Ultra-wide-angle radar system

Abstract

To provide an ultra-wide-angle radar system with a view angle larger than 180 degrees at the time of detection, which can be applied to various ranges such as a long range, a medium range, etc. by adjusting a design suitable for each different detection range.SOLUTION: An ultra-wide-angle radar system of the present invention comprises a first antenna module, a second antenna module, and a third antenna module. The first antenna module includes a flexible substrate antenna and a composite circuit board. One side of the second antenna module is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module, and one side of the third antenna module is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module. The first antenna module, the second antenna module, and the third antenna module have their own different radiation directions. One or both of the second antenna module and the third antenna module is / are connected to the first antenna module, and a signal is transmitted by a coupled radiation method or a metallic connection method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radar system, and more particularly to an ultra-wide-angle radar system.

Background Art

[0002] Known radar systems achieve the purpose of detecting obstacles by transmitting and receiving millimeter-wave radio signals, and their accuracy is affected by the angle and efficiency of the radar. For example, in applications to automobiles, due to the influence of different road surface conditions and environments in which the automobiles are placed, the detection angle is limited, and in an environment affected by external factors, it is easy to cause a decrease in detection accuracy.

[0003] Generally, the maximum value of the viewing angle of a radar is usually about 120 degrees or so, but due to mechanism design and limitations of the radar itself, the areas on both sides of the radar cannot be effectively detected. This is the so-called radar blind zone. Generally, when applying it to the detection of the blind zone, at least two sets of radio signal transmitters and receivers need to be installed. However, since the installation position and angle of the two sets of signal transmitters and receivers affect the signal transmission and reception effect, it is necessary to constantly adjust during the design process, making the overall design more complicated. In the field of automobiles, safety is most required, but due to angle problems and environmental influences, if misjudgment or misalignment occurs, the driving risk may increase.

[0004] In addition to applications in the automotive field, there are similar demands in fields such as industrial automation, drones, unmanned boats, and logistics warehouses. However, there are limitations in the development of radars. Usually, for the design of the viewing angle of a single radar, the narrower the viewing angle, the more it is used for long-range radars (LRR: Long Range Radar), and the wider the viewing angle, the more it is used for short-range radars (SRR: Short Range Radar). However, the range of the viewing angle of a single radar is the horizontal field of view (HFOV) between about 10 degrees and 120 degrees, and usually this cannot cover the range exceeding the designed viewing angle of 120 degrees on both sides of the radar. Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to perform different designs according to the detection requirements of long, medium, and short distances, improve the accuracy of the radar system, and expand the viewing angle. Therefore, in order to solve the known problems, the present invention proposes an ultra-wide-angle radar system that can improve the accuracy of the radar system and expand the viewing angle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an ultra-wide-angle radar system that can achieve omnidirectional detection at positions such as long, medium, and short distances by adjusting the design according to the needs of different detection distances, with a viewing angle larger than 180 degrees during detection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Based on the object of the present invention, the ultra-wide-angle radar system provided by the present invention includes a first antenna module, a second antenna module, and a third antenna module. The first antenna module is provided with a flexible substrate antenna. One side of the second antenna module is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module, and one side of the third antenna module is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module. Here, the radiation directions of the first antenna module, the second antenna module, and the third antenna module are different from each other. The second antenna module and the third antenna module are respectively provided with a composite circuit board, and the composite circuit board includes a radar circuit board and a rigid substrate antenna. One or both of the rigid substrate antennas of the second antenna module and the third antenna module are joined to the flexible substrate antenna of the first antenna module. In a state where the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna are joined, signals are transmitted between the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna by a coupled radiation method or a metal connection method.

