Antenna Device

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an antenna device (1) comprising a printed circuit board (2) and an electronic component (3) disposed on the printed circuit board (2). The antenna device (1) comprises at least two individual antenna elements (12) interconnected to the electronic component (3) and configured to transmit and receive signals. The antenna elements (12) each comprise at least one waveguide channel (9) interconnecting them in an antenna assembly (6). A first waveguide aperture (10) is disposed on a rear surface (16) of the antenna assembly (6). The first waveguide aperture (10) is interconnected to the electronic component (3) and configured to transmit and / or receive signals. A second waveguide aperture (11) is disposed on a front surface (17) of the waveguide assembly (6) and is also configured to transmit and / or receive signals.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device comprising an antenna arrangement with a waveguide, for example for use in automotive radar applications. [Background technology]

[0002] From the prior art, a plurality of radiating elements are known, for example from WO 12110366, WO 2017167916, WO 2017158020 and WO 2018001921 of the same applicant.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,218,075 issued in 2019 to Waymo LLC describes a method that involves forming a first half of a waveguide channel in a first metal layer, the first half including an input waveguide channel, a plurality of wave-splitting channels, and a plurality of wave-radiating channels. The method may further involve fastening the first metal layer to a second metal layer to substantially align the two halves of the waveguide channel.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 10,439,298 to Nidec, published in 2019, describes an aperture array antenna comprising a conductive member having a conductive surface and an aperture in the conductive surface, where at least one of the conductive member and the waveguide member includes depressions in the conductive surface and / or the waveguide surface, each depression functioning to increase the spacing between the conductive surface and the waveguide surface relative to any adjacent portions.

[0005] WO 2017175782 by Nidec, published in 2017, describes an antenna array including a conductive member having a first opening and a second opening adjacent to each other, wherein a conductive surface on a front surface of the conductive member is shaped to define a first horn and a second horn that communicate with the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

[0006] CN111600133A by Huawei Technologies, published in 2020, describes a millimeter-wave radar with a dielectric plate, a microstrip line, a non-band impedance transformation rule, and a ladder-type single-ridge waveguide microstrip line for interconnecting the structure.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200185802 by Samsung, published in 2020, describes a ridge waveguide including a conductive base, a conductive ridge protruding upward from the conductive base and extending along a predetermined wave transmission direction, an upper conductive wall disposed on the conductive base and the conductive ridge and spaced apart from the conductive ridge by a gap, and an electromagnetic bandgap structure disposed adjacent to the conductive ridge between the conductive base and the upper conductive wall.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200127358 to SwissSto, published in 2017, describes a waveguide device for guiding radio frequency signals at a defined frequency. The device includes a body having a plurality of sidewalls with an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces defining a waveguide channel. A conductive layer covers the inner surface of the body, the conductive layer being formed from a metal having a skin depth delta at the frequency and having a thickness at least 20 times greater than the skin depth delta.

[0009] WO 2020159414 by Ericsson, published in 2020, describes an antenna device and an antenna stack including at least two antenna devices. The antenna device includes a leaky-wave antenna structure including a waveguide structure extending in a first plane along a first axis, the waveguide structure having two opposite ends along the first axis and a first feed point and a second feed point disposed at the opposite ends of the waveguide structure.

[0010] CN107394417B, published in 2017 by Cn Elect Tech No. 38 Res Inst, describes a series feed network from a rectangular waveguide to a ridge waveguide. The series feed network includes a plurality of ridge waveguides and a rectangular waveguide power divider, and a common wall is formed between the ridge waveguides and the rectangular waveguide power divider, and an S-shaped gap is provided in the wall to allow the ridge waveguides and the rectangular waveguide power divider to communicate with each other.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20170271776 by Commscope, published in 2017, describes a panel array antenna having an input layer including a waveguide network coupling an input feed on a first side to a plurality of primary coupling cavities on a second side, and an output layer on the second side of the input layer.

[0012] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100321265 by Mitsubishi, published in 2010, describes a waveguide aperture array antenna device having a polarization plane tilted relative to the waveguide axis, which allows for an appropriate excitation distribution of the aperture for emitting or receiving electromagnetic waves.

[0013] CN110994080A, published in 2020 by Cn Elect Tech No. 38 Res Inst, describes an aperture waveguide rotary joint. The joint includes an aperture waveguide transmission line, a metal column, a coaxial waveguide converter, and a metal cover plate, and the metal cover plate is arranged to accommodate multiple aperture waveguide transmission lines.

[0014] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120321246 by BAE, published in 2012, describes an asymmetric opening-tipped waveguide and a method for fabricating the same. The opening-tipped waveguide is constructed in silicon-on-insulator using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. A photoresist material may be applied to one or more wafers using a photolithography process, followed by baking the wafers using a post-apply bake (PAB) process.

[0015] CN111653855A by Molex Corp., published in 2020, describes a waveguide that includes a tubular resin portion formed from resin, a conductor layer formed on the inner surface of the resin portion, and a mounting fixture held by the resin portion.

[0016] Other sources include: G.P. Le Sage, "3D Printed Waveguide Opening Array Antennas," in IEEE Access, vol. 4, pp. 1258–1265, 2016, doi:10.1109 / ACCESS.2016.2544278.

[0017] Antenna Engineering Handbook, Richard C. Johnson, 1st Edition 1993, McGraw-Hill Professional; R.S. Elliott, Antenna theory and design, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1981; Edited by Y.T. Lo and S.W. Lee, The design of waveguide-fed opening arrays, Reinhold-Van Nostrand, New York, 1988, R.S. Elliott, Antenna handbook; M. Khazai and M. Khalaj-Amirhosseini, "To reduce side lobe level of openingted array antennas using nonuniform waveguides", Int. J. RF Microw. Comput. Aided Eng., vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 42~46, 2016 Mallahzadeh, A.R. and Mohammad-Ali-Nezhad, Sajad. (2012). An Ultralow Cross-Polarization Opening Array Antenna in Narrow Wall of Angled Ridge Waveguide. Journal of communication Engineering. 1.

[0018] A. Haddadi, C. Bencivenni and T. Emanuelsson, "Gap Waveguide Opening Array Antenna for Automotive Applications at E-Band", 2019 13th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), Krakow, Poland, 2019, pp. 1~4.

[0019] D.Zarifi, A.Farahbakhsh and AUZaman, "A V-Band Low Sidelobe Cavity-Backed Opening Array Antenna Based on Gap Waveguide", 2020 14th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), Copenhagen, Denmark, 2020, pp.1~3, doi:10.23919 / EuCAP48036.2020.9135836. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The use of millimeter wave frequencies in communication devices and radar applications, for example for automobiles, continues to expand. Antennas are essential components in all these areas, with high demands on performance, size, weight and compliance with environmental standards.

[0021] In terms of performance, the gain and efficiency of an antenna are very important parameters, as they directly affect the link budget of the entire system, which in turn affects the link distance and coverage of a communication system and the maximum detection range of an automotive radar. Printed circuit board antennas (PCB antennas), which are typically used at lower frequencies, are also suitable for millimeter-wave frequency applications. However, PCB antennas typically suffer from performance drawbacks. More specifically, PCB antennas typically comprise planar metal structures as radiating elements. PCB antennas are typically implemented on or integrated into dielectric substrate layers. The connection of these radiating elements with chips or electronic components that are expected to generate / receive the power (signal) to be transmitted / received is realized by additional planar structures, i.e., transmission lines such as microstrips, coplanar waveguides, and striplines, which guide the signal from the chip to the radiating section.

[0022] The implementation of both these radiating elements and connections at mmWave frequencies typically presents several significant drawbacks. They are very lossy at mmWave frequencies (especially for frequencies above 60 GHz) due to the specific dielectric properties of the substrate material. These losses dramatically reduce the antenna efficiency / performance and, at the same time, increase the power that needs to be dissipated within the system. To compensate for these losses, more power needs to be generated by the chip when considering transmitter mode. However, this is not always possible, since most of these applications are very sensitive regarding the maximum power that can be generated or handled by the system itself. On the other hand, on the receiver side, compensating for these losses can be difficult, as it involves a direct impact on the receiver sensitivity, which adversely affects the detection range (e.g., for radar systems) or the link budget (e.g., for communications applications).

[0023] One further method to compensate for the PCB losses mentioned above is to increase the antenna directivity by design to reach the desired range. Since the losses remain nearly constant, higher gain is achieved. Higher directivity can be achieved by making the beamwidth pattern narrower, but this usually comes at the expense of a significant reduction in the field of view for transmission.

[0024] PCB antennas typically offer narrowband performance (around 5%), which can be limiting in emerging communication networks and automotive radar applications where up to 20% bandwidth is required. In addition, substrate materials suitable for mmWave frequency applications are generally expensive, increasing the price of the overall system. All these aspects directly impact the complexity and cost of the overall system, as very high-performance components and materials need to be developed and applied.

[0025] Therefore, alternatives to PCB antennas are presented by horn antennas, open-ended waveguide radiators, or air-filled waveguides coupled with apertures. A common air-filled waveguide used in microwave and millimeter waves is a hollow, conductive pipe capable of guiding an electromagnetic signal from point A to point B with negligible loss (depending on the conductivity of the metal).

