Abstract: Antenna assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies, and related waveguide assemblies. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a waveguide groove having a waveguide ridge positioned therein. The waveguide groove may extend along an axis with the waveguide ridge intermittently extending on opposite sides of the axis in a periodic or at least quasiperiodic manner along at least a portion of the waveguide ridge. An antenna structure, such as a plurality of slots, may be operably coupled with the waveguide ridge and may be positioned and configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide groove therethrough.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an antenna block defining a first waveguide on a first side of the antenna block and a second waveguide on a second side of the antenna block. The assembly may comprise a vertical waveguide extending from the first side of the antenna block to the second side of the antenna block. The vertical waveguide may be functionally coupled with the first waveguide and the second waveguide. One or both of the first and second waveguides may comprise a transitional region configured to facilitate redirection of electromagnetic waves to the vertical waveguide.

Abstract: Waveguide and/or antenna structures for use in RADAR sensor assemblies and the like. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a waveguide groove extending along an elongated axis. An antenna structure may be operably coupled with the waveguide groove and may comprise one or more slots extending within the waveguide groove along the elongated axis. The antenna structure may be positioned and configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide groove therethrough. The waveguide groove and/or the slot(s) of the antenna structure may intermittently oscillate on opposite sides of the elongated axis, in some embodiments in a periodic manner, along at least a portion of the elongated axis.

Abstract: Antenna and/or waveguide assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies, along with associated signal confinement structures. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an antenna block defining one or more waveguides. A conductive layer may be coupled to the antenna block to form, at least in part, a wall of the waveguide. The assembly may comprise one or more periodic structures that may be operably coupled to the waveguide, each of which may comprise a first elongated opening and a first series of repeated slots extending at least substantially transverse to the first elongated opening, wherein each of the first series of repeated slots is spaced apart from an adjacent slot in the first series of repeated slots along the first elongated opening.

Abstract: RADAR sensor assemblies/modules, particularly those for vehicles. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a plurality of waveguides, each waveguide of the plurality of waveguides being defined by a waveguide groove. A slot may be positioned to extend along an axis of each of the plurality of waveguide grooves. Each of the waveguides may be further defined, at least in part, by a periodic feature that extends back and forth in a periodic manner along at least a portion of its respective waveguide and a plurality of periodic signal confinement structures, a first periodic signal confinement structure of which may extend adjacent to a first side of each of the plurality of waveguides, and a second periodic signal confinement structure which may extend along a second side of each of the plurality of waveguides opposite the first side.

Abstract: Waveguide module assemblies for vehicles, such as radar sensor waveguide feed to waveguide transition assemblies. In some embodiments, an antenna module may comprise an antenna assembly that includes a resonating element and a waveguide component that defines, at least in part, a waveguide configured to guide electromagnetic energy radiating from the resonating element. The resonating element of the antenna assembly may directly feed electromagnetic energy into the waveguide defined by the waveguide component.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an antenna block defining a first waveguide on a first side of the antenna block and a second waveguide on a second side of the antenna block. The assembly may comprise a vertical waveguide extending from the first side of the antenna block to the second side of the antenna block. The vertical waveguide may be functionally coupled with the first waveguide and the second waveguide. One or both of the first and second waveguides may comprise a transitional region configured to facilitate redirection of electromagnetic waves to the vertical waveguide.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an antenna block defining a waveguide groove and an adapter portion comprising a ridge. The ridge may taper or otherwise transition in height and/or width to facilitate a transition between two adjacent elements of the assembly, such as two adjacent waveguide structures comprising ridges having different cross-sectional dimensions.

Abstract: Waveguide module assemblies for vehicles, such as radar sensor waveguide feed to waveguide transition assemblies. In some embodiments, an antenna module may comprise an antenna assembly that includes a resonating element and a waveguide component that defines, at least in part, a waveguide configured to guide electromagnetic energy radiating from the resonating element. The resonating element of the antenna assembly may directly feed electromagnetic energy into the waveguide defined by the waveguide component.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies, such as RADAR or other sensor antenna assemblies for vehicles. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an antenna block defining a waveguide groove on a first side of the antenna block with opposing rows of posts positioned opposite from one another. A plurality of antenna slots may be positioned in the waveguide groove and may extend from the first side of the antenna block to a second side of the antenna block opposite the first side. A PCB or other means for generating electromagnetic energy may be coupled with the antenna block and be configured to feed the waveguide groove with an EM signal. The plurality of antenna slots formed in the antenna block may be configured to radiate electromagnetic energy from the antenna block.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies, and related waveguide assemblies. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise a waveguide groove having a waveguide ridge positioned therein. The waveguide groove may extend along an axis with the waveguide ridge intermittently extending on opposite sides of the axis in a periodic or at least quasiperiodic manner along at least a portion of the waveguide ridge. An antenna structure, such as a plurality of slots, may be operably coupled with the waveguide ridge and may be positioned and configured to deliver electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide groove therethrough.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies for vehicles, such as RADAR sensor antenna assemblies. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an antenna block defining an array of waveguide grooves on a first side of the antenna block. A slotted layer comprising a plurality of slots may be coupled with the antenna block with the slots at least partially aligned with the waveguide grooves of the antenna block. An adhesive layer may be positioned in between the antenna block and the slotted layer.

