Radar system with CMOS electronic components

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor system (2) for detecting surroundings, comprising: - an optical device (7) for providing an optical transmission signal (8), - a transmission device (4), said transmission device (4) having: • a first optoelectronic converter unit (13) which is designed to generate an electric outgoing signal (14) on the basis of the optical transmission signal (8) and • a transmission unit (15) which is designed to transmit the electric outgoing signal (14), and - a receiving device (5), said receiving device (5) having: • a receiving unit (20) for receiving an electric received signal (21) and • a second optoelectronic converter unit (22) which is designed to generate an optical output signal (23) on the basis of the electric received signal (20), wherein - the first optoelectronic converter unit (13), the transmission unit (15), the receiving unit (20), and the second optoelectronic converter unit (22) are designed as CMOS electronic components. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Radar system with CMOS electronic components

[0003] The invention relates to a sensor system for environmental detection. The sensor system has an optical device for providing an optical transmission signal. Furthermore, the sensor system has a transmitting device, wherein the transmitting device has an optical-electronic converter unit designed to generate an electrical transmission signal based on the optical transmission signal. Furthermore, the transmitting device has a transmitting unit designed to transmit the electrical transmission signal. The sensor system further has a receiving device, wherein the receiving device has a receiving unit for receiving an electrical reception signal and a second optical-electronic converter unit designed to generate an optical output signal based on the electrical reception signal.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a corresponding sensor system.

[0005] For example, a lidar system is known from US 2021 / 0 181 310 A1. This lidar system can have a silicon-based phase shifter array. Furthermore, US 2019 / 0 056 558 A1 discloses options for arranging or packaging laser sources.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to create or provide a sensor system, in particular a radar system, which can be used more efficiently and flexibly, and in particular in a more space-saving manner.

[0007] This problem is solved by a sensor system and a motor vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Useful developments arise from the dependent patent claims. Useful developments arise from the dependent patent claims.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a sensor system for environmental detection comprising: - an optical device for providing an optical transmission signal,

[0009] - a transmitting device, wherein the transmitting device comprises: o a first optical-electronic converter unit which is designed to generate an electrical transmission signal based on the optical transmission signal, o a transmitting unit which is designed to transmit the electrical transmission signal,

[0010] - a receiving device, wherein the receiving device comprises: o a receiving unit for receiving an electrical received signal, o a second optical-electronic converter unit which is designed to generate an optical output signal on the basis of the electrical received signal, wherein

[0011] - the first optical-electronic converter unit, the transmitting unit, the receiving unit and the second optical-electronic converter unit are designed as CMOS electronic components.

[0012] The sensor system according to the invention can be used more efficiently and flexibly, especially for environmental detection. The sensor system is particularly advantageous for use in the automotive sector, i.e., in motor vehicles. The use of CMOS technology or CMOS electronic components in the sensor system allows the sensor system to be manufactured and provided more cost-effectively, with reduced installation space, and in a shorter time. This is a further advantage for the use of the sensor system in motor vehicles.

[0013] Furthermore, the proposed sensor system offers advantages such as the use of standard telecommunications lasers instead of specialized solutions. Furthermore, the use of CMOS electronic components allows edge couplers to be used for planar designs, for example, instead of edge couplers or grating couplers. Furthermore, monolithic integration of lasers, such as the optical device, into the sensor system can be achieved. Furthermore, the use of CMOS electronic components allows the proposed sensor system to require less space and reduce power consumption, thus also resulting in lower power dissipation. This makes the sensor system more efficient in use. The use of more cost-effective CMOS manufacturing technology can result in cost savings in the manufacture of the sensor system.Furthermore, FAB lead time and throughput can be reduced, especially in the manufacture of the sensor system. The use of cost-effective CMOS electronic components can reduce dependence on the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the sensor system exhibits improved output performance.

[0014] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the proposed sensor system will exhibit improved operational capability under demanding environmental conditions. Thus, the sensor system could also be used in agriculture, automotive systems, or aerospace.

