Waveguide Antenna Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a waveguide antenna 11 having an antenna proximal side 11P and an antenna distal side 11D. A waveguide opening 115 is located at the antenna distal side for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to and from an environmental space. The waveguide antenna includes an antenna interface (I / F) structure 111 for connecting it to a printed circuit board 12 or the like. The antenna I / F structure includes an I / F waveguide opening 112 located at an I / F carrying surface 113. The I / F carrying surface extends transversely to a vertical axis. Each I / F waveguide opening is coupled to an associated waveguide opening such that the respective I / F waveguide opening and the associated waveguide opening are offset relative to one another transversely to the vertical axis. Each I / F waveguide opening and its associated waveguide opening are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals having corresponding polarizations rotated relative to one another.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is in the field of waveguide antennas and waveguide antenna assemblies, which may be used, inter alia, in the field of automotive radar systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Waveguide-based radio frequency systems are used in a wide variety of applications, many of which involve waveguide antennas, particularly multi-channel antennas. Such waveguide antennas need to be electromagnetically coupled to additional components and circuits, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductor components. Demands for performance, cost-effectiveness, and miniaturization are constantly increasing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, the above-mentioned requirements are at least partially in conflict with one another, in particular the need for high insulation or electromagnetic isolation between signals or signal channels and the need for miniaturization.

[0004] The overall objective of the present invention is to improve upon the prior art regarding waveguide antennas and assemblies and to advantageously avoid, completely or partially, some or more of the problems of existing solutions. In particular embodiments, one or more of the following advantages can be achieved: The area required for the antenna port is reduced or minimized, thus minimizing the overall size of the antenna interface; Furthermore, the interface between the waveguide antenna and connected electronic components, particularly semiconductor components, is simplified, and the total number of waveguide interfaces is reduced; Furthermore, electromagnetic isolation or separation can be improved; Furthermore, the amount of data that can be transmitted between the waveguide antenna and circuitry can be increased; Furthermore, the cost of the antenna can be reduced.

[0005] In one aspect, the general object is achieved by a waveguide antenna having at least two signal channels, the waveguide antenna having an antenna distal side and an antenna proximal side, and a plurality of waveguide openings disposed on the antenna distal side for transmitting electromagnetic signals to and / or receiving electromagnetic signals from an ambient space.

[0006] The phrase "signal channel" refers to a functionally distinct electromagnetic signal path of a waveguide antenna between a waveguide opening at the antenna distal side and an interface waveguide opening at the antenna proximal side, with each signal channel representing one signal path. In typical embodiments, the waveguide antenna is a multi-channel antenna having more than two signal channels.

[0007] Within a waveguide antenna, electromagnetic waves or signals generally travel from proximal to distal for signals to be transmitted by the waveguide antenna, and from distal to proximal for signals received by the waveguide antenna. In a typical embodiment, all of the waveguide openings may have the same contour or design and / or geometry.

[0008] The waveguide antenna further includes an antenna interface structure for connecting the waveguide antenna to a printed circuit board and / or a semiconductor component, the antenna interface structure being disposed proximal to the antenna. The antenna interface structure includes a plurality of interface waveguide openings. The interface waveguide openings are disposed on the interface-carrying surface and coupled to the waveguide openings via waveguide channel structures disposed within the antenna. Coupling via waveguide channel structures does not necessarily mean that each interface waveguide opening is coupled to each waveguide opening.

[0009] The interface bearing surface extends transversely to a vertical axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. In a typical design, the antenna distal side and the antenna proximal side, particularly the interface bearing surface, are generally parallel, with the antenna distal side being distally offset relative to the antenna proximal side.

[0010] Each interface waveguide opening is coupled to at least one associated waveguide opening such that the respective interface waveguide opening and the associated at least one waveguide opening are offset relative to one another transversely with respect to a vertical axis. The vertical axis may generally be any axis extending transversely with respect to the interface bearing surface, such as, but not necessarily, the central axis of a waveguide antenna. A direction transverse to the vertical axis is sometimes referred to as a lateral direction.

[0011] In embodiments in which each interface waveguide opening is coupled with a group of associated waveguide openings, as discussed in more detail below, one, some, or all of the waveguide openings in the group of waveguide openings may be offset relative to the respective interface waveguide openings. The phrase "offset relative to one another transversely to the vertical axis" means that the respective interface waveguide openings and waveguide openings are not aligned with one another. Typically, the contours of the respective interface waveguide openings and waveguide openings do not overlap in the line-of-sight direction along the vertical axis. However, depending on the design, some overlap may exist.

[0012] The number of waveguide openings and the number of interface waveguide openings are in each case at least two. In embodiments in which the number of interface waveguide openings corresponds to the number of waveguide openings, the interface waveguide openings may in each case be coupled one-to-one with the associated waveguide openings. However, typically, the number of waveguide openings is greater than the number of interface waveguide openings. For example, the number of waveguide openings may be a multiple or n times the number of interface waveguide openings. The number of separate signal channels through which the waveguide antenna is coupled in an operational configuration to further circuits, in particular one or more semiconductor components, corresponds to the number of interface waveguide openings. Typical values ​​for the number of interface waveguide openings or signal channels are 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 48, 64, and 96.

[0013] In embodiments in which the number of waveguide openings is n times the number of interface waveguide openings, each of the interface waveguide openings may be coupled to a group of waveguide openings via a waveguide channel structure, where the group of waveguide openings is a subset of the waveguide openings of the waveguide antenna. In such embodiments, each interface waveguide opening is associated with and coupled to a respective waveguide opening of the group of waveguide openings, while each waveguide opening is associated with and coupled to one interface waveguide opening. The number of interface waveguide openings generally determines the number of signal channels, as described above. Each interface waveguide opening and the associated waveguide opening or group of waveguide openings are generally coupled by a curved or non-straight waveguide channel of the waveguide channel structure. It should further be noted that the waveguide antenna may optionally include additional interface waveguide openings, which are disposed in a different manner on the interface bearing surface and do not form part of the multiple interface waveguide openings as discussed herein.

[0014] Each interface waveguide opening and at least one waveguide opening coupled to the interface waveguide opening are configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals having respective polarizations rotated relative to one another by, for example, 90 degrees, although other larger or smaller angles may also be used. In embodiments in which each interface waveguide opening is coupled to a group of associated waveguide openings, each interface waveguide opening may be configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals having a first polarization, and each of the waveguide openings coupled to the interface waveguide opening are configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals having a polarization different from the first polarization, for example a common second polarization.

[0015] An interface waveguide aperture and a waveguide opening configured to transmit and / or receive or transmit electromagnetic signals having polarizations rotated relative to one another may be obtained by rotating the respective interface waveguide aperture and waveguide opening relative to one another by an angle corresponding to the relative rotation of the polarizations.

[0016] The interface waveguide openings may be designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings are interdigitated with one another. Alternatively, or in addition, the interface waveguide openings are designed to allow simultaneous and / or alternating transmission of both a first and a second electromagnetic signal, in each case having different polarizations, or of at least two electromagnetic signals of different polarizations. Alternatively, or in addition, the interface waveguide openings are arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings have different opening orientations.

[0017] The waveguide antenna and additional elements and circuits described further below may be designed for typical operating frequencies in the range of, for example, 6 GHz to 300 GHz or subranges thereof, such as 11.9 GHz to 18.0 GHz (Ku-band), 26.3 GHz to 40.0 GHz (Ka-band), 49.0 GHz to 75.8 GHz (V-band), 60.5 to 91.9 GHz (E-band), 73.8 GHz to 112 GHz (W-band), and 113 GHz to 173 GHz (D-band). Further exemplary frequency ranges can be 57 GHz to 66 GHz, 76 GHz to 81 GHz, or 135 GHz to 150 GHz.

