Waveguide antenna and related apparatus

Abstract

A waveguide antenna and a related apparatus, which relate to the technical field of millimeter-wave radars. The waveguide antenna comprises at least one power division unit and N waveguides, wherein the at least one power division unit is used for performing power division on a first signal from a radio-frequency chip, so as to obtain N signals, the N signals are respectively transmitted via the N waveguides, at least two waveguides among the N waveguides have different lengths, and N is an integer greater than 1. The waveguide antenna can meet different requirements for the detection capability of an antenna in different application scenarios.

Description

Waveguide antennas and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 11, 2023, with application number 202311698899.4 and application name “Waveguide Antennas and Related Devices,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of millimeter wave radar technology, and in particular to a waveguide antenna and related devices. Background Art

[0003] A waveguide is a structure used to guide electromagnetic waves in a certain direction. It is primarily used as a transmission line at microwave frequencies, connecting microwave transmitters and receivers to their antennas in microwave radio link equipment such as radar.

[0004] In millimeter-wave radar systems, 3D waveguide antennas have significant advantages over planar printed circuit board (PCB) antennas in terms of loss and broadband characteristics. They have been widely used in various application scenarios of millimeter-wave radar systems, such as rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), forward cross traffic alert (FCTA), lane change assist (LCA), and blind spot detection (BSD).

[0005] However, different application scenarios have different requirements for the detection capabilities of antennas in millimeter-wave radar systems, and the current symmetrical wide-beam antennas cannot simultaneously meet the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in different application scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a waveguide antenna and related devices that can simultaneously meet the different requirements of different application scenarios for the antenna's detection capabilities.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a waveguide antenna, the waveguide antenna comprising:

[0008] at least one power splitter unit and N waveguides, where N is an integer greater than 1;

[0009] The at least one power splitting unit is configured to split the first signal from the radio frequency chip into N signals, wherein the N signals are respectively transmitted via the N waveguides;

[0010] At least two waveguides among the N waveguides have different lengths.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, a waveguide antenna is provided, which can be applied to a millimeter-wave radar or a millimeter-wave radar system. At least one power splitter in the waveguide antenna is used to split the power of a first signal from a radio frequency chip into N signals. The N signals are respectively transmitted through N waveguides in the waveguide antenna, and at least two of the N waveguides have different lengths to achieve different phases and amplitudes of signals fed into different waveguides. It can be seen that in an embodiment of the present application, the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides can be set to achieve the difference between the phases and amplitudes of signals fed into different waveguides, so that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides can be pointed in a specific direction to meet the detection capability requirements of the antenna in the current application scenario.

[0012] Currently, different application scenarios have different requirements for antenna detection capabilities. For example, LCA scenarios generally act in the area directly in front of or to the side and rear of the vehicle, with an operating range of approximately 150 meters; RCTA scenarios mainly act on the side of the vehicle, with an operating range of approximately 100 meters. Comparing the LCA and RCTA scenarios, it can be seen that in the LCA scenario, due to the longer operating range, a higher antenna gain is required. Limited by the link gain and antenna scale, the traditional single antenna form usually has difficulty meeting the coverage requirements; while in the RCTA scenario, due to the shorter operating range, the reflected energy of the vehicle target will be relatively large. The electromagnetic energy scattered by the target object will be received by the receiving antenna after multipath reflection, which will cause interference to the link and worsen the noise, so a lower antenna gain is required. When the above-mentioned LCA and RCTA scenarios exist at the same time, the current symmetrical wide-beam antenna cannot simultaneously meet the different requirements of the antenna detection capabilities of the above-mentioned two application scenarios.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, the difference in the phase and amplitude of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides, so that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides points in the direction of the LCA scenario. This can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the N waveguides are arranged in parallel, and the N waveguides include at least one curved waveguide and at least one straight waveguide.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of arranging N waveguides is provided. Specifically, the N waveguides are arranged in parallel and include at least one curved waveguide and at least one straight waveguide. Optionally, the at least one curved waveguide can be arranged in a winding manner to achieve at least two waveguides of different lengths among the N waveguides. Optionally, the at least one curved waveguide and the at least one straight waveguide can be arranged in a staggered manner to achieve at least two waveguides of different lengths among the N waveguides. By arranging the N waveguides in the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to achieve differences in the lengths of the N waveguides, thereby achieving differences in the phase and amplitude of the signals fed into different waveguides.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the at least one power division unit includes a first power division unit and a second power division unit, and the first power division unit and the second power division unit are connected in cascade.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least one power splitter unit is provided. Specifically, the at least one power splitter unit includes a first power splitter unit and a second power splitter unit, and the first power splitter unit and the second power splitter unit are connected in cascade. After passing through the cascaded first and second power splitter units, a first signal from the RF chip is split into N signals, each of which is transmitted through N waveguides. The design of multiple cascaded power splitters in the embodiment of the present application, combined with the arrangement of N waveguides, can reduce the longitudinal dimension of the waveguide antenna, thereby achieving a miniaturized design of the waveguide antenna's power splitter structure.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, at least two signals among the N signals have different powers.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation method of N signals is provided, specifically, at least two of the N signals have different powers. It can be understood that the first signal power of the RF chip is divided into N signals with at least two signals having different powers through at least one power splitting unit, so as to realize the difference between the powers of the signals fed into different waveguides, thereby simultaneously meeting the different requirements of different application scenarios for the detection capabilities of the antenna. Optionally, the coverage requirements of a longer range in the LCA scenario are met by a signal with higher power, and the coverage requirements of a shorter range in the RCTA scenario and the detection requirements for reducing link interference and noise deterioration are met by a signal with lower power.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the N waveguides are respectively connected to N radiating antennas, and the radiating antenna includes at least one radiating unit.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of a waveguide antenna is provided. Specifically, N waveguides in the waveguide antenna are respectively connected to N radiating antennas, each radiating antenna including at least one radiating element. N signals are respectively transmitted to the N radiating antennas via the N waveguides and radiated from the radiating elements of the radiating antennas. Optionally, the radiating elements included in each of the N radiating antennas may be the same or different, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited in this regard.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the at least one power splitter unit, the N waveguides, and the N radiating antennas are arranged on a first plane, and the radiating unit is arranged perpendicular to the first plane.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of a waveguide antenna is provided, specifically, at least one power splitter unit, N waveguides, and N radiating antennas in the waveguide antenna are arranged in the same plane (a first plane), and the radiating units are arranged perpendicular to the first plane. It can be understood that the opening direction of the radiating units in the radiating antenna is perpendicular to the first plane, and it can also be understood that the direction in which the signal is radiated from the radiating units is perpendicular to the first plane. It can also be understood that the signal transmission direction in the N waveguides is perpendicular to the direction in which the signal is radiated from the radiating units.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the input port of the at least one power splitter unit is connected to the first port of the turning structure, and the second port of the turning structure is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific embodiment of a waveguide antenna is provided, specifically, the input port of at least one power splitter unit in the waveguide antenna is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip via a turning structure, that is, the input port of the at least one power splitter unit is connected to the first port of the turning structure, and the second port of the turning structure is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip. The turning structure in the embodiment of the present application can achieve a staggered stepped structural design in the signal radiation direction between the input port of the at least one power splitter unit and the waveguide outlet of the RF chip. This can effectively reduce the overall thickness of the waveguide antenna during actual processing, saving material costs while achieving a compact design of the overall thickness of the waveguide antenna.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the waveguide outlet of the RF chip is first offset relative to the input port of the at least one power splitter unit in a first direction, where the first direction is the direction in which the radiating antenna radiates the signal.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific embodiment of a waveguide antenna is provided, specifically, the input port of at least one power splitter unit in the waveguide antenna is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip via a turning structure, and the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip is offset to a certain extent (i.e., a first offset) relative to the input port of at least one power splitter unit in the direction of signal radiation. Through the turning structure in the embodiment of the present application, a staggered stepped structural design can be achieved between the input port of at least one power splitter unit and the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip in the direction of signal radiation. In the actual processing process, the overall thickness of the waveguide antenna can be effectively reduced, saving material costs while achieving a compact design of the overall thickness of the waveguide antenna.