[0007] Based on the object of the present invention, the ultra-wide-angle radar system further provided by the present invention includes a first antenna module, a second antenna module, and a third antenna module. The first antenna module is provided with a composite circuit board, and the composite circuit board includes a radar circuit board and a rigid substrate antenna. One side of the second antenna module is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module. One side of the third antenna module is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module. Here, the radiation directions of the first antenna module, the second antenna module, and the third antenna module are different from each other. The second antenna module and the third antenna module are respectively provided with a flexible substrate antenna, or the second antenna module and the third antenna module are respectively provided with a flexible substrate antenna and another said composite circuit board. One or both of the flexible substrate antennas of the second antenna module and the third antenna module are joined to the rigid substrate antenna of the first antenna module. In a state where the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna are joined, signals are transmitted between the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna by a coupled radiation method or a metal connection method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] As described above, the present invention can be used in the automotive field as an application of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), and can also be extended to other fields such as industrial automation, drones, unmanned boats, and logistics warehouses. Different designs can be made according to the detection requirements at long distances, medium distances, short distances, etc. Also, the detection viewing angle is greater than 180 degrees, and the design can be adjusted based on the needs of different detection distances, improving the accuracy of the radar system and becoming an omnidirectional ultra-wide-angle radar system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Regarding the embodiments of the present invention, further explanations will be given below in conjunction with the related diagrams. In the drawings and the specification, the same or similar members are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible. In the drawings, for the sake of simplicity and convenience, the shape and thickness may be enlarged. Elements that are not particularly shown in the figures or described in the specification can be interpreted as forms known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications based on the content of the present invention.

[0011] Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 3. The ultra-wide-angle radar system 1 includes a first antenna module 10, a second antenna module 20, and a third antenna module 30. A flexible substrate antenna A1 is provided on the first antenna module 10. The flexible substrate antenna is also called an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Antenna) antenna and is a kind of flexible antenna having the characteristic of being bendable. One side of the second antenna module 20 is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module 10, and one side of the third antenna module 30 is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module 10. Composite circuit boards A2 are provided on the second antenna module 20 and the third antenna module 30 respectively. The composite circuit board A2 includes a radar circuit board A22 and a rigid substrate antenna A21. The radar circuit board A22 includes elements related to radar signal processing and power management. The rigid substrate antenna A21 is also called an antenna printed circuit board or a PCB antenna. In the second antenna module 20 and the third antenna module 30, one or both of the rigid substrate antennas A21 are joined to the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the first antenna module 10. Therefore, in the state where the rigid substrate antenna A21 and the flexible substrate antenna A1 are joined, signals are transmitted between the rigid substrate antenna A21 and the flexible substrate antenna A1 by a coupling radiation method or a metal connection method. And as shown in FIG. 1, the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the first antenna module 10 in this embodiment is joined to the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the second antenna module 20, but is not limited thereto.

[0012] The above-described first antenna module 10, second antenna module 20, and third antenna module 30 each have different radiation directions and may each include, but are not limited to, a patch antenna, a slot antenna, a horn antenna, a Yagi antenna, or a dipole antenna. The composite circuit board A2 includes a radar circuit board A22 and a rigid substrate antenna A21. In an actual design, the radar circuit board A22 and the rigid substrate antenna A21 are considered to be integrated. For the sake of simplicity in the figure, the parts that are the radar circuit board A22 or the rigid substrate antenna A21 are not shown in detail, but this is understandable to those with ordinary knowledge, and the connection between the radar circuit board A22 and the rigid substrate antenna A21 is clear from the specification and the drawings. That is, since the radar circuit is designed on a printed circuit board and there is also a corresponding circuit design on the printed circuit board, the detailed description of the circuit design is omitted here.

[0013] The ultra-wide-angle radar system 1 further includes an upper cover 92 and a base 94. By connecting the edge of the upper cover 92 to the base 94, a space for accommodating the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20, and the third antenna module 30 is defined. Both sides of the upper cover 92 are respectively connected to the other side of the second antenna module 20 and the other side of the third antenna module 30, forming a quadrilateral structure of 10S, 20S, 30S having at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces. When the included angle between the upper cover 92 and the second antenna module 20 is θ and the included angle between the upper cover 92 and the third antenna module 30 is θ', the angles of the included angle θ and the included angle θ' may be the same or different. In a preferred embodiment, the included angle θ and the included angle θ' may be between 20 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0014] For example, when applying the ultra-wide-angle radar system 1 to the automotive field, the base 94 can be attached to any position on the vehicle body. When the vehicle moves in different road conditions and environments, the surrounding area can be detected by the ultra-wide-angle radar system 1 at any position. Since the total viewing angle of the ultra-wide-angle radar system 1 is greater than 180 degrees, it is not necessary to install multiple units to obtain the effect of ultra-wide-angle detection. The ultra-wide-angle radar system 1 can detect positions at long, medium, and short distances, thereby reducing costs and at the same time ensuring that the safety of the vehicle can be enhanced.

