Waveguide structure and antenna device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a waveguide structure and an antenna device that make it possible to improve the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves. This waveguide structure is provided with: a waveguide unit that guides electromagnetic waves of a prescribed wavelength; a choke structure unit that is provided along both sides of the waveguide unit and is provided at a prescribed depth on the basis of the wavelength; and a discontinuous structure unit that is provided between the waveguide unit and the choke structure unit and has a discontinuous characteristic impedance toward the waveguide direction of the waveguide unit. For example, the prescribed depth of the choke structure unit is λ / 4 + nλ / 2 (n is an integer of 0 or more), where λ is the wavelength. The present technology can be applied to, for example, an antenna device of a millimeter wave radar device.

Description

Waveguide structure and antenna device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a waveguide structure and an antenna device, and more particularly to a waveguide structure and an antenna device that can improve the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for guiding electromagnetic waves, for example, an antenna device having a waveguide structure for efficiently transmitting electromagnetic waves as radar waves from a power feeder to an antenna has been used.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna device having a plurality of conductor patterns arranged on the surface of a substrate including a conductor layer.

[0004] WO 2023 / 149491

[0005] However, in the above-described waveguide structure, there is a concern that electromagnetic waves may leak from the waveguide or unwanted modes other than the operating mode may occur, resulting in a decrease in the transmission efficiency of the electromagnetic waves.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to improve the transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves.

[0007] A waveguide structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a waveguide section that guides electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength, choke structure sections that are provided along both sides of the waveguide section and at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength, and a discontinuous structure section that is provided between the waveguide section and the choke structure section and has a discontinuous characteristic impedance in the wave-guiding direction of the waveguide section.

[0008] An antenna device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a waveguide structure having a waveguide section that guides electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength, choke structure sections that are provided along both sides of the waveguide section and at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength, and a discontinuous structure section that is provided between the waveguide section and the choke structure section and has a discontinuous characteristic impedance in the guiding direction of the waveguide section.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength are guided by the waveguide, choke structures provided along both sides of the waveguide are provided at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength, and discontinuous structures provided between the waveguide and the choke structures are configured so that the characteristic impedance is discontinuous in the guiding direction of the waveguide.

[0010] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment of an antenna device to which the present technology is applied; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a choke structure portion; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fourth configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fifth configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a simulation result of an electromagnetic field simulation for the waveguide structure of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a size of the waveguide structure; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a simulation result according to the depth of a discontinuous structure portion; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a connection structure between an IC chip and a waveguide structure; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration example of an antenna; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a choke structure portion; FIG. 13 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a seventh configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an eighth configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an antenna device to which the present technology is applied; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of a waveguide structure; FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a coupling portion; FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a coupling portion; 30. A perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a coupling section. A diagram explaining an example of the configuration of a coupling section. A perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a connection section. A diagram explaining an example of the configuration of a connection section. A perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a termination section. A diagram explaining an example of the configuration of a termination section. A diagram explaining an example of the configuration of an opening. A perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a second example of the configuration of a waveguide structure. A diagram explaining an example of the configuration of a discontinuous structure section. A perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the waveguide structure of FIG. 30. A perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the waveguide structure of FIG. 30. A block diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a vehicle control system. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation positions of an outside vehicle information detection section and an imaging section.

[0011] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <Configuration Example of Antenna Device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a first embodiment of an antenna device to which the present technology is applied.

[0013] The antenna device 11 shown in FIG. 1 is used in a radar device that uses, for example, millimeter waves, which are electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of about 1 mm to 10 mm, as radar waves and detects a target object based on the reflected waves of the radar waves reflected by the target object.

[0014] The antenna device 11 is configured so that radar waves transmitted from an IC chip 13 (power supply portion) mounted on a substrate 12 are transmitted by a waveguide structure 14 provided on the substrate 12 and are radiated from a plurality of slots 16 that constitute an antenna 15 (electromagnetic wave radiating portion). Alternatively, the antenna device 11 is configured so that radar waves (reflected waves) that are incident on a plurality of slots 16 that constitute the antenna 15 (electromagnetic wave incident portion) are transmitted by the waveguide structure 14 provided on the substrate 12 and are received by the IC chip 13 mounted on the substrate 12. The antenna device 11 may include a plurality of antennas 15, and may be configured so that the antenna 15 used as the electromagnetic wave radiating portion and the antenna 15 used as the electromagnetic wave incident portion are different.

[0015] 1, the antenna 15 is configured with three slots 16, slots 16-1 to 16-3. These slots 16 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide structure 14 so that the openings are spaced apart from one another by, for example, about half the wavelength λ of the radar wave transmitted or received by the antenna device 11.

[0016] In the antenna device 11 configured as described above, the substrate 12 is configured using multiple components (e.g., conductor substrates) to provide the waveguide structure 14, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the waveguide structure 14. However, even if these components are bonded together with a conductive adhesive or the like, it is difficult to completely connect the components, and radar waves may leak through gaps between the components. Furthermore, there is a concern that unwanted modes other than the operating mode (e.g., parallel plate modes) may be generated, reducing the transmission level of the desired waveguide mode.

[0017] Therefore, the antenna device 11 is required to suppress the leakage of radar waves from the waveguide structure 14 even if gaps occur in the waveguide structure 14, which is composed of multiple components, and to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary modes other than the operating mode.

[0018] <Configuration Examples of Waveguide Structure> Configuration examples of the waveguide structure 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 18. FIG.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. As shown in FIG.

[0020] 2, the waveguide structure 14 is formed by bonding a bottom plate 21 and a top plate 22 together using, for example, a conductive adhesive. A conductive substrate is used for the bottom plate 21 and the top plate 22, and for example, the substrate 12 on which the IC chip 13 in FIG. 1 is mounted can be used.

[0021] The waveguide structure 14 is composed of a waveguide 31 extending between the IC chip 13 and the antenna 15 in Figure 1, choke structure portions 32-1 and 32-2 provided along both sides of the waveguide 31, and discontinuous structure portions 33-1 and 33-2 provided between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure portions 32-1 and 32-2.

[0022] The waveguide 31 is formed of a dielectric or air (gap) surrounded by a conductor groove formed in the bottom plate 21 and a conductor plane of the top plate 22 covering the groove, and guides radar waves of wavelength λ inside the dielectric or air (gap) in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the waveguide 31 will also be referred to as the "waveguide direction." As shown in FIG. 2 , the waveguide 31 is configured to have a vertically elongated cross-sectional shape in which the depth is longer than the width. For example, a waveguide structure 14 formed using such a waveguide 31 is called a horizontally polarized waveguide and is characterized by low radar wave loss.

[0023] The choke structure 32-1 is composed of a dielectric or air (gap) surrounded by a conductor groove formed in the bottom plate 21 at a predetermined distance from one side of the waveguide 31 and a flat conductor surface of the top plate 22 that covers the groove. Similarly, the choke structure 32-2 is composed of a dielectric or air (gap) surrounded by a conductor groove formed in the bottom plate 21 at a predetermined distance from the other side of the waveguide 31 and a flat conductor surface of the top plate 22 that covers the groove. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the choke structure 32-1 and the choke structure 32-2, they will be simply referred to as the choke structure 32.

[0024] As shown in the cross-sectional configuration of FIG. 3 , the choke structure 32 is configured so that its depth length is ¼ of the wavelength λ of the radar wave guided by the waveguide 31 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 0)). In FIG. 3 , the radar waves that pass through the gap between the bottom plate 21 and the top plate 22 and leak out of the waveguide 31 are indicated by dashed-dotted and two-dot dashed arrows. The radar waves that enter and are reflected by the choke structure 32 at a depth of λ / 4, as indicated by the two-dot dashed arrows, and the radar waves that do not enter the choke structure 32, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrows, interfere with each other and are canceled out. This prevents the radar waves from leaking out through the gap between the bottom plate 21 and the top plate 22. Taking into account manufacturing errors and the like, the depth length of the choke structure 32 may be substantially λ / 4 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 0)).

[0025] The discontinuous structure 33-1 is configured by a periodic structure in which conductors and dielectrics or air (gaps) provided between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure 32-1 are alternately arranged in the waveguiding direction. Similarly, the discontinuous structure 33-2 is configured by a periodic structure in which conductors and dielectrics or air (gaps) provided between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure 32-2 are alternately arranged in the waveguiding direction. Note that, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the discontinuous structure 33-1 and the discontinuous structure 33-2, they will simply be referred to as the discontinuous structure 33.

[0026] For example, the discontinuous structure 33 is composed of a conductor having a plurality of convex structures periodically formed in the waveguiding direction, and a dielectric or air (void) provided in a concave structure corresponding to the spacing between the convex structures. Thus, the discontinuous structure 33 is composed of a conductor and a dielectric or air (void) having a characteristic impedance different from that of the conductor, periodically arranged, thereby forming a structure (corrugation) in which the characteristic impedance is discontinuous along the waveguiding direction of the waveguide 31, thereby preventing the generation of unwanted modes other than the operating mode. Note that the discontinuous structure 33 may be composed of a dielectric and air (void), for example, as long as it is configured to form a structure in which the characteristic impedance is discontinuous along the waveguiding direction of the waveguide 31.

[0027] Furthermore, if the size in the waveguiding direction of one material region of the discontinuous structure portion 33 (for example, the dielectric or air provided in the recessed structure) becomes larger than λ / 2, the cutoff frequency of the waveguide mode in that portion becomes lower than the operating frequency, causing radio waves to leak from the waveguide structure 14. For this reason, it is preferable that the pitch of the periodic structure in which the conductor and the dielectric or air (gap) are periodically arranged in the discontinuous structure portion 33 be set to be equal to or smaller than the wavelength λ of the radar wave guided by the waveguide 31.

[0028] The discontinuous structure 33 can be formed by methods such as cutting, resin molding (injection molding), die casting, MIM (Metal Injection Molding), sheet metal processing / pressing, laser processing, and 3D printing. These methods allow for processing with an accuracy of approximately 0.05 mm to 1 mm. In the waveguide structure 14 using millimeter waves, the discontinuous structure 33 preferably has a lower limit of, for example, 1 / 20 of the wavelength λ or more so that it can be manufactured by these methods while still providing the function of suppressing the generation of unwanted modes other than the operating mode. Furthermore, the lower limit of the pitch may be set to, for example, 1 / 10 of the wavelength λ or more so that the discontinuous structure 33 can be manufactured by an inexpensive, mass-producible method such as a combination of cutting (with a minimum processing accuracy of approximately 0.2 mm) and resin molding (with a minimum processing accuracy of approximately 0.3 mm).

[0029] Specifically, in the case of a waveguide structure 14 that utilizes millimeter waves of 79 GHz, a pitch of 0.4 mm can be set by forming recessed and protruding structures by cutting with a minimum width of 0.2 mm for a wavelength λ of 3.8 mm to form a periodic discontinuous structure 33. Note that a similar pitch may be set when the discontinuous structure 33 is made of other materials. Furthermore, when forming a non-periodic discontinuous structure 33 rather than a periodic one, the size of one material region may be set under similar conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, the waveguide structure 14 is configured such that the waveguide 31, the choke structure 32, and the discontinuous structure 33 are adjacent to each other without any gaps, and the dielectric or air (gap) of the waveguide 31 and the choke structure 32 is connected to the dielectric or air (gap) in the recess of the discontinuous structure 33.

