Waveguide antenna, chip package, radio frequency apparatus, radar and electronic device
The waveguide antenna with a signal separation structure addresses the issue of increased packaging area and costs by reducing radiators through multiplexed signal transmission, enhancing performance and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CALTERAH SEMICON TECH (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
Smart Images

Figure CN2025136516_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
WAVEGUIDE ANTENNA, CHIP PACKAGE, RADIO FREQUENCY APPARATUS, RADAR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411762035.9, entitled “WAVEGUIDE ANTENNA, CHIP PACKAGE, RADIO FREQUENCY APPARATUS, RADAR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE, ” filed on December 2, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular, to a waveguide antenna, a chip package, a radio frequency apparatus, a radar, and an electronic device.BACKGROUND
[0003] In a conventional chip-to-external waveguide antenna structure, signals output from radio frequency channels of a chip are transmitted to an antenna after being converted by radiators (packaged waveguide converters) . When the chip has a large number of radio frequency channels, the number of radiators also increases, thereby increasing the packaging area and raising packaging costs.SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a waveguide antenna, a chip package, a radio frequency apparatus, a radar, and an electronic device, which can significantly reduce the number of radiators, thereby substantially reducing the packaging area and further significantly reducing production costs.
[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a waveguide antenna, including a waveguide interface, a signal separation structure, and a plurality of waveguide units. The signal separation structure is connected to the waveguide interface and the plurality of waveguide units, respectively. The signal separation structure is configured to receive a plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface, the plurality of first radio frequency signals having different first parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units according to the first parameters. And / or, the signal separation structure is further configured to receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units, the plurality of second radio frequency signals having different second parameters; and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface according to the second parameters.
[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip package, comprising a plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units. The packaged waveguide conversion unit includes a radiator and a plurality of feed lines electrically connected to the radiator and a radio frequency channel of the chip package, respectively.
[0007] The radiator is configured to radiate signals fed in by the feed lines in chip package, and / or receive radio frequency signals from external waveguide / antenna.
[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a radio frequency apparatus, comprising the aforementioned waveguide antenna assembly, the aforementioned chip package, and a PCB board;
[0009] The waveguide antenna and the chip package are disposed on opposite sides of the PCB board, respectively.
[0010] A first transmission structure is provided on a side of the PCB board facing the waveguide antenna, and the first transmission structure is disposed corresponding to a respective waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna.
[0011] A second transmission structure is provided on a side of the PCB board facing the chip package, and the second transmission structure is disposed corresponding to a respective packaged waveguide conversion units of the chip package.
[0012] A plurality of first radio frequency signals generated by the chip package are transmitted to the waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna via the packaged waveguide conversion units, the second transmission structure, and the first transmission structure.
[0013] Optionally, a plurality of second radio frequency signals received by the waveguide antenna are transmitted to the chip via the first transmission structure, the second transmission structure, and the packaged waveguide conversion units.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fourth aspect of the embodiments provides a radar, comprising the aforementioned radio frequency apparatus.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fifth aspect of the embodiments provides an electronic device, comprising the aforementioned radar.
[0016] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a waveguide antenna, a chip package, a radio frequency apparatus, a radar, and an electronic device. In the radio frequency apparatus including the waveguide antenna and the chip package, through the cooperation of the chip package, the PCB board, and the waveguide antenna, signals output from a plurality of radio frequency channels in the chip package can be transmitted through different feed lines to the same radiator, then multiplex the waveguide link formed by the PCB board and the waveguide antenna, and finally radiated out from different waveguide units of the waveguide antenna; and / or a plurality of radio frequency signals received by the plurality of waveguide units of the waveguide antenna can be transmitted to the chip package via the signal separation structure of the waveguide antenna, the waveguide interface, and the PCB board. Compared with the related art where one radio frequency channel corresponds to one radiator and one waveguide link, the number of radiators can be greatly reduced, thereby substantially reducing the packaging area of the chip and further significantly reducing production costs. Meanwhile, as the number of radiators is reduced, the number of waveguide ports on the PCB board is also reduced, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the PCB board and increasing the reliability of the PCB board. Additionally, multi-antenna transmission can be achieved, increasing the number of virtual arrays, thereby improving the performance of the radio frequency apparatus.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, which do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. The drawings in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale unless specifically stated. In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the related art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip-to-external waveguide antenna provided by the related art;
[0019] FIGS. 2-5 are schematic structural diagrams of various radio frequency apparatuses provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a linear polarization separator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a circular polarization separator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of FIG. 8;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a frequency separator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a top view of FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a time separator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip package provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of another chip package provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a waveguide antenna provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic structural diagrams of two second transmission structures provided by embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0031] FIG. 18 is a schematic structure diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in combination with specific embodiments of the present disclosure and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the meaning of "at least one" is one or more, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more, the meaning of "multiple groups" is two groups or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical terms "first" , "second" , etc. are only used to distinguish different objects, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary-secondary relationship of the indicated technical features.
[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" merely describes an association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B, may indicate: existence of A alone, existence of both A and B, and existence of B alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship.
[0036] Reference to "embodiment" in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily mean the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.
[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical terms "center" , "longitudinal" , "transverse" , "length" , "width" , "thickness" , "upper" , "lower" , "front" , "rear" , "left" , "right" , "vertical" , "horizontal" , "top" , "bottom" , "inner" , "outer" , "clockwise" , "counterclockwise" , "axial" , "radial" , "circumferential" , etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the referred apparatus or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, if the device or element in the drawing is turned over, then the element described as being "below" or "beneath" or "under" or "bottom" of another element or feature will be oriented "above" or "top" of the other element or feature. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both orientations of above and below depending on the context in which the term is used, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The material may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees, inverted, flipped) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0038] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical terms "mount" , "connect" , "couple" , "fix" , etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.
[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when a component is described as "comprising" or "including" another component, it does not exclude the presence of other components unless otherwise specified and defined, and other components may also be included. When a first component is described as being "on" a second component, "formed on" or "disposed on" a second component, or "on" a surface of a second component, or "on" one side of a second component, it may include embodiments where the first component and the second component are in direct contact, and may also include embodiments where there are additional components between the first component and the second component so that the first component and the second component are not in direct contact. For simplicity and clarity, various components may be drawn in different scales arbitrarily. In the drawings, some layers / components may be omitted for simplicity. Unless otherwise specified, forming or disposing a second component on a surface of a first component refers to the first component and the second component being in direct contact. Herein, the aforementioned "component" may refer to: a layer, a film, a region, a portion, a structure, etc.