[0015] Please refer to FIGS. 4 and 5. The structure for transmitting signals between the rigid substrate antenna A21 and the flexible substrate antenna A1 by a coupling radiation method or a metal connection method will be described below. In FIG. 4, the upper part is the flexible substrate antenna A1 and the lower part is the rigid substrate antenna A21. Due to the radiation effect at the antenna edge between the two, the signal is transmitted from the lower rigid substrate antenna A21 to the upper flexible substrate antenna A1, and the signals are transmitted to each other. In FIG. 5, the upper part is the flexible substrate antenna A1 and the lower part is the rigid substrate antenna A21. The upper flexible substrate antenna A1 is in direct contact with the lower rigid substrate antenna A21 through the metal through hole C. By adjusting the diameter of the metal through hole C, the strength of signal transmission can be achieved, and the ratio of output power can be adjusted.

[0016] Next, please refer to FIG. 6. When transmitting signals, the rigid substrate antenna A21 can adopt single-input single-output (SISO) or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). However, when the rigid substrate antenna A21 is joined to the flexible substrate antenna A1, the joined rigid substrate antenna A21 and flexible substrate antenna A1 need to be multiple-input multiple-output. For example, by including at least two transmissions and two receptions (2TX·2RX), signals of one input and one output are transmitted and received through the rigid substrate antenna A21, and signals of another one input and one output are transmitted and received through the flexible substrate antenna A1. When used to identify the coordinates of a target, the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20, and the third antenna module 30 require at least one output and two inputs. This is the principle of target position identification using frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), which will not be elaborated here. FIG. 6 is merely an example showing an antenna arrangement method, and one of the antenna arrangement methods therein is that the antenna sets on each side of the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20, and the third antenna module 30 are all 2TX·2RX, but it is not limited thereto.

[0017] Please refer to FIGS. 7 and 1. An on-chip system (SoC) SoC1 is installed on the radar circuit board A22 of the second antenna module 20, and an on-chip system SoC2 is installed on the radar circuit board A22 of the third antenna module 30. The on-chip system SoC1 controls the signal processing and power management of the second antenna module 20, and the on-chip system SoC2 controls the signal processing and power management of the third antenna module 30. With the rigid substrate antenna A21 and the flexible substrate antenna A1 joined, the first antenna module 10 is controlled by one of the on-chip systems in the second antenna module 20 or the third antenna module 30 to be joined.

[0018] The radar circuit board A22 includes, but is not limited to, radar signal processing and power management related elements such as an RF front end, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), and a power management IC (PMIC). Therefore, when a system-on-chip SoC1 is provided on the radar circuit board A22 of the second antenna module 20 and a system-on-chip SoC2 is provided on the radar circuit board A22 of the third antenna module 30, elements such as the RF front end, the digital signal processor, and the microcontroller unit are integrated into a single-chip integrated circuit. Thus, the system-on-chip SoC1 and SoC2 become integrated circuits (SoC) that integrate the above-described electronic system into a single chip.

[0019] Taking FIG. 7 as an example, when the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the first antenna module 10 and the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the third antenna module 30 are joined to each other, the first antenna module 10 and the third antenna module 30 simultaneously control the transmission and reception of signals of the first antenna module 10 and the third antenna module 30 by the system-on-chip SoC2 of the rigid substrate antenna A21. Since the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the second antenna module 20 is not joined to the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20 simultaneously controls the transmission and reception of signals by its own system-on-chip SoC1.