[0031] The waveguide structure 14 configured in this manner can prevent radar waves guided by the waveguide 31 from leaking to the outside through the gap between the bottom plate 21 and the top plate 22 by providing the choke structures 32 along both sides of the waveguide 31. Furthermore, the waveguide structure 14 can prevent the generation of unwanted modes other than the operating mode by providing the discontinuous structures 33 between the waveguide 31 and the choke structures 32. As a result, the antenna device 11 including the waveguide structure 14 can improve the transmission efficiency of radar waves in the guiding direction of the waveguide structure 14.

[0032] Furthermore, the waveguide structure 14 allows a gap to be provided between the bottom plate 21 and the top plate 22, and does not require them to be completely in contact with each other, which makes it easy to manufacture and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0033] For example, while it is possible to completely fill gaps that occur when manufacturing the waveguide structure 14 using multiple components with a conductive adhesive such as solder or silver paste, this would be difficult and would increase manufacturing costs. The size of these gaps would vary depending on the processing precision of the components. In contrast, the waveguide structure 14 can avoid such increases in manufacturing costs.

[0034] Typically, the effect of suppressing radar wave leakage can be enhanced by arranging the choke structure 32 at a position ¼ of the wavelength λ from the side surface of the waveguide 31. In contrast, the waveguide structure 14 can effectively suppress radar wave leakage even when the choke structure 32 is arranged closer than ¼ of the wavelength λ from the side surface of the waveguide 31 by providing a discontinuous structure 33 between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure 32. Specifically, it was confirmed that the waveguide structure 14 effectively suppresses radar wave leakage when using radar waves in the 79 GHz band, even when the choke structure 32 is arranged as close as 0.2 mm (approximately λ / 20) from the side surface of the waveguide 31.

[0035] In this way, the waveguide structure 14 can be made smaller in overall size by arranging the choke structure 32 closer to the waveguide 31. Furthermore, the antenna device 11 can be configured with a plurality of waveguide structures 14 arranged at a narrow pitch.

[0036] 2, the waveguide structure 14 is not limited to the configuration in which the waveguide 31, the choke structure 32, and the discontinuous structure 33 are provided on the bottom plate 21. For example, the waveguide 31, the choke structure 32, and the discontinuous structure 33 may be provided on the joining surface side of either the bottom plate 21 or the top plate 22. The discontinuous structure 33 may be additionally provided outside the choke structure. The discontinuous structure 33 may also be configured to provide an additional discontinuity in the characteristic impedance in a direction perpendicular to the waveguiding direction.

[0037] The following describes a waveguide structure 14 having a discontinuous structure portion 33 made of a conductor and a dielectric, but the waveguide structure 14 may have at least a portion of the dielectric replaced with air (void).

[0038] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a second configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. In the waveguide structure 14A shown in Fig. 4, components common to the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the waveguide structure 14A is configured by bonding a bottom plate 21A and a top plate 22 together, and the bottom plate 21A has a choke structure portion 32 and a discontinuous structure portion 33, which is a common configuration with the waveguide structure 14 of Figure 2.

[0040] 2 in that the waveguide 31A formed in the bottom plate 21A has a horizontally elongated cross-sectional shape in which the width is longer than the depth. For example, the waveguide 14A formed with such a waveguide 31A is called a vertically polarized waveguide, and is characterized by low loss of radar waves.

[0041] The waveguide structure 14A configured in this manner can improve the transmission efficiency of radar waves in the waveguiding direction, similar to the waveguide structure 14 of FIG.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a third configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. In the waveguide structure 14B shown in Fig. 5, components common to the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the waveguide structure 14B is configured by bonding a bottom plate 21B and a top plate 22 together, and has a choke structure portion 32 and a discontinuous structure portion 33 on the bottom plate 21B, which is a configuration common to the waveguide structure 14 of Figure 2.

[0044] 2 in that a waveguide 31B formed in a bottom plate 21B has a ridge 34 extending in the waveguiding direction and protruding from the center of the waveguide 31B. For example, the waveguide structure 14B formed with such a waveguide 31B is called a ridge waveguide, and is characterized by its ability to be miniaturized.

[0045] The waveguide structure 14B configured in this manner can improve the transmission efficiency of radar waves in the waveguiding direction, similar to the waveguide structure 14 of FIG.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a fourth configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. In the waveguide structure 14C shown in Fig. 6, components common to the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the waveguide structure 14C is configured by bonding a bottom plate 21C and a top plate 22 together, and has a waveguide 31 and a choke structure portion 32 provided on the bottom plate 21C, which is a configuration common to the waveguide structure 14 of Figure 2.

[0048] On the other hand, the waveguide structure 14C differs from the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2 in that the discontinuous structure portion 33C provided on the bottom plate 21C is configured so that a plurality of independently formed concave structures are periodically arranged at a predetermined pitch. That is, as described above, in the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2, the dielectric of the concave structure of the discontinuous structure portion 33 is configured to be connected to the dielectric of the waveguide 31 and the choke structure portion 32. In contrast, in the waveguide structure 14C, the dielectric of the concave structure of the discontinuous structure portion 33 is not connected to the dielectric of the waveguide 31 or the choke structure portion 32, and the dielectric of each concave structure is configured to be independent. The discontinuous structure portion 33 is configured by the dielectric of the concave structure and the conductor that forms the concave structure.

[0049] 2, the discontinuous structure 33C configured in this manner also has the function of preventing the generation of unnecessary modes other than the operating mode by forming a structure (corrugation) in which the characteristic impedance is discontinuous in the waveguiding direction of the waveguide 31. Therefore, the waveguide structure 14C can improve the transmission efficiency of radar waves in the waveguiding direction, similar to the waveguide structure 14 in FIG.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a fifth configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. In the waveguide structure 14D shown in Fig. 7, components common to the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the waveguide structure 14D is configured by bonding a bottom plate 21D and a top plate 22D together so as to sandwich a center plate 23D made of a conductive flat plate from both sides.

[0052] In the waveguide structure 14D, a waveguide 31D is formed by a dielectric surrounded by a conductor groove formed in the bottom plate 21D and a conductor groove formed in the top plate 22D, and a coaxial portion 42 of a center plate 23D is arranged so as to pass through the center of the waveguide 31D. The center plate 23D has flat plate portions 41-1 and 41-2 sandwiched between the bottom plate 21D and the top plate 22D on both sides of the waveguide 31D, and the coaxial portion 42 is provided so as to be supported at regular intervals by the flat plate portions 41-1 and 41-2. In other words, by being supported from both sides by multiple support portions by the flat plate portions 41-1 and 41-2, the coaxial portion 42 can be arranged so as to pass through the center of the waveguide 31D.

[0053] In the waveguide structure 14D, a choke structure 32D-1 is provided on the bottom plate 21D to suppress leakage of radar waves through a gap between the bottom plate 21D and a flat portion 41-1 of the center plate 23D, and a discontinuous structure 33D-1 is provided between the waveguide 31D and the choke structure 32D-1. In the waveguide structure 14D, a choke structure 32D-2 is provided on the bottom plate 21D to suppress leakage of radar waves through a gap between the bottom plate 21D and a flat portion 41-2 of the center plate 23D, and a discontinuous structure 33D-2 is provided between the waveguide 31D and the choke structure 32D-2.

[0054] Similarly, in the waveguide structure 14D, a choke structure 32D-3 is provided on the top plate 22D to suppress leakage of radar waves through the gap between the top plate 22D and the flat plate portion 41-1 of the center plate 23D, and a discontinuous structure 33D-3 is provided between the waveguide 31D and the choke structure 32D-3. Also, in the waveguide structure 14D, a choke structure 32D-4 is provided on the top plate 22D to suppress leakage of radar waves through the gap between the top plate 22D and the flat plate portion 41-2 of the center plate 23D, and a discontinuous structure 33D-4 is provided between the waveguide 31D and the choke structure 32D-4.

[0055] The waveguide structure 14D configured in this manner can improve the transmission efficiency of radar waves in the waveguiding direction, similar to the waveguide structure 14 of FIG.

[0056] For example, a waveguide structure 14D configured with such a waveguide 31D is called a transmission line (coaxial line or stripline) and is characterized by small phase change with frequency because it propagates radar waves in TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic) mode. As a result, the antenna device 11 equipped with the waveguide structure 14D can reduce the tilt of, for example, a series-fed antenna 15.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results of an electromagnetic field simulation in a transmission line (coaxial line or strip line) configured like the waveguide structure 14D shown in FIG.

[0058] The first simulation result was obtained under the condition that there was no gap through which radar waves leaked from waveguide 31D, and the radar wave loss was about 0.2 dB. The second simulation result was obtained under the condition that the gap through which radar waves leaked from waveguide 31D was 15 μm and neither choke structure 32D nor discontinuous structure 33D was provided, and the radar wave loss was about 0.9 dB. The third simulation result was obtained under the condition that the gap through which radar waves leaked from waveguide 31D was 15 μm and choke structure 32D was provided but discontinuous structure 33D was not provided, and the radar wave loss was about 0.7 dB.

[0059] The fourth simulation result was obtained under the condition that the gap through which radar waves leak from waveguide 31D was 15 μm, and that choke structure 32D was not provided but discontinuous structure 33D was provided, resulting in a radar wave loss of approximately 0.6 dB. The fifth simulation result was obtained under the condition that the gap through which radar waves leak from waveguide 31D was 15 μm, and that both choke structure 32D and discontinuous structure 33D were provided, resulting in a radar wave loss of approximately 0.2 dB.

[0060] These simulation results show that when only choke structure 32D is provided and when only discontinuous structure 33D is provided, the effects of suppressing radar waves from leaking from waveguide 31D and preventing the occurrence of unwanted modes other than the operating mode are insufficient.On the other hand, when both choke structure 32D and discontinuous structure 33D are provided, the effects of suppressing radar waves from leaking from waveguide 31D and preventing the occurrence of unwanted modes other than the operating mode can be sufficiently obtained, and characteristics close to those obtained when there are no gaps through which radar waves leak from waveguide 31D can be obtained.

[0061] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a sixth configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. In the waveguide structure 14E shown in Fig. 9, components common to the waveguide structure 14D of Fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] 9, waveguide structure 14E has a common configuration with waveguide structure 14D in Fig. 7 in that bottom plate 21E and top plate 22E are bonded together so as to sandwich center plate 23E from both sides, and coaxial portion 42 of center plate 23E is arranged to pass through the center of waveguide 31E. Waveguide structure 14E also has a common configuration with waveguide structure 14D in Fig. 7 in that choke structure 32E-1 and choke structure 32E-2 are provided on bottom plate 21E, and choke structure 32E-3 and choke structure 32E-4 are provided on top plate 22E.