[0026] Due to their near-lossless performance at millimeter-wave frequencies (up to 10x improvement compared to standard PCBs) and wideband potential (up to 20% fractional bandwidth), horn antennas, open-ended waveguide radiators, or metal waveguides combined with openings in metal layers are a powerful combination for realizing high-performance antennas that can be used in millimeter-wave frequency communications and automotive radar applications. One aspect to consider about waveguide components relates to their size, which is directly related to the operating frequency. More specifically, it is inversely proportional to the frequency (i.e., directly proportional to the wavelength of the propagating signal). This means that the higher the frequency, the smaller the waveguide cross-section. As an example, a standard rectangular waveguide for operation at 77 GHz, a typical frequency for automotive radar, has a cross-section on the order of 3 mm × 1.5 mm, which can be reduced to some extent. At these frequencies (millimeter waves), the wavelength of the propagating signal is very small (approximately 3.9 mm at 77 GHz). Therefore, manufacturing tolerances play a key role, as small mechanical variations to the standard design can cause unexpected changes in the electromagnetic properties of the waveguiding or radiating structure, resulting in poor performance and directly affecting the functionality of the overall system. The importance of manufacturing tolerances in the development of waveguide-based antennas and components imposes several limitations on how they can be fabricated.

[0027] Standard millimeter-wave frequency waveguide assemblies are typically fabricated using advanced machining techniques with very low tolerance requirements, such as high-precision milling, micromachining, etc. However, these techniques present limitations when high-performance millimeter-wave frequency array antennas based on air-filled waveguide technology need to be implemented, as they typically require complex power dividing / combining networks connecting the antenna feed points with the radiating structures. Typically, both the radiating structures and the feed networks require low tolerances (on the order of tens of microns) and include specific features that make the antennas impossible to fabricate in one piece. Additionally, these standard high-precision manufacturing techniques are expensive and rarely compatible with the high production volumes generated by certain applications, such as automotive radar, which may collectively require tens of millions of antennas each year.

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to addressing these manufacturing limitations / drawbacks, for example, by building on the significant performance advantages of waveguide technology over printed circuit boards (PCBs).

[0029] Given the above advantages of waveguide technology in terms of performance, and taking into account the tight tolerance requirements for manufacturing, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to the combination of innovative radio frequency mechanical design and advanced manufacturing to achieve high performance millimeter wave frequency waveguide antennas and components, particularly for automotive applications.

[0030] An antenna device according to the present disclosure, e.g., in the form of a radar device for an automotive radar for capturing an environment during autonomous driving, typically comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) and electronic components disposed on the PCB. The antenna device further comprises an antenna assembly including at least two individual antenna elements interconnected to the electronic components and configured to transmit and / or receive signals. The electronic components may be interconnected to the antenna elements directly and / or indirectly via a waveguide means, e.g., a hollow waveguide means. The antenna elements typically each comprise at least one waveguide channel interconnecting a first waveguide aperture disposed on a rear surface of the antenna assembly to a second waveguide aperture disposed on a front surface of the waveguide assembly in the antenna assembly. The first waveguide aperture is interconnected to the electronic component and configured to transmit and / or receive signals from and / or to the electronic component. The second waveguide aperture is configured to transmit and / or receive signals to and, if applicable, from a remote station. The first waveguide aperture at the rear surface may be coupled to the electronic component by a planar transmission line, for example, via a coupling / radiating mechanism mounted on a PCB at the rear surface of the antenna assembly. The radiation aperture may be designed as a funnel-shaped opening, also defined as a horn-shaped second waveguide aperture. Good results can be achieved when a flared portion interconnects the splitter and / or the waveguide channel with the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture. The flared portion is preferably located adjacent to the primary port of the splitter or the distal end of the waveguide channel.

[0031] The antenna assemblies described herein are typically designed as highly efficient multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) devices, for example, for automotive radar applications, as discussed above. Such antenna assemblies typically require individual antenna elements that cooperate with each other to transmit and / or receive signals simultaneously and / or according to a specific pattern. Therefore, depending on the application, the antenna assembly typically includes at least two individual antenna elements that can operate independently of each other. In a preferred variant, each of the individual antenna elements is interconnected to electronic components so that individual frequencies and bandwidths can be selected independently for each antenna element, where appropriate. As will be described in detail below, good results can be achieved when the second waveguide opening is incorporated as multiple radiating openings forming an array of radiating openings located on the front surface of the antenna assembly. The multiple radiating openings together form a second waveguide aperture. The multiple radiating openings of the array are preferably served by a common waveguide channel interconnected to the respective radiating elements at the rear surface of the antenna assembly via the first waveguide aperture. Depending on the design, the radiating openings of the array are configured to radiate and / or receive signals. Good results can be achieved if the radiation openings are designed as slots. Depending on the field of application, the radiation openings may have different geometries, as will become apparent from the variants presented in more detail below.

[0032] Longitudinal apertures spaced half a guide wavelength apart typically need to be offset relative to the centerline. Such an arrangement is necessary given the specific distribution of currents that would excite the apertures out of phase if they were aligned, for example. However, as shown in certain variations in the figures below, aligning the apertures collinearly or in-line with one another offers advantages. This allows for a symmetrical pattern and avoids unwanted lobes outside the primary radiating surface. In a preferred variation, this is achieved in the present disclosure by varying the electric field and current distribution in an air-filled horizontal waveguide.

[0033] Preferably, the radiation opening has a funnel-shaped design in the vertical direction, with a cross section that narrows inward before merging with a common waveguide channel or its branches. At least one radiation opening of the first waveguide channel branch and at least one radiation opening of the second waveguide channel branch may be interconnected by at least one funnel, which is interconnected to a second waveguide aperture. This variation allows for an increased radiation surface of at least one radiation opening. In a preferred variation, the funnel may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the aperture. At least one funnel may be interconnected to the second waveguide aperture with a lateral offset to achieve an asymmetric radiation pattern. The asymmetrically offset funnel creates a tilt in the radiation characteristic of the antenna device. The lateral offset can create maxima in the antenna directivity. These maxima can help focus the antenna energy in a specific area. The tilted pattern can be useful for providing additional range in a given area of ​​the radar. The tilted pattern allows to have locally larger coverage, which can achieve good results in automotive applications for example.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally to laterally offset funnels, the cross-section of the radiating openings may be modified to affect the directivity. The first and second waveguide channel branches may each comprise two arrays of radiating openings. These arrays are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other. In a preferred variant, the two arrays are interconnected by at least one common funnel. Depending on the desired radiation characteristics, the common funnel may be arranged laterally offset relative to the two rows of radiating openings. Alternatively or additionally, the radiating openings of the two rows may have different cross-sections to further tilt the radiation pattern. The difference between the cross-sections of the openings results in a phase difference between the radiation of each opening. The phase difference results in a tilt in the radiation pattern.

[0035] In a preferred variant, two arrays of apertures are arranged parallel to each other. The cross section of the apertures of the first array is smaller or larger than the cross section of the apertures of the second array. This configuration results in a tilt of the radiation pattern. Alternatively, the cross sections of adjacent apertures in one array may be different, so that an aperture with a smaller cross section is arranged next to an aperture with a larger cross section. Good results can be achieved if the apertures with smaller and larger cross sections are arranged alternately next to each other in a straight line. This compensates the radiation pattern and radiates in a straight line.

[0036] An increase in the radiating surface can be beneficial for improving the transmission of signals and can also improve the effectiveness of signal reception. In another variant, the first and second waveguide channel branches may each comprise at least one radiating opening, with the at least one opening of both corresponding branches preferably being arranged collinearly with respect to the centerline. This configuration is not only beneficial for radiation but also for space-saving arrangement. When the second waveguide aperture is incorporated as an array of radiating openings, good results can be achieved if the radiating openings are arranged in a longitudinally offset linear array on the broad wall of the antenna assembly.

[0037] In a preferred variation, at least one waveguide channel is distally connected to a waveguide splitter by a primary port of the splitter relative to the first waveguide aperture. The splitter is configured to split the signal into two portions and, if necessary, adjust the orientation of those portions of the signal, for example, by rotating the polarization state from horizontal to vertical and / or vice versa. The splitter directs a first portion of the signal power to a first waveguide channel branch interconnected to a first secondary port of the splitter and a second portion of the signal power to a second waveguide channel branch interconnected to a second secondary port of the splitter. The primary and secondary ports of the splitter may be fully integrated into the structure of the waveguide channel and the respective waveguide channel branch and therefore are not necessarily visible from the outside. In a variation, the splitter may be configured to rotate one portion of the signal power clockwise and the other portion counterclockwise. In a preferred variation of the antenna assembly, the electric field is rotated from a horizontal orientation (substantially in the plane of the antenna assembly) as it reaches the waveguide primary port to a vertical orientation (substantially perpendicular to the front face of the antenna assembly) as it exits the splitter at the waveguide secondary port.

[0038] In a splitter variant, both portions of the signal power are rotated in the same direction. Typically, the signal is split equally, so that half of the signal (power) flows to each waveguide channel branch. If the incoming power is received by the radiating aperture, the splitter may also be configured to operate in reverse. Thus, the splitter can also function as a coupler. The received signals from both waveguide channel branches can be combined into one signal. The first and second waveguide channel branches are preferably arranged coaxially relative to each other over at least a certain distance. The waveguide channels of the individual antenna elements are preferably located in the region of the splitter's primary port, which is arranged perpendicular to the first and second waveguide channel branches or parallel to the first and second waveguide channel branches. Alternatively or additionally, the waveguide channels of the individual antenna elements may be arranged at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the first and second waveguide channel branches. In a preferred variation, at least one vertical splitter may be arranged to interconnect the first and / or second waveguide channel branches to at least one secondary waveguide aperture. A vertical splitter may be added to split the signal between at least two horn-shaped secondary waveguide apertures.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the second waveguide aperture may be horn-shaped. Good results can be achieved when the flared portion is arranged adjacent to the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture. The flared portion is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the waveguide splitter and / or the waveguide channel. In a variant, at least one opening may be arranged substantially parallel to the waveguide splitter and / or the waveguide channel. Known horn antennas in the prior art typically include a horn arranged coaxially with the waveguide channel and / or splitter. This results in a relatively tall structure and therefore an antenna assembly that is relatively thick and typically includes multiple layers. To reduce the height of the antenna assembly, the horn may be folded. The flared portion is configured to obtain the same directivity as the known horn while reducing the height of the horn. Thus, the folded horn has the same efficiency as the known horn, but at a reduced height. The folded horn also results in an antenna with high directivity. The flared portion is preferably designed as a substantially trapezoidal waveguide channel. At least one of the walls of the flared section may be angled relative to the splitter, with the flare angle (β) preferably starting in the horizontal plane, which allows for the same efficiency as known horns, but at a reduced height.

