Radome for automotive radar patch antenna

Abstract

A novel and useful radome suitable for use in an automotive radar system that employs patch antenna arrays. In one embodiment, the radome is a ‘U’ shaped half cylinder for patch antenna arrays such as on a printed circuit board (PCB). The patch antennas may or may not be situated in the same plane. Each array has its own half cylinder associated with it. Each array may have a different antenna pattern with different gain and side lobes. In this case, each patch antenna array has its own radome configured appropriately. Alternatively, the radome comprises a half sphere shape (or bubble shape) whereby each antenna port has its own individual half sphere shaped radome. This functions to improve the performance of the radome by increasing the number of curved dimensions from one to two.

Claims

1. A radome for use with an automotive radar antenna, comprising: a cover configured to cover a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a plurality of radiating element arrays are formed, including at least one transmit radiating element array and at least one receive radiating element array; said cover comprising a first substantially hallow half cylinder portion located over said at least one transmit radiating element array; said cover comprising a second substantially hallow half cylinder portion located over said at least one receive radiating element array; and wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion are configured such that electromagnetic waves radiating from said at least one transmit radiating element array and said at least one receive radiating element array, respectively, are incident thereon at a substantially perpendicular angle.

2. The radome according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion comprise a dielectric material selected from a group consisting of thermoplastic polyetherimide based polymer, fiberglass, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PTFE coated fabric, and polyurethane.

3. The radome according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion have a thickness of approximately one half relative wavelength.

4. The radome according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion are configured such that phase delay for electromagnetic waves radiating from said at least one transmit radiating element array and said at least one receive radiating element array therethrough, respectively, are substantially equal.

5. The radome according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion have the same radius of curvature.

6. The radome according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion have different radii of curvature.

7. The radome according to claim 1, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion are configured at a first particular height and a second particular height, respectively, above said PCB.

8. An automotive vehicle radar antenna, comprising: a housing mountable on an automotive vehicle and having an interior, said housing configured to secure within said interior a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a plurality of radiating element arrays are formed, including at least one transmit radiating element array and at least one receive radiating element array; a radome configured to cover and enclose said PCB; said radome comprising a first substantially hallow half cylinder portion located over said at least one transmit radiating element array; said radome comprising a second substantially hallow half cylinder portion located over said at least one receive radiating element array; and wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion are configured such that electromagnetic waves radiating from said at least one transmit radiating element array and said at least one receive radiating element array, respectively, are incident thereon at a substantially perpendicular angle.

9. The radar antenna according to claim 8, where said radome further comprises a plurality of fins extending from a surface thereof, said plurality of fins configured to secure said radome to said housing.

10. The radar antenna according to claim 9, where said fins are configured to snap-fit to said housing.

11. The radar antenna according to claim 9, where said fins are configured to be fastened to said housing via screws.

12. The radar antenna according to claim 8, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion comprise a dielectric material selected from a group consisting of thermoplastic polyetherimide based polymer, fiberglass, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PTFE coated fabric, and polyurethane.

13. The radar antenna according to claim 8, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion have a thickness of approximately one half relative wavelength.

14. The radar antenna according to claim 8, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion are configured such that phase delay for electromagnetic waves radiating from said at least one transmit radiating element array and said at least one receive radiating element array therethrough, respectively, are substantially equal.

15. The radar antenna according to claim 8, wherein said first substantially hallow half cylinder portion and said second substantially hallow half cylinder portion have different radius of curvature.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention is explained in further detail in the following exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, where identical or similar elements may be partly indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and the features of various exemplary embodiments being combinable. The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example printed circuit board (PCB) having multiple patch antennas;

(3) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a top view of an example radome for patch antenna arrays;

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first perspective view of an example radome for patch antenna arrays;

(5) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second perspective view an example radome for patch antenna arrays;

(6) FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example half cylinder shaped radome located over a transmit patch antenna array;

(7) FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a side view of the example radome of FIG. 5A;

