Automotive Radar PCB
Automotive Radar PCB is a key component in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Operating at millimeter-wave frequencies, these circuit boards emit radar pulses that are reflected by objects and then received by the antenna structure of the sensor.
Henkel’s portfolio of high-performance connecting materials can help achieve processability and reliability objectives for Automotive Radar applications. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using these specialty materials:
High Stability
During the process of designing the circuitry for a radar PCB, engineers must take into account factors like the size of the components, their location on the board, and how they will be attached. Depending on the layout, the components may be mounted using surface mount technology or through-hole technology. Through-hole mounting offers stronger connections and allows for manual modification of the components. Surface mount technology, on the other hand, attaches the components to the surface of the Radar PCB by soldering them in place.
The key to the success of an Automotive Radar PCB is its ability to perform fast and accurate processing of the signal. To do this, the PCB must be able to determine how long the delay between two clock pulses is, and then use the delay to calculate the range of the target. The higher the accuracy of this calculation, the more accurate the detection of the target will be.
A successful radar sensor also requires low loss, which can be achieved with a multilayer design. This type of structure uses a combination of circuit materials, including low-cost flame-retardant FR-4 that has high glass transition temperature (Tg), consistent dielectric constant, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. This combination of Automotive Radar PCB materials can meet the electrical performance requirements of a radar sensor at frequencies through 77GHz without losing sensitivity or stability.
Low Loss
For ADAS sensors, signal transmission is crucial. Luckily, there is no need to connect wires between the radar PCB and the sensor. This is because signals/pulses from the radar can travel through space and air, without needing a medium like wire to transmit them. This saves on cost, weight and space, and helps keep the radar PCB small.
To make sure that signals/pulses can travel through the radar PCB without any interference, it is important to use low-loss materials. Ceramic filled PTFE is one such material that offers the industry’s lowest loss, making it ideal for this application. It also allows for greater circuit flexibility, and can be used in multilayer designs to further reduce the size of the radar PCB.
Additionally, it is vital that the material used in automotive radar PCBs is durable and can withstand harsh working conditions. This includes varying temperatures, humidity, and other factors. To ensure that the material remains stable over time, it is important to test it using a solderability failure technique. This technique assesses the strength of solder, as well as the quality of wetting. This method is more accurate than through-hole testing and enables you to identify problems before they arise, saving you valuable production time. It is also less expensive than reworking components, which can be costly for high-reliability applications.
Through-Hole Mounting
Millimeter-wave radar PCBs are becoming a vital component of self-driving cars, with their ability to detect static or moving objects. They are typically found in the front and rear bumpers, windshield, and the inside of the steering wheel. These sensors are used to gather environmental data and send it to the car’s onboard computer for interpretation. This process is called sensor fusion, and it’s critical to autonomous vehicle operation.
The 77GHz millimeter-wave radar PCB requires special circuit materials to cater to the higher frequencies. For example, the epoxy-based hybrid circuit material RO3003G2 from Rogers Corporation is ideal for this application, as it uses optimized resin and inorganic fillers to reduce copper oxidation. It also provides superior electrical performance and reliability.
X-ray examination is another useful testing technique for automotive radar PCBs, as it can reveal hidden defects and flaws in the board. This process is perfect for detecting contaminants, voids, and shorts. It’s also effective for identifying misaligned components and assessing surface finish quality. It’s also the best method for locating buried solder joints, examining underside connections, and inspecting hidden holes. In addition, X-ray examination can evaluate the strength of solder masks and identify areas that are susceptible to damage. It’s the fastest and most accurate way to examine the fabricated circuit boards.
Multiple Antennas
Depending on your design, you may need a PCB that can support multiple antennas. This is especially important if you’re using a Radar PCB in an innovative system, such as self-driving cars. Automotive Radar PCB Supplier These radar sensors have many different functions, including detecting speed and distance, and they must work together to provide accurate results. A quality Radar PCB can achieve this by ensuring that the electrical properties of the components remain stable over time and in various working conditions.
Another important feature of a high-quality Radar PCB is the ability to withstand high temperatures. This is why you should choose a board that uses heavy copper. This material is more heat-resistant than other materials, and it allows you to use higher currents. It also provides better signal transmission and prevents heat saturation, which can damage the circuitry.
In addition, a Radar PCB should be able to withstand millimeter-wave signals. This is because these devices are a crucial component of the autonomous driving systems in cars. These millimeter-wave signals have to be transmitted over long distances, and the signal must be clear and free of distortions. In order to meet these requirements, the board should have multiple antennas that can operate in the 77 GHz range.
In addition to these features, a good Radar PCB should have a through-hole mounting process. Through-hole technology is a more efficient method of assembly than surface mount technology, and it offers stronger connections. It also saves space and money, as it doesn’t require any soldering.