Abstract
The disclosure is directed to an antenna device (1) comprising a printed circuit board (2) and a thereon arranged electronic component (3). The antenna device (1) comprises at least two individual antenna elements (12) which are interconnected to the electronic component (3) configured to transmit and receive a signal. The antenna elements (12) each comprise at least one waveguide channel (9) interconnecting in the antenna assembly (6). A first waveguide aperture (10) is arranged at a back face (16) of the antenna assembly (6). Said first waveguide aperture (10) is interconnected to the electronic component (3) and configured to transmit and/or receive a signal. A second waveguide aperture (11) is arranged at a front face (17) of the waveguide assembly (6) and is also configured to transmit and/or receive a signal.
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. An antenna device comprising: a. a printed circuit board and a thereon arranged electronic component; b. an antenna assembly comprising at least two individual antenna elements interconnected to the electronic component configured to transmit and/or receive a signal, wherein c. the antenna elements each comprise at least one waveguide channel interconnecting in the antenna assembly i. a first waveguide aperture arranged at a back face of the antenna assembly, said first waveguide aperture being interconnected to the electronic component and configured to transmit and/or receive signal, and ii. a second waveguide aperture arranged at a front face of the waveguide assembly configured to transmit and/or receive signal, wherein d. the first waveguide aperture and the second waveguide aperture are laterally offset with respect to each other.
33. The antenna device according to claim 32, wherein at least one deflection element is arranged at a splitter or the at least one waveguide channel (9), which deflection element is configured to introduce a 90 rotation of the E-field.
34. The antenna device according to claim 32, wherein at least one waveguide channel is, with respect to the first waveguide aperture, at the distal end interconnected to a splitter by a primary port, wherein the splitter is configured to split a signal to be sent into: a. a first waveguide channel branch interconnected to a first secondary port of the splitter; and b. a second waveguide channel branch interconnected to a second secondary port of the splitter.
35. The antenna device according to claim 32, wherein the splitter comprises a necking, which is configured to divide the signal between the first and the second waveguide channel branch.
36. The antenna device according to claim 35, wherein the necking is: a. arranged centered between the first secondary port and the second secondary port, wherein the signal power is split equally between the first and the second waveguide channel branch; or b. arranged with offset with respect to the center between the first secondary port and the second secondary port, wherein the signal power is split non-equally between the first and the second waveguide channel branch.
37. The antenna device according to claim 34, wherein the waveguide splitter comprises at least one deflection element configured to twist the polarization of the E-field, such that: a. the polarization of the first waveguide channel branch and the second waveguide channel branch are equally polarized; or b. the polarization of the first waveguide channel branch and the second waveguide channel branch are reversed.
38. The antenna device according to claim 37, wherein the at least one deflection element is configured to twist the polarization of the E-field, such that the electric field is essentially twisted from the horizontal direction, to the vertical direction by 90 degrees and to implement impedance matching.
39. The antenna device according to claim 37, wherein the waveguide splitter comprises at least one deflection element arranged adjacent to the primary port configured to twist the polarization of the E-field from the horizontal direction, to the vertical direction by 90 degrees and at least one deflection element arranged adjacent to the first secondary port and the second secondary port configured to twist the polarization back from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction.
40. The antenna device according to claim 37, wherein the at least one deflection element is essentially arranged inside the waveguide channel and/or the splitter and comprises at least one or more of the group of the following elements: step, recess, channel, bump, dented corner which are designed such that they protrude inside and/or outside the cross-section of the waveguide channel and/or the splitter.
41. The antenna device according to claim 37, wherein the waveguide channel comprises in the area of the primary port of the splitter two dented corners which are arranged opposite to each other and which are designed as deflection elements.
42. The antenna device according to claim 32, wherein the waveguide channel comprises at least a cross section out of at least one of the group of the following elements: rectangle, rhomb, ellipse, circle, wherein a main extension direction of the cross section is essentially parallel to the first and second waveguide aperture.
43. The antenna device according to claim 34, wherein the first and the second waveguide channel branch each comprise at least one radiating opening, wherein the radiating openings are arranged co-linear with respect to a center line.
44. The antenna device according to claim 43, wherein the first and the second waveguide channel branch are designed in a staggered design configured to alter the field such that the at least one radiating opening of the first and the at least one radiating opening of the second waveguide channel branch is aligned collinear with respect to each other.