(8) FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example transmit patch antenna array;

(9) FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating return loss graph for an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(10) FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating isolation graph for an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(11) FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 1 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(12) FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 2 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(13) FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 3 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(14) FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 5 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(15) FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 7 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(16) FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 8 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(17) FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 9 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(18) FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth gain of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(19) FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 1 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(20) FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 2 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(21) FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 3 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(22) FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 5 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(23) FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 7 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(24) FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 8 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(25) FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 9 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(26) FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of elevation gain of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(27) FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth phase of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array;

(28) FIG. 26A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example half cylinder shaped radome located over a receive patch antenna array;

(29) FIG. 26B is a diagram illustrating a side view of the example radome of FIG. 26A;

(30) FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating return loss graph for an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(31) FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating isolation graph for an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(32) FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 1 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(33) FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 2 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(34) FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 3 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(35) FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth gain of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(36) FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 1 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(37) FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 2 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(38) FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 3 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(39) FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of elevation gain of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(40) FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth phase of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array;

(41) FIG. 38A is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example spherical shaped radome located over a patch antenna array;

(42) FIG. 38B is a diagram illustrating a side view of the example radome of FIG. 38A;

(43) FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a top view of the example radome and patch antenna array of FIG. 38A; and

(44) FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view an example radome for patch antenna arrays incorporating half sphere structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(45) In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

(46) Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention which are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

(47) The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings.

(48) The figures constitute a part of this specification and include illustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the like shown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

(49) Because the illustrated embodiments of the present invention may for the most part, be implemented using electronic components and circuits known to those skilled in the art, details will not be explained in any greater extent than that considered necessary, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present invention.

(50) Any reference in the specification to a method should be applied mutatis mutandis to a system capable of executing the method. Any reference in the specification to a system should be applied mutatis mutandis to a method that may be executed by the system.

(51) Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an example embodiment,” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment,” “in an alternative embodiment,” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

(52) In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

(53) A diagram illustrating an example printed circuit board (PCB) having multiple patch antennas is shown in FIG. 1. The example PCB, generally referenced 10, comprises one or more patch antennas 12, 14. In this illustrative example, four groups of patch antenna arrays are shown. The two upper horizontal patch antenna arrays 12 are receive antennas and the two lower vertical patch antenna arrays 14 on the left and right sides are transmit antennas. Note that the PCB may comprise any number of transmit and receive patch antennas.

(54) A diagram illustrating a top view of an example radome for patch antenna arrays is shown in FIG. 2. The example radome, generally referenced 20, is substantially flat with raised horizontal portions 22 and raised vertical portions 24 that protrude upwards from the flat surface of the radome. The horizontal projections 22 are configured to lie over the receive antennas 12 on the PCB and the vertical projections 24 are configured to lie over the transmit antennas 14. Note that the term radome as used here typically refers to the half cylinder raised portions. In the case of multiple patch antennas, several ‘radomes’ are employed where they are connected by flat portions. In the example shown, there are four radome portions ‘connected’ or ‘joined’ by a relatively large flat portion. Note also that occasionally, the term radome is used to refer to the entire assembly consisting of the raised portions that lie over the patch antenna arrays and the flat connecting portion as well.

(55) A diagram illustrating a first perspective view an example radome for patch antenna arrays is shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the raised receive portion 22 of the radome 20 comprises a hallowed out half cylinder shape. Similarly, the raised transmit portion 24 of the radome 20 also comprises a hallowed out half cylinder shape. In addition, the radome comprises a plurality of tabs 26 the function to fasten the radome to a housing (not shown). In this example, the tabs comprises screw holes 28 for fastening the radome to the housing.

(56) A diagram illustrating a second perspective view an example radome for patch antenna arrays is shown in FIG. 4. The radome 20 is shown in position over a housing or chassis 29 that houses the PCB. The housing comprises mounting holes for screws or other suitable fasteners and is configured to mate with the tabs 26 of the radome. The receive and transmit portions 22, 24, respectively, are shown protruding from the surface of the radome.

