3D Mold Embedded PCB-based MIMO Antenna Arrays for 79 GHz Automotive RADAR

In this paper, a 3D MIMO antenna array for 79 GHz automotive RADAR applications is modelled, designed, fabricated and measured. It consists of three separately excited 1x5 series-fed patch antenna arrays, which are designed on a flex PCB substrate and then embedded on a 3D compressed epoxy molding compound (EMC) carrier using a thermal release tape. Three antenna arrays are located at different angles in the EMC in such a way, that a maximum angular detection range of up to ±90° in horizontal plane can be achieved. After modeling and design, the proposed antenna modules were fabricated and measured. An impedance bandwidth of at least 3 GHz and a peak gain of 11.7 dBi at broadside direction around 0° and 11.5 dBi at ±40° were measured. Excellent correlation between simulation and measurement was obtained.