45. The antenna device according to claim 34, wherein the waveguide channel, the first and/or the second waveguide channel branch comprise a ridge in form of at least one of the following elements or a combination thereof: Channel, lateral necking, a longitudinal inwardly directed protrusion, configured to increase the circumferential channel surface, such that the cross section is minimized.
46. The antenna device according to claim 43, wherein the at least one radiating opening of the first and the at least one radiating opening of the second waveguide channel branch are interconnected to at least one funnel, wherein the funnel is interconnected to the second waveguide aperture.
47. The antenna device according to claim 32, wherein the back part and/or the front part are made by injection molding of a plastic material and the back part and/or the front part are made of metal and/or metallized plastic and/or any other material conductive at the surface.
48. The antenna device according to claim 32, wherein the antenna assembly comprises a back part and front part interconnected to each other along a front face of the back part and a back face of the front part and wherein at least one waveguide channel extends at least partially in the front face of the back part and/or the back face of the front part.
49. The antenna device according to claim 48, wherein the back part and/or the front part comprises a number of pillars arranged on the front face of the back part or the back face of the front part configured to form the contour of a waveguide channel and/or the splitter and/or the first and second waveguide channel branch.
50. The antenna device according to claim 49, wherein electromagnetic band gap structures are arranged essentially around the at least one hollow waveguide channel which allows to block electromagnetic waves at a given range of frequencies, behaving as a conductive wall without the need to have direct and/or ohmic contact between the front part and the back part implementing a waveguide structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are shows:
[0058] FIG. 1 shows a first variation of the antenna device according to the present disclosure in a perspective view from the front and above;
[0059] FIG. 2 shows an antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from rear and above;
[0060] FIG. 3 shows an antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a lateral view;
[0061] FIG. 4 shows an antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a transparent front view;
[0062] FIG. 5 shows a skeletonized variation of the antenna assembly according to FIGS. 1-4, in a perspective and exploded view from above;
[0063] FIG. 6 shows an antenna assembly according to FIG. 5, in a perspective and exploded view from the rear;
[0064] FIG. 7 shows an antenna assembly according to the disclosure in a perspective view;
[0065] FIG. 8 shows a positive view of the waveguide channels of the antenna assembly according to FIG. 7;
[0066] FIG. 9 show Detail A according to FIG. 8;
[0067] FIG. 10 shows a sectional perspective view of a first variation of the waveguide splitter from above;
[0068] FIG. 11 shows a sectional perspective view of a second variation of the waveguide splitter from above;
[0069] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view from above from the splitter and a first variation of the array;
[0070] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view from the rear from the splitter and a first variation of the array;
[0071] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view from above from the splitter and a second variation of the array;
[0072] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view from the rear from the splitter and a second variation of the array;
[0073] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view from above from the splitter and a third variation of the array;
[0074] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view from the rear from the splitter and a third variation of the array;
[0075] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view from above from the splitter and a fourth variation of the array;
[0076] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view from the rear from the splitter and a fourth variation of the array;
[0077] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view from above from the splitter and a fifth variation of the array;
[0078] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view from the rear from the splitter and a fifth variation of the array;
[0079] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view from above from the splitter and a sixth variation of the array;
[0080] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view from the rear from the splitter and a sixth variation of the array;
[0081] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view from above (FIG. 24 a-c) of a first variation of the antenna assembly with pillars;
[0082] FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of a second variation of the antenna assembly with pillars shown in FIG. 24;
[0083] FIG. 26 shows a second variation of the antenna device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the front and above;
[0084] FIG. 27 shows an antenna device according to FIG. 26 in a perspective and exploded view from above;
[0085] FIG. 28 shows a sectional perspective view of a third variation of the wave-guide splitter from above;
[0086] FIG. 29 shows a sectional perspective view of a fourth variation of the wave-guide splitter from above;
[0087] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a seventh variation of the array;
[0088] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view from the front from the splitter and a seventh variation of the array;
[0089] FIG. 32 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and an eight variation of the array;
[0090] FIG. 33 shows a perspective view from the front from the splitter and an eight variation of the array;
[0091] FIG. 34 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a ninth variation of the array;
[0092] FIG. 35 shows a perspective view from the front from the splitter and a ninth variation of the array;
[0093] FIG. 36 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a tenth variation of the array;
[0094] FIG. 37 shows a perspective view from the front from the splitter and a tenth variation of the array;
[0095] FIG. 38 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and an eleventh variation of the array;
[0096] FIG. 39 shows a perspective view from the front from the splitter and an eleventh variation of the array;
[0097] FIG. 40 shows a sectional perspective view of the distal end of the waveguide channel with thereto interconnected folded horn from the front and above;
[0098] FIG. 41 shows a sectional perspective view of the distal end of the waveguide channel with thereto interconnected folded horn according to FIG. 40 from the back and above.