[0018] The antenna distal side is the side of the waveguide antenna that, during operation, can transmit electromagnetic signals into and / or receive electromagnetic signals from an ambient space, e.g., air. The antenna proximal side is the side of the waveguide antenna where the waveguide antenna is connected or attached to further components and / or circuits, particularly a printed circuit board (PCB) and / or one or more semiconductor component(s), as described further below. Apart from the waveguide opening, the antenna distal side can typically be generally planar or flat, with a planar or flat antenna distal surface. However, the antenna distal surface may be curved, for example, to fit the contours of another element in a vehicle. The antenna proximal side may also be generally planar or flat, particularly in the region of the antenna interface structure. A planar or flat surface does not exclude the presence of openings, recesses, and / or corrugations and / or protrusions. The interface-bearing surface may be the antenna proximal surface or a part of the antenna proximal surface. It should be noted that the antenna proximal side is not necessarily formed by a single continuous surface, but may be stepped, for example, In particular, the antenna interface structure may protrude proximally beyond a further portion of the antenna proximal side that may be recessed distally.

[0019] The overall shape of the waveguide antenna may be generally plate-shaped or box-shaped, with the proximal and distal antenna sides generally parallel to one another. However, in other designs, the proximal and distal antenna sides may be angled relative to one another. Typically, the proximal and distal antenna sides are spaced apart from one another. In one embodiment, the waveguide antenna is made from metallized plastic, particularly injection-molded plastic. Manufacturing from injection-molded plastic is advantageous in terms of cost-effective manufacturing using established, proven techniques. Other advanced techniques, such as metal die-casting, 3D printing, or stereolithography, may also be used. In principle, the waveguide antenna may also be made entirely or partially from machined metal.

[0020] Depending on the overall design, a waveguide antenna may be made from a single piece of material. Typically, however, a waveguide antenna is made from multiple elements. In one embodiment, a waveguide antenna is made from a stack of layers, each having a proximal and distal side. A waveguide antenna of this design generally has a distal-most layer, optionally one or more intermediate layers, and a proximal-most layer. The single layer, or its proximal and distal sides, generally extend transversely to the vertical axis. The waveguide opening is located in the distal-most layer, and the antenna interface structure is located in the proximal-most layer. A waveguide channel structure provides a waveguide guidance and / or distribution network. Such a waveguide guidance and / or distribution network may be formed by waveguide channels and / or corrugations in the distal-most layer, the proximal-most layer, and / or one or more intermediate layers, as is commonly known in the art. Typically, all layers are fully or partially metallized or formed from metallic or conductive materials and have the same size or footprint, although other designs may be used as well. When made from plastic or essentially non-conductive materials, the outer surfaces of the waveguide antenna or layers of the waveguide antenna and the walls of the waveguide channel structure are generally fully, partially, or selectively metallized.

[0021] Some or all layers of the waveguide antenna may be permanently connected during manufacturing, for example by bonding, adhesive, clamping, soldering, riveting, etc. However, alternatively or additionally, some or all elements may be structurally separate or distinct. In particular, the antenna interface structure may be realized as a dedicated component, for example as an interface adapter.

[0022] It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the number of waveguide openings generally does not correspond to the number of interface waveguide openings, but is generally different and may be greater due to the waveguide channel structure, particularly due to the distribution network in branched waveguide antennas.

[0023] In one embodiment, the interface waveguide openings are arranged in a row and / or column pattern, particularly a row and column pattern. Interface waveguide openings arranged in a row or column pattern do not preclude interdigitation between adjacent interface waveguide openings, as described further below. The rows and columns are generally mutually perpendicular, with multiple rows or multiple columns parallel to each other therein. Such a row and column arrangement is assumed unless otherwise stated. However, in some embodiments, the rows and columns may intersect in a non-perpendicular manner and / or at different angles between different rows and / or columns. Each row and each column is generally defined by a line on the interface-bearing surface. The position of each interface waveguide opening is generally defined by one of the rows and one of the columns. The lines defining the rows and columns may extend through a given reference point, which is typically, but not necessarily, the geometric center or edge of the interface waveguide opening. Although typically the case, the distance between adjacent rows is not necessarily the same as the distance between adjacent columns. The distance between columns and / or the distance between rows is also typically the same for all rows or all columns, but may in principle vary among the rows and / or among the columns.

[0024] In certain embodiments in which the interface waveguide openings are arranged in a row and / or column pattern, the interface waveguide openings may be arranged such that all adjacent interface waveguide openings within at least one row and / or column, and in particular within each row and / or column, are interdigitated with each other.

[0025] In certain embodiments in which the interface waveguide openings are arranged in a row and / or column pattern, the interface waveguide openings may be arranged such that all adjacent interface waveguide openings within at least one row and / or column, and particularly within each row and / or column, have different opening orientations.

[0026] Waveguide antenna designs according to the present disclosure have several advantages that may be realized singly or in combination depending on the particular design.

[0027] By arranging the interface waveguide openings in an interdigitated manner as described above, the total area occupied by a given number of interface waveguide openings is reduced, thereby minimizing space usage or increasing the number of interface waveguide openings per area. Special interface waveguide opening designs or interface waveguide opening profiles, as described further below, are particularly advantageous for interdigitating adjacent interface waveguide openings in close proximity to one another.

[0028] In either case, designing the interface waveguide aperture to be capable of transmitting signals of different polarizations, e.g., both a first electromagnetic signal and a second electromagnetic signal of different polarizations, can enhance electromagnetic separation or isolation by transmitting electromagnetic signals through adjacent signal channels or interface waveguide apertures having different polarizations, thereby avoiding or at least reducing interference. Alternatively, such a design may be used to simultaneously transmit signals of two polarizations through the same signal channel or interface waveguide aperture. Thus, the number of signal channels or interface waveguide apertures required can be halved, or the amount of data that can be transmitted through a given number of signal channels can be doubled.

[0029] As discussed further below, both the combination and transmission of electromagnetic signals with different orientations depends on the specific design and particularly the contours of the interface waveguide openings and the corresponding cross-sections of the waveguide channels connected to the interface waveguide openings.

[0030] By arranging the interface waveguide openings so that adjacent interface waveguide openings have different opening orientations, electromagnetic separation or isolation is enhanced, even if the polarization is the same overall with respect to the waveguide openings. In this regard, it should be remembered that the design of the waveguide channel or waveguide opening generally determines the polarization of the electromagnetic wave or signal that may be transmitted. Different orientations of adjacent waveguide openings correspondingly result in correspondingly different polarizations of the electromagnetic signal. The term "orientation" refers to the rotational orientation of the interface waveguide opening at the interface-bearing surface, particularly in a line-of-sight direction transverse to the axis of the interface-bearing surface or interface waveguide opening.

[0031] In another aspect, the overall objective is achieved by an antenna waveguide assembly. The waveguide antenna assembly includes a waveguide antenna according to any of the embodiments described above and / or further discussed below. The waveguide antenna assembly further includes a printed circuit board having a printed circuit board proximal side and a printed circuit board distal side, with the waveguide antenna attached to the printed circuit board distal side. It should be noted that the phrase "waveguide antenna" refers to the antenna structure itself, without the PCB, while the assembly of the waveguide antenna and its connected PCB is referred to as an "antenna waveguide assembly." The PCB also extends generally transversely to the vertical axis.

[0032] A printed circuit board (PCB) may be designed as is commonly known in the art, particularly in high frequency applications. The printed circuit board is generally plate-shaped, with the PCB distal side and the PCB proximal side parallel to one another. The PCB is typically realized by a sandwich of multiple insulating and metal layers, which may be configured to form conduits. The outermost layers, i.e., layers on the PCB proximal and PCB distal sides that form the outer surfaces, are generally metallized or metal layers. Electronic components, such as semiconductor components, may generally be located on either or both the PCB proximal and PCB distal sides.

[0033] In another aspect, the general object is achieved by the use of a waveguide or waveguide antenna assembly according to any of the embodiments described above and / or further discussed below in an automotive radar system. The automotive radar system may be either or both of long-range (up to 500 m), medium-range (up to 300 m), or short-range (up to 250 m) automotive radar. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to this particular application. The waveguide antenna and / or waveguide antenna assembly may be designed for operation in any or more of the aforementioned frequency ranges.