[0063] 7 in that a discontinuous structure 33E-1 is provided on the flat plate portion 41-1 of the center plate 23E, and a discontinuous structure 33E-2 is provided on the flat plate portion 41-2 of the center plate 23E. That is, while the discontinuous structure 33D is provided on the bottom plate 21D and the top plate 22D in the waveguide structure 14D in FIG. 7, the discontinuous structure 33E is provided on the center plate 23E in the waveguide structure 14E.

[0064] The waveguide structure 14E configured in this manner can improve the transmission efficiency of radar waves in the waveguiding direction, similar to the waveguide structure 14D of FIG.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of an electromagnetic field simulation in a transmission line (coaxial line or strip line) configured like the waveguide structure 14D in FIG. 7 and the waveguide structure 14E in FIG.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the simulation results (top & bottom) for the configuration of waveguide structure 14D in Figure 7 and the simulation results (center) for the configuration of waveguide structure 14E in Figure 9 provide substantially the same effects. Therefore, in the case of a transmission line (coaxial line or stripline), either a configuration in which discontinuous structure 33D is provided on bottom plate 21D and top plate 22D as in waveguide structure 14D, or a configuration in which discontinuous structure 33E is provided on center plate 23E as in waveguide structure 14E, may be adopted. Note that in the configuration in which discontinuous structure 33E is provided on center plate 23E as in waveguide structure 14E, the discontinuous structure 33E can be formed by etching simultaneously with the formation of coaxial portion 42, which is considered to be advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0067] The size of the waveguide structure 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] In the waveguide structure 14, a discontinuous structure portion 33 is provided in which the characteristic impedance is discontinuous in the waveguiding direction of the waveguide 31, thereby creating freedom in the distance between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure portion 32.

[0069] For example, as shown in A of FIG. 11, in a waveguide structure 14 in which the distance between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure 32 is large (specifically, the width of the waveguide 31 is 1.55 mm, and the center-to-center spacing between the choke structures 32 is 4.1 mm), the loss of radar waves increases, but the gap tolerance can be increased.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11B, in a waveguide structure 14 in which the distance between the waveguide 31 and the choke structure 32 is short (specifically, the width of the waveguide 31 is 1.55 mm, and the center-to-center spacing between the choke structures 32 is 2.2 mm), the loss of radar waves can be reduced, but the gap tolerance becomes smaller.

[0071] As described above, it is necessary to adjust the size of the waveguide structure 14 in accordance with the trade-off between radar wave loss and gap tolerance depending on the application of the waveguide structure 14. The size of the waveguide structure 14 may also be appropriately selected based on the ease of manufacturing the waveguide structure 14, cost, characteristics, etc.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the results of the electromagnetic field simulation according to the depth of the discontinuous structure portion 33. In FIG.

[0073] FIG. 12 shows the simulation results under the condition that there are no gaps through which radar waves leak from the waveguide 31D (w / o Gap), and the simulation results under the condition that the discontinuous structure portion 33 has various depths (0 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm).

[0074] The simulation results show that there is a threshold for the depth of the discontinuous structure 33, and that changes in characteristics become small above a certain depth. In other words, it can be seen that unwanted modes do not occur when the difference in characteristic impedance between the recessed and protruding parts of the discontinuous structure 33 exceeds a certain value.

[0075] FIG. 13 shows an example of a bend structure of the waveguide structure 14.

[0076] 13, the waveguide structure 14 can be configured as a bend structure in which choke structures 32-1 and 32-2 provided on both sides of the waveguide 31 are also bent in accordance with the bend in the waveguide 31. In this way, the waveguide structure 14 can be easily designed and manufactured as a bend structure.

[0077] The connection structure between the IC chip 13 and the waveguide structure 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] In the waveguide structure 14 shown in FIG. 14, the metal structure 51 is used as the bottom plate 21 and the substrate 12 is used as the top plate 22 .

[0079] 14A, the metal structure 51 can be formed from a thin rod-shaped member (e.g., a metal or a resin with a plated surface) having dimensions necessary to form the waveguide 31, the choke structure 32, and the discontinuous structure 33. The surface of the metal structure 51 on which the waveguide 31 is formed is then bonded to the substrate 12 to form the waveguide structure 14. In this way, the waveguide structure 14 can be formed from a combination of the substrate 12 and the metal structure 51.

[0080] 14B and 14C, a structure is adopted for coupling (power supply) from the substrate 12 using a slot 52 formed so as to open from the IC chip 13 mounted on the substrate 12 to the waveguide 31. For example, the characteristic impedance can be adjusted by adjusting the width of the slot 52. Note that, in order to suppress the influence of the choke structure 32 and the discontinuous structure 33 on coupling, it is preferable to provide the choke structure 32 in a circular manner away from the slot 52, as shown in the drawings, or to avoid providing the discontinuous structure 33 near the slot 52.

[0081] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the antenna 15. As shown in FIG.

[0082] FIG. 15 shows an example of the configuration of an antenna 15 in a transmission line (coaxial line or strip line) configured like the waveguide structure 14E in FIG.

[0083] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 15, the antenna 15 is configured by nine slots 16, from slot 16-1 to slot 16-9, which are formed in the top plate 22E so as to penetrate from the waveguide 31E to the outside.

[0084] The antenna 15 may be provided on at least one of the top plate 22E and the bottom plate 21E. The antenna 15 may have a horn antenna structure in addition to a structure with a slot 16, and various other structures may be adopted.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the choke structure 32. As shown in FIG.

[0086] 16, the choke structure 32 can be configured in a linear shape as shown in Fig. 3 above, or in a shape that has a bent portion between the opening and the tip surface. As indicated by the two-dot chain arrow, the radar wave that enters through the opening of the choke structure 32 travels along the bent shape of the choke structure 32, is reflected by the tip surface, and then returns along the bent shape of the choke structure 32 to exit from the opening of the choke structure 32 into the gap between the bottom plate 21 and the top plate 22.

[0087] In this case, the choke structure 32 is configured so that the length from the opening to the tip face (for example, length A + length B shown in the figure) is 1 / 4 of the wavelength λ of the radar wave guided by the waveguide 31 (or λ / 4 + nλ / 2 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 0)), as explained above with reference to Figure 3. As a result, the radar wave that enters and is reflected by the choke structure 32 and the radar wave that does not enter the choke structure 32 interfere with each other, and as a result, they are canceled out. Note that the length from the opening to the tip face of the choke structure 32 having a bent portion corresponds to the depth direction length of the choke structure 32 having a linear shape as shown in Figure 3 above.

[0088] In this way, by adopting a choke structure 32 having a shape with a bent portion, it is possible to make the waveguide structure 14 thinner while maintaining the characteristic of suppressing the radar waves guided by the waveguide 31 from leaking to the outside through gaps.

[0089] Furthermore, choke structure 32 having a bent portion can be formed by a bottom plate 21 in which a plurality of conductive substrates are stacked. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, choke structure 32 having a bent portion can be easily formed by a manufacturing method in which bottom plate 21a, bottom plate 21b, and bottom plate 21c are bonded together by diffusion bonding or the like.

[0090] Furthermore, if the length from the opening to the tip surface can be configured to be 1 / 4 of the wavelength λ of the radar wave guided by the waveguide 31 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0)), the choke structure 32 is not limited to a shape having a bent portion as shown in the figure, and various shapes can be adopted.

[0091] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a seventh configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. Fig. 17A shows a perspective view of the waveguide structure 14F, and Fig. 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the waveguide structure 14F. In the waveguide structure 14F shown in Fig. 17, components common to the waveguide structure 14 of Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0092] As shown in Figure 17, the waveguide structure 14F is configured by bonding a bottom plate 21F and a top plate 22F together, and has a waveguide 31 provided in the bottom plate 21F, which is a common configuration with the waveguide structure 14 of Figure 2.

[0093] 2 in that a choke structure 32F and a discontinuous structure 33F are provided on a top plate 22F. As described above with reference to FIG. 16, the choke structure 32F is configured to have a bent portion. The discontinuous structure 33F is configured such that the dielectric of the recessed structure is independent, similar to the discontinuous structure 33C shown in FIG. 6.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 17B, in a cross section perpendicular to the waveguiding direction of the waveguide 31, the top plate 22F is configured to have conductor layers 61 from conductor layer 61-1 to conductor layer 61-3, a dielectric layer 62, and vias 63 from vias 63-1 to 63-8.

[0095] The conductor layer 61-1 is provided so as to cover the surface of the dielectric layer 62, the conductor layer 61-2 is provided at the middle in the thickness direction of the dielectric layer 62, and the conductor layer 61-3 is provided so as to cover the back surface of the dielectric layer 62. The conductor layer 61-2 is disposed at least in the region where the discontinuous structure portion 33F is provided. The conductor layer 61-3 has openings in regions corresponding to the choke structure portion 32F and in regions corresponding to the multiple recessed structures of the discontinuous structure portion 33F.

[0096] The dielectric layer 62 has a two-layer structure consisting of a layer provided between the conductor layer 61-1 and the conductor layer 61-2, and a layer provided between the conductor layer 61-2 and the conductor layer 61-3.

[0097] Vias 63-1, 63-2, and 63-3 are used to form choke structure 32F-1. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in B of FIG. 17, choke structure 32F-1 having a bent portion is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61-1, conductor layer 61-2, vias 63-1, 63-2, and via 63-3. Vias 63-2 and 63-4 are used to form discontinuous structure 33F-1. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in B of FIG. 17, discontinuous structure 33F-1 is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61-2, via 63-2, and via 63-4.

[0098] Vias 63-5, via 63-6, and via 63-7 are used to form choke structure 32F-2. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in B of FIG. 17, choke structure 32F-2 having a bent portion is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61-1, conductor layer 61-2, via 63-5, via 63-6, and via 63-7. Vias 63-6 and via 63-8 are used to form discontinuous structure 33F-2. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in B of FIG. 17, discontinuous structure 33F-2 is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61-2, via 63-6, and via 63-8.

[0099] In this way, in the waveguide structure 14F, the choke structure 32F and the discontinuous structure 33F can be disposed on the top plate 22F, which is a dielectric substrate constituted by the conductor layer 61 and the dielectric layer 62. In other words, it is not necessary to configure the choke structure 32F and the discontinuous structure 33F on the side of the bottom plate 21F on which the waveguide 31 is provided. Furthermore, by configuring the choke structure 32F to have a bent portion and arranging the portion of the choke structure 32F beyond the bent portion and a portion of the discontinuous structure 33 to overlap in plan view (when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the top plate 22F), further miniaturization can be achieved.

[0100] This allows the waveguide structure 14F to be made thinner and have a smaller structure using wavelength shortening based on the dielectric constant, and also allows the structure of the bottom plate 21F to be simplified.

[0101] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an eighth configuration example of the waveguide structure 14. In the waveguide structure 14G shown in Fig. 18, components common to the waveguide structure 14F in Fig. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] 18, the waveguide structure 14G is formed by bonding a bottom plate 21G-1 and a bottom plate 21G-2 to both sides of a top plate 22G. The waveguide 31 is provided between the top plates 22G in a region sandwiched between the bottom plates 21G-1 and 21G-2.