[0099] FIG. 42 shows a lateral view of the splitter and a twelfth variation of the array with an asymmetrically arranged funnel cavity;
[0100] FIG. 43 shows a diagram showing the radiation pattern of the antenna device with an asymmetrically arranged funnel cavities;
[0101] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a thirteenth variation of the array;
[0102] FIG. 45 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a fourteenth variation of the array a funnel cavity;
[0103] FIG. 46 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a fifteenth variation of the array designed as multiple branch arrays;
[0104] FIG. 47 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter and a sixteenth variation of the array designed as multiple branch arrays.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0105] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments and variations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments and variations disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and variations set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.
[0106] FIG. 1 shows a first variation of the antenna device 1 according to the present disclosure in a perspective view from the front and above. FIG. 2 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the rear and above. FIG. 3 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a lateral view. FIG. 4 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a front view, wherein the hidden lines are shown to provide information on the inside. FIG. 5 shows an alternative skeletonized variation of the antenna assembly according to FIGS. 1-4, in a perspective and exploded view from above FIG. 6 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in an exploded perspective view from the rear and above. FIG. 7 shows an antenna assembly 6 according to the present disclosure in a perspective view from the front and above. FIG. 8 shows in a perspective view a positive of usually air filled waveguide channels 9 arranged inside of the antenna assembly 6 according to FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a positive of the waveguide channels 9 according to FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows section A of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows a sectional perspective of a first variation of the waveguide splitter 19 wherein the waveguide channel 9 of the shown variation is in the area of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19 arranged perpendicular to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. FIG. 11 shows a cut-out of a second variation of a waveguide splitter 19 wherein the waveguide channel 9 of the shown variation is in the area of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19 arranged parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. FIGS. 12-13 show a first variation of the array 14 of openings 13 and a waveguide splitter 19 with the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch, wherein the splitter 19 and the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch are arranged in the back part 7 of the antenna assembly 6. FIGS. 14-15 show a second variation of the array 14 of openings 13 and the waveguide splitter 19 with the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch, wherein the openings 13 end in one funnel 28, FIGS. 16-17 show a third variation of the of the array 14 of openings 13 and the waveguide splitter 19 with the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch, wherein the splitter 19 and the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch are arranged in the front 8 and the back part 7 of the antenna assembly 6. FIGS. 18-19 show a fourth variation of the of the array 14 of openings 13 and the waveguide splitter 19 with the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch, wherein the splitter 19 and the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch are arranged in the front part 8 of the antenna assembly 6. FIGS. 20-21 show a fifth variation of the of the array 14 of openings 13 and the waveguide splitter 19 with the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch, wherein the openings 13 are arranged laterally offset with respect to each other. FIGS. 22-23 show a sixth variation of the of the array 14 of openings 13 and the waveguide splitter 19 with the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch, wherein the openings are arranged laterally offset with respect to each other and the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch comprise a ridge 34. FIGS. 24 a, b, c-25 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 24 a-c) of a first alternative variation of the antenna assembly with pillars and in an exploded view (FIG. 25) of a second variation. FIG. 26 shows a second variation of the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view from the front and above with horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11. FIG. 27 shows the antenna device 1 according to FIG. 26 in a perspective and exploded view from above with horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11. FIG. 28 shows a sectional perspective view of a third variation of the wave-guide splitter 19 from above. FIG. 29 shows a sectional perspective view of a fourth variation of the waveguide splitter 19 from above. FIGS. 30 and 31 show a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 30) and the front (FIG. 31) from the splitter 19 and a seventh variation of the array 14 of openings 13, wherein a cascade of splitters 19 is arranged between the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch and the horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11. FIGS. 32 and 33 show a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 32) and the front (FIG. 33) from the splitter 19 and an eight variation of the array 14 of openings 13, wherein the openings 13 are angular offset (a) with respect to the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branches. FIGS. 34 and 35 show a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 34) and the front (FIG. 35) from the splitter 19 and a ninth variation of the array 14 of openings 13. FIGS. 36 and 37 show a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 36) and the front (FIG. 37) from the splitter 19 and a tenth variation of the array 14 of openings 13. FIGS. 38 and 39 show a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 38) and the front (FIG. 39) from the splitter 19 and an eleventh variation of the array 14 of openings, wherein the openings 13 end in a common funnel 28. FIG. 40 shows a sectional perspective view of the distal end of the waveguide channel 9 with thereto interconnected folded horn from the front and above. FIG. 41 shows a sectional perspective view of the distal end of the waveguide channel 9 with thereto interconnected folded horn 35 according to FIG. 40 from the back and above. FIG. 42 shows a lateral view of the splitter 19 and a twelfth variation of the array 14 with an asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavity. FIG. 43 shows a diagram showing the radiation pattern of the antenna device 1 with an asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavities. FIG. 44 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a thirteenth variation of the array 14 of openings. FIG. 45 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a fourteenth variation of the array 14 of openings with a funnel 28 cavity. FIG. 46 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a fifteenth variation of the array 14 of openings designed as multiple branch arrays 14. FIG. 47 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a sixteenth variation of the array 14 designed as multiple branch arrays 14.