[0040] In the related art, referring to FIG. 1, in a chip-to-external waveguide antenna, radiators 2 disposed on a side of the chip facing the circuit board 1 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with each radio frequency channel of the chip. Signals output from each radio frequency channel are converted by the radiator 2 and then transmitted to the external environment through a waveguide link A formed by the circuit board 1 and the antenna 3. Simultaneously, the radiator 2 may also receive external signals through a waveguide link B formed by the antenna 3 and the circuit board 1. The waveguide links of the circuit board 1 and the antenna 3, the radiators 2, and the radio frequency channels of the chip are in one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, when the chip has a larger number of radio frequency channels, the number of radiators also increases, thereby increasing the packaging area of the chip and raising packaging costs. Meanwhile, the number of waveguide links of the circuit board 1 and the antenna 3 also increases, increasing the design difficulty of the circuit board 1 and the antenna 3.
[0041] Based on this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a waveguide antenna. Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the waveguide antenna includes a waveguide interface 301, a signal separation structure, and a plurality of waveguide units 303. The signal separation structure is connected to the waveguide interface 301 and the plurality of waveguide units 303, respectively.
[0042] The signal separation structure is configured to receive a plurality of first radio frequency signals (refer to a1 and b1 shown in FIG. 2) transmitted by the waveguide interface 301, the plurality of first radio frequency signals having different first parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals (refer to a1 and b1 shown in FIG. 2) to different waveguide units 303 according to the first parameters. And / or, the signal separation structure is further configured to receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals (refer to a2 and b2 shown in FIG. 3) transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units 303, the plurality of second radio frequency signals having different second parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals (a2 and b2 shown in FIG. 3) to the waveguide interface 301 according to the second parameters.
[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of first radio frequency signals may be transmitted to the waveguide interface simultaneously. Optionally, the plurality of first radio frequency signals may be transmitted to the waveguide interface sequentially. Optionally, some of the plurality of first radio frequency signals may be transmitted to the waveguide interface simultaneously, and the rest signals may be transmitted to the waveguide interface sequentially. The transmitting of the plurality of first radio frequency signals is not limited herein. Similarly, the plurality of second radio frequency signals may be received by the plurality of waveguide units simultaneously. Optionally, the plurality of second radio frequency signals may be received by the plurality of waveguide units sequentially. Optionally, some of the plurality of second radio frequency signals may be received by some waveguide units simultaneously and the rest signals may be received by the remaining waveguide units sequentially. The transmitting of the plurality of second radio frequency signals is not limited herein. The number of the aforementioned first radio frequency signals and second radio frequency signals is not limited.
[0044] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the number, shape, and size of the waveguide interface are not limited. For example, the waveguide interface may be a single-ridge waveguide interface, a double-ridge waveguide interface, or a rectangular waveguide interface, etc. As shown in FIG. 15, a single-ridge waveguide 3011 may form a single-ridge waveguide channel. Compared to a rectangular waveguide interface provided with a rectangular waveguide channel, a single-ridge waveguide interface provided with a single-ridge waveguide channel occupies a smaller area and is suitable for denser waveguide interface arrangements. Compared to a double-ridge waveguide interface provided with a double-ridge waveguide channel, under the same processing ability, the single-ridge waveguide channel has a lower cutoff frequency, which means it is more convenient for processing
[0045] The structure, shape, and size of the waveguide unit in the embodiments of the present disclosure are also not limited. For example, the waveguide unit may be a rectangular slot waveguide unit, thereby realizing signal radiation and / or reception through a plurality of slots.
[0046] The specific content of the first parameter in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited, as long as the signal separation structure can separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units according to the first parameter. Similarly, the specific content of the second parameter is not limited, as long as the signal separation structure can transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface according to the second parameter.
[0047] When the waveguide antenna in the embodiments of the present disclosure is applied to a radio frequency apparatus, the waveguide interface may be disposed opposite to a waveguide port of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the radio frequency apparatus, so as to receive radio frequency signals output from the waveguide port of the PCB, and / or input radio frequency signals to the waveguide port of the PCB. Of course, the waveguide interface may also be arranged in cooperation with other structures to achieve signal transmission.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the signal separation structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to receive a plurality of first radio frequency signals (a1 and b1 shown in FIG. 2) transmitted by the waveguide interface 301, the plurality of first radio frequency signals having different first parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals (a1 and b1 shown in FIG. 2) to different waveguide units 303 according to the first parameters. In such case, the waveguide antenna has a transmission function, and is configured to radiate the plurality of first radio frequency signals received by the waveguide interface to the external environment through the waveguide units.
[0049] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 3, the signal separation structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals (a2 and b2 shown in FIG. 3) transmitted by the waveguide units 303, the plurality of second radio frequency signals having different second parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals (a2 and b2 shown in FIG. 3) to the waveguide interface 301 according to the second parameters. Under such condition, the waveguide antenna has a reception function, and is used to transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals received by the waveguide units to the waveguide interface, and then to a structure connected to the waveguide interface (such as a waveguide port of a PCB, etc. ) .
[0050] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 4, the signal separation structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to receive a plurality of first radio frequency signals (a3 shown in FIG. 4) transmitted by the waveguide interface 301, the plurality of first radio frequency signals having different first parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units 303 according to the first parameters. Simultaneously, the signal separation structure may also be configured to receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals (b3 shown in FIG. 4) transmitted by the waveguide units 303, the plurality of second radio frequency signals having different second parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface 301 according to the second parameters. In such case, the waveguide antenna has both transmission and reception functions, and can be used both to radiate the plurality of first radio frequency signals received by the waveguide interface to the external environment through the waveguide units, and to transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals received by the waveguide units to the waveguide interface.
[0051] The specific structure of the signal separation structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited, and may be set based on the number and first parameter of the first radio frequency signals, and / or the number and second parameter of the second radio frequency signals.
[0052] The waveguide antenna in the embodiments of the present disclosure can receive or radiate radio frequency signals. The radio frequency signals may be FMCW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave) millimeter-wave signals, or radio frequency signals in other bands. These signals may also be applicable to fields such as 5G communication, if conditions permit. Optionally, they may also be frequency-swept signals with frequencies of 100M-1GHz used for long-distance detection, or frequency-swept signals with frequencies of 1GHz-4GHz used for short-distance detection.
[0053] In the waveguide antenna provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, through the cooperation of the waveguide interface, the signal separation structure, and the plurality of waveguide units, it is possible to achieve separating the plurality of first radio frequency signals received by the waveguide interface to different waveguide units via the signal separation structure, and / or transmitting the plurality of second radio frequency signals received by the plurality of waveguide units to the waveguide interface via the signal separation structure.
[0054] In one or more embodiments, to facilitate the design of the signal separation structure, the first parameters include any one of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna, or any combination thereof. The second parameters include any one of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna, or any combination thereof.
