2 Evolution From Non-LoP With Microstrip Patch Antenna to LoP With 3D Antennas

The journey from standard packages with microstrip patch antennas to an advanced LoP package with 3D waveguide antennas was propelled by the need for increased performance and adaptability. Microstrip patch antennas, while effective, had limitations in beamforming and directionality. The transition to 3D antennas marked a significant leap, providing improved capabilities in steering the radar beam with enhanced precision, (see Figure 2-1).

Texas Instruments has been innovating mmWave radar package technologies for several years. Early generations of TI mmWave radar integrated circuits used to route the signal from the FCCSP package (non-LoP) through BGA balls, where the signals had to go through four radio frequency (RF) transitions from DIE to package substrate to BGA to PCB before being fed to either a microstrip patch antenna or a 3D waveguide antenna. In later generations where the size of the mmWave radar designs became a key consideration, like in applications such as radar door handles for obstacle detections, TI innovated antenna on package (AoP) technology where antenna elements are integrated within the package. Current generations of TI products include LoP technology where a new way of connecting RF signals to 3D antennas was invented. This connection takes only two RF transitions from DIE to package substrate to waveguide launch which can be directly fed to a 3D antenna through the PCB waveguide. These improvements provide less signal loss and better overall SNR.