[0040] The deflection element disposed in the splitter or the waveguide channel is typically configured to introduce a 90° rotation of the electric field. The horizontally polarized electric field in the splitter and / or the waveguide channel is rotated so that the electric field in the flared section of the horn is vertically polarized. At least one deflection element configured to rotate the electric field from vertical polarization in the flared section to horizontal polarization in the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture is disposed adjacent to the first and / or second secondary port of the splitter or the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture. When receiving an incoming signal, the polarization state is rotated in the opposite direction. Alternatively or additionally, the folded horn may comprise at least one ridge. In a preferred variant, at least one opening comprises two ridges arranged opposite each other. The ridges are configured to introduce an electrical delay of the propagation mode in the central section of the waveguide, which contributes to further reducing phase errors and achieving higher directivity values.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, a ridge or constriction configured to introduce an electrical delay of the propagation mode may be arranged in the first waveguide channel branch and / or the second waveguide channel branch. The electrical delay helps to further reduce phase errors so that higher values ​​of directivity are obtained. If the signal power is split into a first portion and a second portion, the splitter may comprise a constriction, for example in the form of an inwardly directed protrusion, or alternatively in the form of a partition arranged midway between the first and second branches or the first and second secondary ports of the splitter. The constriction is configured to help split the signal between the first and second waveguide channel branches. Depending on the distribution to be achieved, the constriction may be arranged centrally between the first and second secondary ports so that the signal is equally divided between the first and second waveguide channel branches. Where appropriate, the waist may be positioned offset to one side between the first and second secondary ports relative to a center point between the first and second secondary ports such that the signal or its power is split unequally between the first and second waveguide channel branches. Due to the performance advantages of the configurations described herein, the power splitting is nearly lossless. Only negligible amounts of power are lost during the splitting.

[0042] The rotation of the polarization state may be achieved by a plurality of deflection elements that gradually change and rotate the electric field. The deflection elements are preferably configured as impedance matching mechanisms. At least one deflection element may be configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field so that the polarization states of the first and second waveguide channel branches are equally polarized. Alternatively, the deflection element may be configured to reverse the polarization states of the electric field in the first and second waveguide channel branches relative to each other. As mentioned above, at least one deflection element may be configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field so that the electric field rotates 90 degrees from a substantially horizontal to a vertical direction, and, if appropriate, to provide impedance matching. Alternatively or additionally, the deflection element may be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the splitter to achieve an asymmetric power / phase distribution between the first and second waveguide channel branches. This may be beneficial for applications requiring pointing at an angle different from the boresight. At least one deflection element may be disposed on a bottom side of the first waveguide channel branch and / or the second waveguide channel branch relative to the at least one second waveguide aperture. The at least one deflection element is configured to modify the phase and power distribution of the horn element. In a variant, multiple splitters may be disposed in series. Multiple splitters may be disposed collinearly with each other between the first and second secondary waveguide channel branches and the multiple horn-shaped secondary waveguide apertures. In a variant in which splitters are interconnected with the first and second secondary waveguide channel branches and additional multiple splitters are disposed between the first and second secondary waveguide channels and the multiple horn-shaped secondary waveguide apertures, the electric field is rotated multiple times.

[0043] Good results can be achieved when multiple splitters are arranged collinearly with each other between the first and second waveguide channel branches and the multiple horn-shaped second waveguide apertures. In a preferred variant, at least one of the horn-shaped second waveguide apertures may have an angular offset with respect to the splitter configured to introduce a rotation of the polarization state at the respective horn-shaped second waveguide aperture so that the polarization state of the radiation pattern changes. In a variant, each splitter may comprise at least two horn-shaped openings. The amplitude and phase relationship between the at least two horn-shaped openings of one splitter may be influenced by a deflection element. In a preferred variant, the electric fields of the first and second waveguide channel branches and the amplitude / phase of both branches are equally polarized. In a variant in which the splitter comprises two horn-shaped second waveguide apertures, the amplitude and phase relationship between the two horn-shaped second waveguide apertures can be adjusted by waists and / or deflection elements arranged in the first and / or second waveguide channel branches and / or the horn-shaped second waveguide apertures. Good results can be achieved when the polarization state changes from a perfectly horizontal (0°) to an oblique (±45°) or vertical (90°) polarization state. The polarization state is preferably rotated by a series of deflection elements to achieve a smooth transition. The advantage of the illustrated variant is that the polarization state can be changed without an additional antenna layer.

[0044] In another variant, at least one deflection element arranged inside and / or outside the waveguide channel and / or splitter comprises at least one of the following elements, or a combination thereof: steps, recesses, channels, ridges, recessed corners, which usually protrude inside and / or outside the cross section of the waveguide channel and / or splitter and result in a local reduction of the cross section. Good results can be achieved if the waveguide channel can comprise, in the region of the primary port of the splitter, two recessed corners arranged opposite each other and designed as deflection elements of the electric field. In a preferred variant of the antenna device according to the present disclosure, the length of the waveguide channel of at least one antenna element is greater than the combined length of the first waveguide channel branch and the second waveguide channel branch.

[0045] If a more directional or complex radiation pattern is required, each antenna element may have more than one first waveguide channel branch and one second waveguide channel branch. Multiple-column arrays may be arranged relative to the waveguide splitter and / or waveguide channel branches. In a preferred variation, at least one first column of the array is arranged adjacent to a first waveguide channel branch, and at least one second column of the array is arranged adjacent to a second waveguide channel branch. This design is known as an enterprise network. The enterprise network is designed so that both columns are fed with equal amplitude and phase for maximum directivity. In an alternative variation, the first and second columns of the array are arranged as a series-feed network. Good results can be achieved when the first and second columns of the array are arranged adjacent to a central-feed waveguide channel. In a preferred variation, the first and second columns of the array are arranged substantially perpendicular to the central-feed waveguide channel. The second, more distal row is preferably fed with a phase shift, which allows for a highly directional, non-tilted radiation pattern.

[0046] Good results can be further achieved when the waveguide channels have a waveguide cross section of at least one of the following geometries: rectangular, diamond, elliptical, circular, or a combination thereof, with the main extension direction of the cross section being substantially parallel to the first and second waveguide apertures. The first and second waveguide apertures may be laterally offset from each other. This offset allows the path of each waveguide channel to be optimized to enable impedance matching and low-loss transmission of RF signals, maintain specified phase relationships between different antenna elements, and enable suitable manufacturing processes. The cross section of each waveguide channel is optimized to ensure high-precision manufacturing of the top and bottom antenna layers. One drawback of standard aperture arrays known from the prior art is that the aperture locations are offset relative to the centerline. In particular, this offset causes asymmetric illumination of the effective antenna aperture, which in turn causes asymmetry in the radiation pattern outside the main radiation plane (i.e., azimuth and elevation planes). These asymmetries typically result in higher radiation levels at certain undesired angles, resulting in reduced overall system performance. In a preferred variant, the first and second waveguide channel branches of each antenna element may be designed in a staggered design configured to vary the electric field. Advantageously, the electric field varies so that at least one radiating opening of the first waveguide channel branch and at least one radiating opening of the second waveguide channel branch can be aligned in a straight line with respect to each other. The staggered design is configured to avoid asymmetric illumination when the openings are aligned in a straight line. This arrangement has the advantage of being less prone to beam tilt and provides a wider bandwidth than designs known from the prior art. However, MIMO antennas based on standard center-fed arrays require more than two stacks because the feed must be directed through the bottom of the horizontal waveguide. This results in increased manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the waveguide channel may be at least partially replaced by a series of pillars based on gap waveguide technology. In such an antenna assembly, the front or rear part may preferably at least partially comprise pillars that at least partially define the waveguide channel and / or splitter and / or the first and second waveguide channel branches. The pillars are configured to guide signals through the waveguide channel. Because direct ohmic contact between the front and rear parts is not necessarily required, the pillars may be arranged to enable a bandgap structure configured to compensate for potential manufacturing and assembly tolerances between the front and rear parts. An electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure is arranged substantially around the hollow waveguide channel. The EBG structure allows for blocking electromagnetic waves in a given range of frequencies and functions as a conductive wall without the need for direct and / or ohmic contact between the front and rear parts 8 and 7 to achieve a waveguide structure. These are typically achieved by creating periodic patterns such as mushrooms in PCB technology or pillars in waveguide technology.

[0048] Where appropriate, the at least one first waveguide aperture may be arranged on a protrusion extending from a rear surface of the rear part of the antenna assembly. The at least one protrusion is configured to interconnect the first waveguide aperture to an electronic component. The protrusion is particularly useful for variants in which the electronic component is interconnected to the antenna assembly via a radiating element. In this configuration, the at least one first waveguide aperture is interconnected to the protrusion via an air gap. Advantageously, the protrusion protruding from the rear surface of the rear part is aligned with the radiating element. This allows signal transmission from the radiating element to the first waveguide aperture via the protrusion, which is highly efficient due to low loss.

