JP2005159735A - Amplitude modulator for nonradioactive dielectric line and millimeter wave transmitter-receiver employing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an amplitude modulator of a transmission type with a decreased transmission loss and to provide a millimeter wave transmitter-receiver. <P>SOLUTION: The amplitude modulator is configured in such a way that a first PIN diode 2a located at a distal end of an input dielectric line 1a, a second PIN diode 2b located on an extension of the first PIN diode 2a so as to receive a high frequency signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 2a, and an output dielectric line 1b are provided between parallel flat conductor plates, the first PIN diode 2a on a first board 3a is opposed to an end face of the input dielectric line 1a and the second PIN diode 2b on a second board 3b is opposed to an end face of the output dielectric line 1b. Since a reflection coefficient viewed from the input dielectric line 1a of the amplitude modulator is nearly equal to a reflection coefficient viewed from the output dielectric line 1b, the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator can be decreased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is incorporated in a millimeter wave integrated circuit, a millimeter wave radar module, or the like using a non-radiative dielectric line, and uses an amplitude modulator for switching control or ASK (Amplituded Shift Keying) modulation of a millimeter wave signal, and the same. It relates to a millimeter wave transceiver.

  Conventionally, metal waveguides have been often used to transmit microwave and millimeter wave high-frequency signals, but due to the recent demand for miniaturization of high-frequency modules, dielectric lines are used as waveguides for high-frequency signals. High frequency modules that have been developed have been developed. In particular, non-radiative dielectric lines (hereinafter also referred to as NRD guides) that have low transmission loss of high-frequency signals have attracted attention.

  The basic configuration of this NRD guide is shown in a partially broken perspective view in FIG. As shown in the figure, a rectangular dielectric line 13 having a rectangular cross section or the like is arranged between parallel plate conductors 11 and 12 arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval a. If a ≦ λ / 2 with respect to the wavelength λ of the high-frequency signal, the noise intrusion from the outside to the dielectric line 13 is eliminated and the high-frequency signal is not radiated to the outside. The signal can be propagated efficiently. The wavelength λ of the high frequency signal is a wavelength in the air (free space) at the operating frequency.

  6A and 6B show a conventional example of a high frequency signal amplitude modulator incorporated in such an NRD guide (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). 6A is a perspective view showing a conventional example of an amplitude modulator, and FIG. 6B is a plan view of the amplitude modulator as viewed from above. This amplitude modulator uses a combination of a circulator (hereinafter also referred to as CLT) and a Schottky barrier diode to amplitude-modulate a high-frequency signal (including switching control). Millimeter wave transceivers and millimeter wave radar modules using modulators have been developed.

  In FIG. 6, 20a, 20b, and 20c are mode suppressors that are made of dielectric lines such as tetrafluoroethylene and polystyrene, and block electromagnetic waves in the LSE (Longitudinal Section Electric) mode, and 21 are mode suppressors 20a to 20c around. Two ferrite discs for CLT arranged radially at intervals of 120 °, 22 is a strip line conductor made of copper foil, etc., arranged inside the mode suppressors 20a to 20c, and the electric field is a parallel plate conductor The electromagnetic wave of the LSE mode which is perpendicular to the principal plane of is blocked. The strip conductor line 22 is formed as a λ / 4 choke pattern in order to remove a TEM (Transverse ElectroMagnetic) mode.

  The other end of the mode suppressor 20b opposite to the ferrite disk 21 is provided with a predetermined gap, a dielectric line 23a made of tetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, or the like is disposed, and is further made of alumina ceramics or the like. A dielectric sheet 24 having a dielectric constant different from that of the dielectric line 23a is disposed. A strip line conductor 25 having a choke-type bias supply line structure made of a copper foil or the like is formed behind the dielectric sheet 24, and a Schottky barrier diode (hereinafter also referred to as SBD) 26 is mounted in the middle thereof. A wiring board 27 is arranged. Further, a dielectric line 23b made of tetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene or the like is disposed behind the wiring board 27.

  The electromagnetic wave propagating through the mode suppressor 20a is propagated to the mode suppressor 20b by rotating the wavefront clockwise or counterclockwise by the ferrite circular plate 21, and does not propagate to the mode suppressor 20c. When the electromagnetic wave propagated through the mode suppressor 20b is applied with a forward bias voltage to the SBD 26 in the SBD 26 on the previous wiring board 27 (when a forward current is input), the detected current is applied to the SBD 26. The electromagnetic wave is absorbed and is not output and is turned off. On the other hand, when a bias voltage is applied to the SBD 26 in the reverse direction (when no forward current flows), the electromagnetic wave is reflected and output, and is turned on. The electromagnetic wave reflected by the SBD 26 propagates again in the mode suppressor 20b, the wave front is rotated by the ferrite disk 21, and propagates to the mode suppressor 20c.

  Thus, by applying a bias voltage to the SBD 26, the electromagnetic wave can be ASK modulated (amplitude modulated). Note that switching control can be performed by increasing the degree of amplitude modulation.

  Techniques relating to such an amplitude modulator using SBD are disclosed in, for example, Non-Patent Document 1, Patent Document 1, and Patent Document 2.

  Furthermore, the present applicant transmits two ferrite plates installed opposite to each other on the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor, and a plurality of LSM mode electromagnetic waves arranged substantially radially with respect to the two ferrite plates. In addition, a CLT comprising a mode suppressor made of a dielectric line that blocks LSE mode electromagnetic waves, and an impedance matching member having a relative dielectric constant different from that of the dielectric line, is provided on one end face of the mode suppressor. A pulse modulation switch having an SBD connected in the middle of a choke-type bias supply line on a dielectric wiring board is placed on the other end face of the mode suppressor so that the bias voltage application direction of the SBD matches the electric field direction of the electromagnetic wave in the LSM mode. The distance from the end of the ferrite plate to the SBD is approximately nλ. By adopting a configuration of 2 (n is an integer of 2 or more and λ is the wavelength of a high-frequency signal), the number of parts is reduced, assembly reproducibility is improved, and operation is performed at a desired frequency. Proposed an NRD guide pulse modulator that makes it easy to match the impedance of the pulse modulator, stably obtain the characteristics of the pulse modulator with high reproducibility, and can manufacture highly reliable products with high productivity (Japanese Patent Application No. 2001). -22711).

  The present applicant also connects the SBD to the middle of the choke-type bias supply line on the wiring board via a dielectric line for propagating a high-frequency signal, and a gap and another dielectric line on one end side of the dielectric line. And the pulse modulation switch installed so that the bias voltage application direction of the SBD matches the electric field direction of the electromagnetic wave in the LSM mode, the number of parts is reduced and the assembly reproducibility is improved. At the same time, impedance matching for operating at a desired frequency is facilitated, good characteristics of the pulse modulator can be obtained stably with good reproducibility, and a highly reliable one can be manufactured with high productivity. A pulse modulator was proposed (Japanese Patent Application 2001-161506).

  Further, the applicant of the present invention is provided with a mode suppressor for blocking LSE mode electromagnetic waves at the tip and a plurality of dielectric lines for transmitting high-frequency signals, the main surfaces of which are parallel and concentric with the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor. The tip of each mode suppressor is connected to the two ferrite plates arranged opposite to each other, and two CLTs arranged substantially radially are connected to each other via one connecting dielectric line. In the two-stage CLT, a pair of magnets are installed on the outer surface of the parallel plate conductor so that the ferrite plate exists in a region where the magnetic field lines are substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor. Since each stage-type CLT has the same rotation direction, a millimeter-wave transmitter / receiver or the like in which the CLT is incorporated can be easily configured, and the manufacture is facilitated and the mass productivity is excellent. In addition, since each CLT can be arranged close to each other, the size of the CLT is reduced. Further, the two-stage CLT is arranged in a region in which the magnetic lines of force are substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor. Has proposed a CLT for NRD guides (Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-14789).