[0015] CMOS processes also enable the high-volume integration of established modules. Furthermore, CMOS processes allow the use of a SUI wafer, eliminating the need for very slow monolithic Si (silicon) growth. Furthermore, the use of CMOS electronic components allows the mechanical dimensions of the sensor system to be reduced, allowing the sensor system to comprise more compact units or integrated circuits. Furthermore, the proposed sensor system can be connected to continuously improved energy management systems (FTSOI). Furthermore, the sensor system can be connected to technologies such as TSMC, GF, etc. In particular, the proposed sensor system enables connection to leading-edge technology.

[0016] In particular, the proposed sensor system can achieve a monolithic co-integration of photonic and electronic circuits in CMOS technologies. For example, the proposed sensor system can utilize CMOS processes and, if necessary, silicon nitride-based photonic components.

[0017] Furthermore, the proposed sensor system offers the advantage of eliminating the need for chip fabrication using hybrid BICMOS processes for photonic radars. Furthermore, cost-intensive production processes can be avoided. Furthermore, the sensor system can be manufactured in a shorter production time by using CMOS electronic components.

[0018] By using CMOS electronic components and thus a CMOS process, an electronic-photonic cointegrated radar system can be designed and manufactured using CMOS processes. Thus, for example, a photonic radar system with CMOS electronics can be provided or created using the proposed sensor system.

[0019] In particular, the sensor system can be used in at least partially autonomous vehicles, but especially in fully autonomous vehicles. However, to enable such automated driving, reliable environmental perception is essential. The environment is recorded using sensors such as radar, lidar, or cameras. A holistic 360-degree three-dimensional recording of the environment is particularly important so that all static and dynamic objects can be detected. The sensor system can be used for this purpose. In particular, lidar plays a key role in redundant, robust environment detection, as this type of sensor can measure distances more precisely in environment detection and can also be used for classification. However, these lidar sensors are cost-intensive and their construction complex.360-degree, three-dimensional environment detection is particularly problematic, as it requires either many smaller individual sensors, which typically operate with many individual light sources and detector elements, or large lidar sensors. Furthermore, lidar sensors are susceptible to weather influences such as rain, fog, or direct sunlight. This sensor system can remedy this.

[0020] Radar sensors and sensor systems are also established in automotive engineering and deliver reliable and fail-safe data in all weather conditions. Even poor visibility conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, dust, or darkness, barely affect their detection reliability. However, according to the state of the art, their resolution is currently limited; in particular, series-produced radars in use are only designed with an angular resolution of approximately 7 degrees. To meet the requirements for increased automation in automotive engineering with safe driving functions, radar sensor devices are designed to deliver three-dimensional images with a high angular resolution in the range of 0.1 degrees and below, with high immunity to interference from their surroundings.This cannot be achieved with conventional radar technology according to the state of the art, as the resolution of such systems is too low. The sensor system according to the invention advantageously intervenes precisely in this regard. The sensor system can be designed as a photonic radar system, which achieves an increase in resolution by cointegrating electronic and photonic components into a single semiconductor chip. The tracking of an FMCW signal as well as the entire signal processing and signal evaluation are carried out in the central station. Each transmit and receive module has an electronic-photonic cointegrated chip, a so-called EPIC chip. Silicon photonics technology is used for the cointegration. This enables the monolithic integration of photonic components, radio-frequency electronics, and digital electronics together on a single chip.The technical innovation of such a system lies in the signal transmission of gigahertz signals using an optical carrier signal in the terahertz frequency range. A central station, which can also be referred to as a central electronic processing unit, generates an optical carrier frequency in terahertz. The transmitted signal is modulated at one-eighth of the radar frequency and sent via the optical fiber to the antenna chips. Frequency multiplication takes place there, allowing the radar radiation to be emitted by the antenna chips. Signal detection occurs in the opposite direction. All data is processed at the central station.

[0021] However, such a design is very complex in the implementation of gigahertz electronics at the chip level. In particular, the on-chip frequency multiplication following detection by a photodiode is technically challenging and poses a significant challenge with regard to gigahertz signal generation with a high signal-to-noise ratio and the lowest possible jitter. The gigahertz signal must be extensively stabilized in subsequent steps. Furthermore, gigahertz electronics are cost-intensive. Furthermore, high performance requirements are placed on the optical carrier, especially the laser, since a high level of optical power is required to generate a high-precision gigahertz signal. This makes single-phase loops difficult to implement for a radar array with many distributed radar semiconductor chips.In particular, two photonic-electronic semiconductor chips are still required for each transmit and receive channel, resulting in additional costs. The sensor system solves the aforementioned problems at least partially, and in particular completely.