[0049] Advantageously, at least one horizontal portion of the waveguide channel may comprise a ridge configured to increase the effective surface of the waveguide. The ridge may be beneficial because it allows the cross section of the waveguide to be reduced. The ridge may be arranged at least in part adjacent to a waveguide primary port and / or a waveguide channel branch.

[0050] In terms of cost-effective production, one goal is to realize designs and techniques for realizing MIMO antenna arrays that can be manufactured using only a minimum number of laminations (components). The disclosure provided herein provides the possibility to design an antenna assembly with a minimum of two laminations, e.g., a rear part and a front part. The rear part and the front part may be interconnected along the front surface of the rear part and the rear surface of the front part. An advantageous structure can be realized if at least one waveguide channel extends at least partially in the front surface of the rear part and / or the rear surface of the front part. The same applies to the splitter and / or the waveguide channel branch interconnected to the splitter. The front surface of the rear part and the rear surface of the front part may not be substantially flat. Where appropriate, the front part and / or the rear part may be skeletonized to reduce the contact surface. This is advantageous because the minimized contact area increases the surface pressure of the contact area, thus resulting in more precise alignment of the front and rear parts in the region of the waveguide channels and / or splitter and / or the first and second waveguide channel branches. Typically, the two parts are assembled together and aligned so that the channels on the front surface of the rear part and the channels on the rear surface of the front part match. The rear and / or front parts may be made by injection molding of at least one plastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the rear and / or front parts may be made from metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is electrically conductive. Techniques such as high-precision plastic injection molding, and, if necessary, metallization processes and metal die casting, are selected for mold parting lines and layer separation. It is desirable for the high-precision mold parting line to have minimal effect on electromagnetic signal propagation (i.e., minimal loss and mismatch) after the two antenna layers are joined. In a variant, the rear part and / or the front part are made from metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is electrically conductive.The design of the waveguide component and antenna layer may be optimized to be compatible with various bonding techniques. In a variant, the front surface of the rear part and the rear surface of the front part are substantially flat. This may be particularly advantageous, as suitable bonding techniques may include at least one of the following group, or a combination thereof: soldering, welding, adhesive (both conductive and non-conductive), clamping. In a variant, the rear part and the front part are interconnected to each other along the front surface of the rear part and the rear surface of the front part.

[0051] The antenna assembly may include a fastening interface, preferably designed to mount the entire antenna device to an external object, such as a component of an automobile. The antenna assembly may include a through-hole that allows the antenna assembly to be screwed to another component. The antenna assembly is expected to be used in the antenna device according to the present disclosure.

[0052] The antenna elements of the antenna assembly must meet the following electrical requirements: Horizontal polarization, Wide beam half-width in the azimuth plane (i.e., horizontal plane, E-plane for horizontal polarization) (HPBW up to ±75°), Narrow HPBW (minimum ±3) in the elevation plane (i.e., vertical plane, H-plane for horizontal polarization), Main beam directed towards boresight It is preferable that the following is satisfied.

[0053] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to present variations and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various variations and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosed concepts.

[0054] Accordingly, applicants reserve the right to file divisional patent applications that address the inventive concepts of the fold splitter and horn described throughout this application.

[0055] Applicant further reserves the right to pursue the inventive concepts of asymmetrically positioned funnels and different cross sections of the openings of the second waveguide apertures, as well as multi-row arrays, in divisional patent applications.