[0103] Similar to the waveguide structure 14F of FIG. 17, the waveguide structure 14G has a choke structure portion 32G having a bent portion and a discontinuous structure portion 33G in which the dielectric of the recessed structure is configured to be independent, provided on the top plate 22G.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 18, in a cross section perpendicular to the waveguiding direction of the waveguide 31, the top plate 22G is configured to have conductor layers 61G-1 to 61G-5, a dielectric layer 62G, and vias 63G from 63-1 to 63-16.

[0105] The conductor layer 61G-1 is provided so as to cover the surface of the dielectric layer 62G. The conductor layers 61G-2, 61G-3, and 61G-4 are provided so as to be approximately equally spaced apart in the thickness direction inside the dielectric layer 62G. The conductor layer 61G-5 is provided so as to cover the back surface of the dielectric layer 62G. The conductor layers 61G-1 and 61G-5 have openings in a region corresponding to the choke structure 32G, a region corresponding to the multiple recessed structures of the discontinuous structure 33F, and a region corresponding to the waveguide 31. The conductor layers 61G-2 and 61G-4 are arranged at least in the region where the discontinuous structure 33G is provided, and the conductor layer 61G-3 is arranged outside the region where the waveguide 31 is provided.

[0106] The dielectric layer 62G is formed in a four-layer structure including a layer provided between the conductor layer 61G-1 and the conductor layer 61G-2, a layer provided between the conductor layer 61G-2 and the conductor layer 61G-3, a layer provided between the conductor layer 61G-3 and the conductor layer 61G-4, and a layer provided between the conductor layer 61G-4 and the conductor layer 61G-5.

[0107] Vias 63-1, 63-2, and 63-3 are used to form choke structure 32G-1. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, choke structure 32G-1 having a bent portion is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-2, conductor layer 61G-3, vias 63-1, 63-2, and 63-3. Vias 63-2 and 63-4 are used to form discontinuous structure 33G-1. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, discontinuous structure 33G-1 is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-2, via 63-2, and via 63-4.

[0108] Vias 63-5, via 63-6, and via 63-7 are used to form choke structure 32G-2. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, choke structure 32G-2 having a bent portion is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-2, conductor layer 61G-3, via 63-5, via 63-6, and via 63-7. Vias 63-6 and via 63-8 are used to form discontinuous structure 33G-2. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, discontinuous structure 33G-2 is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-2, via 63-6, and via 63-8.

[0109] Vias 63-9, via 63-10, and via 63-11 are used to form choke structure 32G-3. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, choke structure 32G-3 having a bent portion is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-3, conductor layer 61G-4, via 63-9, via 63-10, and via 63-11. Vias 63-10 and via 63-12 are used to form discontinuous structure 33G-3. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, discontinuous structure 33G-3 is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-4, via 63-10, and via 63-12.

[0110] Vias 63-13, vias 63-14, and vias 63-15 are used to form choke structure 32G-4. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, choke structure 32G-4 having a bent portion is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-3, conductor layer 61G-4, vias 63-13, vias 63-14, and vias 63-15. Vias 63-14 and vias 63-16 are used to form discontinuous structure 33G-4. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 18, discontinuous structure 33G-4 is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 61G-4, vias 63-14, and vias 63-16.

[0111] In this way, the waveguide structure 14G can be configured such that the choke structure 32G and the discontinuous structure 33G are provided on both sides of the conductive substrate used as the top plate 22G. Furthermore, the waveguide structure 14G can employ a configuration in which a different substrate or structure is laminated as the bottom plate 21G-1 and the bottom plate 21G-2.

[0112] <Second Configuration Example of Antenna Apparatus> FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a second embodiment of an antenna apparatus to which the present technology is applied.

[0113] 19A shows a plan view of the antenna device 101, FIG. 19B shows a side view of the antenna device 101, and FIG. 19C shows a bottom view of the antenna device 101.

[0114] The antenna device 101 shown in FIG. 19 is used in a radar device that, like the antenna device 11 shown in FIG. 1 described above, uses millimeter waves, which are electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of about 1 mm to 10 mm, as radar waves and detects a target object based on the reflected waves of the radar waves reflected by the target object.

[0115] The antenna device 101 is configured so that radar waves transmitted from an LoP (Launcher on Package) chip 103 (power supply unit) mounted on a printed circuit board 102 are transmitted by a waveguide structure 104 provided in a laminated plate 108 and radiated from a plurality of openings that constitute an antenna 105 (electromagnetic wave emission unit). Alternatively, the antenna device 101 is configured so that radar waves (reflected waves) incident on a plurality of openings that constitute the antenna 105 (electromagnetic wave incidence unit) are transmitted by the waveguide structure 104 provided in the laminated plate 108 and received by the LoP chip 103 mounted on the printed circuit board 102. In the antenna device 101 of the configuration example shown in Figure 19, the antenna 105 is configured by eight openings (openings 106 shown in Figure 29, which will be described later) provided on the tip side of the waveguide structure 104.

[0116] In the configuration example shown in Figure 19, the antenna device 101 is configured with antennas 105a to 105c provided at three locations. The LoP chip 103 and antenna 105a are connected by a waveguide structure 104a, and the LoP chip 103 and antenna 105b are connected by a waveguide structure 104b. The waveguide structure 104c connected to antenna 105c is not connected to the LoP chip 103, and antenna 105c is used as a dummy antenna. Such dummy antennas are arranged to improve the directivity of antennas 105a and 105b used as actual antennas. Furthermore, a termination (termination 123 shown in Figures 27 and 28, described later) provided on the base end of the waveguide structure 104c connected to antenna 105c used as a dummy antenna is configured to suppress reflection of radar waves.

[0117] In addition, the antenna device 101 may be provided with multiple antennas 105 other than the antennas 105a to 105c shown in the figure, and can be configured so that the antenna 105 used as the electromagnetic wave radiation portion is different from the antenna 105 used as the electromagnetic wave incidence portion.

[0118] Furthermore, in the antenna device 101, a choke structure 107 having a depth of, for example, ¼ the wavelength λ of the radar wave used in the antenna device 101 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 0)) is provided on both sides of each of the multiple antennas 105. In the example shown in A of FIG. 19, choke structures 107-1 and 107-2 are provided on both sides of antenna 105a, choke structures 107-2 and 107-3 are provided on both sides of antenna 105b, and choke structures 107-3 and 107-4 are provided on both sides of antenna 105c. In this way, by providing choke structures 107 on both sides of the antennas 105, it is possible to suppress the generation of surface waves and suppress coupling between the antennas 105.

[0119] 19B, in antenna device 101, LoP chip 103 is mounted on printed circuit board 102 using solder or the like. Radar waves are transmitted between LoP chip 103 and waveguide structure 104a and waveguide structure 104b via a waveguide formed by plating a slot that penetrates printed circuit board 102, or a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) made of a metal pattern and vias.

[0120] The printed circuit board 102 may have a configuration in which a solder resist is applied to the surface, or may have a configuration in which a solder resist is not applied to the surface.

[0121] The LoP chip 103 does not distinguish between signal terminals and ground terminals, and these terminals serve as interfaces for the waveguide mode.

[0122] The waveguide structure 104 is formed by a laminated plate 108, which is formed by laminating three plates 109-1 to 109-3. The plates 109-1 to 109-3 may be provided with an insulating coating or an oxide film on the surfaces thereof.

[0123] In antenna device 101, even if there is a small gap between printed circuit board 102 and laminate plate 108, leakage of radio waves can be suppressed by a choke structure (for example, choke structure 143 in FIG. 21 or choke structure 155 in FIG. 23 , which will be described later). Therefore, antenna device 101 can be assembled by bonding printed circuit board 102 and laminate plate 108 together using a conductive or insulating adhesive, or by screwing printed circuit board 102 and laminate plate 108 together, or by selecting from a variety of fitting methods.

[0124] Similarly, in antenna device 101, even if there are some gaps between plates 109-1 to 109-3, leakage of radio waves can be suppressed by using a choke structure (for example, choke structure 154 in FIG. 23 , which will be described later) etc. Therefore, antenna device 101 can be assembled by bonding plates 109-1 to 109-3 together using a conductive or insulating adhesive, fastening plates 109-1 to 109-3 with screws, or by selecting from a variety of fitting methods.

[0125] Therefore, the antenna device 101 can be manufactured by a manufacturing method that allows some gaps between the printed circuit board 102 and the laminated plate 108 when they are assembled together, and between the plates 109-1 to 109-3 when they are assembled together.

[0126] A first configuration example of the waveguide structure 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0127] Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the waveguide structure 104. Fig. 20A shows a cross-sectional view along the waveguide direction of the waveguide structure 104a, Fig. 20B shows a cross-sectional view along the waveguide direction of the waveguide structure 104b, and Fig. 20C shows a cross-sectional view along the waveguide direction of the waveguide structure 104c.

[0128] 20A, the waveguide structure 104a is provided to guide radar waves of wavelength λ in the longitudinal direction between the base end side, where the coupling portion 121a that serves as an interface with the LoP chip 103 is provided, and the tip end side, where the antenna 105a is provided. For example, the waveguide structure 104a is configured to be sandwiched between the plates 109-1 and 109-2. The configurations of the waveguide structure 104a and the coupling portion 121a will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0129] 20B, the waveguide structure 104b is provided to guide radar waves of wavelength λ in the longitudinal direction between the base end side, where a coupling portion 121b serving as an interface with the LoP chip 103 is provided, and the tip end side, where an antenna 105b is provided. For example, the waveguide structure 104b is configured such that a portion sandwiched between the plates 109-2 and 109-3 and a portion sandwiched between the plates 109-1 and 109-2 are connected at a connecting portion 122. The configurations of the waveguide structure 104b and the coupling portion 121b will be described later with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, and the configurations of the waveguide structure 104b and the connecting portion 122 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

[0130] 19, the waveguide structure 104a and the waveguide structure 104b can be arranged to intersect within the region where the plate 109-3 is provided. That is, when viewed in cross section along the waveguiding direction of the waveguide structure 104a, the waveguide structure 104b can be provided so as to pass closer to the plate 109-3 side than the waveguide structure 104a, as shown in A of FIG. 20. Similarly, when viewed in cross section along the waveguiding direction of the waveguide structure 104b, the waveguide structure 104a can be provided so as to pass closer to the plate 109-1 side than the waveguide structure 104b, as shown in B of FIG.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 20C, the waveguide structure 104c is provided so as to extend between the base end side where the terminal end 123 is provided and the tip end side where the antenna 105c is provided. For example, the waveguide structure 104c is configured so as to be sandwiched between the plates 109-1 and 109-2. The configurations of the waveguide structure 104c and the terminal end 123 will be described later with reference to Figs. 27 and 28.

[0132] An example of the configuration of the waveguide structure 104a and the coupling portion 121a will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0133] Fig. 21A shows a perspective view of the coupling portion 121a as seen obliquely from the top side, and Fig. 21B shows a perspective view of the coupling portion 121a as seen obliquely from the bottom side. Fig. 22A shows a plan view of the plate 109-1 at the coupling portion 121a, Fig. 22B shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling portion 121a, and Fig. 22C shows a bottom view of the plate 109-1 at the coupling portion 121a.