[0107] As best visible in FIGS. 1-4, the antenna device 1 as shown comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 2 with a thereon arranged electronic component 3. The electronic component 3 is interconnected via transmission lines 4 to radiating elements 5. Each radiating element 5 is interconnected to a respective waveguide channel 9 of an antenna element 12 arranged in the antenna assembly 6 by a rear first waveguide aperture 10. At the opposite end, the waveguide channel 9 ends in a second waveguide aperture 11 which serves to transmit and receive a signal. The antenna assembly 6, which in general acts as a MIMO antenna, comprises several antenna elements 12. The antenna assembly 6 preferably comprises a back part 7 and a front part 8, which can e.g., be made of metal and/or metallized plastic and/or any other material conductive at the surface. The radiating apertures 11, respectively the second waveguide apertures 11, for each antenna element 12 are in the shown variation implemented in the front part 8, whereas the feedings apertures 10, respectively first waveguide apertures 10, of the individual antenna elements 12 are implemented in the back part 7. Each first waveguide aperture 10 (feeding waveguide aperture 10) serves as the input of the respective individual antenna element 12. An RF signal coming from the electronic component 3 (e.g., radar chip mounted on the PCB board 2) is coupled into the first waveguide aperture 10 and propagates towards the respective antenna aperture through the air-filled waveguide channel 9 and the air-filled waveguide splitter 19. The routing of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to allow impedance matching and low-loss transmission of the RF signal, to maintain a specified phase relation between the different antenna elements 12, and to allow a proper manufacturing process. The cross section 33 of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to guarantee a high-accuracy manufacturing of the back 7 and front 8 part. The walls of the first waveguide aperture 10, the waveguide channel 9, the waveguide splitter 19, and the array 14 of openings 13 are usually metallic or metallized. If appropriate, some of the antenna elements 12 may serve as transmitter (TX) only and some of the elements may serve as receiver (RX) only. Each radiating aperture 11 consists of an array 14 of openings 13 arranged in a front face 17 of the upper front part 8. Each feeding element consists of a feeding aperture 10 arranged in a back face 16 of the back part 7 of the Antenna assembly 6. The back part 7 of the antenna assembly 6 in the shown variation comprises protrusions 29 that protrude from the back face 16 of the back part 7, configured to interconnect the first waveguide aperture 10 to the electronic component 3.
[0108] FIGS. 5-6 show a perspective view of a variation of the antenna assembly according to FIGS. 1-4 from above (FIG. 36) and the rear (FIG. 37) and a side view (FIG. 38). The front part 8 and the back 7 part of the shown variation of the antenna assembly 6 are partially skeletonized. The skeletonized design allows the font face 15 of the back part and the back face 16 of the front part are only partially interconnected to each other along the channel borders and the circumferential edges. This leads to a better fit between the front 8 part and the back part 7.
[0109] As best visible in FIGS. 7 to 9 the shown variation according to FIG. 7 and the therein arranged number of antenna elements 12 of the herein shown variation are chosen for illustration purposes only. In a real application, different arrangements and different numbers of antenna elements can be implemented. As can be best seen from FIG. 7 the back part 7 and/or the front part 8 of the antenna device 1 are made by injection molding of a plastic material and the back part 7 and/or the front part 8 are made of metal and/or metallized plastic and/or any other material conductive at the surface. The back part 7 and front part 8 of the antenna assembly 6 as shown by FIG. 7 are interconnected to each other along a front face 15 of the back part 7 and a back face 18 of the front part 8 and wherein at least one waveguide channel 9 extends at least partially in the front face 15 of the back part 7 and/or the back face 18 of the front part 8.