  In addition, the applicant of the present invention provides an input dielectric line for inputting a high-frequency signal, a modulation dielectric line provided with an SBD at the tip, and an output dielectric line for outputting a high-frequency signal amplitude-modulated by the SBD. The first CLT and the second CLT respectively provided are connected to each other, and the first CLT and the second CLT are configured such that the output dielectric line of the first CLT is the input dielectric line of the second CLT. So that the forward current of the SBD on the first CLT side can have an on / off ratio of a predetermined value or more with respect to the voltage amplitude of the high-frequency signal input to the first CLT. And controlling the forward current of the SBD on the second CLT side so as to obtain an on / off ratio greater than or equal to a predetermined value with respect to the voltage amplitude of the high-frequency signal reduced by the on / off ratio of the first CLT. System Since the circuit is provided, an amplitude modulator for an NRD guide that can obtain an on / off ratio of a predetermined value or more by controlling forward currents input to SBDs provided in two CLTs, respectively. (Japanese Patent Application 2002-361333).

Furthermore, the applicant of the present invention provides an input dielectric line for inputting a high-frequency signal, a first PIN diode provided at the tip of the input dielectric line, and an extension of the tip of the input dielectric line. A second PIN diode arranged so that a high-frequency signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is inputted in the direction, and a high-frequency signal transmitted through the second PIN diode are inputted so that the first And an output dielectric line that outputs a high-frequency signal that is amplitude-modulated by at least one of the second PIN diode 2, and the frequency dependence of the transmission characteristics of the high-frequency signal that passes through the first PIN diode. Since the frequency dependence of the transmission characteristics of the high-frequency signal transmitted through the second PIN diode is different, the two PIN diodes are individually turned on / off. As a transmission-type amplitude modulator that combines different frequency characteristics, the frequency band in which the off / off ratio can be increased is widened, and the disturbance factor for controlling the on / off ratio frequency characteristics is reduced and stable. An amplitude modulator for an NRD guide capable of reliably obtaining the characteristics has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-366559).
Futoshi Kuroki, Masayuki Sugioka, Shinji Matsukawa, Kengo Ikeda and T. Yoneyama・ Band (High-Speed ASK Transceiver Based on the NRD-Guide Technology at 60-GHz Band) ”, IEEE Transaction on Microwave Theory and Techniqes, ( USA), IEEE, Vol. 46, No. 6, June 1998, p.806-810 Teiji Kuroki, Kengo Ikeda, Tsutomu Yoneyama, “NRD-guided high-speed ASK modulator using Schottky barrier diode”, 1997 IEICE General Conference Proceedings, The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, March 6, 1997 Issue, Vol.1, C-2-65, p.120 JP-A-10-270944 U.S. Pat.No. 6,034,574

  However, the conventional amplitude modulator composed of two CLTs and SBDs as shown in FIG. 6 has an on / off ratio (isolation) as shown in the graph of FIG. 7 showing the frequency characteristics of the reflection loss of the high frequency signal. There is a problem that the frequency band to be used is limited in order to vary greatly depending on the frequency and to make the on / off ratio as large as, for example, 15 dB or more.

  In addition, when a conventional amplitude modulator is incorporated in a millimeter wave radar module or the like, the millimeter wave radar module is mounted in an engine room or the like of an automobile where the temperature changes drastically. Since the characteristics depend on the temperature, there is a problem that the on / off ratio varies depending on the environmental temperature.

  In the technology proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-366559, the current-carrying wiring provided for each substrate does not interfere with each other between the two substrates provided with the PIN diodes as much as possible. There has been a demand for further improvement in that two substrates are arranged close to each other to reduce the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator.

  The present invention has been completed in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to prevent the current-carrying wiring provided for each substrate from interfering between the two substrates provided with the PIN diode. An object of the present invention is to provide an amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line and a millimeter wave transceiver using the same, in which two substrates are arranged as close as possible to reduce the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator.

  In the technique proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-366559, the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator is reduced by making the reflection coefficient seen from the input side of the amplitude modulator the same as the reflection coefficient seen from the output side. In addition, the two substrates are arranged as close as possible while preventing the electric signal supply wiring provided for each substrate from interfering between the two substrates provided with the PIN diode, There has been a demand for further improvement in order to reduce the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator.

  The present invention has been completed in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line capable of reducing transmission loss in a transmission type amplitude modulator and a millimeter wave using the same. It is to provide a wave transceiver.

  An amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line according to the present invention includes: 1) an input dielectric line for inputting a high-frequency signal between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals of one-half or less of the wavelength of the high-frequency signal; A first PIN diode provided at the tip of the input dielectric line and a high-frequency signal transmitted through the first PIN diode are input in the extending direction of the tip of the input dielectric line. The second PIN diode arranged in this manner and the high-frequency signal arranged so that a high-frequency signal transmitted through the second PIN diode is inputted and amplitude-modulated by at least one of the first and second PIN diodes And an output dielectric line for outputting a signal, and the first PIN diode and the second PIN diode are fixed to the first and second substrates, respectively. The first PIN diode on the first substrate and the end face of the input dielectric line are opposed to each other, and the second PIN diode on the second substrate and the output dielectric It is characterized by facing the end face of the track.

  The amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line of the present invention is 2) In the configuration of 1) above, a high-frequency signal amplitude-modulated by the first PIN diode is input and the high-frequency signal is converted into the first signal. An input / output dielectric line is provided so as to be input to the two PIN diodes, and the line length of the input / output dielectric line is applied, and a forward bias voltage is applied to the first and second PIN diodes. When not, the light is input from the first PIN diode, reflected by the second PIN diode, reflected by the first PIN diode, and leaked from the second PIN diode to the output dielectric line. A high-frequency signal and the second PIN diode input from the first PIN diode and not reflected by the first and second PIN diodes. When the phase difference between the RF signal leaking to the output for dielectric waveguide from de was [delta], it is characterized in that as a [delta] = [pi.

  The amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line according to the present invention is 3) In each of the above configurations 1) and 2), the first and second PIN diodes are formed on the first and second substrates. Conductor wires for supplying electric signals are fixed, and the conductor wires are electrically insulated and led out through the parallel plate conductors.

The first millimeter-wave transceiver of the present invention is:
Between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the millimeter wave signal for transmission,
A first dielectric line that propagates a frequency-modulated millimeter-wave signal output from the high-frequency generator;
Attached to one end of the first dielectric line, the high-frequency signal output from the high-frequency generating element is periodically modulated and output as a millimeter-wave signal for transmission, and propagates through the first dielectric line. A millimeter wave signal oscillating unit
Second end is disposed close to the first dielectric line so that one end side is electromagnetically coupled, or one end is joined to the first dielectric line to propagate a part of the millimeter wave signal to the mixer side. A dielectric line of
A first PIN diode disposed on a first substrate attached to the other end of the first dielectric line and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal for transmission;
A second PIN diode disposed on the second substrate so as to receive a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode, and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode;
A third dielectric line disposed at one end so that a millimeter-wave signal transmitted through the second PIN diode is input;
A first connection portion and a second connection portion, which are arranged at predetermined intervals on the periphery of two ferrite plates arranged opposite to each other in parallel to the parallel plate conductor, and serve as input / output ends of the millimeter wave signal, respectively. A circulator having a third connecting portion, wherein the other end of the third dielectric line is connected to the first connecting portion,
A fourth dielectric line having one end connected to the second connection portion of the circulator to propagate a millimeter-wave signal and having a transmission / reception antenna at a tip portion;
A fifth dielectric line that is received by the transmission / reception antenna, propagates through the fourth dielectric line, and propagates the received wave output from the third connection part of the circulator to the mixer side;
The middle part of the second dielectric line and the middle part of the fifth dielectric line are brought close to each other and electromagnetically coupled or joined, and a part of the millimeter wave signal and the received wave are mixed to generate an intermediate frequency. A mixer for generating a signal,
The parallel plate conductor, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator of the present invention having the configuration of 1) above. It is characterized by that.