[0055] The mode type of a radio frequency signal refers to the oscillation mode of the electromagnetic wave. For example, if two radio frequency signals have different mode types, the modes of these two radio frequency signals may be orthogonal. When radio frequency signal A and radio frequency signal B are mode-orthogonal, they may be the same electromagnetic field mode, differing only in the electric field direction (or polarization) , such as the TE11 mode in a circular waveguide. In such case, radio frequency signal A and radio frequency signal B are polarization degenerate modes. Under such condition, whether the two radio frequency signals are mode-orthogonal may be determined by their polarization directions. The polarization direction of a radio frequency signal refers to the direction of the electric field of the electromagnetic wave. Common polarization methods include linear polarization, elliptical polarization, or circular polarization. Correspondingly, the polarization direction may be horizontal, vertical, left-handed, right-handed, etc. Alternatively, when radio frequency signal A and radio frequency signal B are mode-orthogonal, the radio frequency signal A and radio frequency signal B may also be different electromagnetic field modes, such as the TE21 mode and TE12 mode in a rectangular waveguide.
[0056] It should be noted that two radio frequency signals having the same frequency means that their frequencies belong to the same frequency range. For example, for the frequency range of 76-81GHz, the frequency of radio frequency signal a1 may be 77 GHz, and the frequency of radio frequency signal b1 may be 80 GHz.
[0057] Additionally, two radio frequency signals being transmitted to the waveguide antenna at the same time means that they are transmitted to the waveguide antenna within the same time period. For example, if radio frequency signal a2 is transmitted to the waveguide antenna within the time period T1±B, and radio frequency signal b2 is transmitted to the waveguide antenna outside the time period T1±B, then radio frequency signal a2 and radio frequency signal b2 are considered to be transmitted to the waveguide antenna at different times. Here, T1 is the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna, and B is the time interval for signal detection in practical applications.
[0058] In the waveguide antenna provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface may be separated to different waveguide units according to any one or any combination of the mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna of the first radio frequency signals. And / or, the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units may be transmitted to the waveguide interface according to any one or any combination of the mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna of the second radio frequency signals. In this way, a plurality of first radio frequency signals and / or a plurality of second radio frequency signals can be transmitted through one waveguide interface, thereby reducing the number of waveguide interfaces and lowering costs.
[0059] The signal separation structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a single-stage separator 302, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. The signal separation structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a first-stage separator 3021 and second-stage separators 3022, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0060] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 2-4, the single-stage separator 302 is configured to receive the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface, the plurality of first radio frequency signals having different first parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units according to the first parameters.
[0061] And / or, the single-stage separator 302 is further configured to receive the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units, the plurality of second radio frequency signals having different second parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface according to the second parameters. The single-stage separator is any one of a mode separator, a frequency separator, and a time separator.
[0062] The single-stage separator may separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units according to the mode type, frequency, or time of transmission to the waveguide antenna of the plurality of first radio frequency signals. And / or, the single-stage separator may transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface according to the mode type, frequency, or time of transmission to the antenna of the plurality of second radio frequency signals.
[0063] This signal separation structure is suitable for situations where the first parameter of the plurality of first radio frequency signals is a single parameter. For example, the plurality of first radio frequency signals have different mode types but the same frequency and the same time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. In such case, the first radio frequency signals can be separated to different waveguide units by the single-stage separator according to the mode type. Of course, it is also possible that the plurality of first radio frequency signals have different frequencies but the same mode type and the same time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. In such case, these first radio frequency signals can be separated to different waveguide units by the single-stage separator according to the frequency. Optionally, it is also possible that the plurality of first radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide antenna at different times but have the same mode type and the same frequency. In such case, the first radio frequency signals may be separated to different waveguide units by the single-stage separator according to the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. This signal separation structure has a simple structure and is easy to implement.
[0064] And / or, this signal separation structure is suitable for situations where the second parameter of the plurality of second radio frequency signals is a single parameter. For example, the plurality of second radio frequency signals have different mode types but the same frequency and the same time of transmission to the waveguide antenna (e.g., the waveguide units of the waveguide antenna receive the plurality of second radio frequency signals simultaneously) . In such case, the second radio frequency signals can be transmitted to the waveguide interface by the single-stage separator according to the mode type. Of course, it is also possible that the plurality of second radio frequency signals have different frequencies but the same mode type and the same time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. In such case, the second radio frequency signals may be transmitted to the waveguide interface by the single-stage separator according to the frequency. Or, it is also possible that the plurality of second radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide antenna at different times but have the same mode type and the same frequency. In such case, the second radio frequency signals may be transmitted to the waveguide interface by the single-stage separator according to the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. This signal separation structure has a simple structure and is easy to implement.
[0065] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 5, the signal separation structure includes a first-stage separator 3021 and a plurality of second-stage separators 3022. The first-stage separator and the second-stage separators are any two of a mode separator, a frequency separator, and a time separator. The first parameters include a first sub-parameter and a second sub-parameter, where the first sub-parameter and the second sub-parameter are any two of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. The second parameters include a third sub-parameter and a fourth sub-parameter, where the third sub-parameter and the fourth sub-parameter are any two of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, the first-stage separator 3021 is connected to the waveguide interface 301 and the plurality of second-stage separators 3022, respectively, and the plurality of second-stage separators 3022 are connected to the plurality of waveguide units 303, respectively.
[0067] The first-stage separator is configured to receive the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface, the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface having different first sub-parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface to different second-stage separators according to the first sub-parameters. The second-stage separators are configured to receive the plurality of first radio frequency signals separated by the first-stage separator, the plurality of first radio frequency signals separated by the first-stage separator having different second sub-parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals separated by the firs t-stage separator to different waveguide units according to the second sub-parameters.
[0068] And / or, the first-stage separator is configured to: receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of second-stage separators, the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the second-stage separators having different third sub-parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the second-stage separators to the waveguide interface according to the third sub-parameters. The second-stage separators are configured to: receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units, the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide units having different fourth sub-parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide units to the first-stage separator according to the fourth sub-parameters.
[0069] This signal separation structure is suitable for situations where the first parameters of the plurality of first radio frequency signals include a first sub-parameter and a second sub-parameter. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the plurality of first radio frequency signals (a4, a5, b4, b5 shown in FIG. 5) have different mode types and different frequencies, but the same time of transmission to the waveguide antenna (e.g., the waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna receives the plurality of first radio frequency signals simultaneously) . In such case, the plurality of first radio frequency signals may first be separated to different second-stage separators by the first-stage separator 3021 according to the mode type (as shown in FIG. 5, transmitting a4 and a5 to the left second-stage separator 3022, and transmitting b4 and b5 to the right second-stage separator 3022) . The signals received by each second-stage separator 3022 have the same mode type but different frequencies. Then, according to the frequency, the first radio frequency signals with the same mode type but different frequencies are separated to different waveguide units by the second-stage separator 3022 (as shown in FIG. 5, separating a4 and a5 to different waveguide units 303, and separating b4 and b5 to different waveguide units 303) . Of course, it is also possible that the plurality of first radio frequency signals have different mode types and different times of transmission to the waveguide antenna, but the same frequency. In such case, the plurality of first radio frequency signals may first be separated to different second-stage separators by the first-stage separator according to the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. The signals received by each second-stage separator have different mode types but the same frequency. Then, according to the mode type, the first radio frequency signals with different mode types but the same frequency are separated to different waveguide units by the second-stage separator. Or, it is also possible that the plurality of first radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide antenna at different times and have different frequencies, but the same mode type. In such case, the plurality of first radio frequency signals can first be separated to different second-stage separators by the first-stage separator according to the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. The signals received by each second-stage separator have different frequencies but the same mode type. Then, according to the frequency, the first radio frequency signals with different frequencies but the same mode type are separated to different waveguide units by the second-stage separator.