[0056] (Item 1) a. a printed circuit board (2) and an electronic component (3) disposed on the printed circuit board (2); b. an antenna assembly (6) comprising at least two individual antenna elements (12) interconnected to said electronic component (3), configured to transmit and / or receive signals; An antenna device (1) comprising: c. each of the antenna elements (12) i. a first waveguide aperture (10) disposed on a rear surface (16) of the antenna assembly (6), the first waveguide aperture (10) interconnected to the electronic component (3) and configured to transmit and / or receive signals; and ii. a second waveguide aperture (11) disposed on the front surface (17) of said waveguide assembly (6) configured to transmit and / or receive signals; in the antenna assembly (6), Antenna device (1). (Item 2) At least one waveguide channel (9) is at a distal end relative to the first waveguide aperture (10) interconnected by a primary port (21) to a splitter (19), the splitter (19) splitting a signal to be transmitted into: a. a first waveguide channel branch (22) interconnected to a first secondary port (23) of said splitter (19); and b. a second waveguide channel branch (24) interconnected to a second secondary port (25) of said splitter (19); Item 1. The antenna device (1) according to item 1, configured to divide (Item 3) 3. The antenna device (1) according to item 2, wherein the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are arranged coaxially with respect to each other. (Item 4) 4. The antenna device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the splitter (19) comprises a constriction (26) configured to split the signal between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24). (Item 5) The constricted portion 26 is a. centered between the first secondary port (23) and the second secondary port (25), with signal power split equally between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24); or b. offset relative to the center between the first secondary port (23) and the second secondary port (25), such that signal power is divided unequally between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24); Item 4. The antenna device (1) according to item 4. (Item 6) 6. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the second waveguide aperture (11) is horn-shaped. (Item 7) 7. The antenna device (1) according to item 6, wherein a flared portion (36) is arranged adjacent to the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture (11). (Item 8) 8. The antenna device (1) according to item 6 or 7, wherein the flared portion (36) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the waveguide splitter (19) and / or the waveguide channel (9), and / or the at least one opening (13) is arranged substantially parallel to the waveguide splitter (19) and / or the waveguide channel (9). (Item 9) 9. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the flared portion (36) is designed as a substantially trapezoidal waveguide channel, and at least one of the walls of the flared portion (36) is arranged at an angle (β) relative to the opening (13). (Item 10) 10. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 6 to 9, wherein a plurality of splitters (19) are arranged in the same line with each other between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) and a plurality of horn-shaped second waveguide apertures (11). (Item 11) Item 11. The antenna device (1) according to item 10, wherein at least one of the horn-shaped second waveguide apertures (11) has an angular offset (α) relative to the splitter (19) configured to introduce a rotation of the polarization state at each of the horn-shaped second waveguide apertures (11) such that the polarization state of the radiation pattern is changed. (Item 12) The waveguide splitter (19) a. the polarization states of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are equally polarized, or b. The polarization states of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are reversed. 12. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 2 to 11, comprising at least one deflection element (27) configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field in such a way that (Item 13) Item 13. The antenna device (1) of item 12, wherein the at least one deflection element (27) is configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field so that the electric field rotates 90 degrees from a substantially horizontal direction to a vertical direction, thereby achieving impedance matching. (Item 14) Item 14. The antenna device (1) according to item 12 or 13, wherein the waveguide splitter (19) comprises at least one deflection element (27) arranged adjacent to the primary port (21) configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field by 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical, and at least one deflection element (27) arranged adjacent to the first secondary port (23) and the second secondary port (25) configured to rotate the polarization state again from vertical to horizontal. (Item 15) 15. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 12 to 14, wherein the at least one deflection element (27) is arranged substantially inside the waveguide channel (9) and / or the splitter (19) and comprises at least one of the following elements, or a combination thereof, designed to protrude inside and / or outside the cross section (35) of the waveguide channel (9) and / or the splitter (19): steps, recesses, channels, ridges, recessed corners. (Item 16) 16. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 12 to 15, wherein the waveguide channel (9) comprises, in the region of the primary port of the splitter (19), two recessed corners arranged opposite each other and designed as deflection elements (27). (Item 17) 17. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the length of the waveguide channel (9) is greater than the combined length of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24). (Item 18) 18. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the waveguide channel (9) has a cross section (33) of at least one of the following elements: rectangular, rhomboid, elliptical, circular, or a combination thereof, and the main extension direction of the cross section (33) is substantially parallel to the first waveguide aperture (10) and the second waveguide aperture (11). (Item 19) 19. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 2 to 18, wherein the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) each comprise at least one radiating opening (13), and the radiating openings (13) are arranged collinearly with respect to a center line (20). (Item 20) 20. The antenna device (1) according to item 19, wherein the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are designed in a staggered design configured to vary an electric field such that the at least one radiating opening (13) of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the at least one radiating opening (13) of the second waveguide channel branch (24) are aligned in a collinear line with respect to each other. (Item 21) 21. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 2 to 20, wherein the waveguide channel (9) and / or the first waveguide channel branch (22) and / or the second waveguide channel branch (24) comprise ridges (34) in the form of at least one of the following elements, or a combination thereof, configured to increase the channel perimeter so that the cross section (33) is minimized: channels, lateral constrictions, longitudinally inward protrusions. (Item 22) 22. An antenna device (1) according to any one of items 19 to 21, wherein the at least one radiation opening (13) of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the at least one radiation opening (13) of the second waveguide channel branch (24) are interconnected to at least one funnel (28), and the funnel (28) is interconnected to the second waveguide aperture (11). (Item 23) Item 23. The antenna device (1) according to item 22, wherein the at least one funnel (28) is laterally offset asymmetrically relative to the second waveguide aperture (11) to achieve an asymmetric radiation pattern. (Item 24) Item 23. The antenna device (1) according to item 22, wherein the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) each comprise two arrays (14) of radiating openings (13) arranged substantially parallel to each other and interconnected by the at least one funnel (28). (Item 25) 25. The antenna device (1) according to item 24, wherein the radiating apertures (13) of the two arrays (14) have different cross sections to tilt the radiation pattern. (Item 26) 26. The antenna device (1) according to item 24 or 25, wherein the at least one funnel (28) is arranged laterally offset relative to the two arrays (14) of radiating apertures (13). (Item 27) 27. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 26, wherein at least one protrusion (29) configured to interconnect the first waveguide aperture (10) with the electronic component (3) protrudes from the rear face (16) of the rear part (7). (Item 28) 28. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 27, wherein the rear part (7) and / or the front part (8) are made by injection molding of a plastic material, and the rear part (7) and / or the front part (8) are made from metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is electrically conductive. (Item 29) Item 29. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 28, wherein the first waveguide aperture (10) and the second waveguide aperture (11) are laterally offset with respect to each other. (Item 30) 30. The antenna device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 29, wherein the antenna assembly (6) comprises a rear part (7) and a front part (8) interconnected to each other along a front face (15) of the rear part (7) and a rear face (18) of the front part (8), and at least one waveguide channel (9) extends at least partially in the front face (15) of the rear part (7) and / or the rear face (18) of the front part (8). (Item 31) Item 27. The antenna device (1) according to item 26, wherein the rear part (7) and / or the front part (8) comprises a plurality of pillars (30) arranged on the front surface (15) of the rear part or on the rear surface (18) of the front part, configured to form the contours of the waveguide channel (19) and / or the splitter (19) and / or the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24). The invention described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The drawings show: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 shows a first variant of an antenna device according to the present disclosure in a front and top perspective view. [Figure 2] 2 shows the antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the back and above. [Figure 3] 2 shows the antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a side view. [Figure 4] 2 shows the antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a transparent front view; [Figure 5] 5 shows a skeletonized variant of the antenna assembly according to FIGS. 1 to 4 in an exploded perspective view from above. [Figure 6] 6 shows the antenna assembly according to FIG. 5 in a perspective exploded view from the rear. [Figure 7] 1 is an antenna assembly according to the present disclosure in a perspective view. [Figure 8] 8 is a positive view of the waveguide channel of the antenna assembly according to FIG. 7 in a perspective view. [Figure 9] Detail A of FIG. 8. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first variant of the waveguide splitter from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a second variant of the waveguide splitter from above. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a first variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the back of a first variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a second variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a second variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a third variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a third variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a fourth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a fourth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a fifth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a fifth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of a sixth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a sixth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 24] 10A to 10C are perspective views from above of a first modified example of an antenna assembly having a pillar. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a second modified example. [Figure 26] 2 shows a second variant of the antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the front and above; [Figure 27]27 shows the antenna device according to FIG. 26 in an exploded perspective view from above. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a third variant of the waveguide splitter from above. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a fourth variant of the waveguide splitter from above. [Figure 30] A perspective view from the back and above of a seventh variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a seventh variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the back and above of an eighth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an eighth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 34] A perspective view from the back and above of a ninth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the ninth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 36] A perspective view from the back and above of a tenth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the tenth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 38] A perspective view from the back and above of an eleventh variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 39] A perspective view from the front (Figure 39) of the eleventh variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the distal end of a waveguide channel with interconnected folded horns from the front and above. [Figure 41] 41 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the distal end of a waveguide channel interconnected with folded horns according to FIG. 40 from the rear and above. FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 12 is a side view of a twelfth variation of a splitter and array having asymmetrically arranged funnel cavities. [Figure 43]FIG. 10 shows the radiation pattern of an antenna device with asymmetrically positioned funnel cavities. [Figure 44] A perspective view from the back and above of the thirteenth variant of the splitter and array. [Figure 45] A perspective view from the back and above of a fourteenth variant of a splitter and array having a funnel cavity. [Figure 46] A perspective view from the back and above of a fifteenth variant of an array designed as a splitter and multiple branch array. [Figure 47] FIG. 16 is a perspective view from the back and above of a sixteenth variant of the array designed as a splitter and multiple branch array. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments and variations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, features are shown. Indeed, the embodiments and variations disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and variations set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Wherever possible, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a first variant of an antenna device 1 according to the present disclosure in a front and top perspective view. FIG. 2 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a rear and top perspective view. FIG. 3 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a side view. FIG. 4 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a front view, with hidden lines shown to provide interior information. FIG. 5 shows an alternative skeletonized variant of the antenna assembly according to FIGS. 1-4 in a top perspective exploded view. FIG. 6 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a rear and top perspective exploded view. FIG. 7 shows an antenna assembly 6 according to the present disclosure in a front and top perspective view. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a typically air-filled waveguide channel 9 located inside the antenna assembly 6 according to FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the positive of the waveguide channel 9 according to FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows part A of FIG. 8. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a first variant of a waveguide splitter 19, in which the waveguide channels 9 of the illustrated variant are in the region of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19 arranged perpendicular to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. Figure 11 shows a cutaway view of a second variant of a waveguide splitter 19, in which the waveguide channels 9 of the illustrated variant are in the region of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19 arranged parallel to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. Figures 12-13 show a waveguide splitter 19 with a first variant of the array 14 of openings 13 and the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24, in which the splitter 19 and the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24 are arranged in the rear part 7 of the antenna assembly 6. 14-15 show a second variant of the array 14 of apertures 13 and a waveguide splitter 19 having a first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second waveguide channel branch 24, the apertures 13 terminating in one funnel 28.16-17 show a third variant of the array 14 of openings 13 and a waveguide splitter 19 having a first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second waveguide channel branch 24, the splitter 19 and the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 being located in the front part 8 and the rear part 7 of the antenna assembly 6. Figures 18-19 show a fourth variant of the array 14 of openings 13 and a waveguide splitter 19 having a first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second waveguide channel branch 24, the splitter 19 and the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 being located in the front part 8 of the antenna assembly 6. Figures 20-21 show a fifth variant of the array 14 of openings 13 and a waveguide splitter 19 having first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24, where the openings 13 are arranged laterally offset relative to one another. Figures 22-23 show a sixth variant of the array 14 of openings 13 and a waveguide splitter 19 having first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24, where the openings are arranged laterally offset relative to one another, where the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24 comprise ridges 34. Figures 24a, 24b, 24c and 25 show perspective views from above of a first alternative variant of an antenna assembly with pillars (Figures 24a-c) and in an exploded view of the second variant (Figure 25). Figure 26 shows a second variant of the antenna device 1 according to Figure 1 in a perspective view from the front and above, with a horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11. Figure 27 shows the antenna device 1 according to Figure 26 in an exploded perspective view from above, with a horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11. Figure 28 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a third variant of the waveguide splitter 19 from above. Figure 29 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a fourth variant of the waveguide splitter 19 from above. Figures 30 and 31 show perspective views from the back and above (Figure 30) and from the front (Figure 31) of a seventh variant of the array 14 of splitters 19 and openings 13, in which a series of splitters 19 are arranged between the first and second waveguide channel branches 22 and 24 and the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11.Figures 32 and 33 show perspective views from the back and above (Figure 32) and from the front (Figure 33) of an eighth variant of the array 14 of splitters 19 and openings 13, in which the openings 13 are angularly offset (α) relative to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. Figures 34 and 35 show perspective views from the back and above (Figure 34) and from the front (Figure 35) of a ninth variant of the array 14 of splitters 19 and openings 13. Figures 36 and 37 show perspective views from the back and above (Figure 36) and from the front (Figure 37) of a tenth variant of the array 14 of splitters 19 and openings 13. FIGS. 38 and 39 show perspective views from the back and above (FIG. 38) and the front (FIG. 39) of an eleventh variant of a splitter 19 and an array 14 of apertures, in which the apertures 13 terminate in a common funnel 28. FIG. 40 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the distal end of a waveguide channel 9 interconnected with folded horns from the front and above. FIG. 41 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the distal end of a waveguide channel 9 interconnected with folded horns 35 according to FIG. 40 from the back and above. FIG. 42 shows a side view of a twelfth variant of a splitter 19 and array 14 having asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavities. FIG. 43 shows a diagram illustrating the radiation pattern of an antenna device 1 having asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavities. FIG. 44 shows perspective views from the back and above of a thirteenth variant of a splitter 19 and array 14 of apertures. Figure 45 shows a perspective view from the back and above of a fourteenth variant of the splitter 19 and array of apertures 14 having a funnel 28 cavity. Figure 46 shows a perspective view from the back and above of a fifteenth variant of the splitter 19 and array of apertures 14 designed as a multiple branching array 14. Figure 47 shows a perspective view from the back and above of a sixteenth variant of the splitter 19 and array 14 designed as a multiple branching array 14.