  In the first millimeter-wave transmitter / receiver of the present invention, in the above configuration, a millimeter-wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is input between the first and second PIN diodes, and the second A sixth dielectric line that outputs to the PIN diode is arranged, the parallel plate conductor, the first, third and sixth dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first The second PIN diode constitutes the amplitude modulator of the present invention having the configuration of 2) above.

  According to the first millimeter-wave transceiver of the present invention, in each of the above configurations, conductor wires for supplying an electrical signal to the first and second PIN diodes are provided on the first and second substrates, respectively. And the conductor wires are electrically insulated and led out through the parallel plate conductors, the parallel plate conductors, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and A second substrate, and the first and second PIN diodes, or the parallel plate conductor, the first, third and sixth dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first The second PIN diode constitutes the amplitude modulator of the present invention having the configuration of 3) above.

The second millimeter wave transceiver of the present invention is:
Between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the millimeter wave signal for transmission,
A first dielectric line that propagates a frequency-modulated millimeter-wave signal output from the high-frequency generator;
Attached to one end of the first dielectric line, the high-frequency signal output from the high-frequency generating element is periodically modulated and output as a millimeter-wave signal for transmission, and propagates through the first dielectric line. A millimeter wave signal oscillating unit
Second end is disposed close to the first dielectric line so that one end side is electromagnetically coupled, or one end is joined to the first dielectric line to propagate a part of the millimeter wave signal to the mixer side. A dielectric line of
A first PIN diode disposed on a first substrate attached to the other end of the first dielectric line and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal for transmission;
A second PIN diode disposed on the second substrate so as to receive a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode, and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode;
A third dielectric line disposed at one end so that a millimeter-wave signal transmitted through the second PIN diode is input;
A first connection portion and a second connection portion, which are arranged at predetermined intervals on the periphery of two ferrite plates arranged opposite to each other in parallel to the parallel plate conductor, and serve as input / output ends of the millimeter wave signal, respectively. A circulator having a third connecting portion, wherein the other end of the third dielectric line is connected to the first connecting portion,
A fourth dielectric line having one end connected to the second connection portion of the circulator and propagating a millimeter-wave signal and having a transmission antenna at a tip portion;
A fifth dielectric line connected to the third connection portion of the circulator, for propagating the reception wave mixed by reception by the transmission antenna, and for attenuating the reception wave at a non-reflective termination provided at a tip portion; ,
A sixth dielectric line provided with a receiving antenna at the front end and a mixer at the other end;
The middle part of the second dielectric line and the middle part of the sixth dielectric line are brought close to each other and electromagnetically coupled or joined, and a part of the millimeter wave signal and the received wave are mixed to generate an intermediate frequency. A mixer for generating a signal,
The parallel plate conductor, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator of the present invention having the configuration of 1) above. It is characterized by that.

  In the second millimeter-wave transmitter / receiver of the present invention, in the above configuration, a millimeter-wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is input between the first and second PIN diodes, and the second A seventh dielectric line that outputs to the PIN diode is arranged, the parallel plate conductor, the first, third and seventh dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first The second PIN diode constitutes the amplitude modulator of the present invention having the configuration of 2) above.

  According to the second millimeter-wave transceiver of the present invention, in each of the above configurations, conductor lines for supplying an electric signal to the first and second PIN diodes on the first and second substrates are respectively provided. And the conductor wires are electrically insulated and led out through the parallel plate conductors, the parallel plate conductors, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and A second substrate, and the first and second PIN diodes, or the parallel plate conductor, the first, third and seventh dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first The second PIN diode constitutes the amplitude modulator of the present invention having the configuration of 3) above.

  According to the amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line of the present invention, in the above configuration, the first PIN diode and the second PIN diode are fixed to the first and second substrates, respectively. The first PIN diode on the first substrate faces the end surface of the input dielectric line, and the end surface of the second PIN diode on the second substrate and the output dielectric line Therefore, the shape on the first and second substrates viewed from the input dielectric line side of the amplitude modulator and the output dielectric line side of the amplitude modulator, which are different in the conventional amplitude modulator, are seen. Since the shape on the first and second substrates can be the same when viewed from either side, the reflection coefficient viewed from the input side of the amplitude modulator and the reflection coefficient viewed from the output side are Aligned amplitude modulator It becomes capable of reducing the transmission loss.

  In addition, according to the amplitude modulator of the present invention, the high frequency signal amplitude-modulated by the first PIN diode is input and the high frequency signal is output so as to be input to the second PIN diode. A dielectric line is provided, and the line length of the input / output dielectric line is input from the first PIN diode when a forward bias voltage is not applied to the first and second PIN diodes. And a high-frequency signal reflected from the second PIN diode, reflected from the first PIN diode, and leaked from the second PIN diode to the output dielectric line, and input from the first PIN diode. High frequency leaking from the second PIN diode to the output dielectric line without being reflected by the first and second PIN diodes When the phase difference from the signal is δ, when δ = π, these high-frequency signals interfere with each other in the second PIN diode and are weakened and combined with each other. When the high frequency signal is reflected and cut off by the second PIN diode, the intensity of the high frequency signal leaking from the second PIN diode can be weakened, and a high on / off ratio can be obtained.

  According to the amplitude modulator of the present invention, the conductor lines for supplying the first and second PIN diodes with electrical signals are fixed on the first and second substrates, respectively. When the conductor wire is electrically insulated and led out through the parallel plate conductor, it is provided on each substrate even when the first and second substrates are arranged close to each other. Therefore, the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator can be further reduced by arranging the first and second substrates close to each other. Will be able to.

  According to the millimeter wave transmitter / receiver of the present invention using the amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line of the present invention as described above, a high-frequency signal is amplitude-modulated with a high on / off ratio by the above-described configurations. High performance that can be switched and switched.

  According to the first millimeter-wave transmitter / receiver of the present invention, it is a case having a transmitting / receiving antenna, and by using the amplitude modulator of the present invention, it becomes a high-performance one that can obtain high transmission signal strength. At the same time, the transmission loss and isolation characteristics of millimeter wave signals are improved in higher frequency bands and wider bandwidths. As a result, the detection distance can be increased when applied to millimeter wave radars and the like.

  Further, according to the second millimeter-wave transceiver of the present invention, the transmission antenna and the reception antenna are independent, so that a high transmission signal strength can be obtained and a higher frequency band and The transmission loss and isolation characteristics of millimeter-wave signals are improved over a wide bandwidth, and the millimeter-wave signals for transmission are not mixed into the mixer via the CLT, and are therefore received when applied to millimeter-wave radar modules. The noise of the signal can be reduced, the transmission characteristic of the millimeter wave signal is excellent, and the detection distance can be further increased.