(57) A diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example radome located over a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 5A. A diagram illustrating a side view of an example radome located over a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 5B. The half cylinder shaped radome 32 is shown in position over PCB 30 on which is fabricated patch antenna array 42 comprising a plurality of antenna patch elements 36. Also shown are high frequency vias 34 that electrically connects the patch antennas on one side of the PCB 30 to circuit traces on the opposite side.

(58) In one embodiment, the radome 32 comprises a convex hallowed out half cylinder shape that forms an internal cavity or void 40. It is positioned over the patch antenna elements 36. The example radome disclosed herein is suitable for different patch antenna arrays located on the same plane printed on a PCB. The radome is constructed to have a certain thickness 38 that varies with the particular material of the radome and the frequency of the signal. The radius of curvature of the radome also varies depending on the implementation and physical layout of the patch antenna array. The half cylinder radome located over each patch antenna array may have a different radius and thickness depending on the characteristics of the underlying patch antenna array. For example, the radii of the radomes over receive antenna arrays may be different than that for transmit antenna arrays. As described supra, the example PCB shown herein comprises two different antennas, transmit and receive. Each of the transmit and receive antennas radiates in a different pattern and has different gain and side lobes. These characteristics require a different radome for each antenna.

(59) In one embodiment, the radome for transmit antennas comprises a curved ‘U’ shape half cylinder having precise width and length, thickness, radius, and height above the PCB. Such a radome overcomes the disadvantages and problems of prior art radomes.

(60) Note that the half cylinder shape contributes to equalizing the phase delay for each electromagnetic wave that radiates from the antenna and travels through the radome. Due to the half cylinder shaped geometry, the spherical shape of the radiated wave intersects with the surface of the radome at a substantially perpendicular angle. According to well-known electromagnetic theory, assuming that the wave is a plane wave at the area of intersecting, the scatter angle inside the radome is identical to the incident angle. Thus, the radiation pattern is substantially unaffected while passing through the radome.

(61) Note that the thickness of the transmit antenna radome is determined in accordance with, inter alia, the material, dielectric constant, and the frequency of the antenna. In one embodiment, one half wavelength (i.e. the relative wavelength) is selected which causes a standing wave to be created inside the radomewhich radiates outwards with maximum gain.

(62) It is noted that prior art radomes in common use today are typically flat. At high frequencies, however, the flat radome creates problems and reduces performance regarding several radar characteristics such as radiation pattern, gain, sidelobes, isolation, and impedance matching. The flat radome having the same width and height above the antenna has a much narrower field of view and does not match the gain of the antenna.

(63) The transmit antenna radome may be constructed of any suitable material such as a dielectric material. For example, the dielectric material may comprise thermoplastic polyetherimide based polymer, fiberglass, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PTFE coated fabric, and polyurethane. In one embodiment, Ultem 1000 resin, manufactured by GE Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass., United States, is used to construct the radome. Ultem resin has characteristics of high heat resistance, high strength and modulus and broad chemical resistance up to high temperatures. The material relative permittivity (dielectric constant) D.sub.k of Ultem resin is 3.05 and the material loss tangent D.sub.f is 0.003. It is noted that the choice of material and frequency of the signal determine the thickness of the material to achieve minimum energy loss therethrough.

(64) In one embodiment, the thickness of the material forming the curved half cylinder shaped portion over the transmit patch antenna array is λ.sub.r/2 where λ.sub.r is the relative wavelength of the signal within the material. In one embodiment the thickness is approximately 1.1 mm which is also the approximate height above the PCB. The radius of curvature of the radome is approximately 14 mm. The minimum distance between the top and bottom of the transmit antenna to the lid of the radome is approximately 12 mm. Note that the curved portion of the radome is not intended to act as a lens and thus it has no focal point.

