MIMO Radar Antenna Array with Vertical Offset and Horizontal Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MIMO radar devices require larger antenna arrays due to the space needed for high-frequency component feed lines, which increases the overall dimensions and the 'radar installation cone' size, making them less suitable for compact vehicle integration.
Innovation Solution
The radar device features a compact design with transmit and receive antennas arranged such that they have a vertical offset and horizontal overlap, allowing for a smaller phase center spacing and reduced overall size, using high-frequency radar chips positioned centrally or on opposite sides of the printed circuit board, and employing microstrip, substrate-integrated waveguide, or dielectric resonator antennas to minimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional planar antenna technology is used with separate transmit and receive antenna arrays, then the antenna feed lines require significant space on the printed circuit board, but this enlarges the overall dimensions of the antenna array and increases the radar installation cone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmit and receive antennas into a single integrated antenna array where both functions are implemented within the same physical structure. The antenna elements serve dual purposes as both transmit and receive antennas, eliminating the need for separate antenna arrays and reducing the overall space required on the printed circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement with separate transmit and receive arrays to a three-dimensional integrated structure where transmit and receive antennas are combined in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This allows for overlapping antenna patterns and reduced footprint while maintaining the virtual aperture needed for accurate angle estimation.
2Area of stationary object
If the antenna array dimensions are reduced to minimize the radar installation cone, then the space for high-frequency component feed lines becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed line structures for transmit and receive antennas into a shared infrastructure. The same printed circuit board traces and high-frequency components are used to feed both transmit and receive functions, significantly reducing the total feed line space required while maintaining proper signal distribution to all antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-frequency components and feed line network are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - feeding both transmit and receive antennas through a unified distribution system. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant feed lines and components that would otherwise be needed for separate transmit and receive arrays.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device having a plurality of transmit antennas and a plurality of receive antennas. The radar device further comprises at least one high-frequency (HF) radar chip which is configured to generate a high-frequency signal and transmit it via the transmit antennas. The transmit antennas have an offset with respect to the receive antennas in a first direction and at least one transmit antenna has an overlap with at least one receive antenna in a second direction. The first direction is a vertical direction and the second direction a horizontal direction. Alternatively, the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction a vertical direction.