[0134] 2 described above, the waveguide structure 104a is configured by choke structure portions 132 provided along both sides of a waveguide 131 formed in the plate 109-1, and discontinuous structure portions 133-1 and 133-2 provided between the waveguide 131 and the choke structure portion 132. Also, like the waveguide structure 14B described above in FIG. 5, the waveguide structure 104a is configured by providing a ridge 134 that extends in the waveguiding direction so as to protrude from the center of the waveguide 131.

[0135] The waveguide 131 is composed of a dielectric surrounded by a conductor groove formed in the plate 109-1 and a conductor plane of the plate 109-2 that covers the groove, and guides radar waves of wavelength λ inside the dielectric in the longitudinal direction.

[0136] Choke structure 132 is composed of a dielectric surrounded by conductive grooves formed in plate 109-1 at a predetermined distance from both side surfaces of waveguide 131 and the flat conductive surface of plate 109-2 that covers the grooves. Choke structure 132 is also configured so that its length in the depth direction is ¼ of the wavelength λ of the radar waves guided by waveguide 131 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0)). As a result, even if a gap exists between plates 109-1 and 109-2, choke structure 132 can prevent radar waves from leaking to the outside through the gap.

[0137] The discontinuous structure portions 133-1 and 133-2 are configured by a periodic structure in which conductors and dielectrics provided between the waveguide 131 and the choke structure portion 132 are alternately arranged in the waveguiding direction.

[0138] Here, the choke structure 132 is provided so as to be continuous at the end of the waveguide 131 so as to surround the waveguide hole 141 provided at the end of the waveguide 131, whereas the discontinuous structures 133-1 and 133-2 are not provided so as to surround the waveguide hole 141. For example, the discontinuous structures 133-1 and 133-2 may be provided in positions that are effective for the characteristics of the radar waves guided by the waveguide 131 (i.e., as described above, so as to be able to suppress the generation of unnecessary modes other than the operating mode), and as shown in the figure, they are not provided near the end of the waveguide 131 but are provided only in portions along both side surfaces of the waveguide 131.

[0139] In coupling section 121a, waveguide hole 141 is provided so as to penetrate plate 109-1 from the end of waveguide 131 toward printed circuit board 102, and waveguide hole 142 is provided so as to penetrate printed circuit board 102 in substantially the same shape as waveguide hole 141. Then, LoP chip 103 of FIG. 19 is mounted on printed circuit board 102 so as to correspond to waveguide hole 142. Therefore, radar waves can be transmitted between LoP chip 103 and waveguide structure 104a via waveguide hole 141 and waveguide hole 142.

[0140] The waveguide hole 141 is formed so as to have a structure in which two ridges protrude from both sides toward the center (a so-called double-ridge waveguide structure) when viewed in a plan view as shown in Figures 22A and 22C.

[0141] A choke structure 143 is provided on the bottom surface of plate 109-1 to surround waveguide hole 141. Like choke structure 132, choke structure 143 is provided to a depth of ¼ the wavelength λ of the radar wave guided by waveguide 131 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0)). As a result, even if a gap exists between plate 109-1 and printed circuit board 102, choke structure 143 can prevent radar waves from leaking to the outside through the gap.

[0142] The waveguide 131 is also configured with a step-shaped notch 144 for adjusting impedance provided at the end of the ridge 134. For example, as shown in Fig. 22B, the notch 144 is formed so as to be one step lower in height than the ridge 134.

[0143] 23 and 24, examples of the configuration of the waveguide structure 104b and the coupling portion 121b will be described.

[0144] Fig. 23A shows a perspective view of the coupling portion 121b as seen obliquely from the top side, and Fig. 23B shows a perspective view of the coupling portion 121b as seen obliquely from the bottom side. Fig. 24A shows a plan view of the plate 109-2 at the coupling portion 121b, Fig. 24B shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling portion 121b, and Fig. 24C shows a bottom view of the plate 109-2 at the coupling portion 121a.

[0145] The waveguide structure 104b is configured in the same manner as the waveguide structure 104a described above, i.e., the waveguide structure 104b is configured such that the groove portion of the waveguide 131, the choke structure portion 132, the discontinuous structures 133-1 and 133-2, and the ridge 134 are formed on the plate 109-2, and are covered by the plate 109-3.

[0146] In coupling section 121b, waveguide hole 151 is provided so as to penetrate plate 109-2 from the end of waveguide 131 toward printed circuit board 102, waveguide hole 151 is provided so as to penetrate plate 109-1 with substantially the same shape as waveguide hole 141, and waveguide hole 153 is provided so as to penetrate printed circuit board 102. Then, LoP chip 103 of FIG. 19 is mounted on printed circuit board 102 so as to correspond to waveguide hole 153. Therefore, radar waves can be transmitted between LoP chip 103 and waveguide structure 104b via waveguide hole 151, waveguide hole 152, and waveguide hole 153.

[0147] In addition, waveguide holes 151, 152, and 153 are formed so that, in a planar view, they have a structure in which two ridges protrude from both sides toward the center (a so-called double-ridge waveguide structure), similar to the waveguide hole 141 described above.

[0148] Choke structure 154 is provided on the top surface of plate 109-1 to surround opening 152, and choke structure 155 is provided on the bottom surface of plate 109-1 to surround opening 152. Like choke structure 132, choke structure 154 and choke structure 155 are provided to a depth of ¼ the wavelength λ of the radar wave guided by waveguide 131 (or λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0)). As a result, even if a gap exists between plate 109-1 and plate 109-2, choke structure 154 can prevent radar waves from leaking to the outside through the gap. Similarly, choke structure 155 can prevent radar waves from leaking to the outside through the gap even if a gap exists between plate 109-1 and printed circuit board 102.

[0149] 24B, the coupling portion 121b is also configured such that a step-shaped notch 156 for adjusting impedance is provided at the end of the ridge 134, similar to the coupling portion 121a described above.

[0150] An example of the configuration of the connection portion 122 of the waveguide structure 104b will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG.

[0151] Fig. 25A shows a perspective view of connection portion 122 as seen obliquely from the top side, and Fig. 25B shows a perspective view of connection portion 122 as seen obliquely from the bottom side. Fig. 26A shows a plan view of plate 109-2 at connection portion 122, Fig. 26B shows a cross-sectional view of connection portion 122, and Fig. 26C shows a plan view of plate 109-1 at connection portion 122.

[0152] The connection portion 122 is provided to connect a waveguide 131 formed of a dielectric surrounded by a groove portion of a conductor formed in the plate 109-2 and the flat surface of the conductor of the plate 109-3 covering the groove portion, and a waveguide 131 formed of a dielectric surrounded by a groove portion of a conductor formed in the plate 109-1 and the flat surface of the conductor of the plate 109-2 covering the groove portion.

[0153] In the connecting portion 122, a waveguide hole 161 is provided so as to penetrate the plate 109-2 from the end of the waveguide 131 provided in the plate 109-2 (the right end of A in FIG. 26 ) toward the plate 109-1. Therefore, radar waves can be transmitted via the waveguide hole 161 between the waveguide 131 provided between the plates 109-2 and 109-3 and the waveguide 131 provided between the plates 109-1 and 109-2.

[0154] In addition, the waveguide hole 161 is formed so that, in a planar view, it has a structure in which two ridges protrude from both sides toward the center (a so-called double-ridge waveguide structure), similar to the waveguide hole 141 described above.

[0155] The waveguide 131 is configured such that an inclined surface 162 for adjusting impedance is provided at the end (the left end of C in FIG. 26) of the ridge 134 provided on the plate 109-1. For example, as shown in B in FIG. 26, the inclined surface 162 is formed with an inclination such that its height increases from the end of the ridge 134 provided on the plate 109-1 toward the tip.

[0156] In the connecting portion 122, the discontinuous structures 133-1 and 133-2 are not provided so as to surround the waveguide hole 141. For example, the discontinuous structures 133-1 and 133-2 may be provided in positions that are effective for the characteristics of the radar waves guided by the waveguide 131 (that is, so as to be able to suppress the generation of unnecessary modes other than the operating mode, as described above), and as shown in the figure, are not provided near the ends of the waveguide 131 but are provided only in portions along both side surfaces of the waveguide 131.

[0157] 27 and 28, a configuration example of the termination portion 123 provided on the base end side of the waveguide structure 104c connected to the antenna 105c used as a dummy antenna will be described.

[0158] Fig. 27A shows a perspective view of the terminal end portion 123 with the absorber 171 in place, viewed from an oblique direction above, and Fig. 27B shows a perspective view of the terminal end portion 123 with the absorber 171 removed, viewed from an oblique direction above. Fig. 28A shows a plan view of plate 109-1 in the terminal end portion 123 with the absorber 171 in place, Fig. 28B shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal end portion 123 with the absorber 171 not in place, and Fig. 28C shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal end portion 123 with the absorber 171 in place.

[0159] For example, as shown in FIG. 27A, an absorber 171 made of a resin material with a large dielectric loss tangent (loss) is disposed in the terminal end 123.

[0160] 27B, in the termination portion 123, a step-shaped notch 173 for adjusting impedance is provided at the end of the ridge 134. For example, as shown in Fig. 28B, the notch 173 is formed so as to be one step lower in height than the ridge 134, and a step surface 172 is provided between the ridge 134 and the notch 173. The step surface 172 is also used to fix the position of the absorber 171, and as shown in Fig. 28C, the absorber 171 is designed to have a dimension such that its tip abuts against the step surface 172.

[0161] The absorber 171 is configured by providing a tapered portion 182 on the tip side (the side facing the step surface 172 when the absorber 171 is placed at the end portion 123) of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 181. The tapered portion 182 is formed in a shape that narrows toward the tip side of the absorber 171, and is capable of converting impedance.

[0162] 27B, the absorber 171 is configured such that a groove 183 for fitting the absorber 171 across the cutout 173 is provided on the bottom surface of the main body 181. As shown in FIG.

[0163] An example of the configuration of the opening 106 that constitutes the antenna 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0164] The antenna 105 is configured by openings 106 provided at a plurality of locations (eight locations in the example shown in FIG. 19 ) so as to penetrate the plate 109-2 and open to the waveguide structure 104. The openings 106 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide structure 104 so as to be spaced apart from one another at intervals of, for example, about ½ the wavelength λ of the radar wave transmitted or received by the antenna device 101.

[0165] The opening 106 is formed to have a structure (a so-called double-ridge horn antenna) in which two ridges are provided protruding toward the center from both side surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide structure 104. In addition to using the opening 106 having such a structure, the antenna 105 may also use, for example, a slot 16 as shown in FIG.

[0166] Furthermore, of the multiple openings 106 constituting the antenna 105, the opening 106-1 provided at the most tip side (the right side in FIG. 29) is positioned so that the center of the opening 106-1 along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide structure 104 is located at a position approximately 1 / 2 of the wavelength λ of the radar wave inside the dielectric, from the tip to the base end side of the ridge 134 constituting the waveguide structure 104.