  The amplitude modulator for NRD guide and the millimeter wave radar module as a millimeter wave transceiver according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of an embodiment of an amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a plan view. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the embodiment of the amplitude modulator of the present invention, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) is AA. It is a partial sectional view. 1 and 2, reference numerals 1a to 1c denote dielectric lines, 2a denotes a first PIN diode, 2b denotes a second PIN diode, 3a denotes a first substrate provided with the first PIN diode 2a, and 3b denotes a first line. A second substrate provided with two PIN diodes 2b, 4a is a conductor pin as a conductor wire for supplying an electric signal to the first PIN diode 2a provided on the first substrate 3a, and 4b is a second substrate. Conductor pins 5a and 5b as conductor wires for supplying an electric signal to the second PIN diode 2b provided in 3b are parallel plate conductors. In addition, except for FIG. 2C, the parallel plate conductor is not shown.

  The amplitude modulator of an example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is an input dielectric line 1a for inputting a high frequency signal between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the high frequency signal. A first PIN diode 2a provided at the tip of the input dielectric line 1a, and a high-frequency signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 2a in the extending direction of the tip of the input dielectric line 1a The second PIN diode 2b arranged as described above and the high-frequency signal transmitted through the second PIN diode 2b are arranged so as to be input by at least one of the first and second PIN diodes 2a and 2b. An output dielectric line 1b for outputting an amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal is provided. The first PIN diode 2a and the second PIN diode 2b are connected to the first substrate 3a and the first substrate 3a. The first PIN diode 2a on the first substrate 3a and the end face of the input dielectric line 1a are opposed to each other, and the second substrate 3b is fixed on the second substrate 3b. 2 is opposite to the end face of the output dielectric line 1b.

  Here, the 1st and 2nd board | substrates 3a and 3b are a thing of a structure as shown in a perspective view in FIG. For example, a choke-type bias supply line 33 is formed on one main surface of the wiring board 30 in FIG. 8, and a PIN diode 31 that is flip-chip mounted, bump mounted, or solder mounted is provided in the middle. By turning on / off the forward bias voltage application of the PIN diode 31 to turn on / off the forward current, the millimeter wave signal can be subjected to amplitude control such as on / off control (switching control).

  The amplitude modulator shown in FIG. 1 converts a high-frequency signal input from the input dielectric line 1a into either the first PIN diode 2a or the second PIN diode 2b, or the first PIN diode 2a and the second PIN diode 2a. Amplitude modulation is performed by both of the PIN diodes 2b, and an operation is performed in which the amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal is extracted from the output dielectric line 1b as an output.

  In the amplitude modulator shown in FIG. 1, the first PIN diode 2a is opposed on the first substrate 3a when viewed from the input dielectric line 1a, and the second PIN diode 2b is an output dielectric. Since it is opposed on the second substrate 3b when viewed from the line 1b side, the shape on the first substrate 3a viewed from the input dielectric line 1a side and the output dielectric line are compared with the case where it is not so. Since the shape on the second substrate 3b seen from the 1b side can be made the same regardless of which is seen, the reflection coefficient seen from the input dielectric line 1a of the amplitude modulator and the output dielectric The transmission loss of the amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal transmitted from the input dielectric line 1a to the output dielectric line 1b can be reduced by matching so that the reflection coefficient viewed from the body line 1b is a close value. It will be possible.

  Next, the amplitude modulator of another example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is configured as described below in comparison with the example of the above embodiment.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first PIN diode 2a provided on the first substrate 3a and the second PIN diode 2b provided on the second substrate 3b are output from the first PIN diode 2a. The high frequency signal is connected to the second PIN diode 2b by the input / output dielectric line 1c.

  The line length of the input / output dielectric line 1c is set so that the forward bias voltage is not applied to the first PIN diode 2a and the second PIN diode 2b so as to correspond to the configuration 2). The input PIN / output dielectric line 1c is input from the first PIN diode 2a, reflected by the second PIN diode 2b, reflected by the first PIN diode 2a, and returned to the second PIN diode 2b again. The high-frequency signal leaking from the second PIN diode 2b to the output dielectric line 1b, and the first PIN diode 2a and the second PIN inputted from the first PIN diode 2a to the input / output dielectric line 1c. Let δ be the phase difference from the high-frequency signal leaked from the second PIN diode 2b to the output dielectric line 1b without being reflected by the diode 2b. When, the phase difference [delta] is a length such that the [delta] = [pi the line length of the input and output dielectric line 1c.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the first and second PIN diodes 3a, 3b on the first and second substrates 3a, 3b are mounted on the first mounting surface side so as to correspond to the configuration 3). The conductor pins 4a and 4b serving as conductor wires for supplying an electric signal to the second PIN diodes 3a and 3b are fixed, and the conductor pins 4a and 4b are electrically insulated so as to be parallel plates. It is led out through the conductor 5b. In order to insulate the conductor pins 4a and 4b from other members such as the parallel plate conductor 5b, the conductor pins 4a and 4b may be arranged at a distance from other members such as the parallel plate conductor 5b. An insulating cylindrical insulating sleeve, for example, a tetrafluoroethylene tube (not shown) having conductor pins 4a and 4b penetrated through the parallel plate conductor 5b and the conductor pins 4a and 4b. By exposing only the connection portion between the parallel plate conductor 5b and the like by exposing only the connecting portion to the other from the tetrafluoroethylene tube, it may be penetrated. In this case, the conductor pins 4a and 4b can be reliably insulated from conductors other than those for supplying electric signals.

  The amplitude modulator shown in FIG. 2 operates in the same manner as the amplitude modulator shown in FIG. 1, except that the first substrate 3a provided with the first PIN diode 2a and the second substrate provided with the second PIN diode 2b. Since the substrate 3b is connected to the input / output dielectric line 1c, the amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal transmitted from the input dielectric line 1a to the output dielectric line 1b is confined to the input dielectric line 1a. Thus, since the light is transmitted without radiating to the outside, the transmission loss can be reduced.

  The length of the input / output dielectric line 1c is such that the phase difference δ is δ = (2N−1) π (where N is an integer). When a forward bias voltage is not applied to the first PIN diode 2a and the second PIN diode 2b, the high-frequency signals of both are made to interfere in the opposite phase in the second PIN diode 2b and weaken each other. Since they can be combined, the intensity of the high-frequency signal leaking from the second PIN diode when the high-frequency signal is reflected by the second PIN diode and cut off can be reduced, and a high on / off ratio can be obtained. However, since the length is such that δ = π that satisfies this condition, a high on / off ratio can be obtained. Moreover, the conductor pin 4a and the conductor pin 4b or the second substrate 3b or the conductor pin 4b and the first substrate 3a mechanically interfere even when the input dielectric line 1a is the shortest. There will be nothing.

  The conductor pins 4a attached to the first substrate 3a and the conductor pins 4b attached to the second substrate 3b are respectively attached to the first and second substrates 3a and 3b. Since the back surfaces of the surfaces are back-to-back, even if the first substrate 3a and the second substrate 3b are arranged close to each other, the conductor pins 4a and the conductor pins 4b or the second substrate 3b or the conductor Since the pins 4b and the first substrate 3a do not mechanically interfere with each other, the first substrate 3a and the second substrate 3b can be disposed close to each other, thereby further transmitting the amplitude modulator. Loss can be reduced.

  In the amplitude modulator of the present invention, in order to supply an electrical signal from the conductor pin 4a and the conductor pin 4b to the first PIN diode 3a and the second PIN diode 3b, the conductor pins 4a and 4b are first and second respectively. What is necessary is just to solder to both ends of the choke type bias supply line 33 of the second substrates 3a and 3b. Further, if the conductor pins 4a and 4b are made of a conductive material such as copper having a columnar or cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 2 mm and a length of about 15 mm, for example, the conductor pins 4a and 4b are easy to handle and have good conduction. It is possible to take.