[0028] In a possible implementation, when N=5, the power distribution ratio of the N signals is 1:1:4:1:1;

[0029] The at least one power splitter includes a one-to-five power splitter, the input port of the one-to-five power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip, and the five output ports of the one-to-five power splitter are respectively connected to five waveguides;

[0030] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter unit includes a one-to-three power splitter and two one-to-two power splitters, the input port of the one-to-three power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to a waveguide and the input ports of the two one-to-two power splitters in cascade connection, and the four output ports of the two one-to-two power splitters are respectively connected to four waveguides.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least one power splitting unit is provided. Specifically, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into five signals, the power distribution ratio of the five signals can be 1:1:4:1:1, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0032] Accordingly, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-five power splitter, the input port of the one-to-five power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the five output ports of the one-to-five power splitter are respectively connected to the five waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0033] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-three power splitter and two one-to-two power splitters, wherein the input port of the one-to-three power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter are cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input ports of two one-to-two power splitters, respectively, and the four output ports of the two one-to-two power splitters are connected to four waveguides, respectively, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0034] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include two one-to-three power splitters, wherein the input port of the first one-to-three power splitter of the two one-to-three power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the first one-to-three power splitter are cascade-connected to the two waveguides and the input port of the second one-to-three power splitter of the two one-to-three power splitters, and the three output ports of the second one-to-three power splitter are connected to the three waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0035] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-four power splitter and a one-to-two power splitter, wherein the input port of the one-to-four power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are cascade-connected to three waveguides and the input port of a one-to-two power splitter, and the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter are connected to two waveguides, respectively, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0036] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-two power splitter and a one-to-four power splitter, wherein the input port of the one-to-two power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to a waveguide and an input port of a one-to-four power splitter, respectively, and the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are connected to four waveguides, respectively, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0037] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter unit may include two one-to-two power splitters and one one-to-three power splitter, wherein the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to the input ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the one-to-three power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters, respectively, and the five output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to five waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0038] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include four one-to-two power splitters, wherein the input port of a first one-to-two power splitter among the four one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to the input ports of a second one-to-two power splitter and a third one-to-two power splitter among the four one-to-two power splitters, the two output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides, the two output ports of the third one-to-two power splitter are respectively cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input port of a fourth one-to-two power splitter among the four one-to-two power splitters, and the two output ports of the fourth one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides.

[0039] It should be understood that the several possible structural forms of at least one power division unit listed above in order to realize the power division of the first signal into five signals are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. New structural forms obtained based on reasonable deformation or supplementation of the structural form of the above-mentioned at least one power division unit all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0040] In one possible implementation, a ratio of a difference between the lengths of the N waveguides and a length of a first waveguide among the N waveguides is -160:-320:0:180:330, and a phase difference between the N signals and a first signal among the N signals is -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively. The first signal is a signal transmitted in the first waveguide.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of N waveguides is provided. Specifically, when a first signal from a radio frequency chip needs to be split into five signals, the phase differences between the five signals and the first of the five signals can be -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively, to simultaneously meet the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in LCA and RCTA scenarios. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the lengths of the five waveguides transmitting the five signals and the length of the first of the five waveguides is -160:-320:0:180:330, so that the phase differences between the five signals fed into different waveguides and the first of the five signals are -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively. The first signal is the signal transmitted in the first waveguide. Through the embodiments of the present application, the phase difference of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of N waveguides, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0042] In a possible implementation, when N=4, the power distribution ratio of the N signals is 1:2:2:1;

[0043] The at least one power splitter includes a one-to-four power splitter, the input port of the one-to-four power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip, and the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are respectively connected to four waveguides;

[0044] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter unit includes three one-to-two power splitters, the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter among the three one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to the input ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter among the three one-to-two power splitters, and the four output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to four waveguides.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least one power splitting unit is provided. Specifically, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into four signals, the power distribution ratio of the four signals can be 1:2:2:1, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0046] Accordingly, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-four power splitter, the input port of the one-to-four power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are respectively connected to the four waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides.

[0047] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include three one-to-two power splitters, the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter among the three one-to-two power splitters being connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to the input ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter among the three one-to-two power splitters, and the four output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to the four waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides.

[0048] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-three power splitter and a one-to-two power splitter, the input port of the one-to-three power splitter being connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter being respectively connected to two waveguides and the input port of the one-to-two power splitter, and the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to two waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides.

[0049] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-two power splitter and a one-to-three power splitter, the input port of the one-to-two power splitter being connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to a waveguide and an input port of a one-to-three power splitter, and the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter being respectively connected to three waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides.

[0050] It should be understood that the several possible structural forms of at least one power division unit listed above in order to realize the power division of the first signal into four signals are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. New structural forms obtained based on reasonable deformation or supplementation of the structural form of the above-mentioned at least one power division unit all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0051] In one possible implementation, a ratio of a difference between the lengths of the N waveguides and a length of a second waveguide among the N waveguides is -310:-180:0:300, and a phase difference between the N signals and a second signal among the N signals is -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively. The second signal is a signal transmitted in the second waveguide.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of N waveguides is provided. Specifically, when it is necessary to split a first signal from a radio frequency chip into four signals, the phase differences between the four signals and the second of the four signals can be -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively, to simultaneously meet the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in LCA and RCTA scenarios. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the lengths of the four waveguides transmitting the four signals and the length of the second of the four waveguides is -310:-180:0:300, so that the phase differences between the four signals fed into different waveguides and the second of the four signals, the second signal being the signal transmitted in the second waveguide, are -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively. Through this embodiment of the present application, by setting the differences between the lengths of the N waveguides, the phase differences of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved, thereby simultaneously meeting the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in LCA and RCTA scenarios.

[0053] In a possible implementation, when N=3, the power distribution ratio of the N signals is 1:2:1;

[0054] The at least one power splitter includes a one-to-three power splitter, the input port of the one-to-three power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to the three waveguides;

[0055] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter unit includes two one-to-two power splitters, the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are respectively cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input port of the second one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters, and the two output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of at least one power splitting unit is provided. Specifically, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into three signals, the power distribution ratio of the three signals can be 1:2:1, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0057] Accordingly, the at least one power splitter may include a one-to-three power splitter, the input port of the one-to-three power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to the three waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:1 for the three signals in the three waveguides.

[0058] Alternatively, the at least one power splitter unit may include two one-to-two power splitters, wherein the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are respectively cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input port of the second one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters, and the two output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:1 for the three signals in the three waveguides.

[0059] It should be understood that the several possible structural forms of at least one power division unit listed above in order to realize the power division of the first signal into three signals are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. New structural forms obtained based on reasonable deformation or supplementation of the structural form of the above-mentioned at least one power division unit all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0060] In one possible implementation, a ratio of a difference between the lengths of the N waveguides and a length of a third waveguide among the N waveguides is -310:-180:0, and a phase difference between the N signals and a third signal among the N signals is respectively -310°, -180°, and 0°, where the third signal is a signal transmitted in the third waveguide.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of N waveguides is provided. Specifically, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into three signals, the phase differences between the three signals and the third of the three signals can be -310°, -180°, and 0°, respectively, to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the antenna detection capability in the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the lengths of the three waveguides transmitting the three signals and the length of the third of the three waveguides is -310:-180:0, so that the phase differences between the three signals fed into different waveguides and the third of the three signals are -310°, -180°, and 0°, respectively. The third signal is the signal transmitted in the third waveguide. Through the embodiment of the present application, by setting the differences between the lengths of the N waveguides, the phase differences of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved, thereby simultaneously meeting the different requirements of the antenna detection capability in the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the proportion of the N signals radiated to a first area is greater than the proportion radiated to a second area, the first area is the area directly in front of the vehicle or the area behind the vehicle, and the second area is the area to the side of the vehicle.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation method of N-channel signals is provided. Specifically, by setting the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides, the difference between the phases and amplitudes of the N-channel signals fed into the N waveguides can be achieved, so that the main beam formed by the N-channel signals transmitted in the N waveguides can be pointed in the direction of the first area, so that the proportion of the N-channel signals radiated to the first area is greater than the proportion radiated to the second area. The first area is the area directly in front of the vehicle or the area behind the vehicle, such as the area where the LCA scenario is affected, and the second area is the area to the side of the vehicle, such as the area where the RCTA scenario is affected. Through the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0064] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes the waveguide antenna described in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0065] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radar or a radar system, which includes the waveguide antenna described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or includes the chip described in the second aspect.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the radar includes but is not limited to a millimeter wave radar.

[0067] In a possible implementation, there may be a smart sensor integrating multiple sensors. When the smart sensor includes but is not limited to a millimeter wave detection function, the smart sensor may also be referred to as a radar or a radar system.

[0068] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, which includes the waveguide antenna described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or includes the chip described in the second aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the third aspect.