[0034] In one embodiment, the interface waveguide openings have in each case a Y-shaped, Z-shaped, L-shaped, ridged L-shaped, S-shaped, or N-shaped contour. All of these designs have the advantageous property of allowing combined arrangements of interface waveguide openings. The term "contour" refers in particular to the line of the periphery or the line of the closed edge of an opening or aperture, in particular an interface waveguide opening, in a line of sight transverse to the respective surface, in particular the interface-bearing surface. It should be noted that the line of sight transverse to the interface-bearing surface corresponds to a direction along or coincident with the vertical axis. Furthermore, depending on the specific design and dimensioning, some contours allow for a single polarization or various polarizations. This aspect will be discussed in more detail below in the light of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures.

[0035] In general, any arrangement of interface waveguide apertures or combinations of apertures is possible provided that the aperture contours have concave and convex features such that the concave and convex features of adjacent apertures can interlock, but the interface waveguide apertures are distinct and separate from one another.

[0036] It should be understood that each interface waveguide opening is an opening of an associated waveguide channel of a waveguide antenna, which waveguide channel is typically part of or coupled to the waveguide guiding and / or distribution network of the waveguide antenna as described above. At least in the proximal end section leading to the interface waveguide opening, the waveguide channel has in each case a cross-section corresponding to the contour of the interface waveguide opening. The cross-section of the waveguide channel may be uniform within the waveguide channel or may blend into another cross-section.

[0037] In one embodiment, the interface waveguide openings have the same contour in each case, i.e. the contour is the same for all interface waveguide openings, but in other embodiments two or more different contours may be used.

[0038] In certain embodiments in which the interface waveguide openings are arranged in a row and / or column pattern, the interface waveguide openings within a row and / or column have the same opening orientation in each case.

[0039] In one embodiment, the interface waveguide openings have, in each case, either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation different from the first opening orientation, and the interface waveguide openings having the first opening orientation are arranged in an alternating manner with the interface openings having the second opening orientation. The alternating arrangement may be along one or two given directions within the interface-bearing surface. In certain embodiments, the interface waveguide openings having the first opening orientation are arranged in an alternating manner with the interface openings having the second opening orientation within each row and / or column.

[0040] In a row and column arrangement, when adjacent interface waveguide openings have alternating orientations both within each row and within each column, each interface waveguide opening having a first opening orientation is surrounded in the row and column direction, i.e., in two mutually intersecting directions, by four interface waveguide openings having a second opening orientation, and vice versa, while further interface waveguide openings of the same orientation are present only in diagonal directions. This type of design is particularly advantageous with respect to electromagnetic separation or isolation.

[0041] In one embodiment, the antenna interface structure includes an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure protruding from the interface-bearing surface. The EBG structure is particularly located on the antenna proximal side and may protrude from the interface-bearing surface in a proximal direction, away from the antenna distal side. The EBG structure is generally designed as known in the art and may include an arrangement of pins or pillars, posts, and / or protrusions. The provision of the EBG structure enhances electromagnetic isolation or insulation. The EBG element is located in a region intermediate the interface waveguide opening. In certain designs, the EBG structure is realized as a periodic pattern of two or more differently shaped EBG element types. Generally, all EBG elements of the antenna interface structure are of the same height or protrude the same distance from the interface-bearing surface.

[0042] It should be noted that the design of the waveguide antenna including the EBG structure described above means that the antenna interface structure, and thus the antenna proximal side, is structured, e.g., corrugated or recessed, with the EBG elements protruding proximally from a generally flat or planar interface-bearing surface, rather than as holes or flat or planar. Such designs are suitable for connection to flat or planar PCBs. In further designs, as discussed below, printed circuit boards to which the waveguide antenna can be connected include printed circuit board EBG structures, particularly with mushroom-shaped EBG elements. In such embodiments, the interface-bearing surface directly forms the proximal side of the waveguide antenna, or part of it, and is therefore flat or planar.

[0043] In one embodiment, the waveguide antenna further includes a plurality of orthomode transducers. The orthomode transducers are electromagnetically disposed between the waveguide opening and the interface waveguide opening. In a particular embodiment, one orthomode transducer of the plurality of orthomode transducers is electromagnetically associated with and coupled to the associated interface waveguide opening in a one-to-one manner. In particular, one orthomode transducer may be provided for each interface waveguide opening, with each orthomode transducer being electromagnetically associated with and coupled to each of the interface waveguide openings in a one-to-one manner. In a further design, the number of orthomode transducers does not match the number of interface waveguide openings. In particular, two or more interface waveguide openings may be electromagnetically coupled to one orthomode transducer. Furthermore, the same interface waveguide opening may be electromagnetically coupled to two or more orthomode transducers.

[0044] An orthogonal mode converter is a commonly known waveguide component or structure for combining two electromagnetic waves or signals of mutually orthogonal polarizations, or for splitting one electromagnetic signal into two mutually orthogonal signals. In the context of the present invention, an orthogonal mode converter may be provided for the simultaneous transmission through an interface waveguide opening of two electromagnetic signals of different polarizations.

[0045] In one embodiment of the waveguide antenna assembly, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes an interface structure having a plurality of PCB waveguide passages, each extending through the PCB between a proximal side and a distal side of the PCB. Furthermore, the PCB waveguide passages are aligned with respective interface waveguide openings in each case. Thus, electromagnetic signal transmission between each PCB waveguide passage and the interface waveguide opening or through each PCB waveguide passage and the interface waveguide opening is enabled. In such an embodiment, one or more electronic components, such as one or more semiconductor components or integrated circuits (ICs), can be coupled to the waveguide antenna via the PCB waveguide passages, via the PCB, or through the PCB.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the number of PCB waveguide passages corresponds to the number of interface waveguide openings, with each interface waveguide opening being associated in a one-to-one manner with a respective PCB waveguide passage.

[0047] In certain embodiments, each PCB waveguide passage has a cross-section that differs from the contour of the associated interface waveguide opening. The cross-section of the PCB waveguide passage may differ in shape and / or size from the contour of the associated interface waveguide opening. In particular, for interface waveguide openings with complex contours, the cross-section of the PCB waveguide passage may be simpler and therefore easier to manufacture. However, it is advantageous for the centers of the interface waveguide opening and the associated PCB waveguide opening to be aligned with one another. However, in alternative embodiments, the contours of the interface waveguide opening and the associated PCB waveguide passage are identical, in particular substantially congruent. In a typical design, all PCB waveguide openings are of the same design.

[0048] In one embodiment of the waveguide antenna assembly, the waveguide antenna assembly further includes a semiconductor component mounted proximally on the printed circuit board. The semiconductor component includes a plurality of electromagnetic signal launchers. The number of electromagnetic signal launchers corresponds to the number of PCB waveguide passages. The PCB passages are in each case aligned in a one-to-one manner with the respective electromagnetic signal launchers. The semiconductor component may in particular be an integrated circuit (IC).

[0049] The electromagnetic signal launchers are generally disposed on the PCB-facing side of the semiconductor component, and each signal launcher is associated with and aligned with a respective PCB waveguide passage, and each PCB waveguide passage is aligned in a one-to-one manner with an associated interface waveguide opening, such that each electromagnetic signal launcher is also aligned in a one-to-one manner with an associated interface waveguide opening of the waveguide antenna and can exchange electromagnetic signals with the interface waveguide opening via or through the respective PCB waveguide passage.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the waveguide antenna assembly, the PCB includes a PCB coupling cutout. The PCB coupling cutout extends between and opens onto the PCB distal side and the PCB proximal side. The PCB coupling cutout is therefore a through-going hole. In this type of embodiment, the antenna interface structure protrudes into or through the printed circuit board coupling cutout from the printed circuit board distal side toward the printed circuit board proximal side. In a viewing direction transverse to the vertical axis, the interface waveguide opening is located within a contour bounded by the PCB coupling cutout.

