Radar Module Pattern-Shaping for Custom AiP Beam Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar modules with Antenna-in-Package (AiP) have fixed radiation patterns, making it costly and time-consuming to adjust to meet customer-specific gain pattern specifications, as redesigning the antenna assembly is required.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pattern-shaping device on the printed circuit board within the radar module, which allows for shaping the radiation pattern of radar signals without the need for redesigning the antenna assembly, using a semiconductor package with an integrated antenna layer and a discrete pattern-shaping structure that can be externally mounted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna assembly is redesigned to meet customer-specific gain pattern specifications, then the radiation pattern can be customized, but the development time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation pattern customizationVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into two independent parts: the fixed antenna assembly and the adjustable pattern-shaping device. This segmentation allows the radiation pattern to be customized by configuring the pattern-shaping device without redesigning the antenna assembly, thus reducing development time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pattern-shaping device acts as an intermediary element between the antenna assembly and the radiation environment. By placing this intermediate component, the system can adjust radiation patterns without modifying the core antenna design, solving the contradiction between customization and development efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna assembly is redesigned to meet customer-specific gain pattern specifications, then the radiation pattern can be customized, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation pattern customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the antenna system into a standardized antenna assembly and a configurable pattern-shaping device, the patent enables cost-effective customization. The antenna assembly can be mass-produced using standard designs, while the pattern-shaping device is configured according to customer specifications, significantly reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration parameters of the pattern-shaping device (such as element positions, phases, or amplitudes) to achieve different radiation patterns without changing the physical antenna structure. This parameter-based adjustment reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed antenna assembly is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the radiation pattern cannot be adjusted to meet different customer specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidradiation pattern adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the antenna system universal by combining a standardized antenna assembly with a reconfigurable pattern-shaping device. This multi-functional design allows the same antenna assembly to serve multiple customers with different radiation pattern requirements, achieving both cost efficiency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If the antenna assembly is redesigned for each customer specification, then the radiation pattern meets requirements, but the production cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation pattern accuracyVSAvoidproduction cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of the pattern-shaping device based on customer specifications before mass production begins. This preliminary action allows the standardized antenna assembly to be quickly deployed and configured, maintaining high radiation pattern accuracy while significantly reducing production cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11821975B2Radar module incorporated with a pattern-shaping device

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

A radar module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a semiconductor package mounted on the PCB. The semiconductor package comprises an integrated circuit die and a substrate for electrically connecting the integrated circuit die to the PCB. The substrate comprises an antenna layer integrated into the semiconductor package and electrically connected to the integrated circuit die for at least one of transmitting and receiving radar signals. A discrete pattern-shaping device is mounted on the PCB and is configured to shape a radiation pattern of the radar signals.