(65) Several advantages of the radome include: (1) the characteristics of the radome over each individual patch antenna array on the same PCB can be adjusted for each antenna, e.g., radius, thickness, etc.; (2) coherent results with the antenna are achieved as compared to without any radome (i.e. used as reference antenna); (3) the radome is essentially transparent to the RF energy passing through it; and (4) the curved shape of the radome provides additional mechanical strength.

(66) It is appreciated that radomes having other shapes can be constructed, such as spherical, geodesic, planar, etc. depending on the particular application, using any desired construction material such as plastics, fiberglass, PTFE-coated fabric, etc.

(67) Performance results of a transmit patch antenna array with the radome of the present invention and no radome at all are presented infra. It is observed in the graphs shown that the radome of the present invention presents minimal distortion in gain and sidelobes in both azimuth and elevation.

(68) A diagram illustrating an example transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 6. The example patch antenna array 40 used for simulation purposes is shown having nine antenna elements or ports 36, namely ports 1 through 9, fabricated on PCB 30. The invention, however, can be used with patch antenna arrays having any number of ports or elements.

(69) A diagram illustrating return loss graph for an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 7. In this graph, the return loss S.sub.i,i parameter is shown for ports 1 through 9. For most of the ports, the return loss is approximately −25 dB around 76.5 GHz.

(70) A diagram illustrating isolation graph for an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 8. In this graph, the isolation S.sub.i,j (i≠j) is shown for ports 1 through 9. The isolation ranges between approximately −24 dB and −67 dB.

(71) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 1 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 9. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 1 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 50) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 52). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(72) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 2 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 10. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 2 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 54) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 56). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(73) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 3 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 11. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 3 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 58) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 60). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(74) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 5 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 12. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 5 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 62) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 64). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(75) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 7 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 13. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 7 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 66) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 68). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(76) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 8 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 14. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 8 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 70) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 72). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(77) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 9 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 15. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 9 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 74) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 76). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the wide field of view (±100 degrees) of the antenna element.

(78) A diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth gain of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 16. In this graph, a comparison of the azimuth gains of ports 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 are shown with the radome of the present invention. Note that the gain performance of the different ports track each other well between ±100 degree field of view.

(79) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 1 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 17. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 1 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 78) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 80). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(80) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 2 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 18. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 2 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 82) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 84). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(81) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 3 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 19. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 3 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 86) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 88). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(82) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 5 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 20. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 5 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 90) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 92). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(83) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 7 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 21. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 7 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 94) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 96). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(84) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 8 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 22. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 8 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 98) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 100). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(85) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 9 of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 23. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 9 signal is shown for both without the radome (trace 102) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 104). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±50 degrees) of the antenna element.

(86) A diagram illustrating a comparison of elevation gain of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 24. In this graph, a comparison of the elevation gains of ports 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 are shown with the radome of the present invention. Note that the gain performance of the different ports track each other well between ±50 degree field of view.

(87) A diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth phase of an example radome for a transmit patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 25. In this graph, a comparison of the azimuth phase of ports 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9 are shown with the radome of the present invention. Note that the phase performance of the different ports track each other well between approximately ±80 degree field of view.

(88) A diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example radome located over a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 26A. A diagram illustrating a side view of an example radome located over a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 26B. The half cylinder shaped radome 112 is shown in position over PCB 110 on which is fabricated patch antenna array 116 comprising a plurality of antenna patch elements 118. Also shown are high frequency vias 114 that electrically connects the patch antennas on one side of the PCB 110 to circuit traces on the opposite side.

(89) In one embodiment, the radome 112 comprises a convex hallowed out half cylinder shape that forms an internal cavity or void 111. It is positioned over the patch antenna elements 118. The example radome disclosed herein is suitable for different patch antenna arrays located on the same plane printed on a PCB. The radome is constructed to have a certain thickness 113 that varies with the particular material of the radome and the frequency of the signal. The radius of curvature of the radome also varies depending on the implementation and physical layout of the patch antenna array. The half cylinder radome located over each patch antenna array may have a different radius and thickness depending on the characteristics of the underlying patch antenna array. For example, the radii of the radomes over receive antenna arrays may be different than that for transmit antenna arrays. As described supra, the example PCB shown herein comprises two different antennas, transmit and receive. Each of the transmit and receive antennas radiates in a different pattern and has different gain and side lobes. These characteristics require a different radome for each antenna.