[0070] And / or, the signal separation structure is suitable for situations where the plurality of second radio frequency signals include a third sub-parameter and a fourth sub-parameter. For example, the plurality of second radio frequency signals have different mode types and different frequencies, but the same time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. In such case, they can first be transmitted to the first-stage separator by the second-stage separators according to the mode type; then, according to the frequency, the second radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide interface by the first-stage separator. Of course, it is also possible that the plurality of second radio frequency signals have different mode types and different times of transmission to the waveguide antenna, but the same frequency. In such case, the second radio frequency signals may first be transmitted to the first-stage separator by the second-stage separators according to the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. Then, according to the mode type, the second radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide interface by the first-stage separator. Optionally, it is also possible that the plurality of second radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide antenna at different times and have different frequencies, but the same mode type. In such case, the second radio frequency signals can first be transmitted to the first-stage separator by the second-stage separators according to the time of transmission to the waveguide antenna. Then, according to the frequency, the second radio frequency signals are transmitted to the waveguide interface by the first-stage separator.
[0071] A structure of a mode separator is provided below. Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the mode separator includes a first port 41, a second port 42, and a third port 43. The first port 41 forms two waveguide channels with the second port 42 and the third port 43, respectively.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first port 41 and the second port 42 are arranged opposite to each other, and a size d1 of the second port 42 is smaller than a size d2 of the first port 41. The third port 43 is perpendicular to the first port 41. This structure of the mode separator can serve as a linear polarization separator. If the first port 41 receives two radio frequency signals with orthogonal polarization directions, after passing through the linear polarization separator, the radio frequency signal with the polarization direction shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 6 may exit from the second port 42, and the radio frequency signal with the polarization direction shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6 may exit from the third port 43. And / or, the radio frequency signal with the polarization direction shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 6 input from the second port 42, and the radio frequency signal with the polarization direction shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6 input from the third port 43, after passing through this linear polarization separator, may exit from the first port 41.
[0073] Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second port 42 and the third port 43 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first port 41 is perpendicular to the second port 42 and the third port 43, respectively. This structure of the mode separator may serve as a circular polarization separator. If the first port 41 receives two radio frequency signals with opposite polarization (e.g., left-handed and right-handed) , after passing through this circular polarization separator, the radio frequency signal with the right-handed polarization direction shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 8 may exit from the second port 42, and the radio frequency signal with the left-handed polarization direction shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 8 may exit from the third port 43. And / or, the radio frequency signal with the polarization direction shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 8 input from the second port 42, and the radio frequency signal with the polarization direction shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 8 input from the third port 43, after passing through this circular polarization separator, may exit from the first port 41.
[0074] It should be noted that, whether it is a linear polarization separator or a circular polarization separator, the opening shape of the first port may be rectangular, circular, or square. The opening shapes of the second port and the third port may be the same as or different from that of the first port. The opening shapes of the second port and the third port may be the same or different. Specific size values may be determined according to the cutoff frequency of the waveguide and the matching of the signals. For example, if the radio frequency signal is in the millimeter-wave automotive radar frequency band, and the opening shape of the first port is square, the opening size of the first port may be 2.54mm*2.54mm, or 3.099mm *3.099mm. If the opening shapes of the second port and the third port are both rectangular, the opening sizes of the second port and the third port may be 2.54mm*1.27mm, or 3.099mm*1.549mm.
[0075] It should be noted that the mode separator provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in a signal separation structure including a single-stage separator, or may also be applied in a signal separation structure including a first-stage separator and second-stage separators. When the mode separator is applied in different structures of the signal separation structure, the connection relationship with surrounding structures may be set according to the actual situation. For example, if applied in a single-stage separator, referring to FIGS. 2-4, the first port of the mode separator may be connected to the waveguide interface 301, and the second port and the third port may be connected to different waveguide units 303, respectively. If applied in a first-stage separator, referring to FIG. 5, the first port of the mode separator may be connected to the waveguide interface 301, and the second port and the third port may be connected to second-stage separators 3022, respectively. In such case, the second-stage separators 3022 may be frequency separators or time separators. If applied in a second-stage separator, referring to FIG. 5, the first port of the mode separator may be connected to the first-stage separator 3021, and the second port and the third port may be connected to waveguide units 303, respectively. In such case, the first-stage separator 3021 may be a frequency separator or a time separator.
[0076] A structure of a frequency separator is provided below. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the frequency separator includes a fourth port 51, a fifth port 52, and a sixth port 53. The fourth port 51 forms two waveguide channels with the fifth port 52 and the sixth port 53, respectively.
[0077] A plurality of first grooves 520 are provided on an outer side of the waveguide channel formed by the fourth port 51 and the fifth port 52. A plurality of second grooves 521 are provided on an outer side of the waveguide channel formed by the fourth port 51 and the sixth port 53. In some embodiments, sizes of the first grooves 520 and the second grooves 521 are different. In some embodiments, the plurality of first grooves 520 or the plurality of second grooves 521 may include grooves of different sizes.
[0078] It should be noted that the opening shape of the fourth port may be rectangular, circular, or square. The opening shapes of the fifth port and the sixth port may be the same as or different from that of the fourth port. The opening shapes of the fifth port and the sixth port may be the same or different. Specific size values may be determined according to the cutoff frequency of the waveguide and the matching of the signals. For example, if the radio frequency signal is in the millimeter-wave automotive radar frequency band, and the opening shape of the fourth port is square, the opening size of the fourth port may be 2.54mm*2.54mm, or 3.099mm*3.099mm. If the opening shapes of the fifth port and the sixth port are both rectangular, the opening sizes of the fifth port and the sixth port may be 2.54mm*1.27mm, or 3.099mm*1.549mm.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 11, the wider the groove width W of the first groove 520, the higher the frequency of the signal that may be transmitted. The deeper the groove depth L, the narrower the bandwidth of the signal that may be transmitted. Therefore, by designing the groove width W and the groove depth L, the frequency of the transmitted signal may be controlled.