[0060] As best seen in FIGS. 1-4 , antenna device 1 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 2 on which electronic components 3 are disposed, as shown. The electronic components 3 are interconnected via transmission lines 4 to radiating elements 5. Each radiating element 5 is interconnected by a rear first waveguide aperture 10 to a respective waveguide channel 9 of an antenna element 12 disposed in antenna assembly 6. At the opposite end, waveguide channel 9 terminates in a second waveguide aperture 11 that functions to transmit and receive signals. Antenna assembly 6, which generally operates as a MIMO antenna, includes multiple antenna elements 12. Antenna assembly 6 preferably includes a rear part 7 and a front part 8, which may be made, for example, from metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is electrically conductive. For each antenna element 12, the radiating aperture 11 or the second waveguide aperture 11 is mounted in the front part 8 in the illustrated variant, while the feed aperture 10 or the first waveguide aperture 10 of the individual antenna element 12 is mounted in the rear part 7. Each first waveguide aperture 10 (feed waveguide aperture 10) serves as the input for a respective individual antenna element 12. An incoming RF signal from an electronic component 3 (e.g., a radar chip mounted on the PCB board 2) is coupled to the first waveguide aperture 10 and propagates towards the respective antenna aperture through the air-filled waveguide channel 9 and the air-filled waveguide splitter 19. The path of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to allow impedance matching and low-loss transmission of the RF signal, to maintain specified phase relationships between the different antenna elements 12, and to enable a suitable manufacturing process. The cross section 33 of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to ensure high-precision manufacturing of the rear part 7 and the front part 8. The walls of the first waveguide aperture 10, the waveguide channels 9, the waveguide splitter 19 and the array 14 of openings 13 are typically made of metal or metallized. Where appropriate, some of the antenna elements 12 may function exclusively as transmitters (TX) and some of the elements may function exclusively as receivers (RX). Each radiating aperture 11 consists of an array 14 of openings 13 arranged on the front surface 17 of the upper front part 8.Each feed element consists of a feed aperture 10 located on the rear face 16 of the rear part 7 of the antenna assembly 6. The rear part 7 of the antenna assembly 6 in the illustrated variation comprises a protrusion 29 protruding from the rear face 16 of the rear part 7 configured to interconnect the first waveguide aperture 10 to the electronic component 3.

[0061] 5-6 show perspective views of a variant of the antenna assembly according to FIGS. 1-4 from above (FIG. 36), from the back (FIG. 37), and from a side view (FIG. 38). The front part 8 and the rear part 7 of the illustrated variant of the antenna assembly 6 are partially skeletonized. The skeletonized design allows the front face 15 of the rear part and the rear face 16 of the front part to be only partially interconnected with each other along the channel boundaries and periphery. This results in a better fit between the front part 8 and the rear part 7.

[0062] As best seen in FIGS. 7-9 , the illustrated variant of FIG. 7 and the number of antenna elements 12 arranged in the variant illustrated therein are selected for illustrative purposes only. In actual applications, different arrangements and different numbers of antenna elements may be implemented. As best seen in FIG. 7 , the rear part 7 and / or the front part 8 of the antenna device 1 are made by injection molding of a plastic material, and the rear part 7 and / or the front part 8 are made of metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is conductive. The rear part 7 and the front part 8 of the antenna assembly 6 illustrated in FIG. 7 are interconnected along the front surface 15 of the rear part 7 and the rear surface 18 of the front part 8, and at least one waveguide channel 9 extends at least partially in the front surface 15 of the rear part 7 and / or the rear surface 18 of the front part 8.

[0063] As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the illustrated variant comprises a waveguide channel 9 at its distal end, relative to the first waveguide aperture 10, interconnected by a primary port 21 to a splitter 19. The splitter 19 of the illustrated variant is configured to divide the power of a signal to be transmitted into a first waveguide channel branch 22 interconnected to a first secondary port 23 of the splitter 19 and a second waveguide channel branch 24 interconnected to a second secondary port 25 of the splitter 19. The waveguide channel 9 of the illustrated variant in FIGS. 8 and 9 comprises, in the region of the primary port of the splitter 19, two recessed corners arranged opposite each other and designed as deflection elements 27. The deflection elements 27 of the illustrated variant are configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field. The electric field is rotated by the illustrated deflection elements 27 such that the electric field is rotated by 90 degrees from a substantially horizontal to a vertical direction, thereby achieving impedance matching. The horizontal direction is substantially perpendicular to the first waveguide aperture 10 and the second waveguide aperture 11, and the vertical direction is substantially parallel to them.

[0064] FIG. 8 more schematically illustrates the internal hollow structure (i.e., air-filled waveguide-based elements) of antenna assembly 6. As best seen in FIG. 8, first waveguide aperture 10 and second waveguide aperture 11 are laterally offset relative to one another. It can further be seen that the length of waveguide channel 9 is substantially greater than the combined length of first waveguide channel branch 22 and second waveguide channel branch 24. As best visible in FIG. 9, the illustrated waveguide channel 9 comprises at least a waveguide cross section 33 that is substantially diamond-shaped. In alternative variations, other geometries from the following group, or combinations thereof, can also be used: rectangular, diamond, elliptical, circular. The main extension direction of cross section 33 is substantially parallel to first waveguide aperture 10 and second waveguide aperture 11. The first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 of the illustrated variation each include at least one radiating aperture 13, which are arranged collinearly with respect to the centerline 20. The number of apertures 13 shown in Figure 9 is for illustrative purposes only and may be increased to adjust the radiation pattern in the elevation plane (i.e., the yz plane). Any additional apertures 13 may be added such that the horizontal offset of the waveguide sections is staggered, i.e., when one waveguide section is offset in the +x direction, the subsequent one is offset in the -x direction.

[0065] As best seen in Figures 10 and 11, the two illustrated variations of the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24 are arranged coaxially relative to one another. As seen in Figure 10, the waveguide channel 9 of the illustrated variations is in the region of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19, which is arranged parallel to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. In an alternative variation shown in Figure 11, the waveguide channel 9 of the illustrated variations is in the region of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19, which is arranged perpendicular to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. The splitter may include a waist 26 configured to split the signal between the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. As can be seen from Fig. 10, in a first variant, the waist 26 is located centrally between the first and second secondary ports 23 and 25, and the signal power is divided equally between the first and second waveguide channel branches 22 and 24. Alternatively, the waist may be located offset relative to the center between the first and second secondary ports 23 and 25, so that the signal power is divided unevenly between the first and second waveguide channel branches 22 and 24. Both variants of the splitter 19 according to Figs. 10 and 11 comprise at least one deflecting element 27 configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field. The deflecting element 27 of the splitter 19 according to Fig. 10 is configured so that the polarization states of the first and second waveguide channel branches 22 and 24 are equally polarized. The deflection elements 27 of the splitter 19 according to Fig. 11 are configured to invert the polarization states of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24. As shown in Fig. 10 and 11, at least one deflection element 27 is arranged inside and / or outside the waveguide channel 9 and / or splitter 19 and comprises at least one or a combination of the following elements: steps, recesses, channels, ridges, recessed corners designed to protrude inside and / or outside the cross section of the waveguide channel 9 and / or splitter 19.

[0066] 12 to 19 show several preferred variants. All variants shown in these figures have apertures arranged collinearly with respect to each other. Aligning the apertures 13 is particularly advantageous, as it allows for a symmetrical pattern and avoids unwanted lobes outside the main radiating surface. This is achieved in the present disclosure by varying the field and current distribution in the air-filled horizontal waveguide. The staggered design of all these variants creates discontinuities that allow for the standard current distribution of the rectangular waveguide 9 to be skewed. This offset is optimized so that the current maxima are in phase over a distance of half a waveguide wavelength and are aligned in the y direction. This allows for a serial arrangement of the radiating apertures 13.

[0067] 12-13 show perspective views from above (FIG. 12) and from the back (FIG. 13) as well as a side view (FIG. 14) from a first variant of the array 14 of apertures 13. These figures show the central feeding of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 arranged substantially parallel to the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24. The waveguide splitter 19 of the illustrated variant utilizes a waist to split a vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 equally into two horizontally oriented signals. The split signals are excited through the first secondary port 23 and the second secondary port 25. Utilizing a waist 27, a first portion of the signal enters the first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second portion enters the second waveguide channel branch 24. These figures show a variant in which all radiating apertures 13 are coupled to individual focusing cavities 28. This modification makes it possible to increase the size of the radiating aperture, which has a direct positive effect on the directivity (and consequently the gain).

[0068] 14-15 show perspective views from above (FIG. 18) and from the back (FIG. 19) as well as a side view (FIG. 20) from a second variant of the array 14 of apertures 13. These figures show the central feeding of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 arranged substantially parallel to the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branches. The waveguide splitter 19 of the illustrated variant utilizes a waist to split the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 equally into two horizontally oriented signals. These figures show a variant in which a single focusing cavity 28 is arranged at the radiating aperture 13. This variant allows the size of the radiating aperture to be increased, which has a direct positive effect on the directivity (and consequently the gain). As shown in

[0069] 16-17 show perspective views from above (FIG. 24) and from the back (FIG. 25) and a side view (FIG. 26) from a third variant of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13, illustrating the central feeding of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. The waveguide splitter 19 of the illustrated variant utilizes a waist to split a vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 equally into two horizontally oriented signals. The split signals are excited through the first and second secondary ports 23, 25. Utilizing a waist 26, a first portion of the signal enters the first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second portion enters the second waveguide channel branch 24.

[0070] 18-19 show perspective views from above (FIG. 27) and from the back (FIG. 28) and a side view (FIG. 29) from a fourth variant of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13, illustrating the central feeding of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 arranged substantially parallel to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. The waveguide splitter 19 of the illustrated variant utilizes a waist 26 to split a vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 equally into two horizontally oriented signals. The split signals are excited through the first and second secondary ports 23, 25. Utilizing a waist 27, a first portion of the signal enters the first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second portion enters the second waveguide channel branch 24.

[0071] 20-21 show perspective views from above (FIG. 30) and from the back (FIG. 31) and a side view (FIG. 32) of a fifth variant of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13. The array 14 of radiating apertures 13 is shown center-fed by a compact waveguide splitter 19 positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24. The waveguide splitter 19 of the illustrated variant utilizes a waist 26 to split a vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 equally into two horizontally oriented signals. The split signals are excited through the first and second secondary ports 23, 25. Utilizing the waist 26, a first portion of the signal enters the first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second portion enters the second waveguide channel branch 24. In the illustrated variant, the apertures of the array 14 are offset from each other and from the centerline 20.