In the amplitude modulator of the present invention, the dielectric lines 1a to 1c are made of a resin such as tetrafluoroethylene and polystyrene, or cordierite (2MgO · 2Al ₂ O ₃ · 5SiO ₂ ) ceramics having a low relative dielectric constant, Ceramics such as alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) ceramics and glass ceramics are preferable, and these have low loss in a high frequency band. Among these, cordierite (2MgO · 2Al ₂ O ₃ · 5SiO ₂ ) ceramics is preferable because the dielectric line can be reduced in a range that can be easily assembled.

In the above configuration, when the wavelength of the high frequency signal is about 77 GHz, the length of the input / output dielectric line 1c such that the phase difference δ is δ = π is about 2 mm, but the first substrate 3a And the second substrate 3b are arranged close to each other, the conductor pins 4a and the conductor pins 4b or the second substrate 3b, or the conductor pins 4b and the first substrate 3a may mechanically interfere with each other. Absent.

  The parallel plate conductor for the NRD guide in the amplitude modulator of the present invention is made of Cu, Al, Fe, Ag, Au, Pt, SUS (stainless steel), brass (in terms of high electrical conductivity and good workability). A conductor plate such as a Cu—Zn alloy is suitable. Or what formed these conductor layers on the surface of the insulating board which consists of ceramics, resin, etc. may be used.

  The amplitude modulator and millimeter wave transceiver of the present invention use a high frequency diode such as a Gunn diode as a high frequency generating element, and a variable capacitor such as a varactor diode provided in a propagation path of a high frequency signal output from the high frequency generating element. By combining with a voltage control oscillator (Voltage Control Oscillator: VCO) that modulates the frequency by controlling the bias voltage of the diode, it is used for a wireless LAN, a millimeter wave radar of an automobile, and the like. For example, the obstacle around the automobile and other automobiles are irradiated with a millimeter wave signal, and the reflected wave from the obstacle and the other automobile is synthesized with the original millimeter wave signal to obtain an intermediate frequency signal, By analyzing this intermediate frequency signal, it is possible to measure the distance to obstacles and other automobiles, their moving speed, and the like.

  Note that the high frequency band referred to in the present invention corresponds to a microwave band and a millimeter wave band of several tens to several hundreds GHz, and for example, a high frequency band of 30 GHz or higher, particularly 50 GHz or higher, and more preferably 70 GHz or higher is preferable. In particular, 76 to 77 GHz is preferable. In this case, when the amplitude modulator of the present invention is used in a millimeter wave transceiver such as a millimeter wave radar module for an automobile having an operating frequency of about 76 to 77 GHz, Even if the oscillation frequency changes with temperature or the like, high transmission characteristics of a high-frequency signal can be obtained in a wide band.

  Next, a millimeter wave radar module as a millimeter wave transceiver according to the present invention will be described below.

  3 and 4 show an example of an embodiment of a millimeter wave radar module as a millimeter wave transceiver according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in which a transmission antenna and a reception antenna are integrated. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the second millimeter wave transceiver of the present invention in which the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are independent, and FIG. 9 is a millimeter wave in them. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a signal oscillation unit, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wiring board provided with a variable capacitance diode (varactor diode) for the millimeter wave signal oscillation unit.

  The millimeter-wave radar module shown in FIG. 3 outputs from a high-frequency generating element between parallel plate conductors 51 (the other is not shown) arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the millimeter-wave signal for transmission. The first dielectric line 53 for propagating the frequency-modulated millimeter-wave signal and the first dielectric line 53 are periodically modulated and output as a millimeter-wave signal for transmission by periodically frequency-modulating the millimeter-wave signal. Then, the millimeter wave signal oscillating unit 52 propagating through the first dielectric line 53 and the first dielectric line 53 are arranged close to each other so that one end side thereof is electromagnetically coupled, or the first dielectric line 53 One end is joined, and a second dielectric line 62 for propagating a part of the millimeter wave signal to the mixer 63 side is provided.

  Also, a first PIN diode 54b, which is disposed on a first substrate 54a attached to the other end of the first dielectric line 53 and modulates the millimeter wave signal for transmission, and a first PIN diode 54b. The second PIN diode 56b is arranged on the second substrate 56a so as to receive the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 54b and further amplitude-modulates the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 54b. And a third dielectric line 57 arranged so that a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the second PIN diode 56b is input.

  In addition, the first plate is disposed between the parallel plate conductors 51 at a predetermined interval on the peripheral edge of the two ferrite plates 59a disposed opposite to and parallel to the parallel plate conductor 51, and is used as an input / output terminal for millimeter wave signals. A circulator A having a second connecting portion 59a1, a second connecting portion 59a2 and a third connecting portion 59a3, wherein the other end of the third dielectric line 57 is connected to the first connecting portion 59a1. One end is connected to the second connection portion 59a2 of the circulator A to propagate a millimeter-wave signal, and a fourth dielectric line 60 having a transmission / reception antenna 60a at the distal end, and a fourth dielectric received by the transmission / reception antenna 60a. A fifth dielectric line 61 for propagating the reception wave propagating through the body line 60 and output from the third connection portion 59a3 of the circulator A to the mixer 63 side, and the middle of the second dielectric line 62 and the fifth In the middle of the dielectric line 61 By contact made by or bonded to the electromagnetic coupling, and mixers 63 for generating an intermediate frequency signal is provided by mixing with a portion of the millimeter wave signal and a reception wave.

  The parallel plate conductor 51, the first dielectric line 53 and the third dielectric line 57, the first and second substrates 54a and 56a, and the first and second PIN diodes 54b and 56b are shown in FIG. An amplitude modulator as an example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  In the millimeter wave radar module shown in FIG. 3, a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 54a is input between the first and second PIN diodes 54a and 56b, and the second PIN diode 56b is input. A sixth dielectric line 55 for output is arranged, and a conductor line for supplying an electric signal to the first and second PIN diodes 54b and 56b on the first and second substrates 54a and 56a. Conductor pins (not shown) are fixed to each other, and these conductor pins are electrically insulated and led out through the parallel plate conductor 51. The parallel plate conductor 51 and the first dielectric Line 53 and third dielectric line 57, first and second substrates 54a and 56a, and first PIN diode 54b and second PIN diode 56b, or parallel plate conductor 51, first, third and 6th invitation The body lines 53, 57, 55, the first and second substrates 54a, 56a, and the first and second PIN diodes 54b, 56b are the amplitude modulation of another example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Make up the vessel.

  The voltage-controlled millimeter-wave signal oscillating unit 52 provided at one end of the first dielectric line 53 has a high frequency of the first dielectric line 53 so that the bias voltage application direction matches the electric field direction of the high frequency signal. By periodically controlling the bias voltage of the variable capacitance diode arranged in the vicinity of the generating element (high-frequency diode or the like) to obtain a triangular wave, a sine wave, or the like, a frequency-modulated millimeter wave signal for transmission is output. A VCO (VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)) having a function equivalent to a combination of a high frequency diode and a variable capacitance diode is an oscillator that changes an oscillation frequency by a control voltage. For example, a Gunn diode (high frequency diode without using a variable capacitance diode) It is also possible to use a device that changes the bias voltage of the generating element) as a millimeter wave signal oscillating unit, and it goes without saying that the same purpose can be achieved.

  In FIG. 3, reference numerals 58a to 58c denote mode suppressors. Reference numerals 54a and 56a denote first and second substrates on which first and second PIN diodes 54b and 56b for amplitude-modulating a millimeter wave signal are provided, and each has a configuration as shown in FIG. For example, a switch in which a choke-type bias supply line 33 is formed on one main surface of the wiring board 30 of FIG. 8 and a flip-chip mounted, bump mounted or solder mounted PIN diode 31 (54b or 56b) is provided in the middle. is there. By controlling the forward current of the PIN diode 31 (54b or 56b) to flow or not to flow, the millimeter wave signal can be on (transmission) -off (reflection) control (switching control) or amplitude-modulated. it can.