[0080] It should be noted that the frequency separator provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in a signal separation structure including a single-stage separator, or may also be applied in a signal separation structure including a first-stage separator and second-stage separators. When the frequency separator is applied in different structures of the signal separation structure, the connection relationship with surrounding structures may be set according to the actual situation. For example, if applied in a single-stage separator, referring to FIGS. 2-4, the fourth port of the frequency separator may be connected to the waveguide interface 301, and the fifth port and the sixth port may be connected to different waveguide units 303, respectively. If applied in a first-stage separator, referring to FIG. 5, the fourth port of the frequency separator may be connected to the waveguide interface 301, and the fifth port and the sixth port may be connected to second-stage separators 3022, respectively. In such case, the second-stage separators 3022 may be mode separators or time separators. If applied in a second-stage separator, referring to FIG. 5, the fourth port of the frequency separator may be connected to the first-stage separator 3021, and the fifth port and the sixth port may be connected to waveguide units 303, respectively. In such case, the first-stage separator 3021 may be a mode separator or a time separator.
[0081] A structure of a time separator is provided below. Referring to FIG. 12, the time separator includes a seventh port 61, an eighth port 62, and a ninth port 63. The seventh port 61 and the eighth port 62 form a first waveguide channel, and the seventh port 61 and the ninth port 63 form a second waveguide channel. At least one slot 620 is provided in each of the first waveguide channel and the second waveguide channel.
[0082] A first control switch 621 is provided at the slot 620. The first control switch 621 extends along a width direction of the slot, and a distance d3 between the first control switch 621 and a wide edge of the slot 620 is less than 1 / 4 λ, where λ is the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave radiated by the waveguide antenna. The first control switch is configured to, when turned on, allow a signal to be transmitted in a waveguide channel corresponding to first control switch, and when turned off, prevent the signal from being transmitted in the corresponding waveguide channel.
[0083] When the control switch is not turned on (i.e., turned off) , radio frequency current cannot pass through the control switch, causing the radio frequency current at the slot to be cut off, resulting in an open circuit, so that the radio frequency signal cannot be transmitted in the corresponding waveguide channel. When the control switch is turned on, radio frequency current may pass through the control switch, the radio frequency current is in a normal conduction state, and the radio frequency signal may be transmitted in the corresponding waveguide channel.
[0084] The distance between the control switch and the wide edge of the slot is less than 1 / 4 λ to prevent radiation from occurring even when the control switch is turned on.
[0085] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control switch may be a PIN diode, a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) switch, or other electrically controlled switches.
[0086] It should be noted that the opening shape of the seventh port may be rectangular, circular, or square. The opening shapes of the eighth port and the ninth port may be the same as or different from that of the seventh port. The opening shapes of the eighth port and the ninth port may be the same or different. Specific size values may be determined according to the cutoff frequency of the waveguide and the matching of the signals.
[0087] Of course, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of second control switches may also be provided on each slot. The plurality of second control switches are arranged along a length direction of the slot. A distance between any two adjacent second control switches is less than 1 / 4 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave radiated by the waveguide antenna. The distances between two second control switches located at a first end and a last end along the length direction of the slot and an adjacent wide edge of the slot, respectively, are each less than 1 / 4 λ.
[0088] It should be noted that the time separator provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in a signal separation structure including a single-stage separator, or may also be applied in a signal separation structure including a first-stage separator and second-stage separators. When the time separator is applied in different structures of the signal separation structure, the connection relationship with surrounding structures may be set according to the actual situation. For example, if applied in a single-stage separator, referring to FIGS. 2-4, the seventh port of the time separator may be connected to the waveguide interface 301, and the eighth port and the ninth port may be connected to different waveguide units 303, respectively. If applied in a first-stage separator, referring to FIG. 5, the seventh port of the time separator may be connected to the waveguide interface 301, and the eighth port and the ninth port may be connected to second-stage separators 3022, respectively. In such case, the second-stage separators 3022 may be mode separators or frequency separators. If applied in a second-stage separator, referring to FIG. 5, the seventh port of the time separator may be connected to the first-stage separator 3021, and the eighth port and the ninth port may be connected to waveguide units 303, respectively. In such case, the first-stage separator 3021 may be a mode separator or a frequency separator.
[0089] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a chip package. Referring to FIGS. 2, 13, and 14, the chip package includes a plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units. Each packaged waveguide conversion unit includes a radiator 101 and a plurality of feed lines 104. Each feed line 104 is electrically connected to the radiator 101 and a radio frequency channel of the chip package, respectively. The radiator is configured to radiate signals fed in by the feed lines, and / or receive radio frequency signals.
[0090] The positional relationship between the plurality of feed lines is not limited. For example, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, if there are two feed lines, the two feed lines 104 may be arranged perpendicularly. The parameters of the plurality of radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of feed lines to the radiator are not limited here.
[0091] The specific structure of the radiator is not limited. For example, the radiator may be a square patch as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIG. 13, the signal radiated by the radiator is transmitted to the waveguide antenna through a rectangular waveguide link. In FIG. 14, the signal radiated by the radiator is transmitted to the waveguide antenna through a circular waveguide link.
[0092] The radio frequency signal radiated by the aforementioned chip package may be an FMCW millimeter-wave signal, or may also be a radio frequency signal in other bands. Optionally, if conditions permit, it may also be applied to fields such as 5G communication. Optionally, it may also be a frequency-swept signal with a frequency of 100M-1GHz used for long-distance detection, or a frequency-swept signal with a frequency of 1GHz-4GHz used for short-distance detection.
[0093] The chip package provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may transmit signals output from different radio frequency channels to the same radiator through different feed lines. Compared with the related art where one radio frequency channel corresponds to one radiator, the number of radiators can be greatly reduced, thereby substantially reducing the packaging area of the chip and further significantly lowering production costs.
[0094] In one or more embodiments, referring to FIG. 13, the packaged waveguide conversion unit includes a radiator 101 and two feed lines 104. The two feed lines 104 feed into the radiator from different directions. The two feed lines 104 are electrically connected to a first radio frequency channel and a second radio frequency channel, respectively. The first radio frequency channel is configured to output a first signal to a corresponding feed line during a first time period. The second radio frequency channel is configured to output a second signal to a corresponding feed line during a second time period. The radiator is configured to: convert the first signal to form a first polarized signal, convert the second signal to form a second polarized signal, and radiate the first polarized signal and the second polarized signal to an external environment sequentially. The first time period and the second time period do not overlap, and the first polarized signal and the second polarized signal have orthogonal polarizations.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the two feed lines 104 are arranged perpendicularly. Alternatively, the angle between the two feed lines may be other angles, ranging from 10 to 80 degrees. For example, the angle may be 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 50 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees.