[0022] Using the radio-based transmitting unit, the electrical transmission signal can be transmitted into the environment, in particular into the environment of a motor vehicle. This transmitted electrical transmission signal can, for example, be reflected by an object in the environment or within the surrounding area. This can be received using the radio-based receiving unit, which is, for example, a receiving antenna. In particular, the radio-based receiving unit is a radar receiving antenna or a radar receiving unit.

[0023] For example, the received electrical signal may have been reflected by an object in the surrounding area. This allows an object in the vicinity of a motor vehicle, for example, to be more accurately detected.

[0024] The proposed sensor system enables the transfer and implementation of existing EPIC chip functions (e.g., based on SiGe technologies) for photonic radar systems in CMOS-based chip designs (CMOS PDKs). For example, a foundry can provide a PDK (process development kit). By using extremely scaled technology dimensions, as is common in CMOS, the optical components, which are highly sensitive to process variations, can be manufactured with high yield. Furthermore, CMOS technologies offer additional optical components and optical waveguides in various planes and materials, enabling the realization of flexible, optimizable optics. This approach benefits the sensor system.

[0025] The proposed sensor system may be a radar system or radar sensor system.

[0026] The transmitting and / or receiving devices can be radio-based units, particularly radar units. The transmitting and / or receiving units can be used to detect objects and / or an environment using radio-based, electrical, and / or electromagnetic signals.

[0027] Specifically, spectral properties of the optical output signal may be the same as the electrical transmission signal and / or electrical reception signal.

[0028] For example, the optical device or optical source can generate a 77 GHz FMCW signal. This signal can be used, for example, for a 77 GHz radar or radar sensor, such as the transmitter unit.

[0029] For example, at least the optical device can be provided to modulate the optical transmission signal directly and / or by means of external components. CMOS refers to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). In particular, CMOS is a term for semiconductor components in which both P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors) are used on a common substrate. CMOS technology refers, for example, to the semiconductor process used to create integrated digital and analog circuits (ICs).

[0030] In one embodiment, the first optical-electronic converter unit comprises a photodiode and / or a phototransistor for generating the electrical transmission signal as a function of the optical transmission signal, wherein the photodiode and / or the phototransistor is embodied as a CMOS electronic component. In particular, the optical-electronic converter unit can be referred to as an optical-electronic converter device. The optical-electronic converter unit can be arranged on the transmission device, integrated, and / or partially integrated.

[0031] Furthermore, a control unit can be provided to monitor the conversion process from an optical transmission signal to the electrical transmission signal. This control unit can also be implemented as a CMOS electronic component. Monitoring the conversion process can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0032] Specifically, the optical-electronic or optical-electrical converter unit can be referred to as a detector.

[0033] The transmitter unit can be used to transmit the converted electrical signal. Furthermore, the transmitter unit can be used to transmit this converted signal immediately after the optical transmission signal has been converted into the electrical signal.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first optical-electronic converter unit has at least one amplifier for amplifying the electrical transmission signal, wherein the at least one amplifier is designed as a CMOS electronic component. This enables efficient, in particular improved, environmental detection, since the transmission signal can be processed accordingly, in particular depending on the requirement or area of ​​application. In addition to the converter unit, the at least one amplifier can also be designed as a CMOS electronic component in order to make the aforementioned advantages with regard to the sensor system even more effective. In particular, the amplifier is an electrical amplifier in order to be able to amplify the electrical transmission signal accordingly.

[0035] The at least one amplifier can, for example, be referred to as an amplifier unit and optionally comprise a plurality of sub-amplifiers or sub-amplifier units. For example, a plurality of amplifiers can be interconnected. Thus, the optical-electronic converter unit can include a circuit of a plurality of amplifiers. These multiple amplifiers can also be implemented as CMOS electronic components.