  The transmission / reception antenna 60a is provided by making the tip of the fourth dielectric line 60 into a tapered shape. Alternatively, the transmission / reception antenna 60a may have a configuration in which an opening is formed in the parallel plate conductor 51 and an antenna such as a horn antenna is connected to the opening on the outer surface of the parallel plate conductor 51 via a metal waveguide.

  The first dielectric line 53 is connected to the input dielectric line of the first PIN diode 54b, and the sixth dielectric line 55 is connected between the first PIN diode 54b and the second PIN diode 56b. The third dielectric line 57 corresponds to the dielectric line for output from the first PIN diode 54b and the second PIN diode 56b, respectively.

  In the millimeter wave transmitter / receiver of the present invention, the two identically shaped ferrite plates 59a are arranged so that their main surfaces are parallel and concentrically opposed to the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor 51. These main surfaces may be in contact with each other, or may be installed at a predetermined interval from the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor 51. In place of the disc-shaped ferrite plate 59a as shown in FIG. 3, a regular polygonal ferrite plate may be used. In that case, if the number of dielectric lines to be connected is n (n is an integer of 2 or more), the planar shape is a regular m-gon (m is an integer of 3 or more). Is good.

  Further, the millimeter wave radar module as the second millimeter wave transceiver according to the present invention has a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna that are independent of each other, and an example of the embodiment is shown in a plan view in FIG. Is.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the frequency modulation is output from the high frequency generating element between the parallel plate conductors 71 (the other is not shown) arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the millimeter wave signal for transmission. A first dielectric line 73 for propagating the generated millimeter wave signal, and a first dielectric line 73 attached thereto. The millimeter wave signal is periodically frequency-modulated and output as a millimeter wave signal for transmission. The millimeter wave signal oscillating unit 66 that propagates through one dielectric line 73 and the first dielectric line 73 are arranged close to each other so that one end side is electromagnetically coupled, or one end is joined to the first dielectric line 73 In addition, a second dielectric line 82 for propagating a part of the millimeter wave signal to the mixer 76 side is provided.

  Also, a first PIN diode 74b, which is disposed on a first substrate 74a attached to the other end of the first dielectric line 73 and modulates the millimeter wave signal for transmission, and a first PIN diode 74b. The second PIN diode 76b is disposed on the second substrate 76a so as to receive the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 74b, and further amplitude-modulates the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 74b. And a third dielectric line 77 arranged so that a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the second PIN diode 76b is input.

  In addition, the first plate is disposed between the parallel plate conductors 71 at a predetermined interval on the peripheral edge of the two ferrite plates 79a arranged in parallel and opposite to the parallel plate conductor 71, and is used as an input / output end of a millimeter wave signal. A circulator A having a second connecting portion 79a1, a second connecting portion 79a2, and a third connecting portion 79a3, wherein the other end of the third dielectric line 77 is connected to the first connecting portion 79a1. One end is connected to the second connection portion 79a2 of the circulator A to propagate the millimeter wave signal and the received dielectric wave received and mixed by the transmission antenna 80a and the fourth dielectric line 80 having the transmission antenna 80a at the tip portion. A seventh dielectric line 81 that propagates and attenuates a received wave at a non-reflective termination 81a provided at the tip, a reception antenna 83a at the tip, and a mixer 84 at the other end. Body track 83 and The middle of the second dielectric line 82 and the middle of the seventh dielectric line 83 are brought close to each other and electromagnetically coupled or joined, and a part of the millimeter wave signal and the received wave are mixed to generate an intermediate frequency signal. And a mixer 84 for generating.

  The parallel plate conductor 71, the first dielectric line 73 and the third dielectric line 77, the first and second substrates 74a and 76a, and the first and second PIN diodes 74b and 76b are shown in FIG. An amplitude modulator as an example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  In the millimeter wave radar module shown in FIG. 4, a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode 74a is input between the first and second PIN diodes 74a and 76b, and the second PIN diode 76b is input. A sixth dielectric line 75 for output is arranged, and a conductor pin (not shown) as a conductor line for supplying an electric signal to the first and second PIN diodes 74b and 76b on the wiring boards 74a and 76a. And the conductor pins are electrically insulated and led out through the parallel plate conductor 71. The parallel plate conductor 71, the first dielectric line 73 and the third Dielectric line 77, first and second substrates 74a and 76a, and first PIN diode 74b and second PIN diode 76b, or parallel plate conductor 71, first, third and sixth dielectrics Line 73, 77 75, the first and second substrates 74a and 76a, and the first and second PIN diodes 74b and 76b constitute an amplitude modulator of another example of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Yes.

  The voltage-controlled millimeter-wave signal oscillating unit 72 provided at one end of the first dielectric line 73 has a high frequency of the first dielectric line 73 so that the bias voltage application direction matches the electric field direction of the high frequency signal. By periodically controlling the bias voltage of the variable capacitance diode disposed in the vicinity of the generating element to obtain a triangular wave, a sine wave, or the like, a frequency-modulated millimeter wave signal for transmission is output. It should be noted that a VCO having a function equivalent to a combination of a high-frequency diode and a variable capacitance diode may be used as the millimeter wave signal oscillating unit, and it goes without saying that the same purpose can be achieved.

  In FIG. 4, reference numerals 78a to 78c denote mode suppressors. Reference numerals 74a and 76a denote first and second substrates provided with first and second PIN diodes 74b and 76b for amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal, respectively, and have a configuration as shown in FIG.

  The transmission antenna 80a and the reception antenna 83a are provided by tapering the tips of the fourth dielectric line 80 and the seventh dielectric line 83, respectively. Alternatively, the transmission antenna 80a and the reception antenna 83a may each have a configuration in which an opening is formed in the parallel plate conductor 71 and an antenna such as a horn antenna is connected to the opening of the parallel plate conductor 71 via a metal waveguide. Good.

  The first dielectric line 73 is connected to the input dielectric line of the first PIN diode 74b, and the sixth dielectric line 75 is connected between the first PIN diode 74b and the second PIN diode 76b. The third dielectric line 77 corresponds to the dielectric line for output from the first PIN diode 74b and the second PIN diode 76b, respectively.

  In the millimeter wave transceiver according to the present invention, two identically shaped ferrite plates 79a are arranged so that their principal surfaces are parallel and concentrically opposed to the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor 71. These main surfaces may be in contact with each other, or may be installed at a predetermined interval from the inner surface of the parallel plate conductor 71. Instead of the disc-shaped ferrite plate 79a as shown in FIG. 4, a regular polygonal ferrite plate may be used. In that case, if the number of dielectric lines to be connected is n (n is an integer of 2 or more), the planar shape is a regular m-gon (m is an integer of 3 or more). Is good.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 show a configuration in which the millimeter wave signal oscillating units 52 and 72 for the millimeter wave radar module shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, 92 is a metal member such as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped metal block for mounting (mounting) the Gunn diode 93, 93 is a Gunn diode that is a kind of high-frequency diode that oscillates millimeter waves, and 94 is a metal. A wiring board provided with a choke-type bias supply line 94a that is installed on one side of the member 92 and functions as a low-pass filter that supplies a bias voltage to the Gunn diode 93 and prevents leakage of high-frequency signals; 95 is a choke-type bias supply line 94a A strip-shaped conductor such as a metal foil ribbon that connects the upper conductor of the Gunn diode 93, 96 is a metal strip resonator in which a resonant metal strip line 96a is provided on a dielectric substrate, and 97 is resonated by the metal strip resonator 96. This is a dielectric line that guides a high-frequency signal to the outside of the millimeter-wave signal oscillator.