[0096] It should be noted that polarization refers to the direction of the electric field inside the waveguide cavity. The first polarized signal and the second polarized signal having orthogonal polarizations means that the electric field direction of the first polarized signal inside the waveguide cavity is perpendicular to the electric field direction of the second polarized signal inside the waveguide cavity.
[0097] With the chip package, it is possible to achieve converting the first signal output from the first radio frequency channel into the first polarized signal and converting the second signal output from the second radio frequency channel into the second polarized signal at different time points, and then sequentially transmitting the first polarized signal and the second polarized signal to the external environment (such as the waveguide port of the PCB board) . The first polarized signal and the second polarized signal have orthogonal polarizations, and the first polarized signal and the second polarized signal are mode-orthogonal.
[0098] In one or more embodiments, the packaged waveguide conversion unit includes a radiator and two feed lines. The two feed lines are electrically connected to a third radio frequency channel and a fourth radio frequency channel, respectively. The third radio frequency channel is configured to output a third signal to a corresponding feed line during a third time period, and output a fourth signal to the corresponding feed line during a fourth time period. The third time period and the fourth time period do not overlap. The fourth radio frequency channel is configured to output a fifth signal to a corresponding feed line during the third time period, and output a sixth signal to the corresponding feed line during the fourth time period. A phase difference between the third signal and the fifth signal is (90+x) degrees. A phase difference between the fourth signal and the sixth signal is (-90+x) degrees, where x is a non-negative number, and x ranges from 0 to 360.
[0099] The packaged waveguide conversion unit is configured to combine the third signal and the fifth signal to generate a signal having a first polarization direction and radiate it to an external environment. The packaged waveguide conversion unit is further configured to combine the fourth signal and the sixth signal to generate a signal having a second polarization direction and radiate it to the external environment, where the first polarization and the second polarization have opposite direction.
[0100] It should be noted that the phase difference between the third signal and the fifth signal is (90+x) degrees, and the phase difference between the fourth signal and the sixth signal is (-90+x) degrees, where x is a non-negative number, and ranges from 0 to 360. For example, in a case where x is 0, the phase difference between the third signal and the fifth signal is 90 degrees, and the phase difference between the fourth signal and the sixth signal is -90 degrees. In a case where x is 10, the phase difference between the third signal and the fifth signal is 100 degrees, and the phase difference between the fourth signal and the sixth signal is -80 degrees. Of course, x may also be 20, 30, 40, or 50, etc., which are not listed one by one here.
[0101] With this chip package, it is possible to achieve, during the third time period, the phase difference between the third signal output from the third radio frequency channel and the fifth signal output from the fourth radio frequency channel being (90+x) degrees. After being combined by the packaged waveguide conversion unit, a first circularly polarized radio frequency signal is formed. The electric field of the first circularly polarized radio frequency signal changes over time and rotates clockwise (which may be recorded as left-handed, mode A) . During the fourth time period, the phase difference between the fourth signal output from the third radio frequency channel and the sixth signal output from the fourth radio frequency channel is (-90+x) degrees. After being combined by the packaged waveguide conversion unit, a second circularly polarized radio frequency signal is formed. The electric field of the second circularly polarized radio frequency signal changes over time and rotates counterclockwise (which may be recorded as right-handed, mode B) . Mode A and mode B are orthogonal, and the mode orthogonality is achieved through phase encoding of the signals. Specifically, if the third signal and the fourth signal output from the third radio frequency channel are TX3=a0cos (wt+phi0) and TX4=a0cos (wt+phi2) , respectively, then the phases of the third signal and the fourth signal are phi0 and phi2, respectively. If the fifth signal and the sixth signal output from the fourth radio frequency channel are TX5=a1cos (wt+phi1) and TX6=a1cos (wt+phi3) , respectively, then the phases of the fifth signal and the sixth signal are phi1 and phi3, respectively. Then the phases of these four signals need to satisfy (phi0-phi1) - (phi2-phi3) =180°.
[0102] In one or more embodiments, the packaged waveguide conversion unit includes a radiator and two feed lines. The two feed lines are electrically connected to a fifth radio frequency channel and a sixth radio frequency channel, respectively. The fifth radio frequency channel is configured to output a seventh signal to a corresponding feed line during a fifth time period. The sixth radio frequency channel is configured to output an eighth signal to a corresponding feed line during a sixth time period. The fifth time period and the sixth time period do not overlap, and the frequency of the seventh signal is different from the frequency of the eighth signal. The packaged waveguide conversion unit is configured to radiate the seventh signal and the eighth signal to an external environment sequentially.
[0103] With this chip package, it is possible to achieve transmitting the seventh signal output from the fifth radio frequency channel and the eighth signal output from the sixth radio frequency channel to the external environment (such as the waveguide port of the PCB board) at different time points, where the frequency of the seventh signal is different from the frequency of the eighth signal.
[0104] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a radio frequency apparatus. Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the radio frequency apparatus includes the waveguide antenna 30 according to any of the foregoing embodiments, the chip package 10 according to any of the foregoing embodiments, and a PCB 20.
[0105] The waveguide antenna 30 and the chip package 10 are disposed on opposite sides of the PCB 20, respectively. A first transmission structure 201 is provided on a side of the PCB 20 facing the waveguide antenna 30, and the first transmission structure 201 is disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the waveguide interface 301 of the waveguide antenna 30. A second transmission structure is provided on a side of the PCB 20 facing the chip package 10, and the second transmission structure is arranged surrounding the packaged waveguide conversion units of the chip package 10. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the second transmission structure includes a plurality of conductive parts 202. The plurality of conductive parts 202 are arranged surrounding the radiator 101 of a corresponding packaged waveguide conversion unit and form a cavity structure.
[0106] The plurality of first radio frequency signals generated by the chip package are transmitted to the waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna via the packaged waveguide conversion units, the second transmission structure, and the first transmission structure; and / or the plurality of second radio frequency signals received by the waveguide antenna are transmitted to the chip via the first transmission structure, the second transmission structure, and the packaged waveguide conversion units.
[0107] The specific structures of the aforementioned first transmission structure and second transmission structure are not limited.
[0108] In FIGS. 2-5, the chip package 10 includes a package body 100, a bare die 102, and connection parts 103 (often made of copper wires) . The bare die 102 may generate radio frequency signals and is integrated in the package body 100. The connection parts 103 are disposed on a surface of the package body 100 facing the PCB 20. The PCB 20 includes a circuit board 200, and openings provided in the circuit board 200 may form the first transmission structure 201. The waveguide antenna 30 includes an antenna body 300, and the waveguide units 303 and the signal separation structure may be provided inside the antenna body 300.
