Antenna Chip Layout for Low Side-Lobe Array Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

High side-lobe levels (SLLs) in antenna arrays, particularly in radar sensor devices, lead to false target detection and masking of real targets due to quantization errors caused by antenna chip configuration, phase shifters, and trace lengths.

Innovation Solution

Varying the distance of each antenna chip relative to its associated antenna subarray based on signal wavelength and phase shift, and adjusting trace lengths to minimize phase differences, thereby reducing SLLs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large number of antenna elements are used to achieve high-resolution angular detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular detection resolutionVSAvoidantenna array configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, where each sub-array contains a subset of antenna elements. Each sub-array can be independently controlled and processed, allowing the system to achieve high-resolution angular detection through segmented processing while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional antenna array processing to three-dimensional processing by incorporating elevation angle detection. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve higher overall resolution by utilizing additional spatial information without proportionally increasing the number of antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If more antenna elements are deployed to enhance detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular detection resolutionVSAvoidantenna element positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-calibration capabilities where the antenna array can automatically detect and compensate for positioning errors. Through self-service calibration procedures, the system maintains high measurement precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for antenna element placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adjustable electrical parameters and signal processing techniques to compensate for physical positioning variations. By changing processing parameters and applying correction algorithms, the system achieves high angular detection resolution even when manufacturing precision varies within reasonable tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4186124B1Chip configuration for an antenna array
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4186124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a device may receive layout information that identifies a configuration of an antenna array of antennas, wherein the antenna array is to include a plurality of antenna subarrays and a plurality of antenna chips, wherein each antenna chip is communicatively coupled to antennas of an associated antenna subarray; determine, based at least in part on a phase shift characteristic associated with the antennas, a set of phase differences between antenna subarrays; determine, based at least in part on the set of phase differences, a chip position of each antenna chip relative to the associated antenna subarray; and generate, based at least in part on the chip position of each antenna chip, a layout of an antenna package to receive the antenna array and the plurality of antenna chips. Numerous other aspects are provided.