Radar MMIC Package Lens for Longer Range Without Larger Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems with small antenna sizes have limited detection ranges due to the small size of radar chips, and increasing antenna size is not desirable as it increases chip size and costs.
Innovation Solution
A radar chip package with a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) featuring a recess on its backside, integrated antennas, and a lens over the recess and antennas to collimate radar waves, allowing for increased detection range without enlarging the antenna size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the antenna size is increased to extend detection range, then the detection range is improved, but the chip size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical lens as an intermediary component between the radar antenna and the surrounding environment. The lens has a refractive index different from the surrounding medium, allowing it to focus and collimate radar waves. This intermediary structure enables the small antenna to achieve the wave-focusing effect of a larger antenna, extending detection range without increasing the antenna's physical size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter by introducing a lens material with specific optical properties. The lens's refractive index is selected to optimize the collimation of radar waves, transforming the radiation pattern from a small antenna. This parameter change allows the system to achieve long-range detection capability without increasing antenna dimensions
2Length of stationary object
If the antenna size is increased to improve detection range, then the detection range is extended, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar system into distinct functional components: the MMIC chip, the lens, and the packaging structure. The lens is formed as a separate component that can be integrated into the package, allowing for specialized manufacturing of the lens material while keeping the MMIC chip size small. This segmentation enables cost-effective production by optimizing each component independently
Solution Approach 2:
The lens acts as a mediator that provides the wave-focusing function without requiring a large antenna structure. This intermediary approach allows the use of small, inexpensive MMIC chips combined with a relatively simple lens component, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to producing large integrated antenna structures
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 enhances the detection range of radar systems up to mid-range radar capabilities while maintaining compact antenna size, improving antenna gain and power, and allowing for cost-effective manufacturing by using a domed lens to collimate radiated and received energy.
Implementation Method 1
a lens formed over the recess and the at least one antenna, wherein the lens is coupled to the backside of the radar MIMIC... configured to collimate the radiated and/or received energy
Implementation Method 2
A radar chip package may include a radar monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MIMIC) having a backside, a frontside arranged opposite to the backside... wherein the radar MMIC includes a recess that extends from the backside at least partially towards the frontside
Data Source
AI summary
A radar chip package includes a radar monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) having a backside, a frontside arranged opposite to the backside, and lateral sides that extend between the backside and the frontside, wherein the radar MIMIC comprises a recess that extends from the backside at least partially towards the frontside; a plurality of electrical interfaces coupled to the frontside of the radar MIMIC; at least one antenna arranged at the frontside of the radar MIMIC; and a lens formed over the recess and the at least one antenna, wherein the lens is coupled to the backside of the radar MMIC.