[0109] The radio frequency apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, through the cooperation of the chip package, the PCB, and the waveguide antenna, may achieve transmitting signals output from a plurality of radio frequency channels in the chip package to the same radiator through different feed lines, then multiplexing the waveguide link formed by the PCB and the waveguide antenna, and finally radiating them out from different waveguide units of the waveguide antenna. And / or a plurality of radio frequency signals received by the plurality of waveguide units of the waveguide antenna may be transmitted to the chip package via the signal separation structure of the waveguide antenna, the waveguide interface, and the PCB. Compared with the related art where one radio frequency channel corresponds to one radiator and one waveguide link, the number of radiators can be greatly reduced, thereby substantially reducing the packaging area of the chip and further significantly lowering production costs. Meanwhile, as the number of radiators is reduced, the number of waveguide ports on the PCB is also reduced, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the PCB and increasing the reliability of the PCB. Additionally, multi-antenna transmission can be achieved, increasing the number of virtual arrays, thereby improving the performance of the radio frequency apparatus.
[0110] In one or more embodiments, the first transmission structure is a waveguide or a slot.
[0111] When the first transmission structure is a waveguide, the transmission of the electromagnetic field utilizes waveguide modes. The waveguide transmits the electromagnetic field via waveguide modes, such as the TE10 mode. The size requirements are: the length of the waveguide is greater than half of the cutoff wavelength, and the width of the waveguide is about 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the length of the waveguide. The opening shape of the waveguide is not limited here. In one or more embodiments, the opening of the waveguide is a rectangular opening, a double-ridge opening, or a single-ridge opening. Referring to the related description of the waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna mentioned above, considering factors such as reducing size, the waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna may be a single-ridge waveguide interface. To achieve leak-free transmission of signals, the first transmission structure of the PCB is also selected as a single-ridge opening waveguide. Of course, the first transmission structure of the PCB may also be selected as a double-ridge waveguide interface or a rectangular waveguide interface, as long as it is compatible with the waveguide interface of the waveguide antenna.
[0112] When the first transmission structure is a slot, the transmission of the electromagnetic field is achieved by the slot cutting the surface current. The size requirements are: the length of the slot is about half of the wavelength, and the width of the slot is much smaller than the length of the slot.
[0113] In one or more embodiments, the conductive parts may be solder balls, etc. The arrangement of the conductive parts is not limited. For example, the plurality of conductive parts may be arranged in a Ball Grid Array (BGA) . The plurality of conductive parts may enclose a cavity structure with a cross-section that is circular, triangular, quadrilateral, or irregularly shaped. The cavity structure enclosed by the plurality of conductive parts may be a hollow structure with air as the transmission medium, or a solid structure with an insulating material as the transmission medium, which is not limited here. Factors such as the size of the cavity structure enclosed by the plurality of conductive parts and the dielectric constant inside the cavity structure may affect the frequency of the signal transmitted by this cavity structure. Under the premise that other influencing factors remain unchanged, the smaller the size of the cavity structure enclosed by the plurality of conductive parts, the greater the corresponding signal frequency is. Under the premise that other influencing factors remain unchanged, the greater the dielectric constant of the cavity structure enclosed by the plurality of conductive parts, the smaller the corresponding signal frequency is. Factors such as the chip design size and the dielectric constant of the transmission medium are comprehensively considered to meet the cutoff frequency requirements of the chip.
[0114] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a radar, including the radio frequency apparatus according to any of the foregoing embodiments. The operating band of the radar is not limited. For example, the operating band of the radar may be the millimeter-wave band, or it may also be other bands. The application scenario of the radar is not limited. For example, the radar may be applied to transportation electronic devices such as automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, ships, subways, or trains, for detecting objects such as vehicles, pedestrians, overpasses, trees, or parking spaces. Of course, it may also be applied to security devices such as cameras, or other fields, which are not limited here.
[0115] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an electronic device, including the aforementioned radar as shown in FIG. 18. The electronic device may be a component and product applied in fields such as smart homes, transportation, smart homes, consumer electronics, monitoring, industrial automation, in-cabin detection, and healthcare. For example, the electronic device may be an intelligent transportation device (e.g., automobile, bicycle, motorcycle, ship, subway, or train) , a security device (e.g., camera) , a liquid level / flow rate detection device, a smart wearable device (e.g., wristband or glasses) , a smart home device (e.g., sweeping robot, door lock, TV, air conditioner, or smart light) , various communication devices (e.g., mobile phone or tablet computer) , etc., as well as such as barrier gates, intelligent traffic lights, intelligent signs, traffic cameras, or various industrial robotic arms (or robots) . Optionally, it may also be various instruments for detecting vital sign parameters or various devices equipped with such instruments, such as automotive in-cabin detection, indoor personnel monitoring, smart medical devices, or consumer electronic devices.
[0116] Those persons of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the above embodiments are specific embodiments for implementing the present disclosure. In practical applications, various changes can be made in form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the claims.
Claims
1.A waveguide antenna, comprising:a waveguide interface;a signal separation structure; anda plurality of waveguide units;wherein the signal separation structure is connected to the waveguide interface and the plurality of waveguide units, respectively;wherein the signal separation structure is configured to:receive a plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface, the plurality of first radio frequency signals having different first parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units of the plurality of waveguide units according to the first parameters;and / orreceive a plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units, the plurality of second radio frequency signals having different second parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface according to the second parameters.2.The waveguide antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first parameters and the second parameters comprises any one of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna, or any combination thereof.3.The waveguide antenna according to claim 2, wherein the signal separation structure comprises a single-stage separator, wherein the single-stage separator is any one of a mode separator, a frequency separator, and a time separator;wherein the single-stage separator is configured to:receive the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals to different waveguide units of the plurality of waveguide units according to the first parameters; and / orreceive the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals to the waveguide interface according to the second parameters.4.The waveguide antenna according to claim 2, wherein:the signal separation structure comprises a first-stage separator and a plurality of second-stage separators; wherein the first-stage separator and the second-stage separators are any two of a mode separator, a frequency separator, and a time separator;the first parameters comprise a first sub-parameter and a second sub-parameter, wherein the first sub-parameter and the second sub-parameter are any two of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna; the second parameters comprise a third sub-parameter and a fourth sub-parameter, wherein the third sub-parameter and the fourth sub-parameter are any two of mode type, frequency, and time of transmission to the waveguide antenna;the first-stage separator is connected to the waveguide interface and the plurality of second-stage separators, respectively, and the plurality of second-stage separators are connected to the plurality of waveguide units, respectively;the first-stage separator is configured to receive the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface, the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface having different first sub-parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide interface to different second-stage separators of the plurality of second-stage separators according to the first sub-parameters; the second-stage separators are configured to receive the plurality of first radio frequency signals separated by the first-stage separator, the plurality of first radio frequency signals separated by the first-stage separator having different second sub-parameters, and separate the plurality of first radio frequency signals separated by the first-stage separator to different waveguide units of the plurality of waveguide units according to the