Radar Sensor Waveguide Local Oscillator Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensors face challenges in efficiently, cost-effectively, and compactly transmitting local oscillator signals, which is essential for advanced vehicle assistance and autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a waveguide structure with a hollow conductor channel and a compact, multilayered design that includes a central integrated high frequency component for coherent distribution of the local oscillator signal to multiple MMICs, using a signal transmission path with amplifiers and power splitters, and a carrier plate for efficient signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional signal transmission method is used in radar sensors, then the structure can be simpler, but the transmission efficiency and compactness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the local oscillator signal transmission function with the existing waveguide structure of the radar sensor. The waveguide, which is already present for radar signal transmission, is utilized to also carry the local oscillator signal, thereby merging two functions into one structure and improving transmission efficiency without adding separate transmission components.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits both the radar signal and the local oscillator signal. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to perform multiple tasks, improving overall system efficiency while avoiding the need for additional dedicated transmission paths.
2Volume of moving object
If the radar sensor is made more compact, then the space saving is improved, but the signal transmission path becomes more difficult to design
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the local oscillator signal transmission into the existing waveguide structure, the patent avoids adding separate transmission components that would increase the sensor volume. The waveguide serves as a shared pathway, enabling compact integration while maintaining manageable transmission path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space within the existing waveguide structure to transmit signals in multiple directions and layers. The waveguide is designed with multiple openings and signal paths that exploit spatial dimensions to route signals efficiently through the compact radar sensor body.
3Ease of manufacture
If the local oscillator signal is transmitted using existing components, then the cost is reduced, but the transmission quality and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the local oscillator signal transmission with the existing waveguide structure, eliminating the need for separate transmission components. This approach reduces manufacturing costs by utilizing already-present components while maintaining signal transmission reliability through the proven waveguide design.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the transmission of the local oscillator signal from the local oscillator component to the various processing elements. This intermediary approach ensures reliable signal transmission while avoiding direct connections that would require additional costly components.
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and flexible transmission of local oscillator signals within the radar sensor, enhancing its compactness and integration, thereby supporting advanced vehicle assistance and autonomous driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide structure (22) which transmits the radar signal (12) between the antenna device (16) and the integrated high frequency component (18)
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide structure can be made of metal or a metal alloy, preferably aluminum, copper, brass or a combination of multiple materials
Data Source
AI summary
A radar sensor. The radar sensor includes an antenna device which at least emits a radar signal, an integrated high frequency component which generates the radar signal, a waveguide structure which transmits the radar signal between the antenna device and the integrated high frequency component and includes at least one waveguide, a signal transmission path for transmitting a local oscillator signal, on which the generated radar signal is based, within the radar sensor. At least portions of the signal transmission path are disposed within the waveguide structure.