What Is Radar PCB?

What Is Radar PCB?

Radar PCB is a circuit board specialized in supporting and connecting electronic components to ensure normal operation and efficient performance. It is widely applied in different fields, such as automotive (millimeter-wave) and industrial applications.

Before starting to design a radar PCB, it is essential to consider its functionality and the working environment. RF modeling is one of the most important steps in this process.

Transmitter

Radar PCBs are widely used in the automotive industry to help drivers see Radar PCB road hazards and avoid collisions. They also play a critical role in autonomous driving, allowing the car to monitor its environment and adjust itself accordingly. They are also commonly used in industrial applications, such as automatic door openers and fire & trespassing alarms.

The transmitter of a radar PCB is an integrated circuit that consists of a power amplifier and an antenna. The transmitter transmits a radar pulse from its waveform generator, and the antenna receives the reflected echo. The signal is then analyzed by an RF circuit.

The RF circuit of the Radar PCB is usually fabricated from a hydrocarbon resin, which is composed of woven glass and inorganic fillers. This type of high-frequency circuit material reduces oxidation and allows for low-profile copper film usage. In addition, it can support both surface mount and through-hole mounting techniques. Moreover, it can be easily bonded to other components through thermal and mechanical means. There are several X-ray examination tests that can be performed to detect faults in a Radar PCB, including basic film X-ray, real-time X-ray, and 3D X-ray.

Antenna

The radar antenna is located at the front of a Radar PCB and transmits electromagnetic signals to an object. The signals are then reflected back and the RF circuit analyzes them. A radar can detect objects at a distance, determine an object’s velocity, and even track moving targets.

To make this complex process work, a radar PCB requires multiple components to be built in the right configuration. It also needs to have an RF signal transmission line with a proper length to reduce circuit loss. The length of the RF signal transmission line is defined by the time delay between two clock pulses. The longer the delay, the higher the range of a target.

To prevent errors, it’s important to choose a manufacturer with a long-standing experience in high-volume Radar PCB production. This way, you can shorten the development cycle and get a reliable radar PCB in the end. The experienced manufacturers can also start mass production utilizing reliable manufacturing methods, which will improve the quality of your final product. They will also have the specialized materials needed for radar PCBs that operate in the 77 GHz millimeter wave frequency range.

Duplexer

The duplexer of a radar PCB splits the transmitted and received signals for a two-way communication system. It uses frequency-selective filters to separate the signal bands and a diode limiter to pass low-power signals while blocking high-power signals above a set threshold. These devices are essential for ensuring consistent transmission-line impedance and providing accurate signal measurements. The duplexer is also important for maintaining proper phase angle measurements during a pulse repetition cycle, as the delay between two clock pulses determines the target’s range.

The dual-channel duplexer switches alternately connect the transmitter and receiver to a shared antenna. This switch must be able to disconnect the transmitter quickly after transmitting and reconnect it rapidly after receiving a signal from the target. It is also necessary to block out interference from other sources and maintain a large isolation distance between the transmitter and receiver.

Radar PCBs are used in a wide variety of applications, including autonomous Radar PCB Supplier driving, level meters, fire alarms, trespassing detection, and more. They are also useful for missile guiding, nautical maps, and systems that help track enemy aircraft.

Threshold Decision

A radar PCB shoots high-frequency pulses that reflect off objects and return to the receiver. The signals from static objects have the same phase and cancel out each other, while those from moving objects have different phases. The receiver processes these signals and determines the presence of an object. The threshold decision compares the output of the radar with a given value to decide whether an object is present.

In practice, the threshold decision may require some trial and error to find a suitable value. A good place to start is with a probability-based metric like log loss or cross-entropy. However, these models are not suitable for estimating crisp class labels.

Another important consideration is the frequency of signal delivery. A radar PCB sends periodic signals, forming a wave of narrow rectangular pulses. These clock pulses are separated by a delay interval that defines the pulse repetition frequency. Ideally, the device should deliver a pulse every clock cycle. This ensures that the device can receive its echo before sending the next pulse. A delay of too long can cause the device to lose its accuracy.

Signal Processing

The signal processing unit is the radar PCB’s core. It takes the reflected pulse and analyzes it for objects, direction of travel, and other parameters.

The system also controls the frequency response of the radar, ensuring it is flat and stable. It also needs to be capable of handling large dynamic range and sensitivity. The system must also be able to perform the tasks required with low power consumption and noise figure.

During production, the radar PCB requires thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure that it is free from contaminants. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) process is ideal for analyzing solder mask application and oxidation. It can also check for contamination, flaws in construction and soldering, and other issues.

A radar PCB is essential for many applications, including nautical maps, missile guiding, air defense, and enemy identification. It is also used in remote sensing equipment to monitor icebergs and sea vessels and in air traffic control systems. It’s even useful in spacecraft operations to manage orbital maneuvers and guide landings. All these uses need 77 GHz millimeter-wave radar PCB technology that can handle high frequencies and microwave radiation.