second sub-parameters; and / orthe first-stage separator is configured to receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of second-stage separators, the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the second-stage separators having different third sub-parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the second-stage separators to the waveguide interface according to the third sub-parameters; the second-stage separators are configured to receive a plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the plurality of waveguide units, the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide units having different fourth sub-parameters, and transmit the plurality of second radio frequency signals transmitted by the waveguide units to the first-stage separator according to the fourth sub-parameters.5.The waveguide antenna according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the mode separator comprises a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first port forms two waveguide channels with the second port and the third port, respectively;wherein the first port and the second port are arranged opposite to each other, and a size of the second port is smaller than a size of the first port; and the third port is perpendicular to the first port; orwherein the second port and the third port are arranged opposite to each other, and the first port is perpendicular to the second port and the third port, respectively.6.The waveguide antenna according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the frequency separator comprises a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port, wherein the fourth port forms two waveguide channels with the fifth port and the sixth port, respectively;wherein a plurality of first grooves are provided on an outer side of one of the two waveguide channels that is formed by the fourth port and the fifth port, a plurality of second grooves are provided on an outer side of the other of the two waveguide channel s that is formed by the fourth port and the sixth port, and sizes of the first grooves and the second grooves are different.7.The waveguide antenna according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the time separator comprises a seventh port, an eighth port, and a ninth port, wherein the seventh port and the eighth port form a first waveguide channel, and the seventh port and the ninth port form a second waveguide channel;wherein each of the first waveguide channel and the second waveguide channel is provided with at least one slot;wherein a first control switch is provided at a respective slot of the at least one slot, the first control switch extends along a width direction of the respective slot, and a distance between the first control switch and a wide edge of the respective slot is less than 1 / 4λ, wherein λ is a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave radiated by the waveguide antenna; orwherein a plurality of second control switches are provided at a respective slot of the at least one slot, the plurality of second control switches are arranged at intervals along a length direction of the respective slot, a distance between any two adjacent second control switches of the plurality of second control switches is less than 1 / 4λ, and distances between two second control switches located at a first end in the plurality of second control switches and a last end along the length direction of the respective slot and an adjacent wide edge of the respective slot, respectively, are each less than 1 / 4λ.8.A chip package, comprising:a plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units, wherein a respective packaged waveguide conversion unit of the plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units comprises a radiator and a plurality of feed lines electrically connected to the radiator and a radio frequency channel of the chip package, respectively;wherein the radiator is configured to radiate signals fed in by the plurality of feed lines, and / or receive a radio frequency signal.9.The chip package according to claim 8, further comprising: a first radio frequency channel and a second radio frequency channel;wherein a number of the plurality of feed lines is two;wherein the two feed lines feed into the radiator from different directions, and the two of feed lines are electrically connected to the first radio frequency channel and the second radio frequency channel, respectively;wherein the first radio frequency channel is configured to output a first signal to one of the two feed lines electrically connected to the first radio frequency channel during a first time period;wherein the second radio frequency channel is configured to output a second signal to the other of the two feed lines electrically connected to the second radio frequency channel during a second time period;wherein the radiator is configured to convert the first signal to form a first polarized signal, convert the second signal to form a second polarized signal, and radiate the first polarized signal and the second polarized signal to an external environment sequentially;wherein the first time period and the second time period do not overlap, and the first polarized signal and the second polarized signal have orthogonal polarizations.10.The chip package according to claim 8, further comprising: a third radio frequency channel and a fourth radio frequency channel;wherein a number of the plurality of feed lines is two;wherein the two feed lines are electrically connected to the third radio frequency channel and the fourth radio frequency channel, respectively;wherein the third radio frequency channel is configured to output a third signal to one of the two feed lines electrically connected to the third radio frequency channel during a third time period and output a fourth signal to the one of two feed lines during a fourth time period; wherein the third time period and the fourth time period do not overlap;wherein the fourth radio frequency channel is configured to output a fifth signal to the other of the two feed lines electrically connected to the fourth radio frequency channel during the third time period, and output a sixth signal to the corresponding feed line during the fourth time period; wherein a phase difference between the third signal and the fifth signal is the sum of 90 degrees and x degrees; a phase difference between the fourth signal and the sixth signal is the sum of -90 degrees and x degrees; and x is from 0 to 360 degrees;the packaged waveguide conversion unit is configured to combine the third signal and the fifth signal to generate a signal having a first polarization direction and radiate the signal having the first polarization direction to an external environment; and combine the fourth signal and the sixth signal to generate a signal having a second polarization direction and radiate the signal having the second polarization direction to the external environment; wherein the first polarization and the second polarization have opposite direction .11.The chip package according to claim 8, further comprising: a fifth radio frequency channel and a sixth radio frequency channel;wherein a number of the plurality of feed lines is two;wherein the two feed lines are electrically connected to the fifth radio frequency channel and the sixth radio frequency channel, respectively;wherein the fifth radio frequency channel is configured to output a seventh signal to one of the two feed lines electrically connected to the fifth radio frequency channel during a fifth time period;wherein the sixth radio frequency channel is configured to output an eighth signal to the other of the two feed lines electrically connected to the sixth radio frequency channel during a sixth time period; wherein the fifth time period and the sixth time period do not overlap, and a frequency of the seventh signal is different from a frequency of the eighth signal;wherein the packaged waveguide conversion unit is configured to radiate the seventh signal and the eighth signal to an external environment sequentially.12.A radio frequency apparatus, comprising:the waveguide antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7;the chip package according to any one of claims 8 to 11; anda print circuit board (PCB) ;wherein the waveguide antenna and the chip package are disposed on opposite sides of the PCB, respectively;wherein the radio frequency apparatus includes:a first transmission structure disposed on a side of the PCB facing the waveguide antenna, and corresponding to the waveguide interface; anda plurality of second transmission structures disposed on a side of the PCB facing the chip package, and each of the plurality of second transmission structures corresponds to the respective packaged waveguide conversion unit;wherein a plurality of first radio frequency signals generated by the chip package are transmitted to the waveguide interface via the plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units, the plurality of second transmission structures, and the first transmission structure; and / ora plurality of second radio frequency signals received by the waveguide antenna are transmitted to the chip package via the first transmission structure, the plurality of second transmission structures, and the plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units.13.The radio frequency apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first transmission structure is a waveguide or a slot.14.The radio frequency apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the waveguide has any one of a rectangular opening, a double-ridge opening, or a single-ridge opening.15.The radio frequency apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of second transmission structures comprises a plurality of conductive parts, surrounding a corresponding one of the plurality of packaged waveguide conversion units.16.The radio frequency apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of conductive parts are solder balls.17.A radar, comprising the radio frequency apparatus according to any one of claims 12-16.18.An electronic device, comprising the radar according to claim 17.