[0069] In the fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle side, which includes the waveguide antenna described in the first aspect or any possible embodiment of the first aspect, or includes the chip described in the second aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the third aspect, or includes the terminal device described in the fourth aspect.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, the difference between the phases and amplitudes of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides, so that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides can be pointed in the direction of the LCA scenario. This can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the detection capability of the antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0072] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a radar distribution according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG5 is a three-dimensional perspective view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG6 is a side view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG8 is a three-dimensional perspective view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG9 is a side view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] 10A to 10G are schematic diagrams of several power splitting units provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0082] 11A to 11D are schematic diagrams of several power splitting units provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0083] 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of several power splitting units provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0084] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a port connection provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a radar detection scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG15A is a schematic diagram of a return loss effect provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG15B is a radiation amplitude pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG15C is a radiation amplitude pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG16A is a schematic diagram of a return loss effect provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG16B is a radiation amplitude pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG16C is a radiation amplitude pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application.

[0093] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to the process, method, product, or device.

[0094] The “embodiment” mentioned herein means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be understood explicitly and implicitly by those skilled in the art that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified and there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0095] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0096] As described in the background technology section, different application scenarios currently place varying demands on the detection capabilities of antennas in millimeter-wave radar systems. When these different application scenarios coexist, current symmetrical wide-beam antennas cannot simultaneously meet the varying detection capability requirements of these different application scenarios. This application provides a waveguide antenna and related devices, relating to the field of millimeter-wave radar technology, that can simultaneously meet the varying detection capability requirements of antennas in different application scenarios.

[0097] In order to more clearly describe the solution of this application, some knowledge related to radar is first introduced below.

[0098] Radar is the transliteration of the English word Radar, which comes from the abbreviation of "radio detection and ranging", meaning "radio detection and ranging". It uses radio methods to detect targets and determine the spatial position of targets.

[0099] Radar uses electromagnetic waves as its detection medium, and it uses the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves to detect targets, for example, to measure distance, speed, or azimuth. Radar can measure distance to a target based on the time of flight of electromagnetic waves, which is the time difference between the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. Radar transmits an electromagnetic wave signal and receives an echo signal. The distance to the target is determined based on the time difference between the received echo signal and the transmitted electromagnetic wave signal and the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave. The distance between the radar and the target can be determined using the following formula: s = c * t / 2, where s is the distance to the target, t is the time of flight (the time from the radar transmitting the electromagnetic wave signal to the receipt of the echo signal), and c is the speed of light.

[0100] Radar uses the Doppler effect to measure target velocity. The Doppler effect works as follows: when a vibration source, such as sound, light, or radio waves, moves relative to an observer at a relative speed, the frequency of the vibration received by the observer differs from the frequency emitted by the source. When the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radar and the target are in relative motion, the frequency of the echo signal will differ from the frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic wave. When the target approaches the radar antenna, the frequency of the echo signal will be higher than the frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic wave; conversely, when the target moves away from the radar antenna, the frequency of the echo signal will be lower than the frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic wave. The frequency change caused by the Doppler effect is called the Doppler shift, which is proportional to the relative velocity and inversely proportional to the vibration frequency. Therefore, by detecting the frequency difference between the transmitted electromagnetic wave signal and the echo signal, the target's speed relative to the radar—that is, the relative speed between the target and the radar—can be measured.

[0101] Radar can use amplitude method, phase method and other methods to measure azimuth angle. The amplitude method uses the amplitude value of the echo signal received by the antenna to measure the angle. The change pattern of the amplitude value depends on the antenna radiation pattern and the antenna scanning method; the phase method uses the phase difference between the echo signals received by multiple antenna units to measure the angle. For example, the radar receives the echo signal reflected by the same target through the antenna array, and calculates the azimuth angle of the target based on the phase difference of the echo signal.

[0102] Millimeter-wave radar uses electromagnetic waves within a certain wavelength range, such as microwaves. Currently, millimeter waves and adjacent centimeter waves (e.g., centimeter waves in the 24 GHz band) are more commonly used. Millimeter waves have wavelengths of 1 to 10 millimeters (mm), with those in the 24 GHz band having wavelengths slightly larger than 10 mm. Because the wavelength of millimeter-wave radar's detection medium lies in the overlapping wavelength range of microwaves and far-infrared waves, it combines the characteristics of both spectrums. According to wave propagation theory, higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths yield higher resolution and greater penetration, but also greater propagation losses and shorter transmission distances. Conversely, lower frequencies and longer wavelengths yield greater diffraction resistance and longer transmission distances. Therefore, compared to microwaves, millimeter-wave radar's detection medium offers higher resolution, better directivity, stronger anti-interference capabilities, and superior detection performance. Compared to infrared, millimeter-wave radar experiences less atmospheric attenuation, has better penetration of smoke and dust, and is less affected by weather. Therefore, millimeter-wave radar has been increasingly widely used in many fields such as smart vehicles, drones, smart transportation, and industrial automation.

[0103] Radar can be categorized by detection range into long-range radar (LRR), mid-range radar (MRR), and short-range radar (SRR). LRR has higher detection range requirements but lower angular detection width requirements. SRR has lower detection range requirements but higher angular detection width requirements. MRR's detection range and angular detection width requirements can be understood as falling between those of LRR and SRR. For example, LRR's detection range can exceed 200 meters and its angular detection width can be ±15°; MRR's detection range is within 100 meters and its angular detection width can be ±45°; and SRR's detection range is within 60 meters and its angular detection width can be ±80°. Different types of radar can be installed in different locations on the vehicle body, depending on the autonomous driving functional requirements and the use of other sensors. The number and type of radars can be selected as needed.

[0104] Please refer to FIG1 , which is a schematic diagram of a radar distribution provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0105] FIG1 shows possible installation locations of several types of radars. This is only an example. In actual use, a greater or lesser number of radars may be selected, and the types may also be adjusted.

[0106] As shown in Figure 1, the LRR can be installed in front of the vehicle as a forward-facing radar; the MRR can be installed in front of or behind the vehicle as a forward-facing radar or a rear-facing radar; and the SRR can be installed on the side or at the four corners of the vehicle as a side-facing radar or a corner radar. Furthermore, the MRR can also be installed on the side or at the four corners of the vehicle, and the SRR can also be installed in the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0107] Radars can be classified based on the modulation method (or radiation method) of their electromagnetic waves. Radar electromagnetic wave modulation methods include pulse and continuous wave, so radars can be divided into pulse radars and continuous wave radars. Continuous wave methods can be further divided into frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), constant frequency / single frequency continuous wave (CW), frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), multiple frequency shift keying (MFSK), and phase modulated continuous wave (PMCW). FMCW has become the mainstream radar modulation method due to its ability to detect multiple targets, high resolution, and low cost.

[0108] Please refer to FIG2 , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0109] As shown in Figure 2, the radar includes a control circuit 110, a signal generator 120, a power amplifier (PA) 130, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 140, a mixer 150, a filter 160, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 170, and a signal processor 180. The signal processor is typically used to process digital signals, such as a digital signal processor (DSP). Under the control of the control circuit 110, the signal generator 120 generates an electromagnetic wave signal (also known as a radar signal) waveform. For example, in a radar using FMCW modulation, the signal generator 120 generates a sawtooth or triangular wave under the control of the control circuit 110. The signal generator 120 is, for example, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and the control circuit 110 is used to generate a control voltage. The generated electromagnetic wave signal waveform undergoes frequency conversion modulation to the desired frequency band, such as between 76 GHz and 77 GHz. After being amplified by the PA 130, it is radiated into space through the transmit antenna (TX).

[0110] The electromagnetic wave signal radiated by the transmitting antenna hits the target, reflects into space, and is received by the radar's receiving antenna (RX). After being amplified by LNA 140, it is mixed with a reference signal by mixer 150. The reference signal can typically be the electromagnetic wave signal generated above. After filtering by filter 160, mixer 150 generates an analog baseband signal, which is sampled by ADC 170 to generate a digital baseband signal. The digital baseband signal is processed by signal processor 180 to obtain target range, velocity, and angle information. Furthermore, this information can be used for clustering and / or tracking to further determine the target's trajectory, size, type, and other information.

[0111] The various components of the radar described above can be integrated as needed to achieve miniaturization of the radar. For example, components such as the control circuit 110, signal generator 120, power amplifier (PA) 130, low noise amplifier (LNA) 140, mixer 150, filter 160, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 170 can be integrated on at least one chip, such as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC).

[0112] For details, please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0113] As shown in Figure 3, the radar includes an MMIC, a microcontroller unit (MCU), and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The MMIC can integrate the functions of the RF part, and the MCU can integrate the functions of the above baseband part, such as the functions of the above signal processor. In addition, it can also provide a communication interface with other on-board devices. The PMIC is the chip that powers the radar hardware system.

