3D PCB Radar Antenna Layout for Same-Plane Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular radar systems with planar antenna arrays struggle to detect objects located at the same plane as the array due to zero aperture and angular resolution, limiting their detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a three-dimensional arrangement of antenna elements on a printed circuit board (PCB), where at least one antenna element is positioned on a different plane from others, enhancing aperture and angular resolution by distributing elements in three dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antenna elements are arranged in a planar configuration, then the antenna structure is simple and compact, but the aperture and angular resolution are limited to zero for objects on the same plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna array to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning antenna elements on multiple planes (first plane, second plane, and third plane) at different heights relative to the PCB. This dimensional expansion enables non-zero aperture for objects on the same plane, improving angular resolution and detection accuracy without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the planar size of the antenna is increased to improve aperture, then the detection accuracy improves, but the antenna occupies more space on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the planar footprint of the antenna array, the patent utilizes the third dimension (height/vertical dimension) by mounting antenna elements on multiple planes at different heights from the PCB. This approach increases the effective aperture for range and angle estimation without expanding the horizontal area occupied on the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are nested in a compact three-dimensional arrangement where multiple elements are positioned at different vertical levels within a small horizontal footprint. This nested configuration maximizes the aperture utilization within a constrained space, improving detection accuracy without requiring additional vehicle surface area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The three-dimensional arrangement improves range estimation and detection accuracy by increasing aperture without enlarging the antenna's planar size, providing a wider field of view and optimized angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna elements (i) receive radio signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter and radiate radio waves representative of the received radio signals or (ii) receive radio waves and pass radio signals representative of the received radio waves to the at least one receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular radar sensing system includes a radar sensor disposed at a vehicle and having a printed circuit board, which includes at least one transmitter that transmits radio signals and at least one receiver that receives radio signals. Antenna elements of a plurality of antenna elements (i) receive radio signals transmitted by the transmitter and radiate radio waves representative of the received radio signals or (ii) receive radio waves and pass radio signals representative of the received radio waves to the receiver. A first antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements is disposed at a first surface of the PCB of the radar sensor along a first plane. A second antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements is disposed at a second surface of the PCB of the radar sensor that is along a second plane that is different than the first plane.