[0110] As best visible from FIGS. 8 and 9 the shown variation comprises waveguide channels 9 which are with respect to the first waveguide aperture 10, at the distal end interconnected to a splitter 19 by a primary port 21. The splitter 19 of the shown variation is configured to split the power of a signal to be sent into a first waveguide channel branch 22 interconnected to a first secondary port 23 of the splitter 19 and a second waveguide channel branch 24 interconnected to a second secondary port 25 of the splitter 19. The waveguide channels 9 of the shown variations in FIGS. 8 and 9 comprise in the area of the primary port of the splitter 19 two dented corners which are arranged opposite to each other and which are designed as deflection elements 27. The deflection elements 27 of the shown variation are configured to twist the polarization of the E-field. The E-field is twisted by the shown deflection elements 27 such that the electric field is essentially twisted from the horizontal direction, to the vertical direction by 90 degrees and to implement impedance matching, wherein the horizontal direction is essentially perpendicular and the vertical direction is essentially parallel to the first 10 and second 11 waveguide aperture.
[0111] FIG. 8 schematically shows the hollow structures (i.e., air-filled waveguide-based elements) inside the antenna assembly 6 in a positive manner. As can be best seen in FIG. 8 the first waveguide aperture 10 and the second waveguide aperture 11 are laterally offset with respect to each other. It can be further seen, that the length of the waveguide channel 9 is substantially larger than the length of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the length of the second waveguide channel branch 24 combined. As best visible in FIG. 9 the shown waveguide channel 9 comprises at least a waveguide cross section 33 that is essentially rhomb shaped. In alternative variations also other geometries out of the group of the following elements or a combination thereof can be used: Rectangle, rhomb, ellipse, circle, wherein a main extension direction of the cross section 33 is essentially parallel to the first 10 and second 11 waveguide aperture. The first 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 of the shown variation each comprise at least one radiating openings 13, wherein the radiating openings 13 are arranged co-linear with respect to a center line 20. The number of openings 13 shown in FIG. 9 are for illustration purpose only, and can be increased to tune the radiation pattern in the elevation plane (i.e., y-z plane). Any additional opening 13 can be added so that the horizontal displacements of the waveguide sections happens in a staggered way, that is, if one waveguide section is displaced in the +x direction, the following one will be displaced in the x direction
[0112] As best visible from FIGS. 10 and 11 the two shown variations of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 are arranged coaxial with respect to each other. As visible in FIG. 10, the waveguide channel 9 of the shown variation is in the area of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19 arranged parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. In the alternative variation shown in FIG. 11 the waveguide channel 9 of the shown variation is in the area of the primary port 21 of the splitter 19 arranged perpendicular to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The splitter can comprise a necking 26, which is configured to divide the signal between the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. As can be seen from FIG. 10, in the first variation the necking 26 is arranged centered between the first secondary port 23 and the second secondary port 25, wherein the signal power is split equally between the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. Alternatively, the necking 26 can also be arranged with offset with respect to the center between the first secondary port 23 and the second secondary port 25, such that the signal power is split non-equally between the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. Both variations of the splitter 19 according to FIGS. 10 and 11 comprise at least one deflection element 27 configured to twist the polarization of the E-field. The deflection elements 27 of the splitter 19 according to FIG. 10 are configured such that the polarization of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 is equally polarized. The deflection elements 27 of the splitter 19 according to FIG. 11 are configured such that the polarization of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 are reversed. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the at least one deflection element 27 is arranged inside and/or outside of the waveguide channel 9 and/or the splitter 19 and comprises at least one out of the group of the following elements or a combination thereof: Step, recess, channel, bump, dented corner which are designed such that they protrude inside and/or outside the cross-section of the waveguide channel 9 and/or the splitter 19.
[0113] FIGS. 12-19 show a number of preferred variations. All variations shown in these figures comprise openings that are arranged collinear with respect to each other. Having the openings 13 aligned is particularly advantageous as it allows to realize symmetric patterns and avoid unwanted lobes outside of the main radiation planes. That is achieved with the present disclosure by altering the electric field and electric current distribution of the air-filled horizontal waveguide. The staggered design of all these variations generates a discontinuity that allows to twist the standard current distribution of a rectangular-like waveguide 9. The displacement is optimized to have the current maxima in phase at a distance of half guided wavelength and aligned in y direction, which allows for in-line placement of the radiating openings 13.