Further, in the middle of the dielectric line 97, a wiring board 98 on which a varactor diode 90, which is a kind of variable capacitance diode, which is a frequency modulation diode, is mounted. The bias voltage application direction of the varactor diode 90 is a direction (electric field direction) perpendicular to the propagation direction of the high-frequency signal in the dielectric line 97 and parallel to the main surface of the parallel plate conductor. Further, the bias voltage application direction of the varactor diode 90 matches the electric field direction of the high-frequency signal of the LSM ₀₁ mode propagating in the dielectric line 97, whereby the high-frequency signal and the varactor diode 90 are electromagnetically coupled to each other. By changing the capacitance of the varactor diode 90 by controlling the voltage, the frequency of the high-frequency signal can be controlled. Reference numeral 99 denotes a high dielectric constant dielectric plate for impedance matching between the varactor diode 90 and the dielectric line 97.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a second choke-type bias supply line 100 is formed on one main surface of the wiring board 98, and a varactor diode 90 is arranged in the middle of the second choke-type bias supply line 100. . A connection electrode 91 is formed at a connection portion between the second choke-type bias supply line 100 and the varactor diode 90.

  The high frequency signal oscillated from the Gunn diode 93 is led to the dielectric line 97 through the metal strip resonator 96. Next, a part of the high frequency signal is reflected by the varactor diode 90 and returns to the Gunn diode 93 side. This reflected signal changes with the change in the capacitance of the varactor diode 90, and the oscillation frequency changes.

  The millimeter wave radar module shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is of the FMCW (Frequency Modulation Continuous Waves) system, and its operation principle is as follows. An input signal whose voltage amplitude changes to a triangular wave, sine wave, etc. is input to the MODIN terminal for modulation signal input of the millimeter wave signal oscillating unit, the output signal is frequency-modulated, and the output frequency of the millimeter wave signal oscillating unit The shift is shifted so that it becomes a triangular wave, a sine wave, or the like. When an output signal (transmission wave) is radiated from the transmission / reception antenna 60a and the transmission antenna 80a, if there is a target in front of the transmission / reception antenna 60a and the transmission antenna 80a, a time difference corresponding to the round-trip of the propagation speed of radio waves The reflected wave (received wave) returns. At this time, an intermediate frequency signal corresponding to the frequency difference between the transmission wave and the reception wave is output to the IFOUT terminal on the output side of the mixers 63 and 84.

By analyzing a frequency component such as an output frequency of the output of the IFOUT terminal, F _if = 4R · fm · Δf / c (F _if : IF (Intermediate Frequency) output frequency, R: distance, fm The distance can be obtained from the relational expression: modulation frequency, Δf: frequency shift width, and c: speed of light.

  In the millimeter wave signal oscillating unit constituting the millimeter wave transceiver of the present invention, the choke-type bias supply line 94a and the strip conductor 95 are made of Cu, Al, Au, Ag, W, Ti, Ni, Cr, Pd, Pt. In particular, Cu and Ag are preferable because they have good electrical conductivity, low loss, and large oscillation output.

  The strip conductor 95 is electromagnetically coupled to the metal member 92 at a predetermined interval from the surface of the metal member 92, and is stretched between the choke-type bias supply line 94a and the Gunn diode 93. That is, one end of the strip-shaped conductor 95 is connected to one end of the choke-type bias supply line 94a by soldering or the like, and the other end of the strip-shaped conductor 95 is connected to the upper conductor of the Gunn diode 93 by soldering or the like. The middle part except for the connection part of is floating in the air.

  Since the metal member 92 also serves as an electrical ground (earth) for the Gunn diode 93, it may be a conductor such as a metal, and the material is particularly limited as long as the material is a metal (including an alloy). Instead, it is made of brass (brass: Cu—Zn alloy), Al, Cu, SUS (stainless steel), Ag, Au, Pt, or the like. Further, the metal member 92 is a metal block made entirely of metal, a surface of an insulating base such as ceramics or plastic, which is partially metal-plated, or a surface of the insulating base which is partially or partially coated with a conductive resin material. It may be a thing.

  Thus, the millimeter wave radar module as the millimeter wave transmitter / receiver according to the present invention has a high performance with which a high transmission signal strength can be obtained by having the amplitude modulator according to the present invention with a small transmission loss, and also has a higher frequency band. In addition, the transmission loss and isolation characteristics of the millimeter wave signal are improved with a wide bandwidth, and as a result, the detection distance can be increased (example shown in FIG. 3). In addition, by having the amplitude modulator of the present invention with low transmission loss, it becomes a high-performance one that can obtain high transmission signal strength, and the transmission loss and isolation characteristics of millimeter wave signals are improved in a higher frequency band and a wider bandwidth. Further, the millimeter wave signal for transmission does not enter the mixer via the circulator, and as a result, the noise of the received signal is reduced and the detection distance can be further increased (shown in FIG. 4). Example.)

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, instead of providing the first PIN diodes 54b and 74b and the second PIN diodes 56b and 76b on the first substrates 54a and 74a and the second substrates 56a and 76a, respectively, on the front and back surfaces of one substrate, respectively. The first and second PIN diodes may be provided one by one. In this case, the input / output dielectric line is not necessary, which is advantageous for downsizing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the reflection coefficient seen from the input side of the amplitude modulator and the reflection coefficient seen from the output side are made the same to reduce the transmission loss of the amplitude modulator. The two substrates are arranged as close as possible to each other so that the electric signal supply wirings provided for each substrate do not interfere with each other between the two substrates provided with the diodes, and further transmitted through the amplitude modulator. It is possible to provide an amplitude modulator for a non-radiative dielectric line with reduced loss and a millimeter wave transceiver using the same.

(A) And (b) is the perspective view and top view which respectively show an example of embodiment of the amplitude modulator for nonradiative dielectric lines of this invention. (A), (b), and (c) are the perspective view, top view, and sectional drawing which show the other example of embodiment of the amplitude modulator for nonradiative dielectric lines of this invention, respectively. It is a top view which shows an example of embodiment about the millimeter wave radar module as a 1st millimeter wave transmitter / receiver of this invention. It is a top view which shows an example of embodiment about the millimeter wave radar module as a 2nd millimeter wave transmitter / receiver of this invention. It is a partially broken perspective view which shows the basic composition of a NRD guide. A conventional amplitude modulator for an NRD guide is shown, (a) is a perspective view of the amplitude modulator, and (b) is a plan view of the amplitude modulator. It is a graph which shows the frequency characteristic of the reflection loss of the high frequency signal of the amplitude modulator of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the wiring board provided with the PIN diode used for the amplitude modulator of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the voltage control type millimeter wave signal oscillation part in the millimeter wave radar module of this invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a wiring board provided with the varactor diode for the millimeter wave signal oscillation unit of FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

1a: dielectric line for input 1b: dielectric line for output 1c: dielectric line for input / output 2a: first PIN diode 2b: second PIN diode 3a: first substrate 3b: second substrate 4a , 4b: Conductor pin (conductor wire)
5a, 5b: parallel plate conductor
11, 12, 51, 71: Parallel plate conductor
31: PIN diode
52, 72: Millimeter wave signal oscillator
53, 73: First dielectric line (dielectric line for input)
54a, 74a: first substrate
54b, 74b: first PIN diode
55, 75: Sixth dielectric line (dielectric line for input and output)
56a, 76a: second substrate
56b, 76b: second PIN diode
57, 77: Third dielectric line (dielectric line for output)
59a, 64a, 67a, 79a: Ferrite plate
59a1, 64a1, 67a1, 79a1: first connection part
59a2, 64a2, 67a2, 79a2: second connection part
59a3, 64a3, 67a3, 79a3: Third connection
60, 80: Fourth dielectric line
60a: Transmit / receive antenna
61, 81: Fifth dielectric line
62, 82: Second dielectric line
63, 84: Mixer
80a: Transmitting antenna
65, 83: Seventh dielectric line
66: Eighth dielectric line
68: Ninth dielectric line
66a, 68a: Non-reflective terminator
83a: Receive antenna
93: Gunn diode A: Circulator B: Second circulator C: Third circulator