[0036] In one embodiment, the transmitting device, in particular a radio-based one, is configured to generate and transmit the electrical transmission signal depending on the optical transmission signal or to generate and transmit the electrical transmission signal based on a manipulation of the optical transmission signal. Thus, the transmitting device can have multiple functions or operating modes. This allows the transmitting device, and thus the sensor system, to be used more efficiently and flexibly, or in a wider variety of ways.

[0037] For example, the transmitting device can be designed to generate and transmit the electrical transmission signal, which is optionally based directly on the optical transmission signal or optionally by manipulating the optical transmission signal.

[0038] For example, the transmitting device may comprise the transmitting unit, which may be designed, for example, as a radar sensor or as an antenna or antenna element.

[0039] In one embodiment, it is provided that the central computing device, which is designed to process the optical output signal, the electrical received signal, the electrical transmitted signal and / or the optical transmitted signal, wherein the central computing device is designed at least partially as a CMOS electronic component. The central computing device can be a central unit for signal generation, signal acquisition and data processing. In particular, the transmitting device and the receiving device can be connected to the central computing device via signaling and / or communication technology. In particular, a plurality of transmitting devices and a plurality of receiving devices can each be coupled or connected to the computing device.

[0040] For example, the transmitting device can be referred to as the transmitting module and the receiving device as the receiving module. For example, the transmitting device and the receiving device can be connected to the computing device via optical fiber or an electronic interface, such as Ethernet. The computing device can, for example, provide all necessary control and data processing signals for the transmitting and receiving device or the receiving and transmitting device. The corresponding transmitted and received signals can be processed jointly by the computing device. The computing device can provide joint signal processing and / or signal evaluation for both the transmitting device and the receiving device. This eliminates the need for additional computing or evaluation units.

[0041] The central processing of data, signals and information can take place in the central computing facility.

[0042] With the help of the central electronic-photonic computing device, the transmitting device can be controlled or supplied with the optical transmission signal. In particular, the central electronic-photonic computing device or central electronic computing device can be used as the control and evaluation unit of the sensor system, and in particular for the transmitting device and the receiving device. Accordingly, for example, a wide variety of transmitting devices and / or receiving devices can be controlled, operated, or driven with one and the same central electronic-photonic computing device.

[0043] For example, the central electronic-photonic computing device can be used to track an FMCW signal and an optical signal as well as to carry out the entire signal processing and signal evaluation.

[0044] For example, the central electronic-photonic computing device can be coupled to the transmitting device and / or receiving device via one or more optical fibers. Consequently, the optical transmission signal generated by the central electronic-photonic computing device is coupled into the optical fiber and transmitted via optical signal transmission to an optical input of the transmitting device. The optical fiber can, for example, be a fiber optic cable.

[0045] In one embodiment, it is provided that the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and the central computing device are physically and / or spatially separate units from one another. Consequently, the devices are separate units from one another or from each other. Alternatively, the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and the central computing device can be configured together as a common unit. Consequently, the devices are a combined, common, or single unit. For example, the devices can be integrated together on a single chip. This has primarily space-saving and space-optimized advantages.

[0046] If necessary, the transmitting device and / or receiving device may be spatially separated from each other and from the optical device. In this case, a special optical transmission path is required.

[0047] In one embodiment, the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and / or the central computing device are at least partially physically and / or spatially separate units. This allows the sensor system to be better adapted to the respective application area or case.

[0048] For example, the transmitting device, the receiving device, and the optical device can be formed together as a common unit and, as a common unit, can be physically and / or spatially separated from the computing device. It is also conceivable for the transmitting device, the receiving device, and the computing device to be formed together as a common unit and, as a common unit, can be physically and / or spatially separated from the optical device. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the transmitting device and the receiving device to be formed together as a common unit and, as a common unit, can be physically and / or spatially separated from the optical device and the computing device. It is also conceivable for the optical device and the computing device to be formed as a common unit, and for this common unit, the transmitting device, and the receiving device, to be physical and / or separate units from one another.The possibilities just mentioned for how the individual devices are configured in relation to each other are not intended to be exhaustive, but merely provide an overview of the diverse combination possibilities. Further combinations are therefore possible. In this context, it should be noted that the arrangement of the hardware components is not intended to be exhaustive, but merely provides an overview of the diverse combination possibilities. Further combinations of the hardware components are therefore also possible.