[0072] FIGS. 22-23 show perspective views from above (FIG. 33) and from the back (FIG. 34) as well as a side view (FIG. 35) from a sixth variation of the array of apertures. The variation of FIGS. 33-35 is substantially similar to the variation of FIGS. 20-21, except for the ridges 34. The ridges 34 are positioned to allow for an increase in the surface area of ​​the first and second channel branches 22, 24, thereby reducing the cross-section 33 of the resulting waveguide channel branches. In the variation shown, a compact waveguide splitter 19 positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second waveguide channel branches 22, 24 provides a center feed for the array 14 of radiating apertures 13. The waveguide splitter 19 of the variation shown utilizes a waist to split a vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 equally into two horizontally oriented signals. The split signal is excited through a first secondary port 23 and a second secondary port 25. Using a waist 27, a first portion of the signal enters a first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second portion enters a second waveguide channel branch 24.

[0073] 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24b show alternative variations of the antenna assembly 6, in which the rear part 7 and / or the front part 8 comprises a plurality of pillars 30 arranged on the front surface 15 of the rear part or the rear surface 18 of the front part, which are configured to form a waveguide channel 9 and guide signals. In this case, since direct ohmic contact between the front part 8 and the rear part 7 is not necessarily required, the pillars 30 are arranged to allow for a bandgap structure configured to compensate for potential manufacturing and assembly tolerances between the front part 8 and the rear part 7. All variations shown in FIGS. 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24b comprise an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure around the hollow waveguide channel 9. The EBG structure allows for blocking electromagnetic waves in a given range of frequencies and acts as a conductive wall, without the need for direct and / or ohmic contact between the front part 8 and the rear part 7 to achieve a waveguide structure. These are typically achieved by forming periodic patterns such as mushrooms in PCB technology or pillars 30 in waveguide technology.

[0074] 26 and 27, a second variant of the antenna assembly 6 comprises a second waveguide aperture 11 that is horn-shaped. A waveguide channel 9 interconnected to antenna elements 12 is arranged in the antenna assembly 6 by a rear first waveguide aperture 10. At the opposite end, the waveguide channel 9 terminates in the second waveguide aperture 11, which functions to transmit and / or receive signals. The illustrated variant of the antenna assembly 6, which generally operates as a MIMO antenna, comprises multiple antenna elements 12. The antenna assembly 6 preferably comprises a rear part 7 and a front part 8, which may be made, for example, from metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is electrically conductive. For each antenna element 12, the radiating aperture 11, or in the illustrated variant, the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11, is mounted in the front part 8, while the feed aperture 10 or first waveguide aperture 10 of the individual antenna element 12 is mounted in the rear part 7. The path of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to allow impedance matching and low-loss transmission of RF signals, maintain the specified phase relationship between the different antenna elements 12, and allow for suitable manufacturing processes. The cross section 33 of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to ensure high-precision manufacturing of the rear part 7 and the front part 8. The walls of the first waveguide aperture 10, the waveguide channels 9, the waveguide splitter 19, and the array 14 of openings 13 are typically made of metal or metallized. Where appropriate, some of the antenna elements 12 may function exclusively as transmitters (TX) and some as receivers (RX). In the variant shown, the antenna assembly 6 comprises a plurality of horn-shaped second waveguide apertures 11, some of the antenna elements 12 comprising a radiating aperture designed as an array 14 of openings 13 arranged on the front face 17 of the upper front part 8. The remaining antenna elements 12 comprise openings 13 designed as horn-shaped second waveguide apertures 11. Each feed element consists of a feed aperture 10 arranged on the rear face 16 of the rear part 7 of the antenna assembly 6.As best visible in Figure 27, flared portion 36 is positioned adjacent to horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11. As can be seen in Figure 27, flared portion 36 is designed as a substantially trapezoidal waveguide channel.

[0075] 28 and 29 show a third (FIG. 28) and a fourth (FIG. 29) variant of the waveguide splitter 19. Similar to the first and second variants of the waveguide splitter 19 according to FIGS. 10 and 11, the third and fourth variants each comprise at least one deflection element 27 configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field. The deflection element 27 of the splitter 19 is configured so that the polarization states of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 are equally polarized. The polarization state rotation of the fourth variant of the splitter 19 according to FIG. 28 is achieved by different cross sections between the primary port 21 and the first and second secondary ports 23 and 25 of the waveguide splitter 19.

[0076] 30 and 31 show a seventh variant of the array 14 of apertures 13 from perspective views from the back and above (FIG. 30) and from the front and above (FIG. 31). These figures show a variant with a central feed of the array 14 of radiating apertures 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 arranged substantially parallel to the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24. The waveguide splitter 19 of the illustrated variant utilizes two deflection elements 27 designed as recessed corners to equally split the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals. The split signals are excited through the first secondary port 23 and the second secondary port 25. A first portion of the signal enters the first waveguide channel branch 22, and a second portion enters the second waveguide channel branch 24. In the illustrated variation, the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 each comprise a plurality of additional splitters 19 interconnecting the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 with a plurality of horn-shaped second waveguide apertures 11. The splitters 19 are arranged collinearly with one another. A deflection element 27 is arranged at the distal end of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 and / or at least one waist 26. The amplitude and phase relationship between the two horn-shaped second waveguide apertures 11 can be adjusted by the deflection element 27 and the waist 26 arranged in the first waveguide channel branch 22 and / or the second waveguide channel branch 24 and / or the second waveguide aperture 11.

[0077] 32 and 33 show an eighth variant of the array 14 of apertures 13 from perspective views from the back and above (FIG. 32) and from the front and above (FIG. 33). The variant shown differs from the seventh variant in that the horn-shaped second waveguide apertures 11 are angularly offset (α) relative to the splitter 19. The angular offset is configured to introduce a polarization state rotation at each horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11 so that the polarization state of the radiation pattern changes. Good results can be achieved when the polarization state changes from a completely horizontal (0°) to a diagonal (±45°) or vertical (90°) polarization state. The variant shown is configured to introduce a change in polarization state to a substantially 45° diagonal polarization state. The polarization state is rotated by a series of deflection elements 27 so that a smooth transition is achieved. The advantage of the variant shown is that the polarization state can be changed without an additional antenna layer. Figures 34 and 35 show a ninth variant of the array 14 of openings 13 from perspective views from behind and above (Figure 34) and from the front and above (Figure 35). The variant shown comprises a waveguide splitter 19 arranged substantially parallel to the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24. In addition to the waveguide splitter 19, the array shown further comprises a vertical splitter designed as a horn-shaped second waveguide aperture.

[0078] FIGS. 36 and 37 show a tenth variant of the array 14 of apertures 13 from perspective views from the back and above (FIG. 36) and the front and above (FIG. 37). The illustrated variant of the array includes a plurality of deflection elements 27 designed to turn the electric field from the vertical to the horizontal plane while simultaneously achieving impedance matching. The waveguide splitter 19 is designed to fold the electric field while maintaining impedance matching. The waist 26 is designed to split the signal into the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24. Depending on the design of the waist 26, an asymmetric power / phase distribution between the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 can be achieved. FIGS. 38 and 39 show an eleventh variant of the array 14 of apertures 13 from perspective views from the back and above (FIG. 38) and the front and above (FIG. 39). The illustrated variation differs from the tenth variation in that the focusing cavity 28 is located above the array.

[0079] 40 and 41 show cross-sectional perspective views of the distal end of the waveguide channel 9, to which the folded horn 35 is interconnected, from the front and top (FIG. 40) and the rear and top (FIG. 41). A flared portion 36 is arranged adjacent to the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11. The illustrated flared portion 36 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the waveguide channel 9, and at least one opening 13 is arranged substantially parallel to the waveguide channel 9. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11 may comprise at least one ridge 37. In the illustrated variant, the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11 comprises two ridges 37 arranged opposite each other. The ridges 37 are configured to introduce an electrical delay of the propagation mode in the central part of the waveguide, which contributes to further reducing phase errors and achieving higher directivity values. As can be seen in Figures 40 and 41, the flared portion 37 is designed as a substantially trapezoidal waveguide channel. At least one of the walls of the flared portion 36 is typically angled relative to the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11. The flare angle (β) of the illustrated variant of the flared portion 36 starts in the horizontal plane, thereby making it possible to obtain the same efficiency as known horns, but at a reduced height. The illustrated deflection element 27, in the form of a recessed corner, introduces a 90° rotation of the electric field. The flared portion 36 is designed as a horizontally oriented waveguide. In the illustrated variant, the waveguide of the waveguide channel 9 and / or the horn-shaped second waveguide aperture 11 are designed as vertically oriented waveguides. The electric field is folded back from a horizontal orientation in the waveguide channel 9 to a vertical orientation in the flared portion 36 and / or from a vertical orientation in the flared portion 36 to a horizontal orientation in the opening 13. A deflection element 27 may be arranged in the waveguide channel 9 and / or in the opening 13 so as to be able to fold the electric field back, so that for a received signal the electric field sense is reversed.

[0080] FIG. 42 shows a side view of a twelfth variation of the splitter 19 and aperture array 14 having asymmetrically positioned funnel 28 cavities. As can be seen, the funnel cavities are laterally offset relative to the radiation aperture 11. The asymmetrically positioned funnel 28 cavities create a tilt in the radiation characteristics of the antenna device 1. The effect of the lateral offset can be seen in FIG. 43. FIG. 43 shows a diagram illustrating the radiation pattern of the antenna device 1 having asymmetrically positioned funnel 28 cavities. Having a local maximum in the antenna directivity can help focus the antenna energy in a specific area. A tilted pattern can be useful for providing additional range in a given area of ​​the radar. Because a tilted pattern allows for locally wider range, good results can be achieved, for example, in automotive applications. Therefore, a car approaching from the side can be detected earlier by the antenna device 1.