[0114] A waveguide is a structure used to guide electromagnetic waves in a certain direction. In electromagnetics and communications engineering, a waveguide refers to any linear structure that transmits electromagnetic waves between its endpoints. Waveguides are primarily used as transmission lines for microwave frequencies, connecting microwave transmitters and receivers to their antennas in radar, communications satellites, and microwave radio link equipment. As shown in Figure 3 above, a waveguide connects the microwave transmitter integrated in the MMIC shown in Figure 3 to the corresponding transmitting antenna, and the microwave receiver integrated in the MMIC shown in Figure 3 to the corresponding receiving antenna, enabling microwave frequency transmission.

[0115] In millimeter-wave radar systems, 3D waveguide antennas have significant advantages over planar printed circuit board (PCB) antennas in terms of loss and broadband characteristics. They have been widely used in various application scenarios of millimeter-wave radar systems, such as rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), forward cross traffic alert (FCTA), lane change assist (LCA), and blind spot detection (BSD).

[0116] Generally, a single radar or radar system needs to accommodate multiple scenarios simultaneously. However, different application scenarios place varying demands on the detection capabilities of the millimeter-wave radar system's antenna. For example, LCA scenarios typically operate directly in front of or behind a vehicle, with a range of approximately 150 meters; RCTA scenarios primarily operate along the vehicle's sides, with a range of approximately 100 meters. Comparing LCA and RCTA scenarios, it can be seen that the longer range in LCA scenarios requires higher antenna gain. Limited by link gain and antenna size, traditional single-antenna solutions often struggle to meet coverage requirements. In RCTA scenarios, the shorter range results in greater reflected energy from vehicle targets. The electromagnetic energy scattered by the target undergoes multipath reflections before being received by the receiving antenna, causing interference and noise degradation on the link. Therefore, a lower antenna gain is required. When both LCA and RCTA scenarios exist, current symmetrical wide-beam antennas cannot simultaneously meet the varying detection capability requirements of these two application scenarios.

[0117] In view of this, the present application provides a waveguide antenna and related devices, relating to the field of millimeter wave radar technology, which can effectively solve the above problems and meet the different requirements of antenna detection capabilities in different application scenarios (such as LCA scenarios and RCTA scenarios).

[0118] The waveguide antenna provided in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] Please refer to FIG4 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0120] As shown in FIG4 , the waveguide antenna includes:

[0121] At least one power splitter unit 401, and N waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, 406).

[0122] Wherein, N is an integer greater than 1.

[0123] Exemplarily, in the waveguide antenna shown in FIG4 , N=5, and accordingly, the N waveguides include 402 , 403 , 404 , 405 , and 406 .

[0124] It should be understood that N=5 here is only used as an exemplary description and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. N can also be other integers greater than 1, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0125] The at least one power splitter unit 401 is configured to split the first signal from the RF chip into N signals, which are respectively transmitted through N waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, 406) in the waveguide antenna, and at least two of the N waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, 406) have different lengths.

[0126] For example, in the waveguide antenna shown in FIG4 , the at least one power splitter unit is used to split the first signal from the RF chip into five signals, which are respectively transmitted through the five waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, 406) in the waveguide antenna, and at least two of the five waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, 406) have different lengths, such as the lengths of waveguide 402 and waveguide 403 are different, the lengths of waveguide 402 and waveguide 404 are different, and so on, which are not described one by one here.

[0127] Optionally, the length of the N waveguides in the embodiment of the present application may refer to the length of the waveguide between the output port of at least one power splitter unit and the antenna unit (excluding the waveguide length of the antenna unit), such as the length of waveguides 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406 in Figure 4; it may also refer to the length of the waveguide between the output port of at least one power splitter unit and the antenna unit (including the waveguide length of the antenna unit), such as the total length of waveguide 402 and antenna unit 407, the total length of waveguide 403 and antenna unit 408, the total length of waveguide 404 and antenna unit 409, the total length of waveguide 405 and antenna unit 410, and the total length of waveguide 406 and antenna unit 411 in Figure 4; it may also refer to the length of the waveguide between the input port of at least one power splitter unit and the antenna unit (excluding the waveguide length of the antenna unit), and it may also refer to the length of the waveguide between the input port of at least one power splitter unit and the antenna unit (including the waveguide length of the antenna unit). The embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. It can be understood that the lengths of the N waveguides involved in the waveguide antenna shown in FIG. 7 below are similar to the lengths of the N waveguides in FIG. 4 , and thus will not be described in detail.

[0128] It should be understood that the structural form presented by the at least one power division unit here is only for illustrative purposes and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. The at least one power division unit can also present other different structural forms, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0129] It should be understood that the length difference of the N waveguides presented here is only for illustrative purposes and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. The N waveguides can also present other forms with different lengths, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides can be set to achieve the difference between the phase and amplitude of the signals fed into different waveguides, so that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides can be pointed in a specific direction to meet the current application scenario's requirements for the antenna's detection capability.

[0131] Optionally, when the above-mentioned LCA scenario and RCTA scenario exist at the same time, the difference between the phases and amplitudes of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides, so that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides can be pointed in the direction of the LCA scenario. This can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the antenna detection capability.

[0132] It can be understood that the structural diagram of the waveguide antenna shown in Figure 4 can be regarded as a top view of the waveguide antenna, and its corresponding three-dimensional structure can be specifically referred to Figure 5, which is a three-dimensional stereoscopic diagram of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0133] As shown in Figure 5, the first signal of the RF chip is split into five signals through at least one power splitter unit 401. The five signals are respectively transmitted through the five waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, and 406) in the waveguide antenna, and at least two of the five waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, and 406) have different lengths.

[0134] Optionally, the side view corresponding to Figure 5 above can be specifically referred to Figure 6, which is a side view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application, and can also be understood as a view of the transmission direction of the first signal input into at least one power division unit.

[0135] In a possible embodiment, at least two of the N waveguides have different lengths, which may include but are not limited to the following forms:

[0136] Form 1:

[0137] The N waveguides are arranged in parallel, and the N waveguides include at least one curved waveguide and at least one straight waveguide.

[0138] The at least one curved waveguide may be provided in a winding manner, so that at least two waveguides among the N waveguides have different lengths.

[0139] 4 or 5 , the waveguide 403 and the waveguide 406 in FIG. 4 or 5 are arranged in a winding manner to achieve different lengths between the waveguide 403 and the waveguide 402 , and different lengths between the waveguide 406 and the waveguide 402 .

[0140] Form 2:

[0141] The N waveguides are arranged in parallel and staggered to ensure that at least two of the N waveguides have different lengths.

[0142] For details, please refer to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the schematic diagram of the structure of the waveguide antenna shown in Figure 7 can be regarded as a top view of the waveguide antenna, and its corresponding three-dimensional structure can be specifically referred to in Figure 8, which is a three-dimensional stereogram of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the side view corresponding to Figure 8 can be specifically referred to in Figure 9, which is a side view of a waveguide antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application, and can also be understood as a view of the transmission direction of the first signal input to at least one power splitter unit.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 , the waveguide antenna includes at least one power splitter unit 701 and N waveguides ( 702 , 703 , 704 , 705 , 706 ). Exemplarily, N=5.

[0144] The at least one power splitter unit 701 is configured to split the first signal from the RF chip into N signals, which are respectively transmitted through N waveguides (702, 703, 704, 705, 706) in the waveguide antenna, and at least two of the N waveguides (702, 703, 704, 705, 706) have different lengths.

[0145] As can be seen from FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 above, the waveguide 702 and the waveguide 703 in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 are arranged in a staggered manner to achieve different lengths of the waveguide 702 and the waveguide 703, and the waveguide 705 and the waveguide 706 in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 are arranged in a staggered manner to achieve different lengths of the waveguide 705 and the waveguide 706.

[0146] Form 3:

[0147] The N waveguides are arranged in parallel, and the N waveguides include at least one curved waveguide and at least one straight waveguide.

[0148] The at least one curved waveguide and the at least one straight waveguide may also be arranged in a staggered manner, so that at least two of the N waveguides have different lengths.

[0149] It can be understood that the diagram corresponding to form three can be understood as a combination of the above-mentioned Figures 4 and 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0150] It should be understood that the above-mentioned forms 1 to 3 are merely examples of several possible cases in which at least two waveguides among N waveguides have different lengths, and should not be used to limit the embodiments of the present application. New embodiments obtained based on reasonable variations, supplements, or combinations of the above-mentioned forms 1 to 3 all fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0151] By setting up the N waveguides in the embodiment of the present application, the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides can be achieved. Since electromagnetic waves flow instantaneously in the waveguide structure, it can be understood as being similar to water flow. Therefore, by setting up N waveguides in the above-mentioned winding or staggered arrangement manner, different signal flow paths can be constructed, and energy control can be achieved by controlling the amount of input energy of the signal energy through impedance adjustment, thereby achieving differences in the phase and amplitude of the signals fed into different waveguides.