[0051] Rather than providing a single PCB waveguide passage for each electromagnetic signal launcher and associated interface waveguide opening, only a single printed circuit board coupling cutout is required in this type of embodiment, thus reducing overall design and assembly complexity due to the number of electromagnetic interfaces in the signal path and improving signal transmission performance.

[0052] In certain embodiments including a PCB coupling cutout, the waveguide antenna assembly further includes a semiconductor component mounted on the printed circuit board proximal side. The semiconductor component includes multiple electromagnetic signal launchers. The number of electromagnetic signal launchers corresponds to the number of interface waveguide openings. The interface waveguide openings are aligned one-to-one with each electromagnetic signal launcher. In this type of embodiment, there are no separate PCB waveguide passages for a single signal launcher or interface waveguide opening. Instead, the antenna interface structure protrudes from the proximal side into or through the PCB coupling cutout. In this type of design, the antenna interface structure, particularly the interface-carrying surface, can protrude proximally beyond the antenna proximal side or further peripheral portions of the antenna proximal surface.

[0053] In certain designs, the antenna interface structure directly contacts the semiconductor component. In embodiments where the antenna interface structure includes an EBG structure as described above, the proximal side of the EBG structure can contact the semiconductor component. In waveguide antenna embodiments where the antenna interface structure does not include an EBG structure, the interface opening bearing surface can contact the semiconductor component.

[0054] Although advantageous in several respects, the aforementioned PCB bonding cutouts have the general disadvantage of weakening electromagnetic insulation or separation due to the absence of a solder ball grid that could otherwise be placed on the electromagnetic signal launcher. However, this drawback can be overcome, in whole or in part, by several measures that can be used alone or in combination.

[0055] In one embodiment, the antenna interface structure and the semiconductor component may be coupled via a layer of conductive adhesive disposed between the antenna interface structure and the semiconductor component, the adhesive layer providing improved electromagnetic isolation.

[0056] In certain embodiments, a printed circuit board electromagnetic bandgap structure (PCB EBG structure, particularly an EBG structure having a mushroom-shaped electromagnetic bandgap element) is disposed on and / or within a PCB. The PCB EBG structure may, for example, extend from either or both of the PCB proximal side and / or the PCB distal side into or through the body of the PCB and be disposed between or around PCB waveguide passages, thereby improving electromagnetic insulation or isolation. Alternatively, or in addition, the PCB EBG structure may be disposed on the PCB distal side and protrude towards the interface-bearing surface (antenna proximal side) of the waveguide antenna or be disposed between the PCB distal side and the antenna proximal side, in addition to or instead of the EBG structure of the waveguide antenna discussed above.

[0057] In one embodiment, the waveguide antenna includes an antenna-side mounting structure disposed on the antenna proximal side. Similarly, the PCB can include a PCB-side mounting structure, the antenna-side mounting structure and the PCB-side mounting structure being constructed and arranged to mechanically interact, particularly by engagement. By way of example, the antenna-side mounting structure can include a mounting port that protrudes proximally beyond the general antenna proximal surface, particularly the antenna interface structure. The PCB-side mounting structure can be formed by a corresponding through-mounting cutout. In a variant, the antenna-side mounting structure can include a resilient snap element.

[0058] In further embodiments, the antenna-side mounting structure may be constructed and arranged to mechanically interact directly with the semiconductor component housing on the PCB. For example, the antenna-side mounting structure may include a resoling element, such as a resilient hook, that engages with the periphery of the semiconductor component housing through a corresponding PCB cutout. In a further design, the antenna-side mounting structure may include a rim that completely or partially surrounds or delimits the antenna interface structure, particularly its interface waveguide opening, and circumferentially surrounds and contacts the semiconductor component housing around at least a portion of the periphery of the semiconductor component housing. In a further design, the semiconductor component housing includes a coupling structure, e.g., in the form of a recess or indentation, constructed and arranged to engage with the antenna-side mounting structure.

[0059] It should be noted that two or more semiconductor components, e.g., two, four, or eight semiconductors, may be arranged on an oriented circuit board, e.g., in a side-by-side arrangement, and connected to the same waveguide antenna in any of the above-described ways. In such embodiments, the waveguide antenna may have a single common interface structure, or separate interface structures may be found for some or all of the semiconductor components.

[0060] The invention described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description set forth below and the accompanying figures, which should not be considered limitations on the invention described in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first exploded view of an embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a second exploded view of the waveguide antenna assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a distal-to-proximal view of an antenna interface structure for the waveguide antenna assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 5] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 6] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 7] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 8] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 9] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 10] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 11] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 12] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 13] 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for a still further embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an inverted, open perspective view of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an inverted, open perspective view of a further waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 16a] FIG. 10 is a Y-shaped profile of an interface waveguide aperture. [Figure 16b] FIG. 16b is a polarization diagram of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 16a; [Figure 16c]16b shows a further polarization diagram of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 16a. [Figure 16d] 16b shows a further polarization diagram of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 16a. [Figure 16e] 16b shows a further polarization diagram of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 16a. [Figure 17a] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the S-shaped profile of the interface waveguide aperture. [Figure 17b] 17b is a diagram of the polarization of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 17a; [Figure 18a] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the Z-shaped profile of the interface waveguide aperture. [Figure 18b] 18b is a diagram of the polarization of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 18a; [Figure 19a] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the L-shaped profile of the interface waveguide aperture. [Figure 19b] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the ridged L-shaped profile of the interface waveguide aperture. [Figure 19c] FIG. 19C is a polarization diagram of the E-field vector relative to the interface waveguide opening according to FIG. 19a or FIG. 19b. [Figure 20a] FIG. 10 is a further profile of the interface waveguide opening. [Figure 20b] FIG. 10 is a still further profile view of the interface waveguide opening. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is an angled perspective view of the antenna proximal side of one embodiment of a waveguide antenna. [Figure 22] 22 is an angled perspective view of the antenna distal side of the waveguide antenna of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a view of the distal antenna layer of the waveguide antenna of FIGS. 21 and 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a view of the proximal antenna layer of the waveguide antenna of FIGS. 21 and 22. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of an automotive radar system. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a further embodiment of an automotive radar system. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a portion of a waveguide antenna assembly. [Figure 28] 28 is a diagram of the electromagnetic structure corresponding to FIG. 27. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] In the following, reference will first be made to Figures 1, 2 and 3 which show one embodiment of a waveguide antenna assembly 1 according to the present invention in two different exploded views (Figures 1 and 2) and a distal to proximal (x-direction) view of the antenna interface structure (Figure 3).

[0063] The waveguide antenna assembly 1 includes a waveguide antenna 11 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 12. Both the waveguide antenna 11 and the PCB 12 have respective proximal sides and respective distal sides. In the case of the PCB 12, the PCB proximal side and the PCB distal side are designated 12P and 12D. In the case of the waveguide antenna 11, only the proximal portion, including the proximal side 11P, is visible in the figures. The waveguide antenna 11 continues generally in a distal direction. The proximal and distal directions are designated "P" and "D," respectively. The direction from proximal to distal is the x-direction. Note that other conventions may also be used.

[0064] The waveguide antenna 11 is typically realized by a stack of layers arranged one on top of the other and may be realized from metallized injection molded plastic and / or other materials as described above in the general description. Only the most proximal layer of the waveguide antenna 11 is shown, which realizes the antenna interface structure 111. The proximal side of the waveguide antenna 11 (pointing towards the PCB 12 or x-direction) is formed in this design by the interface-bearing surface 113.

[0065] The antenna interface structure 111 includes a plurality of identically shaped interface waveguide openings 112 that, in this embodiment, form the proximal openings of corresponding waveguide channels extending generally distally from the interface waveguide openings 112 into the waveguide antenna 11. As best seen in FIG. 3 , the interface waveguide openings 112 are arranged in a matrix, or pattern of mutually orthogonal and equidistant rows R (z-direction) and columns C (y-direction). In this embodiment, the interface waveguide openings 112 each have a contour that includes a central portion that merges into four peripheral portions at four corners. This contour allows for the transition of electromagnetic waveguides or electromagnetic signals having two mutually orthogonal polarizations. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface waveguide openings 112 are arranged side by side, without adjacent interface waveguide openings or their contours interdigitating. Note that at least the proximal end sections of the waveguide channels have cross sections that correspond in each case to the contours of the interface waveguide openings 112.