[0081] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view from the back and above of a fourteenth variant of the splitter 19 and the array of apertures 14. The outgoing signal is split into two signals and fed into a first waveguide channel branch 22 and a second waveguide channel branch 24. Both waveguide channel branches 22, 24 have a first portion with a deflection element that changes the polarization state from horizontal to vertical. Each signal is further split into two new branches, each containing two arrays 14 of radiating apertures. As can be seen, the cross sections of the multiple apertures 13 are different. The array includes a smaller aperture 40 and a wider aperture 41. An array 14 with multiple apertures 13 of different cross sections creates a phase difference between the radiation of each aperture 13. The phase difference causes a tilt in the overall radiation pattern of the array 14. As can be seen in Figure 45, the fourteenth variation of the splitter 19 and aperture array 14 shown in Figure 44 may be combined with asymmetrically positioned funnel 28 cavities. The funnels may be asymmetrically positioned with a lateral offset to achieve the effect shown in the diagram of Figure 43.

[0082] Figures 46 and 47 show two variations of the splitter 19 with multiple branch arrays 14. If a more directional or complex radiation pattern is required, multiple slot arrays 14 may be arranged in a horizontal plane with appropriate feed networks. Figure 46 shows a rear and top perspective view of a fifteenth variation of the aperture array 14 designed as a splitter 19 and multiple branch array 14. The first and second columns 38 and 39 of the array 14 are arranged as a series feed network, with both columns 38 and 39 fed with equal amplitude and phase to maximize directivity. Figure 47 shows a rear and top perspective view of a sixteenth variation of the splitter 19 and multiple branch array 14. The illustrated first and second columns 38 and 39 of the array 14 are arranged as a series feed network. The second column 39 is fed with a phase shift to create beam tilt and / or maximize directivity.

[0083] Rather, the words used herein are words of description rather than limitation, and it is to be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Antenna Device 2. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 3 Electronic Components (Chips) 4 Transmission Lines 5. Radiating element (receiving element) 6 Antenna Assembly 7 Rear part (antenna assembly) 8 Front part (antenna assembly) 9 Waveguide channel (hollow conductive pipe) 10 First waveguide aperture (feed aperture) 11 Second waveguide aperture (antenna aperture / radiating aperture) 12 Antenna Elements (Individual Antennas) 13 Aperture (radiation aperture) 14 (aperture) array 15 Front (rear part) 16 Rear (rear part) 17 Front (front part) 18 Rear (front part) 19 Waveguide splitter (coupler) 20 center line 21 Primary port (waveguide splitter) 22 First waveguide channel branch 23 First secondary port (splitter) 24 Second waveguide channel branch 25 Secondary Port (Splitter) 26 Neck (partition) 27 Deflection element (impedance) 28 Funnel (focusing cavity) 29 Protrusion 30 Pillar (pin) 31 Fastening Interface 32 Deflection element 33 Waveguide cross section 34 Ridge 35 Horn 36 Flare part 37 Ridge (second waveguide aperture) 38 First row of the array 39 Second column of the array Openings smaller than 40 41 Wider Opening

Claims

1. a. a printed circuit board (2) and electronic components (3) disposed on said printed circuit board (2); b. an antenna assembly (6) comprising at least two individual antenna elements (12) interconnected to said electronic component (3), configured to transmit and / or receive signals; An antenna device (1) comprising: c. each of said antenna elements (12) i. a first waveguide aperture (10) disposed on a rear surface (16) of the antenna assembly (6), the first waveguide aperture (10) interconnected to the electronic component (3) and configured to transmit and / or receive signals; ii. A second waveguide aperture (11) disposed on the front surface (17) of said antenna assembly (6), configured to transmit and / or receive signals. in the antenna assembly (6), at least one deflection element (27) is arranged in the splitter (19) or in the at least one waveguide channel (9), the deflection element (27) being configured to introduce a 90° rotation of the electric field; Antenna device (1).

2. At least one waveguide channel (9) is at a distal end relative to the first waveguide aperture (10) interconnected by a primary port (21) to a splitter (19), said splitter (19) splitting a signal to be transmitted into: a. a first waveguide channel branch (22) interconnected to a first secondary port (23) of said splitter (19); and b. A second waveguide channel branch (24) interconnected to a second secondary port (25) of said splitter (19).

2. The antenna device (1) according to claim 1, configured to divide the antenna into

3. 3. The antenna device (1) of claim 2, wherein the splitter (19) comprises a constriction (26) configured to split the signal between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24).

4. The constricted portion (26) a. Centered between the first secondary port (23) and the second secondary port (25), with signal power split equally between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24), or b. the first secondary port (23) and the second secondary port (25) are offset relative to the center between them, so that signal power is divided unequally between the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24); Antenna device (1) according to claim 3.

5. The splitter (19) a. the polarization states of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are equally polarized, or b. The polarization states of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are reversed. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising at least one deflecting element (27) configured to steer the polarization state of the electric field in such a way that

6. 6. The antenna device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one deflecting element (27) is configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field such that the electric field rotates 90 degrees from substantially horizontal to vertical.

7. 7. The antenna device (1) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the splitter (19) comprises at least one deflection element (27) arranged adjacent to the primary port (21) configured to rotate the polarization state of the electric field by 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical, and at least one deflection element (27) arranged adjacent to the first secondary port (23) and the second secondary port (25) configured to rotate the polarization state again from vertical to horizontal.

8. 8. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the at least one deflection element (27) is arranged substantially inside the waveguide channel (9) and / or the splitter (19) and comprises at least one of the following elements or a combination thereof: steps, recesses, channels, ridges, recessed corners designed to protrude inside and / or outside the cross section (35) of the waveguide channel (9) and / or the splitter (19).

9. 9. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the waveguide channel (9) comprises, in the region of the primary port of the splitter (19), two recessed corners arranged opposite each other and designed as deflection elements (27).

10. 10. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the waveguide channel (9) has a cross section (33) of at least one of the following group of elements: rectangular, rhomboid, elliptical, circular, or a combination thereof, the main extension direction of the cross section (33) being substantially parallel to the first waveguide aperture (10) and the second waveguide aperture (11).

11. 11. An antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9 or claim 10 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) each comprise at least one radiating opening (13), the radiating openings (13) being arranged collinearly with respect to a centre line (20).

12. 12. The antenna device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24) are designed in a staggered design configured to vary an electric field such that the at least one radiating opening (13) of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the at least one radiating opening (13) of the second waveguide channel branch (24) are aligned in a collinear line with respect to each other.

13. 13. An antenna device (1) according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 2, or claim 11 or 12 when dependent on claims 2 and 10, wherein the waveguide channel (9) and / or the first waveguide channel branch (22) and / or the second waveguide channel branch (24) comprise ridges (34) in the form of at least one of the following elements, or a combination thereof, configured to increase the channel periphery so that the cross section (33) is minimized: channels, lateral constrictions, longitudinally inward protrusions.

14. 14. An antenna device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, or claim 13 when dependent on claim 11, wherein the at least one radiation opening (13) of the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the at least one radiation opening (13) of the second waveguide channel branch (24) are interconnected by at least one funnel (28), the funnel (28) being interconnected to the second waveguide aperture (11).

15. An antenna device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rear part (7) and / or the front part (8) are made by injection molding of a plastic material, and the rear part (7) and / or the front part (8) are made from metal and / or metallized plastic and / or any other material whose surface is conductive.

16. 16. The antenna device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the antenna assembly (6) comprises a rear part (7) and a front part (8) interconnected to each other along a front face (15) of the rear part (7) and a rear face (18) of the front part (8), and wherein at least one waveguide channel (9) extends at least partially in the front face (15) of the rear part (7) and / or in the rear face (18) of the front part (8).

17. 17. The antenna device (1) according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the rear part (7) and / or the front part (8) comprises a plurality of pillars (30) arranged on the front face (15) of the rear part or on the rear face (18) of the front part, configured to define the contours of the waveguide channel (19) and / or the splitter (19) and / or the first waveguide channel branch (22) and the second waveguide channel branch (24).

18. 18. The antenna device (1) according to claim 17, wherein an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure is arranged substantially around the periphery of the waveguide channel (19), said electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure making it possible to block electromagnetic waves in a given range of frequencies and acting as a conductive wall without the need to have direct and / or ohmic contact between said front part (8) and said rear part (7) realizing a waveguide structure.

19. a. a printed circuit board (2) and electronic components (3) disposed on said printed circuit board (2); b. an antenna assembly (6) comprising at least two individual antenna elements (12) interconnected to said electronic component (3), configured to transmit and / or receive signals; An antenna device (1) comprising: c. each of said antenna elements (12) i. a first waveguide aperture (10) disposed on a rear surface (16) of the antenna assembly (6), the first waveguide aperture (10) interconnected to the electronic component (3) and configured to transmit and / or receive signals; ii. A second waveguide aperture (11) disposed on the front surface (17) of said antenna assembly (6), configured to transmit and / or receive signals. in the antenna assembly (6), d. An antenna device (1), wherein the at least one waveguide channel is configured to (i) maintain or rotate the polarization state of an electric field such that the polarization state is maintained in a horizontal direction from the first waveguide aperture to the second waveguide aperture, or (ii) rotate the polarization state of an electric field from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction from the first waveguide aperture to the second waveguide aperture, the horizontal direction being in the plane of the antenna assembly and the vertical direction being perpendicular to the plane of the antenna assembly.

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