(90) The example patch antenna array 116 used for simulation purposes is shown having three antenna elements or ports 118, namely ports 1 through 3, fabricated on PCB 110. The invention, however, can be used with patch antenna arrays having any number of ports or elements.

(91) Similar to the radome for transmit antennas described supra, in one embodiment, the radome for receive antennas comprises a curved ‘U’ shape half cylinder having precise width and length, thickness, radius, and height above the PCB.

(92) Note that the half cylinder shape contributes to equalizing the phase delay for each electromagnetic wave that radiates from the antenna and travels through the radome. Due to the half cylinder shaped geometry, the spherical shape of the radiated wave intersects with the surface of the radome in a substantially perpendicular angle. According to well-known electromagnetic theory, assuming that the wave is a plane wave at the area of intersecting, the scatter angle inside the radome is identical to the incident angle. Thus, the radiation pattern is substantially unaffected while passing through the radome.

(93) Note that the thickness of the receive antenna radome is determined in accordance with, inter alia, the material, dielectric constant, and the frequency of the antenna. In one embodiment, one half wavelength (i.e. the relative wavelength) is selected which causes a standing wave to be created inside the radome which radiates outwards with maximum gain.

(94) The receive antenna radome may be constructed of any suitable material such as a dielectric material. For example, the dielectric material may comprise thermoplastic polyetherimide based polymer, fiberglass, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PTFE coated fabric, and polyurethane. In one embodiment, Ultem 1000 resin is used to construct the radome.

(95) In one embodiment, the thickness of the material forming the curved half cylinder shaped portion over the receive patch antenna array is λ.sub.r/2 where λ.sub.r is the relative wavelength of the signal within the material. In one embodiment the thickness is approximately 1.1 mm which is also the approximate height above the PCB. The radius of curvature of the radome is approximately 8 mm. The minimum distance between the top receive antenna and the lid of the radome is approximately 20 mm. Note that the curved portion of the radome is not intended to act as a lens and thus it has no focal point.

(96) Performance results of a receive patch antenna array with the radome of the present invention and no radome at all are presented infra. It is observed in the graphs shown that the radome of the present invention presents minimal distortion in gain and sidelobes in both azimuth and elevation.

(97) A diagram illustrating return loss graph for an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 27. In this graph, the return loss S.sub.i,i parameter is shown for ports 1 through 3. For most of the ports, the return loss is approximately −21 dB at 76.5 GHz.

(98) A diagram illustrating isolation graph for an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 28. In this graph, the isolation S.sub.i,j (i≠j) is shown for ports 1 through 3. The isolation ranges between approximately −28 dB and −31 dB.

(99) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 1 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 29. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 1 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 120) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 122). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±75 degrees) of the antenna element.

(100) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 2 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 30. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 2 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 124) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 126). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±75 degrees) of the antenna element.

(101) A diagram illustrating azimuth gain for port 3 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 31. In this graph, the azimuth gain for the port 3 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 128) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 130). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±75 degrees) of the antenna element.

(102) A diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth gain of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 32. In this graph, a comparison of the azimuth gains of ports 1, 2, and 3 are shown with the radome of the present invention. Note that the gain performance of the different ports track each other well between ±75 degree field of view.

(103) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 1 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 33. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 1 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 132) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 134). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±25 degrees) of the antenna element.

(104) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 2 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 34. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 2 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 136) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 138). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±25 degrees) of the antenna element.

(105) A diagram illustrating elevation gain for port 3 of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 35. In this graph, the elevation gain for the port 3 signal is shown for both without the radome (i.e. reference gain) (trace 140) and with the radome of the present invention (trace 142). As shown, the gain with the radome substantially tracks the gain without the radome and barely impacts the field of view (±25 degrees) of the antenna element.