[0152] Furthermore, by setting up the above-mentioned N waveguides, the difference between the phase and amplitude of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved. Then, by controlling the radiation amplitude and phase of the signal in each waveguide, the vector superposition of the signal in each waveguide at various angles in space can be controlled, thereby achieving a beamforming effect. The achieved shaping pattern has no null in the azimuth plane, and the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides can be pointed in the direction of the LCA scenario. This can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (for example, LCA scenarios and RCTA scenarios) for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0153] In a possible embodiment, the at least one power division unit includes a first power division unit and a second power division unit, and the first power division unit and the second power division unit are connected in cascade.

[0154] The first signal of the radio frequency chip is divided into N signals after passing through the first power division unit and the second power division unit connected in cascade, and is transmitted through N waveguides respectively.

[0155] Exemplarily, as can be seen from FIG4 , the at least one power division unit 401 includes a first power division unit 4011 and a second power division unit ( 4012 , 4013 ), and the first power division unit 4011 and the second power division unit ( 4012 , 4013 ) are cascade-connected respectively.

[0156] The first signal of the RF chip is divided into three signals after passing through the first power division unit 4011, of which two signals are divided into four signals after passing through the second power division units (4012, 4013). The five signals obtained after the above power division are transmitted through five waveguides respectively.

[0157] Exemplarily, as can be seen from FIG7 , the at least one power division unit 701 includes a first power division unit 7011 and a second power division unit ( 7012 , 7013 ), and the first power division unit 7011 and the second power division unit ( 7012 , 7013 ) are cascade-connected respectively.

[0158] The first signal of the RF chip is divided into three signals after passing through the first power division unit 7011, of which two signals are divided into four signals after passing through the second power division units (7012 and 7013). The five signals obtained after the above power division are transmitted through five waveguides respectively.

[0159] By designing multiple power division units connected in cascade in the embodiment of the present application, combined with the arrangement of N waveguides, the longitudinal dimension of the waveguide antenna can be reduced, thereby realizing a miniaturized design of the power division structure of the waveguide antenna.

[0160] In a possible embodiment, at least two of the N signals have different powers.

[0161] It is understood that by using at least one power splitter to split the first signal power of the RF chip into N signals, each with at least two signals of different power, the power differences between the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved, thereby simultaneously meeting the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in different application scenarios. Optionally, the higher-power signal can be used to meet the longer-range coverage requirements in LCA scenarios, while the lower-power signal can be used to meet the shorter-range coverage requirements in RCTA scenarios, as well as the detection requirements for reducing link interference and noise degradation.

[0162] Optionally, in combination with the possible design of the at least one power splitting unit and the power difference between the N signals, in the case of N=5, the power distribution ratio of the N signals is 1:1:4:1:1. The design of the corresponding at least one power splitting unit can be specifically referred to in Figures 10A to 10G. Figures 10A to 10G are schematic diagrams of several power splitting units provided in embodiments of the present application, as shown below:

[0163] Example 1:

[0164] The at least one power splitter may include a 1-to-5 power splitter, the input port of which is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the five output ports of which are connected to the five waveguides, respectively, to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG10A . This example can further reduce the length of the waveguide antenna and optimize the array effect.

[0165] Example 2:

[0166] The at least one power splitter unit may include a one-to-three power splitter and two one-to-two power splitters, wherein the input port of the one-to-three power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter are cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input ports of the two one-to-two power splitters, respectively, and the four output ports of the two one-to-two power splitters are connected to four waveguides, respectively, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG10B .

[0167] Example 3:

[0168] The at least one power splitter may include two one-to-three power splitters, wherein the input port of the first one-to-three power splitter of the two one-to-three power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the first one-to-three power splitter are respectively cascade-connected to the two waveguides and the input port of the second one-to-three power splitter of the two one-to-three power splitters, and the three output ports of the second one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to the three waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG10C .

[0169] Example 4:

[0170] The at least one power splitter may include a one-to-four power splitter and a one-to-two power splitter, wherein the input port of the one-to-four power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are cascade-connected to three waveguides and the input port of a one-to-two power splitter, and the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter are connected to two waveguides, respectively, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG10D .

[0171] Example 5:

[0172] The at least one power splitter may include a one-to-two power splitter and a one-to-four power splitter, wherein the input port of the one-to-two power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to a waveguide and an input port of a one-to-four power splitter, respectively, and the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are connected to four waveguides, respectively, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG10E .

[0173] Example 6:

[0174] The at least one power splitter unit may include two one-to-two power splitters and one one-to-three power splitter, wherein the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to the input ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the one-to-three power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters, respectively, and the five output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to the five waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as shown in Figure 10F.

[0175] Example 7:

[0176] The at least one power splitter unit may include four one-to-two power splitters, wherein the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter among the four one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are cascade-connected to the input ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter among the four one-to-two power splitters, the two output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides, the two output ports of the third one-to-two power splitter are respectively cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input port of the fourth one-to-two power splitter among the four one-to-two power splitters, and the two output ports of the fourth one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:1:4:1:1 for the five signals in the five waveguides, as shown in Figure 10G.

[0177] It should be understood that the several possible structural forms of at least one power division unit listed above in order to realize the power division of the first signal into five signals (i.e., the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments one to seven) are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. New structural forms obtained based on reasonable deformation or supplementation of the structural form of the above-mentioned at least one power division unit all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0178] Optionally, the interval between adjacent waveguides in the five waveguides connected by the one-to-five power splitting unit shown in the above exemplary embodiments 1 to 7 is 0.5λ, where λ represents the wavelength in air.

[0179] In an embodiment of the present application, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into five signals, the power distribution ratio of the five signals can be 1:1:4:1:1, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the antenna detection capability.

[0180] Accordingly, in combination with the length difference design of the above-mentioned N waveguides, when N=5, the ratio of the difference between the length of the above-mentioned N waveguides and the length of the first waveguide among the above-mentioned N waveguides is -160:-320:0:180:330, and the phase differences between the above-mentioned N signals and the first signal among the N signals are -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively. The first signal is the signal transmitted in the first waveguide.

[0181] When the first signal from the RF chip needs to be split into five signals, the phase differences between the five signals and the first of the five signals can be -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively, to simultaneously meet the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in LCA and RCTA scenarios. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the lengths of the five waveguides transmitting the five signals and the length of the first of the five waveguides is -160:-320:0:180:330, so that the phase differences between the five signals fed into different waveguides and the first of the five signals are -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively. The first signal is the signal transmitted in the first waveguide.

[0182] For example, when N=5, the lengths of the five waveguides are a, b, c, d, and e, respectively. Using the length of the third waveguide (i.e., the first waveguide) as a reference for length difference comparison, the length difference between the first and third waveguides is ac, the length difference between the second and third waveguides is bc, the length difference between the third waveguide and itself is cc=0, the length difference between the fourth and third waveguides is dc, and the length difference between the fifth and third waveguides is ec. Thus, the length difference ratios between the five waveguides and the third of the five waveguides are ac, bc, 0, dc, and ec. Correspondingly, assuming that the phases of the signals fed into the five waveguides are A, B, C, D, and E respectively, and the phase difference comparison is performed based on the phase of the signal transmitted in the third waveguide (i.e., the first signal mentioned above), then the phase difference between the signal transmitted in the first waveguide and the signal transmitted in the third waveguide is AC, the phase difference between the signal transmitted in the second waveguide and the signal transmitted in the third waveguide is BC, the phase difference between the signal transmitted in the third waveguide and its own signal is CC=0, the phase difference between the signal transmitted in the fourth waveguide and the signal transmitted in the third waveguide is DC, and the phase difference between the signal transmitted in the fifth waveguide and the signal transmitted in the third waveguide is EC, then the following relationship holds: (ac):(bc):0:(dc):(ec)=(AC):(BC):0:(DC):(EC).

[0183] It's understandable that the length difference ratio can be negative, which is related to the waveguide length. The length difference ratio of N waveguides also determines the phase difference of the corresponding N signals. It's understandable that the length difference ratio between waveguides discussed later is similar to this one and will not be further explained.