[0114] FIGS. 12-13 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 12) and the rear (FIG. 13) and a side view (FIG. 14) from a first variation of the array 14 of openings 13. The figures show the center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of the necking. The split signal excites through the first 23 and second 25 secondary port. The first part of the signal enters the first 22 and second part enters the second 24 waveguide channel branch with the help of the necking 27. The figures show a variation where every radiating opening 13 is coupled to an individual focusing cavity 28. This variation allows to increase the size of the radiating aperture, with direct positive impact on the directivity (and consequently gain).
[0115] FIGS. 14-15 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 18) and the rear (FIG. 19) and a side view (FIG. 20) from a second variation of the array 14 of openings 13. The figures show the center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of the necking. The figures show a variation where a single focusing cavity 28 is arranged on the radiating openings 13. This variation allows to increase the size of the radiating aperture, with direct positive impact on the directivity (and consequently gain). As shown in
[0116] FIGS. 16-17 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 24) and the rear (FIG. 25) and a side view (FIG. 26) from a third variation of the array 14 of openings 13 and show the center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially perpendicular to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of the necking. The split signal excites through the first 23 and second 25 secondary port. The first part of the signal enters the first 22 and second part enters the second 24 waveguide channel branch with the help of the necking 26.
[0117] FIGS. 18-19 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 27) and the rear (FIG. 28) and a side view (FIG. 29) from a fourth variation of the array 14 of openings 13 and show the center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of the necking 26. The split signal excites through the first 23 and second 25 secondary port. The first part of the signal enters the first 22 and second part enters the second 24 waveguide channel branch with the help of the necking 27.
[0118] FIGS. 20-21 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 30) and the rear (FIG. 31) and a side view (FIG. 32) from a fifth variation of the array 14 of openings 13 show the center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially perpendicular to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of the necking 26. The split signal excites through the first 23 and second 25 secondary port. The first part of the signal enters the first 22 and second part enters the second 24 waveguide channel branch with the help of the necking 26. In the shown variation the openings of the array 14 are arranged offset with respect to each other and a centerline 20.
[0119] FIGS. 22-23 show a perspective view from above (FIG. 33) and the rear (FIG. 34) and a side view (FIG. 35) from a sixth variation of the array of openings. The variation of FIGS. 33-35 is essentially similar to the variation of FIGS. 20-21 except for the ridge 34. The ridge 34 is arranged to be able to increase the surface area of the first 22 and second 24 channel branch sand therefore the resulting cross section 33 of the waveguide channel branches can be reduced. In the shown variation the center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 is realized by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially perpendicular to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of the necking. The split signal excites through the first 23 and second 25 secondary port. The first part of the signal enters the first 22 and second part enters the second 24 waveguide channel branch with the help of the necking 27. As shown in
[0120] FIGS. 24 a, b, c and 25 show alternative variations of an antenna assembly 6 wherein the back part 7 and/or the front part 8 compromise a number of pillars 30 arranged on the front face of the back part 15 or the back face of the front part 18 configured to form a waveguide channel 9 and guide the signal. In this case, the pillars 30 are arranged to enable a bandgap structure which is configured to compensate for potential manufacturing and assembly tolerances between the front 8 and the back 7 part, since a direct ohmic contact is not necessarily needed between them. All variations shown in FIGS. 24 a, b, c and 25 comprise electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures around the hollow waveguide channels 9. An electromagnetic band gap structure allows to block electromagnetic waves at a given range of frequencies, behaving as a conductive wall without the need to have direct and/or ohmic contact between the front 8 and back 7 part implementing a waveguide structure. They are usually achieved by forming periodic patterns, such as mushrooms in PCB technology or pillars 30 in waveguide technology.