[0049] In one embodiment, it is provided that the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and / or the central computing device are designed as CMOS-based circuits. Thus, in order to be able to use or produce a particularly advantageous sensor system based on CMOS technology, all devices can be designed as CMOS-based circuits or based on a CMOS-based circuit. This makes it possible, above all, to create a photonic radar system or sensor system with CMOS electronics.

[0050] For example, the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and the central computing device can each be implemented as a CMOS-based circuit. It is also conceivable that at least some of the aforementioned devices are implemented as CMOS-based circuits.

[0051] In one embodiment, the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and / or the central computing device are monolithically integrated in a CMOS-based photonic technology. This makes it possible, above all, to create a sensor system that makes a monolithic co-integration of photonic and electronic circuits usable or producible in CMOS technology.

[0052] In particular, all of the said devices or only parts of the said devices can be monolithically integrated in a CMOS-based photonic technology.

[0053] In particular, the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and / or the central computing device consist of or are based at least partially, in particular entirely, of silicon (SiN). Thus, the transmitting device, the receiving device, the optical device, and / or the central computing device can be manufactured using silicon nitride as a material or substrate. In addition to silicon nitride, other silicon compounds can also be used.

[0054] This makes it possible to create a sensor system or radar system that replaces conventional circuits with CMOS-based electronic and photonic circuits. The transmitting and receiving devices can thus be designed and manufactured as CMOS modules. Conventional components can be replaced by CMOS components or CMOS electronic components. Furthermore, components in the computing device can be replaced by CMOS electronic components. This allows the overall system or sensor system to be used or integrated in motor vehicles more flexibly, universally, with less installation space, and / or at lower costs.

[0055] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a sensor system according to the previous aspect or an advantageous development thereof. In particular, the motor vehicle just described includes a sensor system according to the previous aspect.

[0056] In particular, the motor vehicle is an assisted or at least partially autonomous vehicle. In particular, the motor vehicle is a highly automated vehicle that includes various driver assistance systems. These driver assistance systems can access the proposed sensor system and, for example, retrieve environmental information. In particular, the motor vehicle can have several such sensor systems.

[0057] In particular, multiple transmitting devices and multiple receiving devices can be arranged in and / or on the motor vehicle. These, in turn, can be coupled to the central computing device, which is, for example, centrally integrated in the motor vehicle.

[0058] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle. Furthermore, trams, subways, trains, boats, aircraft, satellites, and other mobile units can also be equipped with this sensor technology. For example, the units of the sensor system can be distributed throughout the motor vehicle, in particular for environmental detection. In particular, the sensor system can be an environmental detection system.

[0059] Such a sensor system can be used in particular in motor vehicles, rail vehicles, watercraft, or automated systems, or in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. In particular, the sensor system can be used for environmental sensing or for detecting objects or environmental pollution.

[0060] Embodiments of individual aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of other aspects, in particular of all other aspects. In particular, the respective embodiments of individual aspects can be regarded as advantageous embodiments of all other aspects, and vice versa.

[0061] An environmental sensor system can be understood, for example, as a sensor system capable of generating sensor data or sensor signals that map, represent, or reproduce the environment of the environmental sensor system. In particular, the ability to detect electromagnetic or other signals from the environment is not sufficient for a sensor system to be considered an environmental sensor system. For example, cameras, radar systems, lidar systems, and / or ultrasonic sensor systems can be considered environmental sensor systems.

[0062] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the sensor system according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0063] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are:

[0065] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle having a sensor system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a computing device of the sensor system from Fig. 1;

[0066] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a transmitting device of the sensor system of Fig. 1; and

[0067] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a receiving device of the sensor system 2 from Fig. 1.

[0068] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0069] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0070] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that various aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. This means that any aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention unless explicitly presented as a mere alternative.