[0066] PCB 12 is realized by a stack of layers as is commonly known in the art. PCB 12 includes a proximal-most metal layer 121, a distal-most metal layer 123 to which waveguide antenna 11 is attached, and a stack of body or intermediate layers 122 between proximal-most layer 121 and distal-most layer 123. PCB 12 includes a plurality of through-PCB waveguide passages 124 that correspond to and are aligned with interface waveguide openings 112.

[0067] The vertical axis of the waveguide antenna may be any axis that is aligned with the x-axis or extends parallel to the x-axis.

[0068] It should be understood that the shown number of two rows and four columns is exemplary only and for purposes of explanation.

[0069] In this embodiment, the antenna interface structure 111 includes an EBG structure that protrudes from the interface-bearing surface 113 toward the PCB 12. The EBG structure, in this embodiment, includes two types of EBG elements 114a, 114b in a periodic arrangement. The EBG structure is disposed between or around the interface waveguide openings 112.

[0070] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 , which corresponds to FIG. 3 , i.e., as described above, a view of the interface-bearing surface 111 from distal to proximal. As with further embodiments, only this view is shown. The overall design generally corresponds to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 . In particular, the PCB waveguide passage 124 is in each case shaped and designed to have the same or substantially the same contour as the interface waveguide opening 112 and is aligned in a one-to-one manner with the interface waveguide opening 112. All features regarding the placement and shape contour of the interface waveguide opening 112 apply correspondingly to the PCB waveguide passage 124 of the respective embodiment in a similar manner. In both embodiments, EBG structures may or may not be present. Furthermore, in variants, the PCB waveguide may be shaped differently or have a different contour, in particular, be smaller compared to the interface waveguide opening 112.

[0071] 4, the interface waveguide openings 112 (and therefore the PCB waveguide passages 124) have, for convenience, an S-shaped profile (see also FIGS. 17a, 17b). Within a row R, adjacent interface waveguide openings 112 are interdigitated to some extent, while within a column, adjacent interface waveguide openings 112 are not interdigitated.

[0072] Further reference is made below to Figure 5. In this embodiment, the interface waveguide openings are ridged L-shaped (see also Figures 19a, 19b, 19c). As in the embodiment of Figure 4, adjacent interface waveguide openings 112 are interdigitated within rows R but not within columns.

[0073] Reference is further made below to FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the interface waveguide openings have an S-shaped profile similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4. However, in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the interface waveguide openings 112 are rotated about the x-axis and are not aligned with the y- and z-axes. It can further be seen that each interface waveguide opening 112 has either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation, with the first and second opening orientations alternating within each row R and column C. In the illustrated design, the first and second opening orientations are rotated 90° relative to each other. However, other rotation angles may also be used.

[0074] Further reference is made below to Figure 7. In this embodiment, the interface waveguide openings have a rectangular shape. As in the embodiment of Figure 6, each interface waveguide opening 112 has either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation that are arranged in an alternating manner within each row R and column C. The first and second opening orientations are rotated 90° relative to each other. Note that this design results in a non-constant distance between adjacent rows R and / or columns C.

[0075] Further reference is made below to Figure 8. In this design, the interface waveguide openings 112 each have a Z-shaped profile (see also Figures 18a and 18b). Further in this design, the interface waveguide openings 112 have either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation that are arranged in an alternating manner within each row R and column C. As in the embodiment of Figure 6, for example, the interface waveguide openings 112 are not aligned with an axis.

[0076] Further reference is made below to Figures 9 (see also Figure 14) and 10 (see also Figure 15). The design of Figure 9 is similar to the design of Figure 8 in that the interface waveguide openings 112 each have a Z-shaped profile, with either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation in each case, alternating. However, in contrast to the design of Figure 8, the interface waveguide openings 112 are aligned with the y-axis and the z-axis. The embodiment of Figure 10 is similar, but has a different orientation of the interface waveguide openings 112.

[0077] Further reference is made below to Figures 11 and 12. In both designs, the interface waveguide openings 112 have a Z-shaped profile as previously described. However, in these embodiments, all of the interface waveguide openings 112 have a common orientation that is not aligned with an axis in the embodiment of Figure 11 and is aligned with an axis in Figure 12.

[0078] Further reference is made below to FIG. 13. In this design, the interface waveguide openings 112 each have a Y-shaped profile including three angled legs (see also FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e). As in some previous designs, each interface waveguide opening 112 has either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation, with the first and second opening orientations rotated 180° relative to each other. Adjacent interface waveguide openings 112 have alternating opening orientations within each row R, but have the same opening orientation within each column C. Furthermore, adjacent interface waveguide openings 112 within a row R are interdigitated, but adjacent interface waveguide openings 112 within a column are not interdigitated.

[0079] 14, which shows a "flipped open" perspective view of the waveguide assembly 1 having a Z-shaped interface waveguide opening 12 arrangement according to FIG. 9, with the PCB 12 rotated 90 degrees relative to the waveguide antenna 11 to make contact along a line (aligned with the y-axis). In this design, a PCB EBG structure including a mushroom-shaped EBG element 114 is disposed on the PCB 12, and mushroom-shaped PCB EBG elements 114c are disposed around the PCB waveguide opening 124.

[0080] Reference is now made further to Figure 15, which is generally similar to Figure 14 but shows the design and arrangement of the interface waveguide opening 112 according to Figure 10. Furthermore, in the embodiment of Figure 14, the antenna interface structure 111 includes an EBG structure protruding from the interface bearing surface 113 towards the PCB 12. The EBG structure includes a periodic pattern of EBG elements 114a, 114b in an alternating manner, similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0081] Reference is now made to Figures 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e, which illustrate the dimensioning of the Y-shaped interface waveguide aperture 112 and the effect of various design parameters on polarization. As shown in Figure 16a, the Y-shaped interface waveguide aperture 112 is divided into three elements or segments, namely, Y Base segment S1 Y , and length lS Y Two arms of S2 Y Arm segment S2 Y In either case, the base-arm angle α Y In a symmetrical manner, the base segment S1 Y In either case, the element protrudes from the element width w Y It has.

[0082] Base-arm angle α Y is in the range of 90°~150, α Y ∈[90°,150°]. Yand wavelength λ, w Y ≦λ / 3, and similarly, lS Y , lm Y ∈(0,3λ / 2).

[0083] Similar base segment S1 Y The length of lm Y and arm segment S2 Y The length of lS Y In the case of lm Y ≒lS Y In this case, two mutually orthogonal polarizations P are possible (Figs. 16b and 16c). Y The length of lm Y is arm segment S2 Y The length of lS Y If it is short compared to lm, Y ≪lS Y In the case of arm segment S2, one polarization is possible with the E vector parallel to the base (Fig. 16d). Y The length of lS Y is the base segment S1 Y The length of lm Y is short compared to lS Y ≪lm Y In this case, one polarization is possible with the E vector perpendicular to the base (Fig. 16e).

[0084] Further reference is made below to Figures 17a, 17b, which show the dimensioning of the S-shaped interface waveguide aperture 112 and the resulting polarization.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 17a, the S-shaped interface waveguide opening 112 has a length l1 S , l2 S , l3 S Three elements or segments of S1 S , S2 S , S2 S and the first segment S1 S is the angle α S The second segment S2 S and the second segment S2S is the angle β S The third segment S3 S In the case of a symmetrical S-shape, the angle α S , β S may be equal, but this is not required. S , S2 S , S2 S In either case, the element width w S The element width w S and wavelength λ, w S ≦λ / 3 should hold. In a typical design, the angle α S , β S may be 90°, i.e., a right angle. However, this is not mandatory and generally angles between 60° and 150° may be used, and α S , β S ∈[60°,150°]. Note that the shape may also be mirrored about the y-axis or z-axis (axes or directions in the plane of the interface-bearing surface). The same applies to other shapes.