[0167] At the tip of the waveguide structure 104, the choke structure 132 is provided continuously so as to surround the tip of the ridge 134, which has an open end (the portion where the ridge 134 is cut), and the discontinuous structure 133 is also provided continuously. In other words, the discontinuous structures 133-1 and 133-2 provided on both sides of the waveguide 131 are connected to surround the tip of the ridge 134 at the tip of the waveguide structure 104.

[0168] It should be noted that the waveguide structure 104 described above with reference to FIGS. 20 to 28 is a structure called a ridge waveguide provided with a ridge 134, but the present technology can be applied to waveguide structures other than a ridge waveguide (for example, a horizontally polarized waveguide, a vertically polarized waveguide, a coaxial line, a stripline, etc.).

[0169] A second configuration example of the waveguide structure 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0170] A in Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the waveguide structure 104. A in Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of the waveguide structure 104A, and B in Fig. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the waveguide structure 104A. In the waveguide structure 104A shown in Fig. 30, components common to the waveguide structure 104 described with reference to Figs. 20 to 28 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] 30, the waveguide structure 104A is composed of a plate 109A and a printed circuit board 102A. A waveguide 131A constituting the waveguide structure 104A is provided on the plate 109A, and a choke structure portion 132A and a discontinuous structure portion 133A constituting the waveguide structure 104A are provided on the printed circuit board 102A.

[0172] The choke structure 132A is configured to have a shape having a bent portion, as described above with reference to Fig. 16. The discontinuous structure 133A is configured so that the dielectric of the concave structure is continuous with the dielectric of the choke structure 132A.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 30B, in a cross section perpendicular to the wave-guiding direction of the waveguide 131A, the printed circuit board 102A is configured to have three conductor layers 191-1 to 191-3, a dielectric layer 192, and eight vias 193-1 to 193-198.

[0174] Conductor layer 191-1 is provided so as to cover the surface of dielectric layer 192, conductor layer 191-2 is provided at the middle in the thickness direction of dielectric layer 192, and conductor layer 191-3 is provided so as to cover the back surface of dielectric layer 192. Openings are provided in conductor layer 191-1 in regions corresponding to choke structure 132A and regions corresponding to the plurality of recessed structures of discontinuous structure 133A. Openings are provided in conductor layer 191-2 in regions corresponding to choke structure 132A.

[0175] The dielectric layer 192 has a two-layer structure consisting of a layer provided between the conductor layer 191-1 and the conductor layer 191-2, and a layer provided between the conductor layer 191-2 and the conductor layer 191-3.

[0176] Vias 193-1, 193-2, 193-3, and 193-4 are used to form choke structure 132A-1. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in B of Fig. 30, choke structure 132A-1 having a shape with a bent portion as indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 191-2, conductor layer 191-3, vias 193-1, 193-2, 193-3, and via 193-4.

[0177] Vias 193-5, 193-6, 193-7, and 193-8 are used to form choke structure 132A-2. That is, in cross-sectional view as shown in B of Figure 30, choke structure 132A-1 having a bent portion as indicated by the two-dot chain line in the figure is formed by the dielectric surrounded by conductor layer 191-2, conductor layer 191-3, vias 193-5, 193-6, 193-7, and via 193-8.

[0178] In the waveguide structure 104A, the discontinuous structure portion 133A is configured by a concave-convex shape continuously formed on the conductor layer 191-1. An example of the configuration of the discontinuous structure portion 133A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0179] Fig. 31A shows the area surrounded by the dashed line shown in Fig. 30A, and Fig. 31B shows a cross-sectional view taken along dashed line A-A' shown in Fig. 31A. Fig. 31C shows a cross-sectional view of the convex structure of the discontinuous structure portion 133A taken along dashed line B-B' shown in Fig. 31A and Fig. 31B, and Fig. 31D shows a cross-sectional view of the concave structure of the discontinuous structure portion 133A taken along dashed line C-C' shown in Fig. 31A and Fig. 31B.

[0180] 31A, the discontinuous structure portion 133A is configured by forming convex structures and concave structures on the conductor layer 191-1, which are alternately provided along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide structure 104A. For example, the discontinuous structure portion 133A is formed so that the distance between adjacent convex structures is approximately ½ of the wavelength λg of the radar wave in the dielectric layer 192 (or an integer multiple thereof).

[0181] As shown in FIG. 31B, vias 193-3 are provided between the individual convex structures formed on the conductor layer 191-1 and the conductor layer 191-2.

[0182] The choke structure 132A-1 is formed to have a shape with a bent portion as indicated by the two-dot chain lines in Figures 31C and 31D. As shown in Figure 31D, the discontinuous structure 133A-1 is configured such that the choke structure 132A-1 and the dielectric layer 192 are continuous in a concave structure.

[0183] The waveguide structure 104A configured in this manner allows for optimization of the discontinuous structure 133A based on the manufacturing rules for the printed circuit board 102A (e.g., the thickness of the dielectric layer 192, the configuration of the vias 193, etc.). A suitable period for the convex and concave structures (corrugations) that make up the discontinuous structure 133A can be achieved (specified to be different from the photonic band gap). Furthermore, in the waveguide structure 104A, wavelength shortening occurs due to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 192. Therefore, the propagation suppression effect in the same propagation direction as the discontinuous structure 133A can be enhanced at approximately ½ of the wavelength λg of the center frequency (or an integer multiple thereof).

[0184] For example, the discontinuous structure 133A can be designed so that the convex and concave structures provided on the conductor layer 191-1 can maximize the effect of suppressing the generation of unwanted modes other than the operating mode. As a result, reflections of different impedances are reflected at λ / 2, causing these reflections to overlap, making it possible to suppress propagation in the propagation direction of the waveguide structure 104A, similar to the discontinuous structure 133 provided on the plate 109 as described above.

[0185] In the waveguide structure 104A configured in this manner, it is only necessary to form a simple groove-shaped waveguide 131A in the plate 109A, and there is no need to perform processing such as forming a complex structure in the plates 109-1 and 109-2 as in the waveguide structure 104 described above with reference to Figures 20 to 28. Therefore, compared to the waveguide structure 104 described above, the waveguide structure 104A can simplify the metal structure, thereby achieving cost reduction. Furthermore, in a configuration in which multiple waveguide structures 104A are arranged, the required spacing can be reduced, allowing the antenna device 101 to be made smaller.

[0186] Note that a configuration in which a choke structure 132A and a discontinuous structure 133A are provided on a printed circuit board 102A, as in the case of waveguide structure 104A, may be applied to the waveguide structure 104 described above with reference to Figures 20 to 28. Similarly, it may also be applied to the waveguide structures 14 of the configuration examples described above with reference to Figures 2 to 18.

[0187] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the waveguide structure 104A.

[0188] Fig. 32A shows a perspective view of the waveguide structure 104A-1, and Fig. 32B shows a cross-sectional view of the waveguide structure 104A-1. In the waveguide structure 104A-1 shown in Fig. 32, the same components as those in the waveguide structure 104A shown in Fig. 30 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 32, the waveguide structure 104A-1 is composed of a plate 109A-1 and a printed circuit board 102A, and the printed circuit board 102A has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 30 described above.

[0190] 30, the waveguide 131A is formed in the plate 109A by cutting a groove in a block of metal. In contrast, in the waveguide structure 104A-1, the waveguide 131A-1 can be formed in the plate 109A-1 by bending the metal plate using a sheet metal cutter or press.

[0191] In other words, since waveguide structure 104A-1 can be provided with complex and fine structures such as choke structure 132A and discontinuous structure 133A on printed circuit board 102A, it is only necessary to provide plate 109A-1 with simple groove-shaped waveguide 131A-1 that can ensure space for radio waves to pass through. Therefore, it is possible to implement waveguide structure 104A-1 at lower cost by employing a manufacturing method that does not allow for the production of fine metal patterns.

[0192] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the waveguide structure 104A.

[0193] A perspective view of the waveguide structure 104A-2 is shown in Fig. 33A, and a cross-sectional view of the waveguide structure 104A-2 is shown in Fig. 33B. In the waveguide structure 104A-2 shown in Fig. 33, components common to the waveguide structure 104A shown in Fig. 30 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 33, the waveguide structure 104A-2 is composed of a plate 109A-2 and a printed circuit board 102A-2.

[0195] The plate 109A-2 is provided with a waveguide 131A-2 that constitutes the waveguide structure 104A-2, similar to the plate 109A of FIG.

[0196] 30, the printed circuit board 102A-2 is configured to have three conductor layers 191-1 to 191-3, a dielectric layer 192, and eight vias 193-1 to 198. In the printed circuit board 102A-2, an opening is also provided in the conductor layer 191-1 in the region where the waveguide 131A-2 is provided in the plate 109A-2.

[0197] As a result, in the waveguide structure 104A-2, a portion of the dielectric layer 192 from the surface of the printed circuit board 102A-2 to the conductor layer 191-2 can be used for transmitting radar waves, and the space surrounded by the dashed line as shown in the figure is used as the waveguide 131A-2.

[0198] In the waveguide structure 104A-2 configured in this manner, the height of the waveguide 131A-2 provided in the plate 109A-2 can be reduced by the amount that a portion of the dielectric layer 192 of the printed circuit board 102A-2 is used as the waveguide 131A-2. As a result, the waveguide structure 104A-2 can achieve a lower profile of the plate 109A-2 compared to the waveguide structure 104A of FIG. 30, for example, and as a result, can achieve further cost reduction.

[0199] The waveguide structure 104A-2 can also use the plate 109A-1 used in the waveguide structure 104A-1 of FIG.

[0200] The present technology can also be applied to, for example, a communication device that performs one-way transmission (send only or receive only) of signals on two or more channels using polarized waves with different directions, and to electronic devices that include a communication device.

[0201] <Application Example to Mobile Body Control System> The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as a device mounted on any type of mobile body, such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a ship, a robot, construction machinery, or agricultural machinery (tractor).

[0202] 34 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system 7000, which is an example of a mobile object control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The vehicle control system 7000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network 7010. In the example shown in FIG. 34 , the vehicle control system 7000 includes a drive system control unit 7100, a body system control unit 7200, a battery control unit 7300, an outside-vehicle information detection unit 7400, an inside-vehicle information detection unit 7500, and an integrated control unit 7600. The communication network 7010 connecting these multiple control units may be an in-vehicle communication network conforming to any standard, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), a Local Interconnect Network (LIN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or FlexRay (registered trademark).

[0203] Each control unit includes a microcomputer that performs arithmetic processing according to various programs, a memory unit that stores the programs executed by the microcomputer or parameters used in various calculations, and a drive circuit that drives various controlled devices. Each control unit includes a network I / F for communicating with other control units via a communication network 7010, and a communication I / F for communicating with devices or sensors inside and outside the vehicle via wired or wireless communication. Figure 34 illustrates the functional configuration of the integrated control unit 7600, including a microcomputer 7610, a general-purpose communication I / F 7620, a dedicated communication I / F 7630, a positioning unit 7640, a beacon receiving unit 7650, an in-vehicle device I / F 7660, an audio / video output unit 7670, an in-vehicle network I / F 7680, and a memory unit 7690. The other control units also include a microcomputer, a communication I / F, a memory unit, and the like.