[0020] Please refer to FIG. 8. The difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 1 lies in the bonding position of the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the first antenna module 10. In FIG. 8, the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the first antenna module 10 is bonded to the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the third antenna module 30, and the first antenna module 10 and the third antenna module 30 are simultaneously controlled for signal transmission and reception by the system-on-chip of the rigid substrate antenna A21. Since the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the second antenna module 20 is not bonded to the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20 simultaneously controls signal transmission and reception by its own system-on-chip.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows the third embodiment, FIG. 10 shows the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 shows the fifth embodiment. The ultra-wide-angle radar system shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 includes a first antenna module 10, a second antenna module 20, and a third antenna module 30. The differences between the third to fifth embodiments and the first embodiment lie in the first antenna module 10 and the joining relationship between the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20, and the third antenna module 30. In the third to fifth embodiments, a composite circuit board A2 is provided on the first antenna module 10, and the composite circuit board A2 includes a radar circuit board A22 and a rigid board antenna A21 as described above. One side of the second antenna module 20 is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module 10. One side of the third antenna module 30 is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module 10. The third embodiment is an example in which a composite circuit board A2 is provided on the first antenna module 10, a flexible board antenna A1 is provided on the second antenna module 20, and another composite circuit board A2 is provided on the third antenna module 30. The fourth embodiment is an example in which a composite circuit board A2 is provided on the first antenna module 10, another composite circuit board A2 is provided on the second antenna module 20, and a flexible board antenna A1 is provided on the third antenna module 30. In the fifth embodiment, a composite circuit board A2 is provided on the first antenna module 10, and flexible board antennas A1 are provided on the second antenna module 20 and the third antenna module 30, respectively. The rigid board antenna A21 of the first antenna module 10 is joined to the flexible board antennas A1 of the second antenna module 20 and the third antenna module 30 or both. Here, when the rigid board antenna A21 and the flexible board antenna A1 are joined, signals are transmitted between the rigid board antenna A21 and the flexible board antenna A1 by a coupling radiation method or a metal connection method. Regarding the other elements in the third to fifth embodiments, since they have been described in the first embodiment, they will not be described in detail here. For those with ordinary knowledge in the art to better understand the differences between the third to fifth embodiments, the following explanation is provided. Please refer to FIGS. 9 to 11 of the present invention together.

[0022] In FIG. 9, the first antenna module 10 is provided with a composite circuit board A2, the second antenna module 20 is provided with a flexible substrate antenna A1, and the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the first antenna module 10 and the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the second antenna module 20 are joined. Since the joining method has already been described, it will not be described in detail here. The third antenna module 30 is provided with another said composite circuit board A2, and one side of the third antenna module 30 is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module 10, but the two are not joined.

[0023] In FIG. 10, the first antenna module 10 is provided with a composite circuit board A2, the third antenna module 30 is provided with a flexible substrate antenna A1, and the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the first antenna module 10 and the flexible substrate antenna A1 of the third antenna module 30 are joined. Since the joining method has already been described, it will not be described in detail here. The second antenna module 20 is provided with another said composite circuit board A2, and one side of the third antenna module 30 is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module 10, but the two are not joined.

[0024] In FIG. 11, the first antenna module 10 is provided with a composite circuit board A2, the second antenna module 20 and the third antenna module 30 are each provided with a flexible substrate antenna A1, and the rigid substrate antenna A21 of the first antenna module 10 is joined to each of the flexible substrate antennas A1 of the second antenna module 20 and the third antenna module 30 respectively. Since the joining method has already been described, it will not be described in detail here.

[0025] Please refer to FIG. 12 showing the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the included angle and the joining relationship among the first antenna module 10, the second antenna module 20, and the third antenna module 30. In the sixth embodiment, by connecting the other side of the second antenna module 20 and the other side of the third antenna module 30, at least three signal transmission / reception surfaces 10S, 20S, and 30S are formed. The detection angles θ1 of the signal transmission / reception surface 10S, θ2 of the signal transmission / reception surface 20S, and θ3 of the signal transmission / reception surface 30S are preferably 120 degrees, thereby forming a 360-degree visible range. As a result, the viewing angle becomes wider due to the triangular mechanical structure, and in terms of the widest coverage range, the width of the viewing field of the designed radar can reach 360 degrees. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to the detection of short-distance obstacles of 360-degree drones and can also improve the problem of the blind zone during detection. Regarding other elements in the sixth embodiment, since they have been described in the first embodiment, they will not be elaborated here.

[0026] According to the above-described embodiments, the ultra-wide-angle radar system designs for detection needs such as long distance, medium distance, and short distance with the same concept, which can not only shorten the period in design and development, reduce the time and cost of parameter adjustment in the initial stage of research and development, and improve efficiency, but also, since the viewing angle during detection of the present invention is larger than 180 degrees, the accuracy of the radar system can be improved, and furthermore, the problem of the visual blind zone can be solved, and an omnidirectional radar system can be provided to users.