Claims (9)

An input dielectric line for inputting a high-frequency signal between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals equal to or less than one-half of the wavelength of the high-frequency signal, and a first PIN provided at the tip of the input dielectric line A diode, a second PIN diode disposed so that a high-frequency signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is input in an extending direction of the tip of the input dielectric line, and the second PIN diode An output dielectric line that is arranged to receive a high-frequency signal that has passed through the diode and outputs a high-frequency signal that is amplitude-modulated by at least one of the first and second PIN diodes; The first PIN diode and the second PIN diode are fixed to the first and second substrates, respectively, and the first PIN diode on the first substrate The non-radiative feature is characterized in that the end face of the input dielectric line faces and the second PIN diode on the second substrate faces the end face of the output dielectric line. Amplitude modulator for dielectric lines. An input / output dielectric line is provided for inputting a high-frequency signal amplitude-modulated by the first PIN diode and outputting the high-frequency signal to be input to the second PIN diode. When the forward bias voltage is not applied to the first and second PIN diodes, the line length of the dielectric line is input from the first PIN diode and reflected by the second PIN diode. A high-frequency signal that is reflected by one PIN diode and leaks from the second PIN diode to the output dielectric line, and is input from the first PIN diode and is not reflected by the first and second PIN diodes Δ = π, where δ is the phase difference between the second PIN diode and the high-frequency signal leaking to the output dielectric line. Amplitude modulator for nonradiative dielectric waveguide according to claim 1, characterized in that it is so. Conductor wires for supplying electrical signals to the first and second PIN diodes are fixed on the first and second substrates, respectively, and these conductor wires are electrically insulated and parallel to each other. 3. The amplitude modulator for a nonradiative dielectric line according to claim 1, wherein the amplitude modulator is led out through a flat conductor. Between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the millimeter wave signal for transmission,
A first dielectric line that propagates a frequency-modulated millimeter-wave signal output from the high-frequency generator;
Attached to one end of the first dielectric line, the high-frequency signal output from the high-frequency generating element is periodically frequency-modulated and output as a millimeter wave signal for transmission, and propagates through the first dielectric line A millimeter wave signal oscillating unit
Second end is disposed close to the first dielectric line so that one end side is electromagnetically coupled, or one end is joined to the first dielectric line to propagate a part of the millimeter wave signal to the mixer side. A dielectric line of
A first PIN diode disposed on a first substrate attached to the other end of the first dielectric line and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal for transmission;
A second PIN diode disposed on the second substrate so that a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is input, and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode;
A third dielectric line disposed at one end so that a millimeter-wave signal transmitted through the second PIN diode is input;
A first connection portion and a second connection portion, which are arranged at predetermined intervals on the periphery of two ferrite plates arranged opposite to each other in parallel to the parallel plate conductor, and serve as input / output ends of the millimeter wave signal, respectively. A circulator having a third connecting portion, wherein the other end of the third dielectric line is connected to the first connecting portion,
A fourth dielectric line having one end connected to the second connection portion of the circulator to propagate a millimeter-wave signal and having a transmission / reception antenna at a tip portion;
A fifth dielectric line that is received by the transmission / reception antenna, propagates through the fourth dielectric line, and propagates the received wave output from the third connection part of the circulator to the mixer side;
The middle part of the second dielectric line and the middle part of the fifth dielectric line are brought close to each other and electromagnetically coupled or joined, and a part of the millimeter wave signal and the received wave are mixed to generate an intermediate frequency. A mixer for generating a signal,
The amplitude modulator according to claim 1, wherein the parallel plate conductor, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator according to claim 1. Millimeter wave transceiver characterized by. Between the first and second PIN diodes, there is disposed a sixth dielectric line that receives a millimeter-wave signal that has passed through the first PIN diode and outputs it to the second PIN diode; The amplitude modulator according to claim 2, wherein the parallel plate conductor, the first, third and sixth dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator. The millimeter-wave transceiver according to claim 4, wherein Conductor wires for supplying electrical signals to the first and second PIN diodes are fixed on the first and second substrates, respectively, and these conductor wires are electrically insulated and parallel to each other. The parallel conductor, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes, or The parallel plate conductor, the first, third and sixth dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator according to claim 3. 6. The millimeter wave transceiver according to claim 4, wherein the millimeter wave transceiver is provided. Between parallel plate conductors arranged at intervals of 1/2 or less of the wavelength of the millimeter wave signal for transmission,
A first dielectric line that propagates a frequency-modulated millimeter-wave signal output from the high-frequency generator;
Attached to one end of the first dielectric line, the high-frequency signal output from the high-frequency generating element is periodically frequency-modulated and output as a millimeter wave signal for transmission, and propagates through the first dielectric line A millimeter wave signal oscillating unit
Second end is disposed close to the first dielectric line so that one end side is electromagnetically coupled, or one end is joined to the first dielectric line to propagate a part of the millimeter wave signal to the mixer side. A dielectric line of
A first PIN diode disposed on a first substrate attached to the other end of the first dielectric line and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal for transmission;
A second PIN diode disposed on the second substrate so that a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is input, and amplitude-modulating the millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode;
A third dielectric line disposed at one end so that a millimeter-wave signal transmitted through the second PIN diode is input;
A first connection portion and a second connection portion, which are arranged at predetermined intervals on the periphery of two ferrite plates arranged opposite to each other in parallel to the parallel plate conductor, and serve as input / output ends of the millimeter wave signal, respectively. A circulator having a third connecting portion, wherein the other end of the third dielectric line is connected to the first connecting portion,
A fourth dielectric line having one end connected to the second connection portion of the circulator, propagating a millimeter-wave signal, and having a transmission antenna at a tip portion;
A fifth dielectric line connected to the third connection portion of the circulator, for propagating the reception wave mixed by reception by the transmission antenna, and for attenuating the reception wave at a non-reflective termination provided at a tip portion; ,
A sixth dielectric line provided with a receiving antenna at the front end and a mixer at the other end;
The middle part of the second dielectric line and the middle part of the sixth dielectric line are brought close to each other and electromagnetically coupled or joined, and a part of the millimeter wave signal and the received wave are mixed to generate an intermediate frequency. A mixer for generating a signal,
The amplitude modulator according to claim 1, wherein the parallel plate conductor, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator according to claim 1. Millimeter wave transceiver characterized by. A seventh dielectric line is disposed between the first and second PIN diodes, and a millimeter wave signal transmitted through the first PIN diode is input and output to the second PIN diode. The amplitude modulator according to claim 2, wherein the parallel plate conductor, the first, third and seventh dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator according to claim 2. The millimeter wave transceiver according to claim 7. Conductor wires for supplying an electric signal to the first and second PIN diodes are fixed on the first and second substrates, respectively, and these conductor wires are electrically insulated and parallel to each other. The parallel plate conductor, the first and third dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes, or A parallel plate conductor, the first, third and seventh dielectric lines, the first and second substrates, and the first and second PIN diodes constitute the amplitude modulator according to claim 3. 9. The millimeter wave transceiver according to claim 7, wherein the millimeter wave transmitter / receiver is provided.

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