Radar Apparatus Integrating Antenna and RF Circuit on Single PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar apparatuses have a large size due to separate printed circuit boards for radar antenna and RF circuit modules, leading to increased size and limited mounting options, especially on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus design where a first printed circuit board mounts both the radar antenna and base band circuit modules on one side, with the RF module wire-bonded and protected, and a second board for signal processing, all integrated with a base plate to minimize size and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate PCBs are used for radar antenna module and RF circuit module, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the size of the radar apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar antenna module and RF circuit module onto a single first PCB. The radar antenna module is mounted on the top side of the first PCB while the RF circuit module is wire-bonded to the same board, eliminating the need for separate PCBs and reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by wire-bonding the RF circuit module to the first PCB through holes, allowing three-dimensional integration of components on a single board plane. This vertical stacking approach reduces the horizontal footprint and overall volume of the radar apparatus.
2Reliability
If connection module is used to interconnect signal processing circuit module and RF circuit module, then signal processing can be achieved, but the size of the radar apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the signal processing circuit module and RF circuit module through direct coupling via a base plate, eliminating the need for a separate connection module. The base plate serves as a common mounting substrate that electrically and mechanically connects the modules, reducing component count and overall size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate modules are used, then functional requirements can be met, but the number of components is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The first PCB serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mounts the radar antenna module, provides wire-bonding connections for the RF circuit module, and serves as a signal transmission medium. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while meeting all functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the first PCB into different functional areas: the top side for the radar antenna module, holes for wire-bonding the RF circuit module, and appropriate circuit traces for signal transmission. This segmentation allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles that would traditionally require separate modules.
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 reduces the size and number of components, enhancing the flexibility in mounting the radar apparatus on vehicles by eliminating the need for separate modules and transition components.
Implementation Method 1
an RF circuit module is wire-bonded to the first printed circuit board through a hole
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a radar apparatus having a reduced size and a reduced number of components, and a method of assembling the radar apparatus.