[0121] As best visible in FIGS. 26 and 27, the second variation of the antenna assembly 6 comprises second waveguide apertures 11 which are horn shaped. The waveguide channels 9 interconnected to an antenna element 12 are arranged in the antenna assembly 6 by a rear first waveguide aperture 10. At the opposite end, the waveguide channel 9 ends in a second waveguide aperture 11 which serves to transmit and/or receive a signal. The shown variation of the antenna assembly 6, which in general acts as a MIMO antenna, comprises several antenna elements 12. The antenna assembly 6 preferably comprises a back part 7 and a front part 8, which can e.g., be made of metal and/or metallized plastic and/or any other material conductive at the surface. The radiating apertures 11, respectively in the shown variation the horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11, for each antenna element 12 are in the shown variation implemented in the front part 8, whereas the feedings apertures 10, respectively first waveguide apertures 10, of the individual antenna elements 12 are implemented in the back part 7. The routing of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to allow impedance matching and low-loss transmission of the RF signal, to maintain a specified phase relation between the different antenna elements 12, and to allow a proper manufacturing process. The cross section 33 of each waveguide channel 9 is optimized to guarantee a high-accuracy manufacturing of the back 7 and front 8 part. The walls of the first waveguide aperture 10, the waveguide channel 9, the waveguide splitter 19, and the array 14 of openings 13 are usually metallic or metallized. If appropriate, some of the antenna elements 12 may serve as transmitter (TX) only and some of the elements may serve as receiver (RX) only. In the shown variation the antenna assembly 6 comprises a number of horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11, wherein several of the antenna elements 12 comprise a radiating aperture which is designed as an array 14 of openings 13 arranged in a front face 17 of the upper front part 8. The remaining antenna elements 12 comprise openings 13 which are designed as horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11. Each feeding element consists of a feeding aperture 10 arranged in a back face 16 of the back part 7 of the antenna assembly 6. As best visible in FIG. 27, a flare section 36 is arranged adjacent to the horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11. As can be seen in FIG. 27, the flare section 36 is designed as an essentially trapezoidal shaped waveguide channel.
[0122] FIGS. 28 and 29 show a third (FIG. 28) and a fourth (FIG. 29) variation of the wave-guide splitter 19. Similar to the first and second variation of the waveguide splitter 19 according to FIGS. 10 and 11, the third and fourth variation each comprise at least one deflection element 27 configured to twist the polarization of the E-field. The deflection elements 27 of the splitter 19 are configured such that the polarization of the first waveguide channel branch 22 and the second waveguide channel branch 24 is equally polarized. The polarization twist of the fourth variation of the splitter 19 according to FIG. 28 is achieved with different cross sections between the primary port 21 and the first 23 and second 25 secondary port of the waveguide splitter 19.
[0123] FIGS. 30 and 31 show a seventh variation of the array 14 of openings 13 from a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 30) and the front and above (FIG. 31). The figures show a variation with center feeding of the array 14 of radiating openings 13 by a compact waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. The waveguide splitter 19 of the shown variation equally splits the vertically oriented signal entering through the waveguide primary port 21 into two horizontally oriented signals with the help of two deflection elements 27 designed as dented corners. The split signal excites through the first 23 and second 25 secondary port. The first part of the signal enters the first 22 and second part enters the second 24 waveguide channel branch. In the shown variation the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch each comprise a number of additional splitters 19 which interconnect the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch with a number of horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11. The number of splitters 19 is arranged collinear with respect to each other. Deflection elements 27 are arranged at a distal end of the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branches and/or at least one necking 26. The amplitude and phase relation between the two horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11 can be tuned by neckings 26 and deflection elements 27 arranged at the first 22 and/or second 24 waveguide channel branch and/or the second waveguide apertures 11.
[0124] FIGS. 32 and 33 show an eighth variation of the array 14 of openings 13 from a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 32) and the front and above (FIG. 33). The shown variation differs from the seventh variation in that the horn shaped second waveguide apertures 11 are angular offset (a) with respect to the splitter 19. The angular offset is configured to introduce a polarization twist in the respective horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11 such that the polarization of the radiation pattern is altered. Good results can be achieved when the polarization is changed from pure horizontal (0) to slant)(45 or vertical (90) polarization. The shown variation is configured to introduce a change in the polarization to a slant polarization of essentially 45. The polarization is twisted by a series of deflection elements 27 such that a smooth transition is achieved. The advantage of the shown variation is that the polarization can be changed without an additional antenna layer. FIGS. 34 and 35 show a ninth variation of the array 14 of openings 13 from a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 34) and the front and above (FIG. 35). The shown variation comprises a waveguide splitter 19 that is arranged essentially parallel to the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. Besides the waveguide splitter 19 the shown array further comprises vertical splitters designed as horn shaped second waveguide aperture.
[0125] FIGS. 36 and 37 show a tenth variation of the array 14 of openings 13 from a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 36) and the front and above (FIG. 37). The shown variation of the array comprises a number of deflection elements 27 designed to twist the electric field from the vertical to the horizontal plane and, at the same time, to implement impedance matching. The waveguide splitter 19 is designed to fold the electric field keeping impedance matching. The necking 26 is designed to split the signal into the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch. Depending on the design of the necking 26 an asymmetric power/phase distribution between the first 22 and second 24 waveguide channel branch can be achieved. FIGS. 38 and 39 show an eleventh variation of the array 14 of openings 13 from a perspective view from the rear and above (FIG. 38) and the front and above (FIG. 39). The shown variation differs from the tenth variation in that a focusing cavity 28 is arranged on top of the array.