[0027] The above description is only an explanation of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications based on the shape, structure, features, and spirit described in the claims of the present invention are included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0028] 1 Ultra-wide-angle radar system 10 First antenna module 20 Second Antenna Module 30 Third Antenna Module 10S, 20S, 30S Signal Transmission / Reception Surfaces A1 Flexible Substrate Antenna A2 Composite Circuit Board A21 Rigid Substrate Antenna A22 Radar Circuit Board C Through-Hole SоC1, SоC2 92 Upper Cover 94 Base θ, θ’ Included Angles θ1, θ2, θ3 Detection Angles

Claims

1. Comprising a first antenna module, a second antenna module, and a third antenna module, wherein a flexible printed circuit board antenna is provided in the first antenna module, one side of the second antenna module is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module, one side of the third antenna module is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module, composite circuit boards are provided in the second antenna module and the third antenna module respectively, and the composite circuit board comprises a radar circuit board and a rigid printed circuit board antenna, one or both of the rigid printed circuit board antennas in the second antenna module and the third antenna module are joined to the flexible printed circuit board antenna in the first antenna module, and in a state where the rigid printed circuit board antenna and the flexible printed circuit board antenna are joined, signals are transmitted between the rigid printed circuit board antenna and the flexible printed circuit board antenna by a coupled radiation method or a metal connection method, an ultra-wide-angle radar system.

2. Further comprising a base, both sides of the base are respectively connected to the other side of the second antenna module and the other side of the third antenna module, forming a quadrilateral structure having at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces, the ultra-wide-angle radar system according to Claim 1.

3. The included angle between the base and the second antenna module is between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, the ultra-wide-angle radar system according to Claim 2.

4. The included angle between the base and the third antenna module is between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, the ultra-wide-angle radar system according to Claim 2.

5. The other side of the second antenna module is connected to the other side of the third antenna module to form at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces, the ultra-wide-angle radar system according to Claim 1.

6. The detection angle of each of the at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces is 120 degrees, the ultra-wide-angle radar system according to Claim 5.

7. On each of the radar circuit boards of the second antenna module and the third antenna module, a system on a chip (SoC: System on a Chip) is installed, and each of the system on a chip controls signal processing and power management of the second antenna module and the third antenna module respectively. With the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna being joined, the first antenna module is controlled by one of the system on a chip of the second antenna module or the third antenna module to be joined. The ultra-wide angle radar system according to claim 1.

8. Including a first antenna module, a second antenna module and a third antenna module, A composite circuit board is provided on the first antenna module, and the composite circuit board includes a radar circuit board and a rigid substrate antenna. One side of the second antenna module is adjacent to one side of the first antenna module. One side of the third antenna module is adjacent to the other side of the first antenna module. Flexible substrate antennas are respectively provided on the second antenna module and the third antenna module, or the second antenna module and the third antenna module are respectively provided with the flexible substrate antenna and another one of the composite circuit boards. One or both of the flexible substrate antennas of the second antenna module and the third antenna module are joined to the rigid substrate antenna of the first antenna module. With the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna being joined, signals are transmitted between the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna by a coupled radiation method or a metal connection method. Ultra-wide angle radar system.

9. Further including a base, both sides of the base are respectively connected to the other side of the second antenna module and the other side of the third antenna module, forming a quadrilateral structure having at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces. The ultra-wide angle radar system according to claim 8.

10. The included angle between the base and the second antenna module is between 20 degrees and 80 degrees. The ultra-wide angle radar system according to claim 9.

11. The included angle sandwiched between the base and the third antenna module is between 20 degrees and 80 degrees. The ultra-wide-angle radar system according to claim 9.

12. The other side of the second antenna module is connected to the other side of the third antenna module to form at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces. The ultra-wide-angle radar system according to claim 8.

13. The detection angle of each of the at least three signal transmitting and receiving surfaces is 120 degrees. The ultra-wide-angle radar system according to claim 12.

14. An on-chip system is installed on the radar circuit board. With the rigid substrate antenna and the flexible substrate antenna joined, the on-chip system of the first antenna module controls the second antenna module, the third antenna module, or both of them that are joined thereby. The ultra-wide-angle radar system according to claim 8.

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