[0204] The drivetrain control unit 7100 controls the operation of devices related to the drivetrain of the vehicle in accordance with various programs. For example, the drivetrain control unit 7100 functions as a control device for a drive force generating device for generating drive force for the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine or a drive motor, a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting drive force to the wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, and a braking device for generating braking force for the vehicle. The drivetrain control unit 7100 may also function as a control device for an ABS (Antilock Brake System) or an ESC (Electronic Stability Control), etc.

[0205] A vehicle state detection unit 7110 is connected to the drivetrain control unit 7100. The vehicle state detection unit 7110 includes at least one of a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the axial rotational motion of the vehicle body, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, or a sensor that detects the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal, the amount of operation of the brake pedal, the steering angle of the steering wheel, the engine rotation speed, the rotation speed of the wheels, etc. The drivetrain control unit 7100 performs arithmetic processing using signals input from the vehicle state detection unit 7110, and controls the internal combustion engine, the drive motor, the electric power steering device, the brake device, etc.

[0206] The body system control unit 7200 controls the operation of various devices equipped in the vehicle body according to various programs. For example, the body system control unit 7200 functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various lamps such as headlamps, backup lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, and fog lamps. In this case, radio waves transmitted from a portable device that serves as a key or signals from various switches can be input to the body system control unit 7200. The body system control unit 7200 receives these radio waves or signals and controls the vehicle's door lock device, power window device, lamps, etc.

[0207] The battery control unit 7300 controls the secondary battery 7310, which is the power supply source for the drive motor, in accordance with various programs. For example, information such as battery temperature, battery output voltage, or remaining battery capacity is input to the battery control unit 7300 from a battery device equipped with the secondary battery 7310. The battery control unit 7300 performs arithmetic processing using these signals, and controls the temperature regulation of the secondary battery 7310 or a cooling device or the like equipped in the battery device.

[0208] The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 detects information outside the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 7000. For example, at least one of an imaging unit 7410 and an outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 is connected to the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400. The imaging unit 7410 includes at least one of a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, a stereo camera, a monocular camera, an infrared camera, and other cameras. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 includes at least one of an environmental sensor for detecting the current weather or climate, or a surrounding information detection sensor for detecting other vehicles, obstacles, pedestrians, etc. around the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 7000.

[0209] The environmental sensor may be, for example, at least one of a raindrop sensor that detects rain, a fog sensor that detects fog, a sunshine sensor that detects the degree of sunshine, and a snow sensor that detects snowfall. The surrounding information detection sensor may be at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, and a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) device. The imaging unit 7410 and the outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 may each be provided as an independent sensor or device, or may be provided as a device in which multiple sensors or devices are integrated.

[0210] Here, Figure 35 shows an example of the installation positions of the imaging unit 7410 and the vehicle exterior information detection unit 7420. The imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, 7916, and 7918 are provided, for example, at least one of the front nose, side mirrors, rear bumper, back door, and upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7910 provided on the front nose and the imaging unit 7918 provided on the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin mainly acquire images of the front of the vehicle 7900. The imaging units 7912 and 7914 provided on the side mirrors mainly acquire images of the sides of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7916 provided on the rear bumper or back door mainly acquires images of the rear of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7918 provided on the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin is mainly used to detect leading vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, traffic lights, traffic signs, lanes, etc.

[0211] 35 shows an example of the imaging ranges of the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916. Imaging range a indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 7910 provided on the front nose, imaging ranges b and c indicate the imaging ranges of the imaging units 7912 and 7914 provided on the side mirrors, respectively, and imaging range d indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 7916 provided on the rear bumper or back door. For example, by overlaying the image data captured by the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916, a bird's-eye view image of the vehicle 7900 viewed from above can be obtained.

[0212] The outside vehicle information detection units 7920, 7922, 7924, 7926, 7928, and 7930 provided on the front, rear, sides, corners, and above the windshield inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 7900 may be, for example, ultrasonic sensors or radar devices. The outside vehicle information detection units 7920, 7926, and 7930 provided on the front nose, rear bumper, back door, and above the windshield inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 7900 may be, for example, LIDAR devices. These outside vehicle information detection units 7920 to 7930 are mainly used to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, etc.

[0213] Returning to FIG. 34 , the explanation will be continued. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 causes the imaging unit 7410 to capture an image outside the vehicle and receives the captured image data. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 also receives detection information from the connected outside vehicle information detection unit 7420. If the outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 is an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, or a LIDAR device, the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 emits ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic waves and receives information on the received reflected waves. Based on the received information, the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may perform object detection processing or distance detection processing for people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, text on the road, etc. Based on the received information, the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also perform environmental recognition processing for recognizing rainfall, fog, road conditions, etc. Based on the received information, the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also calculate the distance to an object outside the vehicle.

[0214] The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also perform image recognition processing or distance detection processing to recognize people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, or characters on the road surface based on the received image data. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may perform processing such as distortion correction or alignment on the received image data, and may also generate an overhead image or a panoramic image by combining image data captured by different image capturing units 7410. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also perform viewpoint conversion processing using image data captured by different image capturing units 7410.

[0215] The interior information detection unit 7500 detects information inside the vehicle. A driver state detection unit 7510 that detects the driver's state is connected to the interior information detection unit 7500, for example. The driver state detection unit 7510 may include a camera that captures an image of the driver, a biosensor that detects the driver's biometric information, or a microphone that collects sound from within the vehicle cabin. The biosensor is provided, for example, on the seat or steering wheel, and detects the biometric information of a passenger sitting in the seat or the driver gripping the steering wheel. The interior information detection unit 7500 may calculate the driver's level of fatigue or concentration based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 7510, or may determine whether the driver is dozing off. The interior information detection unit 7500 may perform processing such as noise canceling on the collected audio signal.

[0216] The integrated control unit 7600 controls the overall operation of the vehicle control system 7000 according to various programs. An input unit 7800 is connected to the integrated control unit 7600. The input unit 7800 may be implemented by a device that can be operated by a passenger, such as a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, or a lever. Data obtained by voice recognition of a voice input through a microphone may be input to the integrated control unit 7600. The input unit 7800 may be, for example, a remote control device using infrared or other radio waves, or an externally connected device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) that can operate the vehicle control system 7000. The input unit 7800 may be, for example, a camera, in which case the passenger can input information using gestures. Alternatively, data obtained by detecting the movement of a wearable device worn by the passenger may be input. Furthermore, the input unit 7800 may include, for example, an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the passenger using the input unit 7800 and outputs the input signal to the integrated control unit 7600. Passengers and the like operate this input unit 7800 to input various data to the vehicle control system 7000 and to instruct processing operations.

[0217] The storage unit 7690 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs executed by the microcomputer, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. The storage unit 7690 may also be realized by a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like.

[0218] The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 is a general-purpose communication I / F that mediates communication with various devices present in the external environment 7750. The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 may implement a cellular communication protocol such as GSM (Global System of Mobile communications), WiMAX (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), or other wireless communication protocols such as a wireless LAN (also referred to as Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 may connect to a device (e.g., an application server or a control server) present on an external network (e.g., the Internet, a cloud network, or an operator-specific network) via, for example, a base station or an access point. In addition, the general-purpose communication I / F 7620 may connect to a terminal located near the vehicle (e.g., a terminal of a driver, pedestrian, or store, or an MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminal) using, for example, P2P (Peer To Peer) technology.

[0219] The dedicated communication I / F 7630 is a communication I / F that supports a communication protocol designed for use in vehicles. The dedicated communication I / F 7630 may implement a standard protocol such as WAVE (Wireless Access in Vehicle Environment), which is a combination of a lower layer IEEE 802.11p and an upper layer IEEE 1609, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications), or a cellular communication protocol. The dedicated communication I / F 7630 typically performs V2X communication, which is a concept including one or more of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, vehicle-to-home communication, and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication.

[0220] The positioning unit 7640 performs positioning by receiving, for example, GNSS signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites (for example, GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites), and generates position information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. Note that the positioning unit 7640 may identify the current position by exchanging signals with a wireless access point, or may obtain position information from a terminal such as a mobile phone, PHS, or smartphone that has a positioning function.

[0221] The beacon receiving unit 7650 receives, for example, radio waves or electromagnetic waves transmitted from radio stations or the like installed on the road, and acquires information such as the current location, congestion, road closures, required travel time, etc. The function of the beacon receiving unit 7650 may be included in the dedicated communication I / F 7630 described above.

[0222] The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 is a communication interface that mediates connections between the microcomputer 7610 and various in-vehicle devices 7760 present in the vehicle. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 may establish wireless connections using wireless communication protocols such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or WUSB (Wireless USB). Furthermore, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660 may establish a wired connection such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) via a connection terminal (and a cable, if necessary) not shown. The in-vehicle device 7760 may include, for example, at least one of a mobile device or a wearable device owned by a passenger, or an information device carried into or attached to the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 7760 may also include a navigation device that searches for a route to an arbitrary destination. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 exchanges control signals or data signals with these in-vehicle devices 7760.

[0223] The in-vehicle network I / F 7680 is an interface that mediates communication between the microcomputer 7610 and the communication network 7010. The in-vehicle network I / F 7680 transmits and receives signals in accordance with a predetermined protocol supported by the communication network 7010.

[0224] The microcomputer 7610 of the integrated control unit 7600 controls the vehicle control system 7000 in accordance with various programs based on information acquired via at least one of the general-purpose communication I / F 7620, the dedicated communication I / F 7630, the positioning unit 7640, the beacon receiving unit 7650, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and the in-vehicle network I / F 7680. For example, the microcomputer 7610 may calculate control target values ​​for the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device based on the acquired information inside and outside the vehicle, and output control commands to the drivetrain control unit 7100. For example, the microcomputer 7610 may perform cooperative control aimed at realizing functions of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including vehicle collision avoidance or impact mitigation, following driving based on the following distance, vehicle speed maintenance driving, vehicle collision warning, vehicle lane departure warning, etc. In addition, the microcomputer 7610 may perform cooperative control for the purpose of autonomous driving, in which the vehicle travels autonomously without relying on driver operation, by controlling a driving force generating device, a steering mechanism, a braking device, etc. based on information acquired about the vehicle's surroundings.

[0225] The microcomputer 7610 may generate three-dimensional distance information between the vehicle and objects such as surrounding structures and people, and create local map information including information about the vicinity of the vehicle's current location, based on information acquired via at least one of the general-purpose communication I / F 7620, the dedicated communication I / F 7630, the positioning unit 7640, the beacon receiving unit 7650, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and the in-vehicle network I / F 7680. Furthermore, the microcomputer 7610 may predict dangers, such as a vehicle collision, the approach of a pedestrian, or entry into a closed road, based on the acquired information, and generate a warning signal. The warning signal may be, for example, a signal for generating a warning sound or turning on a warning lamp.

