EBG Isolation for mmWave Radar Antenna Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In packaged radio frequency devices, the proximity of transmit and receive antennas leads to strong coupling, which complicates the design of compact radar systems due to the large size contributed by antenna elements, necessitating a solution to minimize layout size while maintaining effective isolation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure with artificial magnetic conductor cells between the transmit and receive antennas, which reduces coupling by acting as a high impedance boundary without affecting the electric field distribution, using a plurality of elementary cells forming adjacent columns coupled to a ground plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If transmit and receive antennas are placed close together in a compact package, then the device form factor is reduced, but mutual coupling between antennas increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidmutual coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the transmit and receive antennas. This EBG structure acts as a spatial separator that creates high impedance boundaries, effectively blocking electromagnetic coupling between the antennas while allowing the antennas to be positioned in close proximity within the compact package

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If antenna elements are minimized in size, then the layout area is reduced, but isolation between transmit and receive antennas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout sizeVSAvoidisolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The EBG structure is strategically positioned at specific locations where electromagnetic field coupling is strongest between the transmit and receive antennas. By applying isolation measures locally at these critical coupling points rather than uniformly across the entire antenna structure, effective isolation is achieved while minimizing the additional layout area required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively isolates the transmit and receive antennas, reducing mutual coupling and enabling a more compact radar system design without compromising performance, as demonstrated by improved isolation plots and reduced footprint.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure with artificial magnetic conductor cells between the transmit and receive antennas, which reduces coupling by acting as a high impedance boundary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic band gap:

Data Source

PatentEP3713013B1Integration of EBG structures (single layer/multi-layer) for isolation enhancement in multilayer embedded packaging technology at mmwave
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP3713013B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3713013B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3713013B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

A packaged radar includes laminate layers, a ground plane associated with at least one of the laminate layers, a transmit antenna and a receive antenna associated with at least one of the laminate layers, and an electromagnetic band gap structure between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna for isolating the transmit antenna and the receive antenna, the electromagnetic band gap structure including elementary cells forming adjacent columns each coupled to the ground plane, and each elementary cell including a conductive planar element and a columnar element coupled to the conductive planar element.