Automotive Radar PCB
Automotive Radar PCB is an electronic component that plays a critical role in self-driving cars. It uses antennas to transmit radar lobes generated by an RF circuit and receives the reflected signals from objects.
The PCB materials used in an automotive Radar PCB need to be stable over time and under various working conditions. They must also be capable of supporting plated-through-hole (PTH) reliability for reliable connections between different layers.
Low-loss materials
Radar PCBs are becoming an integral component of advanced driver assistance systems. These sensors are used to detect static and moving objects that can be dangerous to the car’s occupants, as well as to assist with functions such as blind spot detection (BSD), lane change alert (LCA), parking aid (PA), collision mitigation (CM) and rear cross traffic alert (RCTA). The PCBs must have a low transmission loss in order to provide accurate readings of the environment.
In order to minimize circuit loss, the PCBs need to be made of materials with a tight control of their dielectric constant Dk value. For frequencies such as 77 GHz, this is especially important as even small changes in Dk can significantly affect the performance of the radar sensor. Additionally, the material should have excellent thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) and moisture absorption.
In addition to these factors, the PCB must have good solderability and high reliability in varying working environments. These conditions can be difficult to achieve unless the PCB is made of a high-quality material that meets all the required specifications. Henkel’s high-performance connecting materials offer the ideal solution for this application. The company’s RO3003G2 laminates, for example, are designed to meet the requirements of millimeter wave applications. They are made from a halogen-free material and have a high-temperature resistance. They also have a very low transmission loss.
Slotted waveguide antennas
Unlike planar antennas, which must be integrated directly on the PCB surface, slotted waveguide antennas are located above the PCB and allow space for components to be mounted underneath. Automotive Radar PCB This eliminates component influence on the antenna characteristics and allows for a compact sensor size with a high performance integration.
The slots in the waveguide are etched from a conductive material such as copper or aluminum. The resulting structure has excellent performance, especially at higher frequencies, because the propagation medium is air, which virtually eliminates dielectric losses. The slots can also be shaped to reduce the size of the antenna, which makes them suitable for smaller form factors.
In addition, slotted waveguide antennas can be fabricated using conventional SMT pick and place machines. This enables easy prototyping and series production with the same equipment. This saves time and money while reducing the risks associated with manual adjustments. However, positioning tolerances can have a significant impact on the performance of the antenna, especially at mmWave frequencies.
When selecting a manufacturer, it is important to consider their long-standing experience in the manufacturing of Automotive Radar PCBs. An experienced manufacturer will be able to significantly reduce the development time of the radar and quickly begin volume production with reliable manufacturing methods. In addition, they will be able to manufacture the radars with unique RF base materials to ensure the highest quality output. They will also be able to perform solderability testing, which is one of the most effective and economical methods for identifying defects in the final product.
Surface-mount technology
Using surface mount technology in your Radar PCB can reduce its size and make it easier to use. It also allows you to use higher circuit speeds than through-hole technology. This is especially important for situations requiring great dependability, such as in automotive ADAS. The reliability of the materials used in your PCB is important because they are responsible for the electrical properties that maintain their stability over time and under varying working conditions. Choosing the right material is crucial for your PCB to perform reliably and at an optimal level.
When designing your radar sensor, consider factors like the operating temperature, component population, Automotive Radar PCB Supplier and board size. You can also create a block diagram of the circuit board to help you decide where to place the components and other features. It’s also important to determine the design of the RF shielding, which should be as compact as possible to minimize interference.
A radar PCB is a type of printed circuit board that detects speed, distance, and objects. It’s a critical part of modern cars, which use it to control features such as satellite navigation and autonomous driving. It’s also common in automatic door openers, fire and trespassing alarms, and intelligent lights. It can transmit signals without using wires, which makes it a cost-effective and safe way to monitor vehicles in motion.
Henkel’s high-performance connecting materials
As a leading supplier of adhesive and materials solutions, Henkel helps automakers pave the way for more sustainable vehicles. Its portfolio of strong, durable adhesives supports lightweighting and body stiffness to deliver a safer, more comfortable ride. For example, Henkel’s structural inserts enable automakers to replace heavier rivets and welds, reducing vehicle weight by up to 55 pounds.
ADAS cameras and LiDAR sensors perform safety-critical functions, so they need to deliver high resolution images and operate reliably for the entire lifetime of the vehicle. Henkel’s dual cure Loctite 3296 and recently launched Loctite ABLESTIK NCA 3218 offer the high performance, long-term durability, and stability required for these applications.
Surface-mount technology is the mounting method of choice for a lot of components on automotive radar PCBs. It offers superior reliability and a higher quality than through-hole mounting. Plus, it can be used in high-speed applications without affecting signal integrity.
In addition, Henkel’s metal pretreatments help automakers improve sustainability in their manufacturing processes. These innovative solutions are based on zirconium oxide, which eliminates the need for heavy metal phosphates and reduces pretreatment steps by up to 90 percent, resulting in lower environmental impact. Henkel’s next generation metal pretreatment also provides excellent corrosion resistance to a variety of metals, including aluminum.