[0071] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally only be made to one entity in the following. Unless explicitly stated, the invention may also comprise several of the entities in question. Therefore, the use of the words "a," "an," and "another" is to be understood merely as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0072] Where procedures are described below, the individual steps of a procedure can be arranged and / or combined in any order, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the procedures can be combined with each other. Numerical values ​​are generally not to be understood as exact values, but include a tolerance of + / - 1% to + / - 10%.

[0073] References to standards or specifications are to be understood as references to standards or specifications that are / were in force at the time of the application and / or, if priority is claimed, at the time of the priority application. However, this does not imply a general exclusion of applicability to subsequent or replacing standards or specifications.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1. Furthermore, the illustrated motor vehicle 1 has, for example, a sensor system 2. For example, the sensor system serves to detect the surroundings 3 of the motor vehicle 1. For example, the sensor system 2 can be part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle 1. In this case, the sensor system 2 can supply or provide corresponding information, in particular regarding the surroundings 6, for the driver assistance system or a vehicle guidance system.

[0075] The sensor system 2 comprises, for example, a transmitting device 4 (see Fig. 3), a receiving device 5 (see Fig. 4) and a central computing device 6 (see Fig. 2).

[0076] In addition to the use of the sensor system 2 in the motor vehicle 1, it can also be used in systems external to the vehicle. For example, the sensor system 2, which can be designed as a radar system, for example, can be used in automated systems, in space technology, in aviation technology, or in communications technology. Here, Figure 1 again shows the example in which the sensor system 2 is integrated into the motor vehicle 1 for illustrative purposes.

[0077] In Fig. 2, the central computing device 6 or a central unit is shown by way of example, in particular schematically.

[0078] The computing device 6 serves in particular for signal processing, signal processing and / or signal evaluation of the sensor system 2. For example, the central computing device 6 can be a separate and physically separated unit from the transmitting device 4 and / or the receiving device 5.

[0079] In one conceivable embodiment, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 5, an optical device 7, and the computing device 6 can be physically and / or spatially separate units. Alternatively, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 5, the optical device 7, and the central computing device 6 can be formed together as a common unit.

[0080] In a further embodiment, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 5, the optical device 7 and / or the central computing device 6 can be at least partially physically and / or spatially separate units from one another.

[0081] For example, the optical device 7 can be integrated into the computing device 6. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the transmitting device 4 and the receiving device 5 to be integrated into a common unit. Thus, for example, the sensor system 2 can be formed from a unit containing the computing device 6 and the optical device 7, and a unit containing the transmitting device 4 and the receiving device 5.

[0082] The central computing device 6 can, for example, be a central unit or a central control or central activation unit of the sensor system 2.

[0083] In particular, the proposed sensor system is implemented using CMOS technology or CMOS electronics. For this purpose, the sensor system 2 can be manufactured, for example, using CMOS processes. For this purpose, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 5, the optical device 7, and / or the central computing device 6 can be implemented as CMOS-based circuits. Furthermore, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 5, the optical device 7, and / or the central computing device 6 can be monolithically integrated into a CMOS-based photonic technology. Thus, the sensor system 2, in particular, can be manufactured and deployed with reduced costs, reduced installation space, reduced time, optimized performance, and / or increased flexibility.For this purpose, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 5, the computing device 6 and / or the optical device 7 can be designed or manufactured entirely and / or at least partially from CMOS electronic components.

[0084] With the aid of the optical device 7 or a laser device, for example a laser, an optical transmission signal 8 can be generated or provided.

[0085] In the illustrated Fig. 2, the optical device 7 is integrated into the computing device 6. However, this is only one possible example. The optical device 7 can also be designed as a standalone unit.

[0086] In this example, the optical transmission signal 8 can be transmitted or transmitted via a fiber optic cable 9 to an optical input 10 (see Fig. 3) of the transmitting device 4. Thus, the transmitting device 4 and the central computing device 6 are coupled to one another via optical transmission paths or an optical transmission link. Furthermore, the optical transmission signal 8 can also be made available to the receiving device 5 via the fiber optic cable 9. For this purpose, the receiving device 5 can have a further optical input 11 (see Fig. 4).

