase shifter, wherein the control switching logic is configured to specify a phase shift to be applied by the phase shifter to an RF signal via the at least one RF path. [20] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a width of the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element based on the array radiation pattern setting. [21] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the control switching logic is configured to control a steering angle of the configurable element radiation pattern of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element based on the array radiation pattern setting. [22] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the width of the configurable radiation pattern antenna element is not more than half a wavelength of a radio frequency signal (RF signal) to be transmitted via the configurable radiation pattern antenna element. [23] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the array radiation pattern setting comprises at least one setting of a width of the array radiation pattern or a control angle setting of a control angle of the array radiation pattern. [24] Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the control switching logic configures the plurality of element radiation patterns for the plurality of configurable radiation pattern antenna elements such that the array radiation pattern of the antenna array is formed by a combination of the plurality of element radiation patterns. [25] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising a radar device, the radar device comprising: a transmit array (Tx array), comprising a multitude of Tx antennas; a receiving array (Rx array) comprising a plurality of Rx antennas for receiving radar Rx signals based on radar Tx signals, wherein at least one of the Tx arrays or the Rx arrays comprises the antenna array; and a radar processor configured to generate radar information based on the radar Rx signals.

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