[0184] Through the embodiments of the present application, the phase difference of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of N waveguides, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0185] Optionally, in combination with the possible design of the at least one power splitting unit and the power difference between the N signals, in the case of N=4, the power distribution ratio of the N signals is 1:2:2:1. The design of the corresponding at least one power splitting unit can be specifically referred to Figures 11A to 11D. Figures 11A to 11D are schematic diagrams of several power splitting units provided in embodiments of the present application, as shown below:

[0186] Example 1:

[0187] The at least one power splitter may include a one-to-four power splitter, the input port of which is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the four output ports of which are connected to the four waveguides, respectively, to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG11A . This example can further reduce the length of the waveguide antenna and optimize the array effect.

[0188] Example 2:

[0189] The at least one power splitter unit may include three one-to-two power splitters, the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter among the three one-to-two power splitters being connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to the input ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter among the three one-to-two power splitters, and the four output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter and the third one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to the four waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG11B .

[0190] Example 3:

[0191] The at least one power splitter may include a one-to-three power splitter and a one-to-two power splitter, the input port of the one-to-three power splitter being connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter being respectively connected to two waveguides and the input port of the one-to-two power splitter, and the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to two waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG11C .

[0192] Example 4:

[0193] The at least one power splitter unit may include a one-to-two power splitter and a one-to-three power splitter, the input port of the one-to-two power splitter being connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the one-to-two power splitter being respectively connected to a waveguide and an input port of a one-to-three power splitter, and the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter being respectively connected to three waveguides to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:2:1 for the four signals in the four waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG11D .

[0194] It should be understood that the several possible structural forms of at least one power division unit listed above in order to realize the power division of the first signal into four signals (i.e., the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments 1 to 4) are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. New structural forms obtained based on reasonable deformation or supplementation of the structural form of the above-mentioned at least one power division unit all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0195] In an embodiment of the present application, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into four signals, the power distribution ratio of the four signals can be 1:2:2:1, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the antenna detection capability.

[0196] Accordingly, in combination with the length difference design of the above-mentioned N waveguides, when N=4, the ratio of the difference between the length of the above-mentioned N waveguides and the length of the second waveguide among the above-mentioned N waveguides is -310:-180:0:300, and the phase differences between the above-mentioned N signals and the second signal among the N signals are -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively. The second signal is the signal transmitted in the second waveguide.

[0197] When the first signal from the RF chip needs to be split into four signals, the phase differences between the four signals and the second signal in the four signals can be -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively, to meet the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in both LCA and RCTA scenarios. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the lengths of the four waveguides transmitting the four signals and the length of the second waveguide in the four waveguides is -310:-180:0:300, so that the phase differences between the four signals fed into different waveguides and the second signal in the four signals are -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively. The second signal is the signal transmitted in the second waveguide.

[0198] Through the embodiments of the present application, the phase difference of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of N waveguides, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0199] Optionally, in combination with the possible design of the at least one power splitting unit and the power difference between the N signals, in the case of N=3, the power distribution ratio of the N signals is 1:2:1. The design of the corresponding at least one power splitting unit can be specifically referred to Figures 12A and 12B. Figures 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of several power splitting units provided in embodiments of the present application, as shown below:

[0200] Example 1:

[0201] The at least one power splitter may include a 1-to-3 power splitter, the input port of which is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, and the three output ports of which are connected to the three waveguides, respectively, to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:1 for the three signals in the three waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG12A . This example can further reduce the length of the waveguide antenna and optimize the array effect.

[0202] Example 2:

[0203] The at least one power splitter unit may include two one-to-two power splitters, wherein the input port of the first one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power splitter are respectively cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input port of the second one-to-two power splitter of the two one-to-two power splitters, and the two output ports of the second one-to-two power splitter are respectively connected to two waveguides, so as to achieve a power distribution ratio of 1:2:1 for the three signals in the three waveguides, as specifically shown in FIG12B .

[0204] It should be understood that the several possible structural forms of at least one power division unit listed above in order to realize the power division of the first signal into three signals (i.e., the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments 1 to 2) are only for illustrative purposes and should not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. New structural forms obtained based on reasonable deformation or supplementation of the structural form of the above-mentioned at least one power division unit all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0205] In an embodiment of the present application, when it is necessary to split the first signal from the RF chip into three signals, the power distribution ratio of the three signals can be 1:2:1, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the antenna detection capability.

[0206] Accordingly, in combination with the length difference design of the above-mentioned N waveguides, when N=3, the ratio of the difference between the length of the above-mentioned N waveguides and the length of the third waveguide among the above-mentioned N waveguides is -310:-180:0, and the phase differences between the above-mentioned N signals and the third signal among the N signals are -310°, -180°, and 0°, respectively. The third signal is the signal transmitted in the third waveguide.

[0207] When the first signal from the RF chip needs to be split into three signals, the phase differences between the three signals and the third of the three signals can be -310°, -180°, and 0°, respectively, to meet the different requirements for antenna detection capabilities in both LCA and RCTA scenarios. Accordingly, the ratio of the difference between the lengths of the three waveguides transmitting the three signals and the length of the third of the three waveguides is -310:-180:0, so that the phase differences between the three signals fed into different waveguides and the third of the three signals are -310°, -180°, and 0°, respectively. The third signal is the signal transmitted in the third waveguide.

[0208] Through the embodiments of the present application, the phase difference of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved by setting the difference between the lengths of N waveguides, so as to simultaneously meet the different requirements of the LCA scenario and the RCTA scenario for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0209] It is understood that the above description of the possible designs of at least one power splitter unit and the power differences between N signals is provided as an example for the cases where N = 3, 4, and 5, respectively, and should not be construed as limiting the present application. When N is another positive integer, the corresponding possible designs of at least one power splitter unit and the power differences between N signals are similar to those for the above cases where N = 3, 4, and 5, and are not further described here.

[0210] It is understandable that the possible design of at least one power division unit in the above-mentioned waveguide antenna and the arrangement of N waveguides are also applicable to PCB-type antennas, dielectric integrated waveguide antennas, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0211] In a possible embodiment, the N waveguides are respectively connected to N radiating antennas, and the radiating antennas include at least one radiating unit.

[0212] N signals are transmitted to N radiating antennas via N waveguides and radiated from the radiating elements of the radiating antennas. Optionally, the radiating elements included in each of the N radiating antennas can be the same or different, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0213] For details, see Figure 5 . As shown in Figure 5 , the five waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, and 406) are connected to five radiating antennas (407, 408, 409, 410, and 411), respectively. Waveguide 402 is connected to radiating antenna 407, waveguide 403 is connected to radiating antenna 408, waveguide 404 is connected to radiating antenna 409, waveguide 405 is connected to radiating antenna 410, and waveguide 406 is connected to radiating antenna 411. Each of the radiating antennas includes at least one radiating element. Specifically, antenna 407 includes at least one radiating element 412, antenna 408 includes at least one radiating element 413, antenna 409 includes at least one radiating element 414, antenna 410 includes at least one radiating element 415, and antenna 411 includes at least one radiating element 416. As shown in Figure 5 , each radiating antenna includes four radiating elements.

[0214] For details, please refer to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the five waveguides (702, 703, 704, 705, and 706) are connected to five radiating antennas, each of which includes four radiating elements. The details are similar to those in Figure 5 above and will not be repeated here.

[0215] Optionally, as can be seen from Figure 5, the position settings of the radiation units included in each of the N radiation antennas can be the same (that is, the positions of the radiation units included in two adjacent radiation antennas are set flush with each other); as can be seen from Figure 8, the position settings of the radiation units included in each of the N radiation antennas can also be different (that is, the positions of the radiation units included in two adjacent radiation antennas are staggered with each other), and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0216] In a possible embodiment, the at least one power splitter unit, the N waveguides, and the N radiating antennas are arranged on a first plane, and the radiating unit is arranged perpendicular to the first plane.

[0217] For details, please refer to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the at least one power splitter unit 401, the N waveguides (402, 403, 404, 405, 406) and the N radiating antennas (407, 408, 409, 410, 411) are arranged in a first plane, and the radiating units (412, 413, 414, 415, 416) are arranged perpendicular to the first plane.

[0218] It can be understood that the opening direction of the radiation unit (for example, radiation unit 412) in the radiation antenna (for example, radiation antenna 407) is perpendicular to the first plane, and it can also be understood that the direction in which the signal is radiated from the radiation unit (for example, radiation unit 412) is perpendicular to the first plane. It can also be understood that the signal transmission direction in the N waveguides (for example, waveguide 402) is perpendicular to the direction in which the signal is radiated from the radiation unit (for example, radiation unit 412).

[0219] In a possible embodiment, the input port of the at least one power splitter unit is connected to the first port of the turning structure, and the second port of the turning structure is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip.