[0087] For example, the computing device 6 can supply several different transmitting and receiving devices with the transmission signal 8. For this purpose, the computing device 6 has, for example, a distributor 12, with which the transmission signal 8 can be divided, for example, into several transmission paths.

[0088] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the transmitting device 4. The transmission signal 8 transmitted to the transmitting device 4 can be converted with the aid of a first optical-electronic converter unit 13 or an optical-electronic converter device. For this purpose, an electrical transmission signal 14 can be generated on the basis of the optical transmission signal 8. This electrical transmission signal 14 can be transmitted, in particular, into the environment 3. For this purpose, the transmitting device 4 can have a transmission unit 15, in particular a radio-based one. This transmission unit 15 can be, for example, an antenna or an antenna element. In particular, the transmitting device 4 can be referred to as a transmission module or radar transmitter. For example, the transmitting device 4 can be controlled or operated with the aid of the computing device 6, so that a radar-based signal can be transmitted.Depending on the application and / or field of use, the transmitting device 4 can have at least one amplifier 16, in particular an electrical amplifier. This amplifier can amplify the electrical transmission signal 14 for transmission. Furthermore, the transmitting device 4 can have a module 17. Using the module 17, the transmission signal 14 can be adapted, manipulated, or modified accordingly. Thus, the transmission signal 14 can be processed, prepared, or modified before it is transmitted.

[0089] Furthermore, the first optical-electronic converter unit 13 can have a photodiode 18 and / or a phototransistor 19 for generating the electrical transmission signal 14 based on the transmission signal 8.

[0090] For example, the amplifier 16 may be a power amplifier.

[0091] It is particularly advantageous if the transmitting device 4 itself is designed as a CMOS circuit. In particular, the first optical-electronic converter unit 13, the photodiode 18, the phototransistor 19, the module 17, the amplifier 16, and / or the transmitting unit 15 can be designed as CMOS electronic components. In particular, all components or units of the transmitting device 4 can be designed as CMOS electronic components. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the transmitting device 4 to be further configured to upconvert the electrical transmission signal 14 to a higher frequency.

[0092] The receiving device 5 is explained below in Fig. 4.

[0093] The receiving device 5 can have a receiving unit 20, in particular a radio-based one. The radio-based receiving unit 20 can be a receiving antenna, an antenna, an antenna element, or a radar sensor. The receiving unit 20 can receive an electrical received signal 21 in the environment 3. For example, the received signal 21 can be based on the transmitted signal 14.

[0094] For example, the transmitted signal 14 can impinge on an object in the environment 3 and be reflected there accordingly, so that it can be received as a received signal 21. The received signal 21 can be converted by means of a second optical-electronic converter unit 22. For this purpose, the received signal 21 can be converted into an optical output signal 23. For example, the transmitted signal 8, which is also provided to the receiving device 5, can be mixed with the electrical received signal 21. For this purpose, the transmitted signal can in turn be converted into an electrical signal by means of a further optical-electronic converter unit 24. This converted signal can then be adapted or manipulated using a manipulation device 25 and then fed together with the electrical received signal 21 to a demodulation unit 26 or a mixer.Thus, the transmission signal 8, in particular the one containing at least one carrier frequency, can be taken into account during the conversion of the optical reception signal 23. The converted electrical optical output signal 23 can be made available or transmitted via an optical output 27 of the computing device 6. A fiber optic cable 9 can again be used for this purpose.

[0095] In addition to additionally considering the optical transmission signal 8 for mixing with the electrical reception signal 21, the receiving device 5 can have a separate or independent optical source 28. This can be used to provide a corresponding optical signal to the second optical-electronic converter unit 22 or to transmit it, and this can be taken into account when converting the electrical reception signal 21.

[0096] In particular, the optical-electronic converter unit 22, the transmitting unit 20, the converter unit 24, the modulation device 25, the demodulation device 26, and / or the further optical source 28 can be designed as CMOS electronic components. Optionally, all components or units of the receiving device 5 can be designed as CMOS electronic components.

