Antenna Device Narrow Subarray Intervals Feed Line Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive radar systems, waveguide feeding makes it difficult to achieve narrow intervals between adjacent subarray antennas, leading to wider antenna sizes and reduced coverage angles due to the need for extra space and high isolation between feeding interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device features subarray antennas with first feed lines on an antenna substrate and second feed lines on a separate substrate, with first and second mode transformers, allowing for narrower subarray intervals by alternating the wider end portions of the second feed lines across the narrower end portions, enabling closer spacing of feeding interfaces and maintaining high isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If waveguide feeding is used with all feeding interfaces formed at the same side of subarray antennas, then signal feeding function is achieved, but the interval between adjacent subarray antennas becomes wide and the size of the antenna device becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement where all feeding interfaces are on the same side to a three-dimensional configuration using a feed line substrate attached to the back surface. This dimensional change allows feeding interfaces to be distributed across different surfaces, enabling narrower intervals between subarray antennas while maintaining proper signal feeding and isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the feeding system into two separate substrates: an antenna substrate for mounting subarray antennas and a feed line substrate for mounting feeding interfaces and feed lines. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each substrate, enabling the feed lines to be routed through the back surface and achieve narrower subarray intervals while maintaining high isolation between adjacent feeding interfaces.
2Reliability
If extra space is provided between adjacent subarray antennas to keep high isolation between feeding interfaces, then high isolation is achieved, but the interval between subarray antennas becomes wider and coverage angle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feed line substrate as an intermediary layer between the antenna substrate and the signal source. This intermediate substrate allows feed lines to be routed through the back surface, providing electromagnetic isolation between adjacent feeding interfaces without requiring extra lateral space between subarray antennas, thereby maintaining both high isolation and wide coverage angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the isolation mechanism from the lateral dimension (requiring horizontal spacing between feeding interfaces) to the vertical dimension (using the feed line substrate thickness and back surface routing). This vertical isolation approach maintains high isolation between feeding interfaces while keeping subarray antennas closely spaced for wide coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If the interval between adjacent subarray antennas is narrowed to achieve wide coverage angle, then coverage angle is improved, but isolation between feeding interfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the isolation mechanism to the vertical dimension through the feed line substrate. Feed lines are routed through the back surface of the antenna substrate, providing electromagnetic isolation between adjacent feeding interfaces even when subarray antennas are closely spaced horizontally, thereby maintaining both wide coverage angle and high isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the feeding system into separate antenna and feed line substrates, allowing feed lines to be routed independently through the back surface. This segmentation enables narrow subarray intervals for wide coverage while maintaining isolation between feeding interfaces through the vertical separation provided by the substrate structure.
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 allows for subarray intervals smaller than the free-space wavelength, achieving a wider coverage angle while maintaining high isolation and reducing the overall size of the antenna device.
Implementation Method 1
first mode transformers, each being located in the one end portion, each being connected to each of the feeding interfaces each feeding signals from second feed lines to first feed lines
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device includes an antenna substrate and a feed line substrate. The antenna substrate includes subarray antennas, feeding interfaces and a back surface. The subarray antennas are arranged parallel with an interval on a plane. Each subarray antenna includes antenna elements and first feed lines. The first feed lines feed signals from the feeding interface on back surface to the antenna elements. The feed line substrate is attached along back surface and includes second feed lines, first and second mode transformers. Each second feed line has one and other ends portions. Other end portion has wider width than one end portion. Each first mode transformer is located in one end portion and connected to the feeding interface. Each second mode transformer is located in other end portion. One end portions are arranged in a line with interval, and other end portions are alternately arranged across one end portions.