[0226] The audio / image output unit 7670 transmits at least one of audio and image output signals to an output device capable of visually or audibly notifying vehicle occupants or the outside of the vehicle of information. In the example of FIG. 34 , an audio speaker 7710, a display unit 7720, and an instrument panel 7730 are illustrated as output devices. The display unit 7720 may include, for example, at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display. The display unit 7720 may have an AR (Augmented Reality) display function. The output device may also be other devices, such as headphones, a wearable device such as an eyeglass-type display worn by the occupant, a projector, or a lamp. When the output device is a display device, the display device visually displays results obtained by various processes performed by the microcomputer 7610 or information received from other control units in various formats, such as text, images, tables, and graphs. When the output device is an audio output device, the audio output device converts audio signals, such as reproduced audio data or acoustic data, into analog signals and audibly outputs the analog signals.

[0227] In the example shown in FIG. 34 , at least two control units connected via the communication network 7010 may be integrated into a single control unit. Alternatively, each control unit may be composed of multiple control units. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 7000 may include another control unit not shown. In the above description, some or all of the functions performed by one of the control units may be performed by another control unit. In other words, as long as information is transmitted and received via the communication network 7010, predetermined arithmetic processing may be performed by one of the control units. Similarly, a sensor or device connected to one of the control units may be connected to another control unit, and multiple control units may transmit and receive detection information to each other via the communication network 7010.

[0228] The antenna device 11 according to this embodiment described using FIG. 1 and the antenna device 101 according to this embodiment described using FIG. 19 can be applied to the outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 in FIG. 34 or any of the outside vehicle information detection units 7920, 7922, 7924, 7926, 7928, and 7930 in FIG. 35.

[0229] <Examples of Combinations of Configurations> The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A waveguide structure comprising: a waveguide that guides electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength; choke structures provided along both sides of the waveguide and at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength; and a discontinuous structure provided between the waveguide and the choke structure, the discontinuous structure having a characteristic impedance in a waveguiding direction of the waveguide. (2) The waveguide structure according to (1) above, wherein the predetermined depth of the choke structure is λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 0), where λ is the wavelength. (3) The waveguide structure according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the discontinuous structure is a periodic structure in which material regions having different characteristic impedances are periodically formed in the waveguiding direction, and wherein a pitch of the periodic structure is equal to or greater than λ / 20 and equal to or less than λ, where λ is the wavelength. (4) The waveguide structure according to any of (1) to (3) above, wherein the waveguide, the choke structure, and the discontinuous structure are arranged adjacent to each other with no gaps. (5) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is constituted by a periodic structure in which conductors and dielectrics or air are alternately arranged. (6) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is constituted by conductors in a plurality of convex structures periodically formed in the waveguiding direction, and dielectrics or air provided in concave structures corresponding to the intervals between these convex structures. (7) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the dielectrics or air of the waveguide portion and the choke structure portion are connected to the dielectrics or air in the concave structures of the discontinuous structure portion. (8) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is constituted by dielectrics or air provided in a plurality of concave structures independently formed at a predetermined pitch in the waveguiding direction, and the conductors forming the concave structures. (9) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the choke structure is disposed at a position closer to a side surface of the waveguide than ¼ of the wavelength.(10) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (9) above, configured by bonding a first conductive substrate and a second conductive substrate together. (11) The waveguide structure according to (10) above, in which the waveguide portion, the choke structure portion, and the discontinuous structure portion are arranged on the joining surface side of either the first conductive substrate or the second conductive substrate. (12) The waveguide structure according to (10) above, configured by bonding the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate together so as to sandwich a center plate made of a conductive flat plate from both sides, the center plate having a coaxial portion passing through the center of the waveguide portion. (13) The waveguide structure according to (12) above, in which the waveguide portion, the choke structure portion, and the discontinuous structure portion are arranged on the joining surface side of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate. (14) The waveguide structure according to (12) above, wherein the waveguide portion and the choke structure portion are disposed on the joining surface side of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate, and the discontinuous structure portion is disposed on the center plate. (15) The waveguide structure according to (14) above, wherein the coaxial portion and the discontinuous structure portion are formed by etching the center plate. (16) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (15) above, wherein a metal structure provided with the waveguide portion, the choke structure portion, and the discontinuous structure portion is bonded to a conductive substrate. (17) The waveguide structure according to any one of (1) to (16) above, wherein the choke structure portion is configured in a shape having a bent portion between an opening portion and a tip surface. (18) The waveguide structure according to (17) above, wherein a portion of the choke structure portion beyond the bent portion and a portion of the discontinuous structure portion are disposed so as to overlap in a planar view. (19) The waveguide structure according to (18), wherein the choke structure and the discontinuous structure are disposed on a dielectric substrate constituted by a conductor layer and a dielectric layer.(20) An antenna device comprising a waveguide structure having: a waveguide portion that guides electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength; choke structure portions that are provided along both sides of the waveguide portion and at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength; and a discontinuous structure portion that is provided between the waveguide portion and the choke structure and has a discontinuous characteristic impedance in the waveguiding direction of the waveguide portion. (21) The waveguide structure according to (1) above, wherein, at a coupling portion with a chip that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to and from the waveguide structure, the discontinuous structure portion is not provided near an end of the waveguide portion, but is provided only in portions along both side surfaces of the waveguide portion. (22) The waveguide portion is provided with a ridge that extends in the waveguiding direction, and at the coupling portion, a step-shaped notch portion is provided at the end of the ridge. (23) The waveguide structure according to (22), wherein the waveguide structure is configured by combining at least a first plate, a second plate, and a third plate, and a connecting portion connecting the waveguide portion provided between the first plate and the second plate and the waveguide portion provided between the second plate and the third plate has an inclined surface provided at an end of the ridge. (24) The waveguide structure according to (23), wherein the discontinuous structure is not provided near the end of the waveguide portion at the connecting portion, and the discontinuous structure is provided only along both side surfaces of the waveguide portion. (25) The waveguide structure according to (21), wherein the choke structure is provided so as to surround the end of a ridge provided to extend in the waveguiding direction of the waveguide portion at a tip side of the waveguide structure where an antenna is provided, and the discontinuous structure is also provided. (26) The waveguide structure according to (21) above, wherein an absorber made of a material with a large dielectric tangent is disposed on the base end side of the waveguide structure where the dummy antenna is provided, and a tapered portion having a shape that narrows toward the tip end is provided at the tip end of the absorber.(27) The waveguide structure according to (26) above, wherein a step-shaped notch is provided at an end of a ridge extending in the waveguiding direction of the waveguide on the base end side of the waveguide structure on which a dummy antenna is provided, and the absorber is disposed so as to abut against the step surface of the notch. (28) The waveguide structure according to (1) above, which is constituted by a plate on which the waveguide is provided and a printed circuit board on which the choke structure and the discontinuous structure are provided. (29) The waveguide structure according to (28) above, wherein the printed circuit board is constituted by a plurality of conductor layers, a dielectric layer, and a plurality of vias, and the discontinuous structure is constituted by convex structures and concave structures formed alternately along the longitudinal direction of the waveguide structure provided in the conductor layer on the surface of the printed circuit board. (30) The waveguide structure according to (28) above, wherein the plate is formed by bending a metal plate. (31) The waveguide structure according to (28) above, wherein an opening is provided in the conductor layer on the surface of the printed circuit board in correspondence with the waveguide portion provided in the plate, and a part of the dielectric layer is used as the waveguide portion.

[0230] It should be noted that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0231] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 Antenna device, 12 Substrate, 13 IC chip, 14 Waveguide structure, 15 Antenna, 16 Slot, 21 Bottom plate, 22 Top plate, 23 Center plate, 31 Waveguide, 32 Choke structure portion, 33 Discontinuous structure portion, 34 Ridge, 41 Flat plate portion, 42 Coaxial portion, 51 Metal structure, 52 Slot, 61 Conductive layer, 62 Dielectric layer, 63 Via

Claims

1. A waveguide structure comprising: a waveguide section that guides electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength; choke structure sections provided along both sides of the waveguide section and at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength; and a discontinuous structure section provided between the waveguide section and the choke structure section, the characteristic impedance of which is discontinuous in the wave-guiding direction of the waveguide section.

2. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined depth of the choke structure is λ / 4+nλ / 2 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 0), where λ is the wavelength.

3. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is a periodic structure in which material regions having different characteristic impedances are periodically formed in the waveguiding direction, and the pitch of the periodic structure is not less than λ / 20 and not more than λ, where λ is the wavelength.

4. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide portion, the choke structure portion, and the discontinuous structure portion are arranged adjacent to each other with no gaps.

5. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is constituted by a periodic structure in which a conductor and a dielectric or air are alternately arranged.

6. The waveguide structure according to claim 5, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is composed of a conductor having a plurality of convex structures formed periodically in the waveguide direction, and a dielectric or air provided in a concave structure corresponding to the intervals between the convex structures.

7. The waveguide structure according to claim 6, wherein the dielectric or air of said waveguide section and said choke structure section is connected to the dielectric or air of the concave structure of said discontinuous structure section.

8. The waveguide structure according to claim 5, wherein the discontinuous structure portion is composed of a dielectric or air provided in a plurality of independently formed concave structures at a predetermined pitch in the waveguide direction, and a conductor forming the concave structures.

9. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein the choke structure is disposed at a position closer to a side surface of the waveguide than 1 / 4 of the wavelength.

10. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, which is formed by bonding a first conductive substrate and a second conductive substrate together.

11. The waveguide structure according to claim 10, wherein the waveguide portion, the choke structure portion, and the discontinuous structure portion are arranged on a joining surface side of either the first conductive substrate or the second conductive substrate.

12. The waveguide structure according to claim 10, wherein the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are bonded together so as to sandwich a center plate made of a flat conductor plate from both sides, and the center plate has a coaxial portion passing through the center of the waveguide portion.

13. The waveguide structure according to claim 12, wherein the waveguide portion, the choke structure portion, and the discontinuous structure portion are arranged on a joining surface side of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate.

14. The waveguide structure according to claim 12, wherein the waveguide portion and the choke structure portion are arranged on the joining surface side of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate, and the discontinuous structure portion is arranged on the center plate.

15. The waveguide structure of claim 14, wherein the coaxial portion and the discontinuous structure are formed by etching the center plate.

16. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein a metal structure having said waveguide portion, said choke structure portion and said discontinuous structure portion provided thereon is bonded to a conductive substrate.

17. The waveguide structure according to claim 1, wherein the choke structure portion is configured in a shape having a bent portion between the opening portion and the tip surface.

18. The waveguide structure according to claim 17, wherein a portion of the choke structure beyond the bent portion and a portion of the discontinuous structure are arranged to overlap in a plan view.

19. The waveguide structure of claim 18, wherein the choke structure and the discontinuity structure are disposed in a dielectric substrate constituted by a conductor layer and a dielectric layer.

20. An antenna device equipped with a waveguide structure having: a waveguide section that guides electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength; choke structure sections provided along both sides of the waveguide section and at a predetermined depth based on the wavelength; and a discontinuous structure section provided between the waveguide section and the choke structure section, the characteristic impedance of which is discontinuous in the wave-guiding direction of the waveguide section.