End-Fire Antenna on Laminated Multi-Layer PCB for Automotive Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular radar systems face challenges in increasing the rigidity of end-fire antennas to reduce interference and damage from the flexible, thin high-frequency printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in these systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of relatively rigid low-frequency printed circuit boards stacked between high-frequency PCBs to provide structural support, allowing the high-frequency PCBs to maintain flexibility while being protected and oriented for optimal signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If thin high-frequency PCBs are used to reduce interference with radar signals, then signal interference is reduced, but the rigidity and structural stability of the antenna system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB system is segmented into multiple layers with different functions: high-frequency PCB layers for signal transmission and low-frequency PCB layers for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite multi-layer PCB structure combining high-frequency PCB material (optimized for signal transmission) with low-frequency PCB material (optimized for mechanical strength). This composite structure integrates both electrical and mechanical properties in a single system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If thin high-frequency PCBs are used to reduce interference with radar signals, then signal interference is reduced, but the reliability and damage resistance of the antenna system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rigid low-frequency PCB layers are positioned between flexible high-frequency PCB layers to provide preemptive structural support and protection against damage before it occurs to the fragile high-frequency signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite structure combines the electrical advantages of thin high-frequency PCBs with the mechanical advantages of thicker low-frequency PCBs, achieving both low interference and high reliability.
3Strength
If additional housing support is added to increase rigidity, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The low-frequency PCB layers serve dual functions: they provide structural support for mechanical stability and simultaneously act as grounding planes for electrical shielding, eliminating the need for separate housing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function is merged into the PCB assembly itself through the low-frequency PCB layers, combining what would traditionally be separate structural and electrical components into a single integrated unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular radar system includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) having a first material. The vehicular radar system also includes a plurality of end-fire antennas positioned on the first PCB. The vehicular radar system also includes a second PCB stacked on or under the first PCB and having a second material that has a greater rigidity than the first material. The vehicular radar system also includes a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) coupled to the plurality of end-fire antennas and configured to control the plurality of end-fire antennas.