UWB Radar Antenna Array with λ/4 Coupling Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional patch antenna arrays have narrow bandwidth and suffer from signal leakage due to feeding network losses, making them unsuitable for compact, low-cost ultra-wide-band (UWB) radar applications in automotive systems, which require large frequency bandwidth and low sidelobe radiation.
Innovation Solution
A compact UWB radar antenna array design using a 12x12 radiation patch element configuration with a 6x6 feeding patch array and a serial feeding arrangement, featuring a λ/4 coupling slot and end-feeding structure to minimize feeding network losses and radiation, while maintaining high gain and low sidelobe levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional patch antenna arrays are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the bandwidth is narrow and signal leakage occurs due to feeding network losses
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each with its own feeding network. This segmentation allows each sub-array to be optimized for specific performance characteristics while maintaining overall system simplicity and manufacturability. The feeding networks are distributed rather than centralized, reducing signal leakage and losses in any single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar 2D antenna element arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where antenna elements are positioned at different heights and depths. This vertical dimensionality enables broader frequency bandwidth while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for automotive applications, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and frequency versatility.
2Device complexity
If traditional patch antenna arrays are used, then the structure is simple, but signal leakage and feeding network losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate coupling structures and impedance matching networks between the feeding elements and radiating patches. These intermediary components act as mediators that reduce signal leakage and minimize feeding network losses by optimizing power transfer, while adding only moderate complexity to the overall antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter optimization techniques including adjusting patch dimensions, spacing, and feeding network characteristics to minimize signal leakage and feeding losses. By carefully controlling geometric parameters and material properties, the design achieves reduced energy losses without requiring overly complex structural modifications.
3Volume of moving object
If antenna arrays are designed for compact volume, then the size is reduced for automotive applications, but achieving large frequency bandwidth becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical height) to achieve compact volume while maintaining large frequency bandwidth. By positioning antenna elements and feeding structures at different vertical levels, the design packs more functional complexity into a smaller horizontal footprint, enabling UWB performance in a compact automotive-friendly package.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested configurations where smaller antenna elements are positioned within or near larger structural components. The feeding networks are routed through and around radiating elements in a nested manner, maximizing space utilization and achieving compact volume without sacrificing frequency bandwidth performance.
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 design achieves a large frequency bandwidth from 22 to 26.5 GHz with flat antenna gain and sidelobe levels below -20 dB, addressing the challenges of bandwidth and interference in automotive radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
a λ/4 coupling slot and end-feeding structure to minimize feeding network losses and radiation
Implementation Method 2
A set of low profile antenna arrays is disclosed for UWB radar antenna applications
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A low profile antenna array for UWB radar antenna applications is disclosed. It may be used as a mid-range receiving antenna array (RXM) or as a mid-range transmitting antenna array (TXM). In some embodiments, the RXM or the TXM may include a plurality of radiation patch elements formed on a top layer of a printed circuit board (PCB), a distribution feeding network in the mid-layer of the PCB having a patch array, and a serial feeding arrangement from a /4 coupling slot to each feeding patch. This antenna may have a desirable large frequency bandwidth with relatively flat antenna gain over a frequency range from 22 GHz to 26.5 GHz. In addition, sidelobe levels for the elevation patterns may be below -20 dB. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.