[0097] The optical output signal 23 provided to the computing device 6 can be converted into a corresponding electrical signal by means of a further optical-electronic converter unit 29 (see Fig. 2). Digitization and / or processing can also be performed here. This electrical signal can be fed to or transmitted to an evaluation unit 30 (see Fig. 2) or processing unit or signal processing unit, so that the electrically converted optical output signal 23, which contains radar or environmental information, can be evaluated. Signal processing, signal processing, and / or signal analysis can be performed with the aid of the evaluation unit 30. This is used in particular for environmental detection.Furthermore, a corresponding electrical signal from the evaluation unit 30 or an electrical control signal can be provided to or transmitted to an optical-electronic converter unit 31 (see Fig. 2) of the computing device 6. This, in turn, can be mixed by the optical transmission signal 8.

[0098] In particular, the optical device 7, the converter unit 31, the distributor 12, the converter unit 29, and / or the evaluation unit 30 can be designed as CMOS electronic components. In particular, all components or units of the computing unit 6 can be designed as CMOS electronic components.

[0099] List of reference symbols

[0100] motor vehicle

[0101] Sensor system

[0102] Vicinity

[0103] transmitting device

[0104] Reception facility

[0105] computing device optical device optical transmission signal

[0106] Fiber optic input additional optical input

[0107] Distributor first optical-electronic converter unit electrical transmission signal

[0108] Transmitter unit

[0109] amplifier

[0110] module

[0111] Photodiode

[0112] Phototransistor

[0113] Receiving unit electrical received signal second optical-electronic converter unit optical output signal further optical-electronic converter unit

[0114] Modulation device

[0115] Demodulation device optical output further optical source further optical-electronic converter unit evaluation unit further optical-electronic converter unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sensor system (2) for environmental detection with: - an optical device (7) for providing an optical transmission signal (8), - a transmitting device (4), wherein the transmitting device (4) comprises: o a first optical-electronic converter unit (13) which is designed to generate an electrical transmission signal (14) on the basis of the optical transmission signal (8), o a transmitting unit (15) which is designed to transmit the electrical transmission signal (14), - a receiving device (5), wherein the receiving device (5) comprises: o a receiving unit (20) for receiving an electrical received signal (21), o a second optical-electronic converter unit (22) which is designed to generate an optical output signal (23) on the basis of the electrical received signal (20), characterized in that - the first optical-electronic converter unit (13), the transmitting unit (15), the receiving unit (20) and the second optical-electronic converter unit (22) are designed as CMOS electronic components.

2. Sensor system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first optical-electronic converter unit (13) has a photodiode (18) and / or a phototransistor (19) for generating the electrical transmission signal (14) as a function of the optical transmission signal (8), wherein the photodiode (18) and / or the phototransistor (18) is designed as a CMOS electronic component.

3. Sensor system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first optical-electronic converter unit (13) has at least one amplifier (16) for amplifying the electrical transmission signal (14), wherein the amplifier (16) is designed as a CMOS electronic component.

4. Sensor system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the, in particular radio-based, transmitting device (4) is designed to generate and transmit the electrical transmission signal (14) depending on the optical transmission signal (8) or to generate and transmit the electrical transmission signal (14) based on a manipulation of the optical transmission signal (8).

5. Sensor system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a central computing device (6) which is designed to process the optical output signal (23), the electrical reception signal (20), the electrical transmission signal (14) and / or the optical transmission signal (8), wherein the central computing device (6) is designed at least partially as a CMOS electronic component.

6. Sensor system (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that - the transmitting device (4), the receiving device (5), the optical device (7) and the central computing device (6) are physically and / or spatially separate units, or - the transmitting device (4), the receiving device (5), the optical device (7) and the central computing device (6) are formed together as a common unit.

7. Sensor system (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the transmitting device (4), the receiving device (5), the optical device (7) and / or the central computing device (6) are at least partially physically and / or spatially separate units from one another.

8. Sensor system (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the transmitting device (4), the receiving device (5), the optical device (7) and / or the central computing device (6) are designed as CMOS-based circuits.

9. Sensor system (2) according to claim 5 or 8, characterized in that the transmitting device (4), the receiving device (5), the optical device (7) and / or the central computing device (6) are monolithically integrated in a CMOS-based photonic technology.

10. Motor vehicle (1) with a sensor system (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

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