Radar Chip Package With Waveguide Routing for Low-Loss Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor devices for radar applications face challenges in achieving cost-effectiveness and minimizing performance losses, particularly in signal routing and redistribution between the chip and antenna.

Innovation Solution

The semiconductor device comprises a substrate with connection elements for attaching to a printed circuit board and a radar semiconductor chip, along with signal routing structures and waveguiding transformer elements, which enable efficient electrical and mechanical connections, and the use of waveguides for microwave signal transmission, including air-filled hollow waveguides and dielectric lenses for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional signal routing methods are used between chip and antenna, then device complexity is reduced, but performance losses increase due to electromagnetic signal degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal lossVSAvoidsignal routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces waveguide transition elements as intermediary components that couple the radar semiconductor chip to air-filled hollow waveguides. These transition elements act as mediators that efficiently transfer microwave signals from the chip's transmission lines into the waveguide structure, minimizing signal loss while managing the complexity of electromagnetic coupling through specialized transition structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional planar transmission line routing with three-dimensional waveguide structures. By substituting the conventional two-dimensional signal path with volumetric waveguide channels, the system achieves lower signal loss at microwave frequencies while the complexity is managed through integrated waveguide components rather than extended PCB traces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If air-filled hollow waveguides are used for signal transmission, then performance losses are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal lossVSAvoidwaveguide fabrication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide system is segmented into modular components including the radar chip, transition elements, air-filled hollow waveguides, and dielectric lenses. Each segment can be manufactured and characterized independently, allowing for standardized fabrication processes and reducing the overall manufacturing precision burden while maintaining low signal loss performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dielectric lenses with specific permittivity values to focus and guide microwave signals within the waveguide system. By adjusting the dielectric constant and geometric parameters of these lenses, the system optimizes signal transmission while accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances, thus reducing the stringency of precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are integrated on the substrate, then device functionality is improved, but mechanical stresses and crosstalk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcrosstalk and mechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar integration to three-dimensional waveguide-based architecture. By moving signal transmission into the third dimension through vertical waveguide channels and using dielectric lenses for focal point control, the system achieves enhanced functionality while spatially separating signal paths to minimize crosstalk and mechanical stress between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 results in cost-effective radar semiconductor devices with reduced performance losses, enabling efficient microwave signal transmission and reception while minimizing mechanical stresses and crosstalk, suitable for applications like automotive and industrial radar systems.

Implementation Method 1

The semiconductor device comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The semiconductor device furthermore comprises at least one connection element arranged on the first surface of the substrate and serving for electrically and mechanically connecting the substrate to a printed circuit board.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

The semiconductor device furthermore comprises a radar semiconductor chip arranged on the first surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric lens: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12014998B2Semiconductor devices comprising a radar semiconductor chip and associated production methods
Publication Date: 2024.06.18 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US12014998B2 patent drawing
  • US12014998B2 patent drawing
  • US12014998B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A semiconductor device comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one connection element arranged on the first surface of the substrate to electrically and mechanically connect the substrate to a printed circuit board, and a radar semiconductor chip arranged on the first surface of the substrate.