[0086] Regarding segment lengths, equal segment lengths are generally preferred, and l1 S =l2 S =l3 S For equal segment lengths, l1 S , l2 S , l3 S ≈λ / 4 may be used. For different segment lengths, l1 S +l2 S +l3 S ≦3 / 4λ may be used, but the total segment length, l1 S +l2 S +l3 S may be slightly larger. The resulting polarization P is transverse to the middle segment, as shown in Figure 17b.

[0087] Further reference is made below to Figures 18a, 18b, which show the dimensioning of the Z-shaped interface waveguide opening 112 and the resulting polarization.

[0088] As shown in Figure 18a, the Z-shape generally consists of three segments S1 Z , S2 Z , S3 Z However, in contrast to the S-shape, the intermediate segment S2 Z is the other outer segment S1 Z , S3 Z Instead, the outer segment S1 Z , S3 Z is a length lu1 as shown in FIG. Z , lu2 Z , lb1 Z , lb2 Z Therefore, the middle segment S2 Z The outer segment S1 extends on both sides. Z , S3 Z is the middle segment S2 Z Angle α connected to Z , β Z are generally equal, and α Z =β Z = 90°. In principle, other angles may be used, but are more complicated to manufacture. Z and wavelength λ, w Z The relationship ≦λ / 3 should apply.

[0089] Regarding segment length, ideally lu1 Z =lb1 Z =lm Z The relationship of quarter wavelength, lu1 Z , lb1 Z , lm Z The other segment, lu2, can be roughly matched to λ / 4. Z , lb2 Z For lu2 Z , lb2 Z∈[0,λ / 4] should hold. All four segments lu1 Z , lu2 Z , lb1 Z , lb2 Z Note that lu1 may have equal lengths of about λ / 4. Z =lb1 Z =lm Z If the relationship does not apply, lu1 Z +lb1 Z +lm Z ≦3 / 4·λ and / or lu1 Z +lb1 Z +lm Z The condition ≈ 3 / 4·λ should be satisfied. The resulting polarization P will be transverse to the middle segment, as shown in Figure 18b.

[0090] In the following, further reference is made to Figures 19a, 19b, 19c, which show the dimensioning and resulting polarization of an L-shaped or ridged L-shaped interface waveguide aperture 112.

[0091] For L-shaped designs and L-shaped designs with ridges, the length l1 that forms the broken line L , l2 L Two connected segments S1 L , S2 L The L-shaped design (Fig. 19a) is similar in that the ridged L-shaped design (Fig. 19b) has segment S1. L , S2 L The outer connection corner of r1 L , r2 L 112′ has a ridge 112′ of dimension .

[0092] In a typical design, segment S1 L , S2 L Alpha between L However, angles between 90° and 150° may be used, and α S , β S ∈[90°,150°]. Segment S1 L, S2 L The length of l1 L , l2 L is equal to or equal to l1 L +l2 L ≦3 / 4λ and / or l1 L , l2 L It may vary by ≒3 / 4·λ.

[0093] If ridge 112' is present, the combined length l1 L +l2 L especially l1 L +l2 L It may be reduced to approximately 2 / 3 λ or similar.

[0094] The resulting polarization P is oblique for both the L-shape and the ridged L-shape as shown in Figure 19c.

[0095] It should be noted that some deviations are possible without departing from the general designed function of the outlines shown: in particular, straight lines or outline segments may be somewhat bent or curved and / or edges may be rounded.

[0096] Reference is further made below to Figures 20a and 20b, which show designs for interface waveguide openings 112 with non-straight contour segments or rounded edges. Apart from modifications as explained below, Figures 20a and 20b generally correspond to Figure 18b.

[0097] In both the designs of Figures 20a and 20b, the profile of the interface waveguide opening 112 shown is generally Z-shaped as in Figures 18a and 18b, resulting in substantially identical properties and following the same design rules. In the design shown in Figure 20a, the straight profile segments are replaced by multiple arc segments 112a that together form a closed, approximately Z-shaped profile. The arc segments 112a are advantageously of the same diameter. The interface waveguide opening 112 according to Figure 20a may be manufactured, for example, by drilling multiple holes with the same drill, with overlap between adjacent holes. Compared to straight profile segments, manufacturing is simplified.

[0098] In the design shown in FIG. 20b, the profile segments are generally straight, but the joints between adjacent profile segments are rounded in each case.

[0099] Reference is now made further to Figures 21 and 22, which show further embodiments of waveguide antenna 11 in angled perspective views of antenna proximal side 11P (Figure 21) and antenna distal side 11D (Figure 22), respectively. It can be seen that the antenna proximal surface of antenna proximal side 11P is generally planar and parallel to the antenna distal surface of antenna distal side 11D.

[0100] Disposed in a central region of the antenna proximal surface is a generally planar interface bearing surface 113 that includes antenna interface structure 111. Interface bearing surface 113 is parallel to the surrounding peripheral antenna proximal surface but is offset proximally relative to the peripheral antenna proximal surface. The antenna interface structure, including the interface waveguide aperture and EBG structure, is designed according to previously described embodiments.

[0101] Disposed on the antenna distal surface at the antenna distal side 11D are a plurality of waveguide openings 115. In the design shown, the waveguide openings 115 are arranged in six waveguide opening groups 115′ (indicated by ellipses), with each waveguide opening group 115′ including four waveguide openings 115 arranged consecutively in a row.

[0102] A plurality of scattering elements 116 are disposed in the areas between the waveguide openings 115′. The scattering elements 116 together form a scattering surface that improves antenna performance by at least partially eliminating multiple reflections that may arise, for example, from a radome or from a bumper in an automotive radar application as described further below. An electromagnetic wave or ray impinging on the scattering elements 116 is at least partially reflected by each scattering element and thereby split into first and second secondary rays that cancel each other out.

[0103] Screw holes 117 are provided for mounting the waveguide antenna 11 to a PCB. For alignment purposes, two exemplary alignment pins 118 are provided, protruding from the proximal side of the antenna.

[0104] Reference is now made further to Figures 23 and 24, which illustrate the internal design of waveguide antenna 11. In the illustrated design, waveguide antenna 11 is realized by a stack of two layers: a proximal antenna layer 11p on the antenna proximal side and an antenna distal layer 11d on the antenna distal side 11D. Figure 23 illustrates a view of distal antenna layer 11d from a proximal-to-distal line of sight. Similarly, Figure 24 illustrates proximal antenna layer 11p from a distal-to-proximal line of sight. Figures 23 and 24 illustrate waveguide channel structure 119, through which waveguide opening 119 and interface waveguide opening 112 are coupled as previously described.

[0105] Reference is now made to Figure 25, which shows an automotive radar system 2 in cross section. The automotive radar system 2 comprises a housing including a generally box-shaped casing 21 and a radome 22 as a cover. Inside the casing 21 is arranged a waveguide antenna assembly including a waveguide antenna 11 and a PCB 112 as previously described, for example according to the embodiment shown in Figures 21 to 24. The waveguide antenna 11 is arranged such that the antenna proximal side, including the waveguide opening 115 (not visible in Figure 25) and the scattering element 116, faces the radome.

[0106] On the PCB proximal side 12P, i.e., the side facing away from the waveguide antenna 11, is arranged a semiconductor component 13 in the form of a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The MMIC comprises a number of electromagnetic signal launchers 131 on its distal side corresponding to the number of interface waveguide openings 112. Each electromagnetic signal launcher 131 is electromagnetically coupled to a respective associated interface waveguide opening 112 via a respective associated PCB waveguide passage 124 of the PCB 12. Optionally, further components, e.g., semiconductor components, may be arranged on the PCB proximal side 12P and / or the PCB distal side 12D.

[0107] Reference is now made to Figure 26, which illustrates a further embodiment of an automotive radar system 2 similar to Figure 25. However, in the design of Figure 26, there are no individual PCB waveguide passages 124. Instead, the antenna interface structure 111 protrudes through a PCB coupling cutout 125 in the PCB 12. The antenna interface structure 111 can contact the MMIC on its distal side either directly or via a layer of conductive adhesive 132.

