Antenna Array for Millimeter Wave Radar with Expanded Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter wave radars have a limited field of view (FoV) of about −70° to +70°, resulting in significant blind zones and requiring multiple radar sensors to improve performance, which increases cost and size, and existing software algorithms can only slightly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to compensate for low antenna gain.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a collision avoidance radar with a plurality of antenna arrays where the distance between adjacent arrays is less than or equal to ¾ wavelength of the operating frequency, and each antenna unit is less than or equal to ¼ wavelength, forming a comb structure with some units grounded, increasing antenna gain and FoV beyond ±70°, and utilizing beam forming technology to concentrate radiation energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field of view of millimeter wave radar is increased beyond ±70°, then the detection coverage is improved, but the antenna gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna structure into multiple antenna units (first, second, third, and fourth antenna units) arranged in different spatial directions. Each antenna unit is less than or equal to 1/4 wavelength in length, and they are positioned with specific spacing (less than or equal to 1/2 wavelength between adjacent units). This segmentation allows the radar to achieve broader field of view through spatial diversity while maintaining acceptable antenna gain through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple radar sensors are used to improve detection performance, then the field of view and detection ability are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna units with different orientations (first and second antenna units in forward direction, third and fourth antenna units in lateral direction) into a single integrated radar sensor. This merging achieves the effect of multiple sensors by configuring multiple antenna elements within one device, thereby expanding detection coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor is designed with multi-functional antenna units that can detect objects in different directions (forward and lateral) simultaneously. The first and second antenna units provide forward detection capability, while the third and fourth antenna units provide lateral detection capability, making a single sensor perform multiple detection functions that would otherwise require separate sensors.
3Area of stationary object
If the antenna unit length is reduced to less than or equal to 1/4 wavelength, then the field of view is expanded, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced signal-to-noise ratio from shorter antenna units by utilizing spatial dimensionality. Multiple antenna units are arranged in different spatial positions and orientations with specific spacing relationships. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve broad field of view through spatial diversity while maintaining signal quality through constructive interference and coordinated signal processing of multiple elements.
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
This configuration significantly increases the field of view, reduces blind zones, enhances lateral and rear detection abilities, and reduces the size and cost of the radar system, making it more flexible and competitive in the market.
Implementation Method 1
A millimeter wave radar can provide various information, such as distance, angel, speed, etc., by detecting the positions of the objects around a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
utilizing beam forming technology to concentrate radiation energy
Implementation Method 3
by detecting the positions of the objects around a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array is provided, which may include a connection portion and a plurality of antenna units. The antenna units may be disposed on the two sides of the connection portion respectively. The proximal end of each of the antenna units may be connected to the connection portion and the distal end of one or more of the antenna units may be grounded. The length of each of the antenna units may be less than or equal to ¼ wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna array, and the distance between any two adjacent antenna units may be less than or equal to ½ wavelength of the operating frequency of the antenna array.