[0126] FIGS. 40 and 41 show a sectional perspective view of the distal end of the waveguide channel 9 with thereto interconnected folded horn 35 from the front and above (FIG. 40) and from the back and above (FIG. 41). A flare section 36 is arranged adjacent to the horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11. The shown flare section 36 is arranged essentially perpendicular with respect to the waveguide channel 9 and the at least one opening 13 is arranged essentially parallel to the waveguide channel 9. Alternatively, or in addition, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11 can comprise at least one ridge 37. In the shown variation the horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11 comprises two ridges 37 which are arranged opposite to each other. The ridge 37 is configured to introduce an electrical delay of the propagating mode in the central part of the waveguide, which contributes to a further reduction of the phase error and obtaining higher values of directivity. As can be seen in FIGS. 40 and 41, the flare section 37 is designed as an essentially trapezoidal shaped waveguide channel. At least one of the walls of the flare section 36 is typically arranged angular with respect to the horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11. The flare angle ((3) of the shown variation of the flare section 36 starts in the horizontal plane, which allows to obtain the same efficiency as known horns but with reduced height. The shown deflection elements 27 in form of dented corners introduce a 90 rotation of the E-field. The flare section 36 is designed as horizontally oriented waveguide. In the shown variation the waveguide of the waveguide channel 9 and/or the horn shaped second waveguide aperture 11 are designed as vertically oriented waveguides. The E-field is folded from a horizontal orientation within the waveguide channel 9 to a vertical orientation within the flare section 36 and/or is folded from the vertical orientation within the flare section 36 to a horizontal orientation within the opening 13. Deflection elements 27 can be arranged at the waveguide channel 9 and/or the opening 13 such that the E-filed can be folded. In case of received signals, the orientation of the E-field is vice versa.
[0127] FIG. 42 shows a lateral view of the splitter 19 and a twelfth variation of the array 14 of openings with an asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavity. As can be seen the funnel cavity is laterally displaced with respect to the radiating aperture 11. The asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavity creates a tilt in the radiation properties of the antenna device 1. The impact of the lateral displacement can be seen in FIG. 43. FIG. 43 shows a diagram showing the radiation pattern of the antenna device 1 with an asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavity. Having a local maximum in the antenna directivity can help to focus the antenna energy in certain areas. The tilted pattern can be useful to have a further range in given areas of the radar. Good results can be for example achieved in automotive applications as the tilted pattern makes it possible to have a locally wider range. Therefore, for example a laterally incoming car can be detected earlier on by the antenna device 1.
[0128] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a fourteenth variation of the array 14 of openings. An outgoing signal is divided in two signals and feed into the first 22 and the second 24 waveguide channel branch. Both waveguide channel branches 22, 24 comprise a first section with deflection elements that change the polarization from horizontal to vertical. The signals are each further split in two new branches which each contain two arrays 14 of radiating apertures each. As can be seen the cross sections of the openings 13 differ. The array comprises smaller openings 40 and wider openings 41. An array 14 comprising openings 13 with differing cross sections causes a phase difference between the radiation of each opening 13. The phase difference causes a tilt of the overall radiation pattern of the array 14. As can be seen in FIG. 45, the splitter 19 and a fourteenth variation of the array 14 of openings shown by FIG. 44 can be also combined with an asymmetrically arranged funnel 28 cavity. The funnel can be asymmetrically arranged with a lateral displacement to obtain the effect as shown by the diagram of FIG. 43.
[0129] FIGS. 46 and 47 show two variations of splitters 19 with multiple branch arrays 14. In case that more directive or complex radiation patterns are required, multiple slot arrays 14 can be arranged in the horizontal plane with the appropriate feeding network. FIG. 46 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a fifteenth variation of the array 14 of openings designed as multiple branch arrays 14. The first 38 and the second 39 column of arrays 14 are arranged as a corporate network wherein both columns 38, 39 are fed with equal amplitude and phase for maximum directivity. FIG. 47 shows a perspective view from the rear and above from the splitter 19 and a sixteenth variation of the array 14 designed as multiple branch arrays 14. The shown first 38 and second 39 columns of arrays 14 are arranged as a serial feeding network. The second columns 39 are feed with a phase shift which creates a beam tilt and/or maximize the directivity.
[0130] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
