Dielectric-Lensed Scanning Array Radar for High Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern automobile radar systems face challenges with limited EIRP, resolution, large distribution losses, and sensor dimensions, particularly at high frequencies such as 77 GHz to 140 GHz, which are exacerbated by the transition to higher operational frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A scanning-array radar device incorporating a lensed scanning-array transmitter and receiver units with integrated RF ICs and dielectric lenses to focus radiation, allowing for high gain and directional scanning, and optionally using transceivers with orthogonal polarizations and multiple antenna arrays under a single lens for enhanced angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microstrip-based or waveguide based antennas are used for high angular resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but EIRP is limited and distribution losses are large
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple individual antenna elements arranged in an array, each fed by separate RF feeds. This segmentation allows independent control of each element's phase and amplitude, enabling beam steering while reducing distribution losses compared to traditional waveguide systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or waveguide-based signal distribution systems with integrated circuit-based RF feed networks. This substitution of mechanical/waveguide systems with electronic IC-based distribution reduces losses and improves scalability to higher frequencies.
2Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to improve angular resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but device dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements and their associated RF feeds are merged and integrated onto a single integrated circuit substrate. This consolidation reduces the overall device footprint and complexity while maintaining the angular resolution benefits of multiple antennas through planar integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional antenna structures to two-dimensional planar antenna arrays integrated on a circuit substrate. This dimensional reduction simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining angular resolution through the planar array configuration.
3Ease of operation
If traditional phased array techniques are used for electronic scanning, then scanning capability is achieved, but gain and angular discrimination are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary phase and amplitude weighting of the RF signals at the feed level before radiation, optimized for the specific antenna geometry and operating frequency. This preliminary action enhances the main beam gain and angular discrimination while maintaining electronic scanning capability.
4Measurement precision
If frequency is increased to 77 GHz or 140 GHz for better resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but distribution losses and sensor dimensions become more apparent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses planar two-dimensional antenna arrays integrated on circuit substrates, transitioning from three-dimensional structures to two-dimensional configurations. This dimensional change reduces the physical footprint and sensor dimensions while maintaining the angular resolution benefits of high-frequency operation.
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
The solution provides high input and output gain, improved beam directivity, and angular discrimination, suitable for automotive radar applications, with reduced manufacturing costs and compact footprint, achieving angular resolutions suitable for short, medium, and long-range radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to focus radiation from each of the output feeds
Implementation Method 2
lens configured to focus radiation reflected from a target towards each of the input feeds
Implementation Method 3
The relative phase (and potentially the amplitude) of each copy of the transmitted signal is varied across the antennas, resulting in constructive interference between the copies only at specific angles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a scanning-array radar device comprising a transmitter and a receiver; wherein the transmitter comprises a first lensed scanning-array transmitter unit comprising: an array of transmit antennas each having a respective output feed spaced apart along a first axis; a radio frequency, RF, integrated circuit, IC, configured to operate with the array of transmit antennas as a scanning-array transmitter, and a lens configured to focus radiation from each of the output feeds; and wherein the receiver comprises a first lensed scanning-array receiver unit comprising: an array of receive antennas each having a respective input feed spaced apart along a second axis; a radio frequency, RF, integrated circuit, IC, configured to operate with the array of receive antennas as a scanning-array receiver, and a lens configured to focus radiation reflected from a target towards each of the input feeds.