(106) A diagram illustrating a comparison of elevation gain of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 36. In this graph, a comparison of the elevation gains of ports 1, 2, and 3 are shown with the radome of the present invention. Note that the gain performance of the different ports track each other well between ±25 degree field of view.

(107) A diagram illustrating a comparison of azimuth phase of an example radome for a receive patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 37. In this graph, a comparison of the azimuth phase of ports 1, 2, and 3 are shown with the radome of the present invention. Note that the phase performance of the different ports track each other well between approximately ±80 degree field of view.

(108) In an alternative embodiment, the half cylinder shaped radome that covers the entire patch antenna array is replaced with a plurality of half sphere shaped radomes. Each half sphere shaped radome is located over an individual antenna element or port in the array.

(109) A diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example spherical shaped radome located over a patch antenna array is shown in FIG. 38A. A diagram illustrating a side view of the example radome of FIG. 38A is shown in FIG. 38B. A diagram illustrating a top view of the example radome and patch antenna array of FIG. 38A is shown in FIG. 39. The half sphere (i.e. bubble) shaped radome 156 is shown in position over PCB 150 on which is fabricated patch antenna array 158 comprising a plurality of antenna patch elements 160 including antenna port 154. Other than the region of half spheres, the remainder of the radome 150 comprises a generally flat portion 157. Also shown is a high frequency via 152 that electrically connects the patch antennas on one side of the PCB 150 to circuit traces on the opposite side.

(110) In one embodiment, the radome 156 comprises a convex hallowed out half sphere (i.e. bubble) shape that forms an internal cavity or void 164. It is positioned over the patch antenna port 154. Note that this example antenna has only a single port. It is appreciated that the radome may be used with antennas having any number of ports. The example radome disclosed herein is suitable for different patch antenna arrays located on the same plane printed on a PCB. The radome is constructed to have a certain thickness 162 that varies with the particular material of the radome and the frequency of the signal. The radius of curvature of the half spherical radome also varies depending on the implementation and physical layout of the patch antenna array. The half spherical radome located over each patch antenna array may have a different radius and thickness depending on the characteristics of the underlying antenna port. For example, the radii of the radomes over receive antenna ports may be different than that for transmit antenna ports.

(111) A diagram illustrating a perspective view an example radome for patch antenna arrays incorporating half sphere structures is shown in FIG. 40. The radome, generally referenced 170, comprises a generally flat portion 184, connection tables 176 with mounting holes 178, an array 182 of half spheres 172 configured to lie over the receive patch antenna array, and an array 180 of half spheres 174 configured to lie over the left and right transmit patch antenna arrays.

(112) Similar to the half cylinder shaped radome described supra, the half spherical radome may be constructed of any suitable material such as a dielectric material. The dielectric material may comprise thermoplastic polyetherimide based polymer, fiberglass, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PTFE coated fabric, and polyurethane.

(113) In one embodiment, the thickness of the material forming the curved half sphere shaped portion over the antenna port is λ.sub.r/2 where λ.sub.r is the relative wavelength of the signal within the material. Note that the curved portion of the radome is not intended to act as a lens and thus it has no focal point.

(114) It is noted that the performance of the half sphere shaped radome is likely to exceed that of the half cylinder shaped radome described supra. This is due to the fact that the curvature of the half sphere shaped radome is in two dimensions whereas in the half cylinder shaped radome it is only in one dimension. In effect, the half sphere shaped radome is the optimal case of the half cylinder shaped radome. In this case, rather than ‘sharing’ the radome along the long axis of the path antenna array, in the half sphere shaped radome embodiment, each antenna port has its own individual half sphere radome which functions to improve the performance.

(115) Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediary components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

(116) Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the above described operations merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be altered in various other embodiments.

(117) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

(118) In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an.” The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

(119) The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. As numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the limited number of embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that all suitable variations, modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.