[0108] Reference is now made to Figures 27 and 28, which illustrate portions of a further embodiment of the waveguide antenna assembly 1. Figure 27 is a perspective schematic view. For clarity, only functionally relevant features of the waveguide antenna 11 as described below are shown. Furthermore, the PCB 12 is shown flipped in a direction away from the waveguide antenna 11.

[0109] In the embodiment of FIG. 27 , the waveguide antenna 11 includes a plurality of orthomode converters 119′. Each orthomode converter 119′ is associated with and electromagnetically coupled to an associated interface waveguide opening 112 in a one-to-one manner. Furthermore, two branches 119a, 119b of a waveguide channel structure 119 extend from each orthomode converter 119. The first branch 119a is electromagnetically coupled to one or more of the antenna waveguide openings 115, and the second branch 119b is electromagnetically coupled to one or more additional waveguide openings 115. The corresponding electromagnetic coupling structures between the interface waveguide openings 112, the orthomode converters 119′, the branches 119a, 119b of the waveguide channel structure 119, and the antenna waveguide openings are shown in FIG. 28 .

[0110] Furthermore, it can be seen that the outline of the interface waveguide opening 112 is square in this embodiment, while the cross section of the PCB waveguide passage 124 (and therefore the outline of the PCB waveguide passage 124 at the PCB distal plane 12D) is circular. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Waveguide antenna assembly 11 Waveguide antenna 11p proximal antenna layer 11d Distal antenna layer 11P Antenna proximal side 11D Antenna distal side 111 Antenna Interface Structure 112 Interface waveguide opening 112a Contour Segment / Arc Segment 112' building 113 Interface-bearing surface 114a, 114b EBG elements 115 Waveguide opening 115' waveguide aperture group 116 Scattering Elements 117 screw hole 118 Alignment pin 119 Waveguide Channel Structure 119a, 119b Branching of waveguide channel structures 119' Orthogonal Mode Converter 14c Mushroom-shaped EBG element 12 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 12P PCB proximal side 12D PCB distal side 121 (PCB) Most Proximal Layer 122 (PCB) body 123 (of PCB) most distal layer 124 PCB Waveguide Passage 125 PCB joint notch 13 Semiconductor Components 131 Electromagnetic Signal Launcher 132 Conductive adhesive 2. Automotive radar systems 21 Casing 22 Radome Column C R row P polarization (E field vector) S1 Y Base segment (of a Y-shaped interface waveguide aperture) S2 Y Arm segments (of a Y-shaped interface waveguide aperture) S1 S , S2 S , S3 S Segment (S-shaped interface waveguide opening) S1 Z , S2 Z , S3 Z Segment (Z-shaped interface waveguide opening) S1 L , S2 L Segment (L-shaped or ridged L-shaped interface waveguide opening) [Item of invention] [Item 1] A waveguide antenna (11) having at least two signal channels and having an antenna distal side (11D) and an antenna proximal side (11P), a plurality of waveguide openings (115) for transmitting electromagnetic signals to and / or receiving electromagnetic signals from the environmental space are disposed on the antenna distal side (11D); the waveguide antenna (11) includes an antenna interface structure (111) for connecting the waveguide antenna (11) to a printed circuit board (12) and / or a semiconductor component, the antenna interface structure (111) being disposed on the antenna proximal side (11P); the antenna interface structure (111) includes a plurality of interface waveguide openings (112), the plurality of interface waveguide openings (112) are disposed on an interface bearing surface (113) and coupled to the plurality of waveguide openings (115) via a waveguide channel structure (119) disposed within the waveguide antenna (11), the interface bearing surface (113) extending transversely to a vertical axis extending between a proximal (P) and a distal (D) axis; each of the interface waveguide openings (112) is coupled to the at least one associated waveguide opening (115) such that the corresponding interface waveguide opening and the associated at least one waveguide opening (115) are offset relative to one another transversely with respect to the vertical axis; each of the interface waveguide openings (112) and at least one waveguide opening (115) coupled thereto are configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals having corresponding polarizations rotated with respect to each other; the interface waveguide openings (112) are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings (112) are interdigitated with each other; and / or the interface waveguide opening (112) is in each case designed to allow simultaneous and / or alternating transmission of at least two electromagnetic signals of different polarizations, and / or a waveguide antenna (11), wherein the interface waveguide apertures are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide apertures (112) have different aperture orientations. [Item 2] 2. A waveguide antenna (11) according to item 1, wherein the interface waveguide opening has in each case a Y-shaped, Z-shaped, L-shaped, ridged L-shaped, S-shaped or N-shaped contour. [Item 3] 3. A waveguide antenna (11) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the interface waveguide openings (112) have the same contour in each case. [Item 4] 4. The waveguide antenna (11) according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the interface waveguide openings (112) are arranged in a pattern of rows (R) and columns (C). [Item 5] 5. A waveguide antenna (11) according to item 4, wherein the interface waveguide openings (112) within a row (R) and / or within a column (C) have the same opening orientation in each case. [Item 6] 6. The waveguide antenna (11) according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the interface waveguide openings (112) have in each case either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation different from the first opening orientation, and the interface waveguide openings (112) having the first opening orientation are arranged in an alternating manner with the interface openings having the second opening orientation. [Item 7] 7. The waveguide antenna (11) according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the antenna interface structure (111) includes an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure, and the electromagnetic bandgap structure (114) protrudes from the interface-bearing surface (113). [Item 8] 8. The waveguide antenna (11) according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the waveguide antenna (11) further includes a plurality of orthogonal mode converters (119′), the orthogonal mode converters (119′) being electromagnetically disposed between the plurality of waveguide openings (115) and the plurality of interface waveguide openings (112). [Item 9] Item 9. A waveguide antenna (11) according to item 8, wherein one orthogonal mode converter of the plurality of orthogonal mode converters (119') is associated and electromagnetically coupled in a one-to-one manner with an associated interface waveguide opening (112). [Item 10] A waveguide antenna assembly (1) comprising the waveguide antenna (11) according to any one of items 1 to 9, and further comprising a printed circuit board (12) having a printed circuit board proximal side (12P) and a printed circuit board distal side (12D), A waveguide antenna assembly (1), wherein the waveguide antenna (11) is attached to the distal side (12D) of the printed circuit board. [Item 11] Item 11. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to item 10, wherein the printed circuit board (12) includes a printed circuit board interface structure having a plurality of printed circuit board waveguide passages (124), each of which extends through the printed circuit board (12) between the printed circuit board proximal side (12P) and the printed circuit board distal side (12D), and the printed circuit board waveguide passages (124) are in alignment with corresponding interface waveguide openings (112) in each case. [Item 12] Item 12. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) of item 11, wherein each printed circuit board waveguide passage (124) has a cross section that differs from the profile of the associated interface waveguide opening (112). [Item 13] further comprising a semiconductor component (13); Item 13. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to item 11 or 12, wherein the semiconductor component (13) is mounted on the proximal side (12P) of the printed circuit board, the semiconductor component (13) including a plurality of electromagnetic signal launchers (131), the number of the electromagnetic signal launchers (131) corresponding to the number of the printed circuit board waveguide passages, and the printed circuit board waveguide passages (124) being aligned in a one-to-one manner with the corresponding electromagnetic signal launchers (131) in each case. [Item 14] Item 11. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to item 10, wherein the printed circuit board includes a printed circuit board coupling cutout (125), the printed circuit board coupling cutout (125) extending between the printed circuit board distal side (12D) and the printed circuit board proximal side (12P), and the antenna interface structure (111) protrudes from the printed circuit board distal side (12D) towards the printed circuit board proximal side (12P) into or through the printed circuit board coupling cutout (125). [Item 15] further comprising a semiconductor component (13) attached to the printed circuit board proximal side (12P); Item 15. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to item 14, wherein the semiconductor component (13) includes a plurality of electromagnetic signal launchers (131), the number of the electromagnetic signal launchers (131) corresponding to the number of the interface waveguide openings (112), and the interface waveguide openings (112) being aligned in a one-to-one manner with the corresponding electromagnetic signal launchers (131) in each case. [Item 16] Item 16. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to item 15, wherein the antenna interface structure (111) is in direct contact with the semiconductor component (13). [Item 17] Item 17. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to item 15 or 16, wherein the antenna interface structure (111) and the semiconductor component (13) are bonded via a layer of conductive adhesive (132), the layer of conductive adhesive (132) being disposed between the antenna interface structure (111) and the semiconductor component (13). [Item 18] 18. The waveguide antenna assembly according to any one of items 10 to 17, wherein a printed circuit board electromagnetic bandgap structure, in particular an electromagnetic bandgap structure having a mushroom-shaped electromagnetic bandgap element, is disposed on and / or within the PCB. [Item 19] Use of a waveguide antenna (11) according to any one of items 1 to 9 or a waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to any one of items 10 to 18 in an automotive radar system (2).

