Radar Waveguide to SIW Transition Using PCB Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wideband transitions in radar systems, such as automotive radar, often rely on expensive waveguide flanges or metal structures, which increase costs due to critical tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A wideband transition is created using standard printed circuit board (PCB) processes, eliminating the need for expensive waveguide flanges or metal structures, by defining apertures through multiple conductor-layers to connect a rectangular waveguide to a substrate-integrated waveguide, suitable for compact multilayer PCB construction and operating in the W-band frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive waveguide flanges or metal structures are used for wideband transitions, then transition performance and bandwidth are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical waveguide flanges and metal structures with a PCB-based transition structure. The transition is formed by conductor traces and vias on the PCB substrate, eliminating the need for separate mechanical flange components. This substitution maintains wideband performance while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transition structure with the PCB itself by integrating conductor layers and vias directly into the board. The transition is not a separate component but is formed as part of the PCB's conductor pattern, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
2Reliability
If expensive waveguide flanges or metal structures are used for wideband transitions, then transition performance and bandwidth are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical waveguide flanges and metal structures with a PCB-based transition structure. The transition is formed by conductor traces and vias on the PCB substrate, eliminating the need for separate mechanical flange components. This substitution maintains wideband performance while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard PCB materials and fabrication processes instead of expensive precision-machined metal flanges. The transition structure is created using常规 PCB conductor layers and vias that are already part of the board manufacturing process, significantly reducing material and machining costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard PCB processes are used to create the transition, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but achieving sufficient bandwidth and performance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical via connections) in addition to the planar conductor traces to create the transition structure. The via walls are plated with conductive material to form continuous current paths through the substrate, enabling wideband performance through three-dimensional current distribution rather than just two-dimensional planar traces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining PCB substrate material with plated copper conductor layers and via walls. The combination of the dielectric substrate and conductive plating creates a structure that supports wideband electromagnetic propagation while being manufacturable using standard PCB processes.
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 provides a cost-effective and efficient transition between waveguides, reducing electromagnetic energy leakage and avoiding the need for special flanges or metal structures, while maintaining impedance matching and efficient energy transfer across a wide frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
The rectangular-waveguide (RWG) propagates electromagnetic energy in a transverse electric mode (TE10) and in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
The printed-circuit-board defines a substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) that propagates the electromagnetic energy in a transverse electric mode (TE10) and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
The transition includes apertures defined by at least three of the plurality of conductor-layers
Data Source
AI summary
A radar assembly includes a rectangular-waveguide (RWG) and a printed-circuit-board. The rectangular-waveguide (RWG) propagates electromagnetic energy in a transverse electric mode (TE10) and in a first direction. The printed-circuit-board includes a plurality of conductor-layers oriented parallel to each other. The printed-circuit-board defines a substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) that propagates the electromagnetic energy in a transverse electric mode (TE10) and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and defines a transition that propagates the electromagnetic energy between the rectangular-wave-guide and the substrate-integrated-waveguide. The transition includes apertures defined by at least three of the plurality of conductor-layers.