[0220] The input port of at least one power splitter unit in the waveguide antenna is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip through a turning structure, that is, the input port of the at least one power splitter unit is connected to the first port of the turning structure, and the second port of the turning structure is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip.

[0221] Please refer to Figure 13 for details, which is a schematic diagram of a port connection provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0222] Optionally, Figure 13 can be regarded as a plan view of the waveguide antenna shown in Figure 5 above in the second direction, where the second direction is perpendicular to the signal transmission direction in the N waveguides and the second direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the signal is radiated from the radiation unit.

[0223] As shown in Figure 13, it is a schematic diagram of the connection between the input port of the at least one power splitter unit and the waveguide outlet of the RF chip. The input port 1303 of the at least one power splitter unit is connected to the waveguide outlet 1304 of the RF chip through a turning structure, that is, the input port 1303 of the at least one power splitter unit is connected to the first port 1301 of the turning structure, and the second port 1302 of the turning structure is connected to the waveguide outlet 1304 of the RF chip.

[0224] Optionally, as can be seen from FIG13 , the waveguide outlet 1304 of the RF chip has a first offset in a first direction relative to the input port 1303 of the at least one power splitter unit, and the first direction is the direction in which the radiating antenna radiates the signal.

[0225] The input port 1303 of at least one power division unit in the waveguide antenna is connected to the waveguide outlet 1304 of the RF chip through a turning structure, and the waveguide outlet 1304 of the RF chip has a certain degree of offset (i.e., a first offset) relative to the input port 1303 of at least one power division unit in the direction of signal radiation.

[0226] Through the turning structure in the embodiment of the present application, a staggered stepped structural design of the input port of at least one power splitter unit and the waveguide outlet of the RF chip in the signal radiation direction can be realized. During the actual processing process, the overall thickness of the waveguide antenna can be effectively reduced, saving material costs while realizing a compact design of the overall thickness of the waveguide antenna.

[0227] In a possible embodiment, the proportion of the N signals radiated to the first area is greater than the proportion radiated to the second area, the first area is the front area or the side rear area of ​​the vehicle, and the second area is the side area of ​​the vehicle.

[0228] In an embodiment of the present application, the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides is set through the above possible embodiment to achieve the difference between the phases and amplitudes of the N signals fed into the N waveguides, so that the main beam formed by the N signals transmitted in the N waveguides can be pointed in the direction of the first area, so that the proportion of the N signals radiated to the first area is greater than the proportion radiated to the second area. The first area is the area directly in front of the vehicle or the side and rear area, such as the area where the LCA scenario is effective, and the second area is the side area of ​​the vehicle, such as the area where the RCTA scenario is effective.

[0229] For details, please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of a radar detection scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0230] As shown in Figure 14, radar 1401 is installed at a +45° position on the front side of the vehicle (i.e., the upper right corner of the vehicle), and radar 1402 is installed at ±45° positions on the rear side of the vehicle (i.e., the lower left and lower right corners of the vehicle). Radars 1401 and 1402 can be millimeter-wave radars or millimeter-wave radar systems, and are primarily used in advanced driver assistance systems such as lane change assistance systems and cross-traffic warning systems. They can assist the driver in perceiving the vehicle's surroundings and assisting the driver in safe driving. For example, the radar normal (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the radar mounting surface) is 0°. With the radar normal as the reference, clockwise rotation is a positive angle direction, and counterclockwise rotation is a negative angle direction.

[0231] As shown in Figure 14, the LCA scenario generally acts on the front or rear area of ​​the vehicle, with an effective range of about 150 meters; the RCTA scenario mainly acts on the side of the vehicle, with an effective range of about 100 meters.

[0232] Comparing the LCA and RCTA scenarios, we can see that the LCA scenario requires higher antenna gain due to its longer range. Limited by link gain and antenna size, traditional single-antenna solutions often struggle to meet coverage requirements. In contrast, the RCTA scenario requires lower antenna gain due to its shorter range. The reflected energy from vehicle targets is greater. The electromagnetic energy scattered by the target undergoes multipath reflections before being received by the receiving antenna, causing interference and noise degradation on the link. Therefore, a lower antenna gain is required. Therefore, based on the comparison of the two scenarios, we can conclude that the LCA coverage area requires higher antenna gain, while the RCTA coverage area requires lower antenna gain.

[0233] Traditional symmetrical wide-beam antennas, on the other hand, primarily have antenna gain in the radar normal direction (perpendicular to the radar mounting surface). The antenna gain is low in the vehicle's θ1 = -45° direction (i.e., the LCA region) and also low in the vehicle's θ2 = +45° direction (i.e., the RCTA region). Even if the radar's mounting position is adjusted, when both the LCA and RCTA scenarios exist, current symmetrical wide-beam antennas still cannot meet the differing detection capability requirements of both scenarios.

[0234] In the above-mentioned possible embodiments, by setting the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides, the difference between the phases and amplitudes of the signals fed into different waveguides can be achieved, so that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in the N waveguides can be pointed in the direction of the LCA scenario, thereby increasing the antenna gain in the direction of θ1 = -45° of the vehicle body (i.e., the LCA area), and reducing the antenna gain in the direction of θ2 = +45° of the vehicle body (i.e., the RCTA area). This can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0235] 15A to 15C , it will be further explained that the waveguide antenna shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 can simultaneously meet different requirements of different application scenarios on the detection capability of the antenna.

[0236] Please refer to FIG. 15A , which is a schematic diagram of the effect of return loss provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0237] As shown in Figure 15A, taking |S11| ≤ -15dB as an example, the minimum impedance bandwidth of the antenna is ≥ 76 GHz-81 GHz, and the impedance bandwidth meets the frequency band requirements of future millimeter-wave radars.

[0238] Please refer to FIG. 15B , which is a radiation pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0239] As shown in Figure 15B, the antenna's maximum gain radiation point is at θ1 = -45° on the vehicle body (i.e., the LCA area), and the maximum peak gain exceeds 16dBi. Based on the nearly 150m range defined by the next-generation on-vehicle corner radar for the LCA function and combined with the link budget gain of the previous-generation radar, the designed radiation pattern can effectively meet the functional requirements of the large coverage range of the vehicle LCA scenario.

[0240] Please refer to FIG. 15C , which is a radiation pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0241] As shown in Figure 15C, the antenna gain at the vehicle body position θ2 = +45° (i.e., the RCTA region) is approximately 10dBi, effectively meeting the functional coverage requirements of scenarios such as RCTA and FCTA. Furthermore, the antenna's azimuth pattern exhibits no significant null within the ±90° range of the vehicle body, and the antenna phase is continuously controllable, minimizing any impact on radar measurement capabilities during actual ranging and angle measurements.

[0242] It can be seen from Figures 15A to 15C above that the waveguide antenna shown in Figures 4 to 6 above realizes the miniaturization design of the antenna power division network and the overall size of the antenna and the radiation pattern shaping design, and the shaped radiation pattern realized by the waveguide antenna has no null in the azimuth plane, and can realize that the main beam formed by the transmission signal in N waveguides points in the direction of the LCA scenario. It can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (for example, LCA scenarios and RCTA scenarios) for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0243] It can be understood that the waveguide antenna in the embodiment of the present application realizes the difference between the phase and amplitude of the signals fed into different waveguides by setting the difference between the lengths of N waveguides. The realized shaped radiation pattern includes but is not limited to the θ1 = -45° direction in the present application, and can form any other shaped radiation pattern according to the different requirements of different application scenarios.

[0244] The following will further illustrate, in conjunction with Figures 16A to 16C, that the waveguide antenna shown in Figures 7 to 9 can realize that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in N waveguides points in the direction of the LCA scenario. It can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the antenna's detection capabilities.

[0245] Please refer to FIG. 16A , which is a schematic diagram of the effect of return loss provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0246] As shown in FIG16A , taking |S11| ≤ -15 dB as an example, the minimum impedance bandwidth of the antenna is ≥ 76 GHz to 81 GHz, and the impedance bandwidth meets the frequency band requirements of future millimeter-wave radars.

[0247] Please refer to FIG. 16B , which is a radiation pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0248] As shown in Figure 16B, the antenna's maximum gain radiation point is at the θ1 = -45° position on the vehicle body (i.e., the LCA area), with a maximum gain of approximately 15.5 dB. Based on the nearly 150m range defined by the next-generation on-vehicle corner radar for the LCA function and combined with the link budget gain of the previous-generation radar, the designed radiation pattern can effectively meet the functional requirements of the large coverage range of the vehicle LCA scenario.

