Single-Layer PCB Waveguide Launch for Broadband 77 GHz Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiating structures in radar systems have limited bandwidth and efficiency in coupling electromagnetic energy between circuit boards and waveguides, leading to suboptimal performance in radar systems, especially at high frequencies like 77 GHz.

Innovation Solution

A dual open-ended waveguide (DOEWG) antenna design with two metal layers and a radiating structure that includes both electric field and magnetic field coupling components, optimized for efficient electromagnetic energy transfer across a wide bandwidth, is proposed. This design features wave-dividing and wave-radiating channels that enhance energy coupling and radiation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional radiating structures are used, then the structure is simple, but the bandwidth and efficiency of electromagnetic energy transfer are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth and efficiency of electromagnetic energy transferVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiating structure is divided into multiple segments including a first radiating element, a second radiating element, and a connecting element. Each segment serves a specific function in coupling electromagnetic energy between the circuit board and waveguide, allowing for optimized performance while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling into a single integrated radiating structure. The first and second radiating elements work together with the connecting element to simultaneously achieve both electric and magnetic field coupling, improving bandwidth and efficiency without requiring separate structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If conventional radiating structures with limited bandwidth are used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the radar system performance at high frequencies is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar system performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the radiating structure have different geometries and configurations optimized for their specific functions. The first and second radiating elements have distinct designs tailored to their respective coupling roles, allowing each part to contribute optimally to overall radar performance while remaining manufacturable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The radiating structure incorporates specific geometric parameters and dimensions that are optimized for high-frequency operation at 77 GHz. By carefully controlling parameters such as element lengths, widths, and spacing, the structure achieves superior radar performance without requiring complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If efficient electromagnetic energy coupling is achieved through complex structures, then the bandwidth improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic energy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidradiating structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiating structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling between the circuit board and waveguide. This multi-functionality allows the single structure to achieve high electromagnetic energy transfer efficiency without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 DOEWG antenna design significantly improves the bandwidth and efficiency of electromagnetic energy transfer, enabling high-performance radar systems with enhanced range and accuracy, particularly at 77 GHz frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

a radiating structure that includes both electric field and magnetic field coupling components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field coupling: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a radiating structure that includes both electric field and magnetic field coupling components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

optimized for efficient electromagnetic energy transfer across a wide bandwidth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

wave-dividing and wave-radiating channels that enhance energy coupling and radiation efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide propagation: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentEP3631892B1Broadband waveguide launch designs on single layer PCB
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 WAYMO LLC
  • EP3631892B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3631892B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3631892B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The present application discloses embodiments that relate to an electromagnetic apparatus. In one aspect, the present apparatus includes a circuit board configured to propagate an electromagnetic signal, a waveguide configured to propagate an electromagnetic signal, and a coupling port configured to couple the electromagnetic signal between the circuit board and the waveguide. The apparatus further includes a radiating structure disposed on the circuit board. The radiating structure includes an electric field coupling component configured to an electric field between the circuit board and the coupling port and a magnetic field coupling component configured to couple a magnetic field between the circuit board and the coupling port.