Claims

1. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) comprising a waveguide antenna (11) having at least two signal channels and having an antenna distal side (11D) and an antenna proximal side (11P), a plurality of waveguide openings (115) for transmitting electromagnetic signals to and / or receiving electromagnetic signals from the environmental space are arranged on the antenna distal side (11D); the waveguide antenna (11) includes an antenna interface structure (111) for connecting the waveguide antenna (11) to a printed circuit board (12) and / or a semiconductor component, the antenna interface structure (111) being disposed on the antenna proximal side (11P); the antenna interface structure (111) includes a plurality of interface waveguide openings (112), the plurality of interface waveguide openings (112) are disposed on an interface bearing surface (113) and coupled to the plurality of waveguide openings (115) via a waveguide channel structure (119) disposed within the waveguide antenna (11), the interface bearing surface (113) extending transversely to a vertical axis extending between a proximal (P) and a distal (D) end; each of the interface waveguide openings (112) is coupled to the at least one associated waveguide opening (115) such that the corresponding interface waveguide opening and the associated at least one waveguide opening (115) are offset relative to one another transversely with respect to the vertical axis; each of the interface waveguide openings (112) and at least one waveguide opening (115) coupled thereto are configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals having corresponding polarizations rotated with respect to each other; the interface waveguide openings (112) are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings (112) are interdigitated with each other; and / or each of said interface waveguide apertures (112) is designed to allow simultaneous and / or alternating transmission of at least two electromagnetic signals of different polarizations; and / or the interface waveguide openings are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings (112) have different opening orientations; the waveguide antenna assembly (1) further includes a printed circuit board (12) having a printed circuit board proximal side (12P) and a printed circuit board distal side (12D), the waveguide antenna (11) being attached to the printed circuit board distal side (12D); a printed circuit board interface structure having a plurality of printed circuit board waveguide passages extending through the printed circuit board between a proximal side and a distal side, the printed circuit board waveguide passages being aligned with a corresponding interface waveguide opening;

2. 2. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein each of the interface waveguide openings has a Y-shaped, Z-shaped, L-shaped, ridged L-shaped, S-shaped, or N-shaped profile.

3. 3. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said interface waveguide openings (112) has the same contour.

4. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interface waveguide apertures (112) are arranged in a pattern of rows (R) and columns (C).

5. 5. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein the interface waveguide apertures (112) in a row (R) and / or in a column (C) each have the same aperture orientation.

6. 6. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the interface waveguide openings (112) has either a first opening orientation or a second opening orientation different from the first opening orientation, and wherein the interface waveguide openings (112) having the first opening orientation are arranged in an alternating manner with the interface openings having the second opening orientation.

7. 7. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna interface structure (111) includes an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure (114), the electromagnetic bandgap structure (114) protruding from the interface bearing surface (113).

8. 8. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide antenna (11) further comprises a plurality of orthogonal mode transformers (119'), the orthogonal mode transformers (119') being electromagnetically disposed between the plurality of waveguide openings (115) and the plurality of interface waveguide openings (112).

9. 9. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) of claim 8, wherein one orthogonal mode converter of the plurality of orthogonal mode converters (119′) is associated and electromagnetically coupled with an associated interface waveguide opening (112) in a one-to-one manner.

10. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each printed circuit board waveguide passage (124) has a cross section that differs from the profile of the associated interface waveguide opening (112).

11. further comprising a semiconductor component (13); 11. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the semiconductor component (13) is mounted on the printed circuit board proximal side (12P), the semiconductor component (13) includes a plurality of electromagnetic signal launchers (131), the number of the electromagnetic signal launchers (131) corresponding to the number of the printed circuit board waveguide passages, and each of the printed circuit board waveguide passages (124) being aligned in a one-to-one manner with a corresponding electromagnetic signal launcher (131).

12. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) comprising a waveguide antenna (11) having at least two signal channels and having an antenna distal side (11D) and an antenna proximal side (11P), a plurality of waveguide openings (115) for transmitting electromagnetic signals to and / or receiving electromagnetic signals from the environmental space are arranged on the antenna distal side (11D); the waveguide antenna (11) includes an antenna interface structure (111) for connecting the waveguide antenna (11) to a printed circuit board (12) and / or a semiconductor component, the antenna interface structure (111) being disposed on the antenna proximal side (11P); the antenna interface structure (111) includes a plurality of interface waveguide openings (112), the plurality of interface waveguide openings (112) are disposed on an interface bearing surface (113) and coupled to the plurality of waveguide openings (115) via a waveguide channel structure (119) disposed within the waveguide antenna (11), the interface bearing surface (113) extending transversely to a vertical axis extending between a proximal (P) and a distal (D) end; each of the interface waveguide openings (112) is coupled to the at least one associated waveguide opening (115) such that the corresponding interface waveguide opening and the associated at least one waveguide opening (115) are offset relative to one another transversely with respect to the vertical axis; each of the interface waveguide openings (112) and at least one waveguide opening (115) coupled thereto is configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic signals having corresponding polarizations rotated with respect to each other; the interface waveguide openings (112) are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings (112) are interdigitated with each other; and / or the interface waveguide aperture (112) is designed to allow simultaneous and / or alternating transmission of at least two electromagnetic signals of different polarizations, and / or the interface waveguide openings are designed and arranged such that at least two adjacent interface waveguide openings (112) have different opening orientations; the waveguide antenna assembly (1) further includes a printed circuit board (12) having a printed circuit board proximal side (12P) and a printed circuit board distal side (12D), the waveguide antenna (11) being attached to the printed circuit board distal side (12D); a waveguide antenna assembly (1) in which the printed circuit board includes a printed circuit board coupling cutout (125), the printed circuit board coupling cutout (125) extending between the printed circuit board distal side (12D) and the printed circuit board proximal side (12P), and the antenna interface structure (111) protruding from the printed circuit board distal side (12D) towards the printed circuit board proximal side (12P) into or through the printed circuit board coupling cutout (125).

13. further comprising a semiconductor component (13) attached to said printed circuit board proximal side (12P); 13. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) of claim 12, wherein the semiconductor component (13) includes a plurality of electromagnetic signal launchers (131), the number of the electromagnetic signal launchers (131) corresponding to the number of the interface waveguide openings (112), and each of the interface waveguide openings (112) being aligned in a one-to-one manner with a corresponding electromagnetic signal launcher (131).

14. 14. The waveguide antenna assembly (1) of claim 13, wherein the antenna interface structure (111) is in direct contact with the semiconductor component (13).

15. 15. A waveguide antenna assembly (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the antenna interface structure (111) and the semiconductor component (13) are bonded via a layer of conductive adhesive (132), the layer of conductive adhesive (132) being disposed between the antenna interface structure (111) and the semiconductor component (13).

16. 16. The waveguide antenna assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a printed circuit board electromagnetic bandgap structure, in particular an electromagnetic bandgap structure having a mushroom-shaped electromagnetic bandgap element, is arranged on and / or within the PCB.

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