[0249] Please refer to FIG. 16C , which is a radiation pattern of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0250] As shown in Figure 16C, the antenna gain at the vehicle body position θ2 = +45° (i.e., the RCTA region) is approximately 10dBi, effectively meeting the functional coverage requirements of scenarios such as RCTA and FCTA. Furthermore, the antenna's azimuth pattern exhibits no significant null within the ±90° range of the vehicle body, and the antenna phase is continuously controllable, minimizing any impact on radar measurement capabilities during actual ranging and angle measurements.

[0251] It can be seen from Figures 16A to 16C above that the waveguide antenna shown in Figures 7 to 9 above realizes the miniaturization design of the antenna power division network and the overall size of the antenna and the radiation pattern shaping design, and the shaped radiation pattern realized by the waveguide antenna has no null in the azimuth plane, and can realize that the main beam formed by the transmission signal in N waveguides points in the direction of the LCA scenario, which can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (for example, LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the detection capability of the antenna.

[0252] In addition, in a possible embodiment, a method for preparing the waveguide antenna in the present application is also provided. The specific process of the preparation method is as follows:

[0253] Method 1: Plastic layered molds can be opened to obtain at least one power splitter unit and N waveguides, and then electroplating is performed on the surface of each mold. Finally, layer brazing is performed to obtain a waveguide antenna including at least one power splitter unit and N waveguides.

[0254] Among them, the process of plastic layered mold opening is as follows: the plastic is first heated and melted in the bottom of the injection molding machine, and then, pushed by the screw of the injection molding machine, enters the mold cavity through the injection molding machine nozzle and the mold pouring system. The plastic cools and hardens into shape, and the product is demolded to obtain the product.

[0255] Plastic electroplating is to cover the plastic surface with a metal layer to give it metallic properties. The specific process is: surface cleaning, solvent treatment, conditioning treatment, and sensitization.

[0256] Brazing refers to a method of joining metals by simultaneously heating a filler metal (a material below the melting point of the workpiece) and the workpiece to the filler metal's melting point. Liquid filler metal then fills the gap between the solid workpieces, creating a metallic connection. During brazing, the oxide film and oil stains on the contact surface of the parent metal must be removed to facilitate capillary action after the filler metal melts, increasing the filler metal's wettability and capillary flow.

[0257] Method 2: You can also layer at least one power splitter unit and N waveguides, and then weld the at least one power splitter unit and the N waveguides to form a waveguide antenna.

[0258] The waveguide antenna obtained by the above preparation method can realize that the main beam formed by the transmission signals in N waveguides points in the direction of the LCA scenario. It can not only meet the coverage requirements of the LCA scenario, but also share the excess antenna gain in the RCTA scenario, reduce the reflected energy of the vehicle target, reduce link interference and noise deterioration, and at the same time meet the different requirements of different application scenarios (LCA scenario and RCTA scenario) for the antenna's detection capabilities.

[0259] Illustratively, by the above-mentioned method for preparing a waveguide antenna, a waveguide antenna as shown in any one of Figures 4 to 9 can be obtained. The structural characteristics and functional characteristics of the waveguide antenna can be found in the corresponding descriptions in Figures 4 to 9 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0260] Optionally, the waveguide antenna can be fixed to the RF board by welding or screwing, and the RF signal is fed into the lower feed port of the waveguide antenna through PCB to waveguide coupling, and then radiated through the radiation port of the waveguide antenna.

[0261] The present application provides a chip, which includes the waveguide antenna provided by the present application.

[0262] This application provides a radar or radar system that includes the waveguide antenna or the aforementioned chip provided herein. It should be noted that there may be smart sensors that integrate multiple sensors. If the smart sensor includes millimeter-wave detection capabilities, the smart sensor may also be referred to as a millimeter-wave radar or millimeter-wave radar system.

[0263] The present application provides a terminal device comprising the waveguide antenna, chip, radar, or radar system provided herein. For example, the terminal device can be a transportation vehicle, such as a car, truck, aircraft, drone, slow-moving vehicle, spacecraft, or ship, used in any possible scenario. It can also be any device capable of carrying a detection device, such as surveying and mapping equipment. One or more waveguide antennas, chips, radars, or radar systems provided herein are deployed on the terminal device.

[0264] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A waveguide antenna, characterized in that: The waveguide antenna comprises: At least one power splitter unit and N waveguides, wherein N is an integer greater than 1; The at least one power splitting unit is used to split the first signal from the radio frequency chip into N signals, and the N signals are respectively transmitted via the N waveguides; At least two waveguides among the N waveguides have different lengths.

2. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The N waveguides are arranged in parallel, and the N waveguides include at least one curved waveguide and at least one straight waveguide.

3. The waveguide antenna according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one power division unit includes a first power division unit and a second power division unit, and the first power division unit and the second power division unit are connected in cascade.

4. The waveguide antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: Among the N signals, at least two signals have different powers.

5. The waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The N waveguides are respectively connected to N radiating antennas, and the radiating antenna includes at least one radiating unit.

6. The waveguide antenna according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least one power division unit, the N waveguides and the N radiating antennas are arranged on a first plane, and the radiating unit is arranged perpendicular to the first plane.

7. The waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The input port of the at least one power division unit is connected to the first port of the turning structure, and the second port of the turning structure is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip.

8. The waveguide antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that: The waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip is first offset relative to the input port of the at least one power division unit in a first direction, and the first direction is the direction in which the radiation antenna radiates the signal.

9. The waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When N=5, the power allocation ratio of the N signals is 1:1:4:1:1; The at least one power splitter unit includes a one-to-five power splitter, the input port of the one-to-five power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip, and the five output ports of the one-to-five power splitter are respectively connected to five waveguides; Alternatively, the at least one power division unit includes a one-to-three power divider and two one-to-two power dividers, the input port of the one-to-three power divider is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the three output ports of the one-to-three power divider are respectively connected to a waveguide and the input ports of the two one-to-two power dividers in cascade connection, and the four output ports of the two one-to-two power dividers are respectively connected to four waveguides.

10. The waveguide antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: The ratio of the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides and the length of the first waveguide among the N waveguides is -160:-320:0:180:330, and the phase differences between the N signals and the first signal among the N signals are -160°, -320°, 0°, 180°, and 330°, respectively. The first signal is the signal transmitted in the first waveguide.

11. The waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When N=4, the power allocation ratio of the N signals is 1:2:2:1; The at least one power splitter unit includes a one-to-four power splitter, the input port of the one-to-four power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip, and the four output ports of the one-to-four power splitter are respectively connected to four waveguides; Alternatively, the at least one power division unit includes three one-to-two power dividers, the input port of a first one-to-two power divider among the three one-to-two power dividers is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power divider are cascade-connected to the input ports of a second one-to-two power divider and a third one-to-two power divider among the three one-to-two power dividers, and the four output ports of the second one-to-two power divider and the third one-to-two power divider are respectively connected to four waveguides.

12. The waveguide antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that: The ratio of the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides and the length of the second waveguide among the N waveguides is -310:-180:0:300, the phase differences between the N signals and the second signal among the N signals are -310°, -180°, 0°, and 300°, respectively, and the second signal is the signal transmitted in the second waveguide.

13. The waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When N=3, the power allocation ratio of the N signals is 1:2:1; The at least one power splitter unit includes a one-to-three power splitter, the input port of the one-to-three power splitter is connected to the waveguide outlet of the radio frequency chip, and the three output ports of the one-to-three power splitter are respectively connected to three waveguides; Alternatively, the at least one power division unit includes two one-to-two power dividers, the input port of a first one-to-two power divider of the two one-to-two power dividers is connected to the waveguide outlet of the RF chip, the two output ports of the first one-to-two power divider are cascade-connected to a waveguide and the input port of a second one-to-two power divider of the two one-to-two power dividers, and the two output ports of the second one-to-two power divider are connected to two waveguides, respectively.

14. The waveguide antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that: The ratio of the difference between the lengths of the N waveguides and the length of the third waveguide among the N waveguides is -310:-180:0, and the phase differences between the N signals and the third signal among the N signals are respectively -310°, -180°, and 0°, and the third signal is a signal transmitted in the third waveguide.

15. The waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The proportion of the N-path signals radiated to the first area is greater than the proportion radiated to the second area, the first area is the area directly in front of the vehicle or the area behind the vehicle, and the second area is the area to the side of the vehicle.

16. A radar, characterized in that: The radar includes the waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A terminal device, characterized in that: The terminal device includes the waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the radar according to claim 16.

18. A vehicle end, characterized in that: The vehicle end includes the waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the radar according to claim 16, or the terminal device according to claim 17.

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