Abstract: A compact millimeter-wave transmitter and receiver make use of interconnections within a chip-containing package for providing an integrated antenna. Due to shorter wavelength of millimeter-waves, these interconnections can be used as antennas for radiation of electromagnetic waves. A dielectric cover or lens is provided within the package to increase the antenna's directivity and to provide a mechanical shield for the chip.

Abstract: A compact millimeter-wave transmitter and receiver make use of interconnections within a chip-containing package for providing an integrated antenna. Due to shorter wavelength of millimeter-waves, these interconnections can be used as antennas for radiation of electromagnetic waves. A dielectric cover or lens is provided within the package to increase the antenna's directivity and to provide a mechanical shield for the chip.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method including a circuit including an element having an electrical impedance, an input node to receive a signal, and an output node to couple to a load; a sensing circuit coupled to the input node and the output node to sense a differential voltage between the input and output nodes and to sense a detected voltage at the input node; and a multiplier circuit to receive the differential voltage and to receive the detected voltage. The multiplier circuit provides an output voltage proportional to the instantaneous power delivered to the load based on the differential voltage, the detected voltage, and the impedance of the element. A system may further include a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA). A method may further include controlling a gain of the RF PA to maintain the power delivered to the load at a predetermined level based on the output voltage of the multiplier circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method including a circuit including an element having an electrical impedance, an input node to receive a signal, and an output node to couple to a load; a sensing circuit coupled to the input node and the output node to sense a differential voltage between the input and output nodes and to sense a detected voltage at the input node; and a multiplier circuit to receive the differential voltage and to receive the detected voltage. The multiplier circuit provides an output voltage proportional to the instantaneous power delivered to the load based on the differential voltage, the detected voltage, and the impedance of the element. A system may further include a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA). A method may further include controlling a gain of the RF PA to maintain the power delivered to the load at a predetermined level based on the output voltage of the multiplier circuit.

Abstract: A local multipoint distribution service system having an antenna (1) for transmitting a signal of reused frequency within a specified range from the antenna (1), the antenna (1) having multiple radiating antenna elements, each of the antenna elements being adjusted in phase and in amplitude of radiated signal across the radiationg elements to mitigate radiation above the horizon, and each of the antenna elements being adjusted in phase and in amplitude of radiated signal therefrom to decrease attenuation in radiated power with distance from the antenna (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing frequency acquisition and locking detection for a phase lock loop is disclosed. The phase lock loop locks a receiver local oscillator to the frequency and phase of an RF carrier to allow data to be recovered from the RF carrier in the receiver. An analog mixer in the phase lock loop compares the frequency and phase of a receive LO output by a voltage controlled oscillator in the phase lock loop and the received RF carrier. A locking indicator dependent on the result of the comparison indicates whether the phase lock loop is locked. The locking indicator is coupled to a comparator. The comparator generates a pulse to close a switch in order to inject a periodic sweeping signal generated by a free running multi vibrator into the phase lock loop to push the receiver LO into the locking range.

Abstract: A transition from a planar transmission line to a waveguide has a planar transmission line patterned onto a glass substrate. A mode transformer 1 on the substrate 3 is electrically connected to a transmission line 2 and converts a transverse electric or quasi-transverse electric mode signal carried by the transmission line to a waveguide mode signal. A combination of a first extension of the substrate 3 and a dielectric portion having some depth makes up a first impedance matching element 13. A second impedance matching element 14 is a combination of a second extension of the substrate 3 and a dielectric portion having another depth greater than the first depth. The aperture created by the second impedance matching element launches an RF signal into the air for use as a wireless communication signal. Also disclosed is a method for optimizing a transition according to the teachings of the present invention for alternative dimensions and dielectrics.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier or amplification stage uses a current steering circuit to split amplifier output current between a gain path and a shunt path to control amplifier gain. One or more primary current steering circuit devices in the gain and shunt paths are inversely controlled to determine in what ratio the amplifier output current splits between the gain and shunt paths. One or more smaller, secondary current steering circuit devices connect in parallel with gain path primary circuit devices and are commonly controlled with the shunt path primary circuit devices. This arrangement insures a well-controlled minimum gain path current at a minimum amplifier gain setting. Minimum gain occurs when the gain path primary circuit devices are fully off and the shunt path primary circuit devices are fully on. In this state, the gain path secondary circuit devices are on and a small amount of amplifier output current flows through the gain path.