A method and device for quickly checking performance of a Doppler radar module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and device for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module, which belongs to the field of millimeter wave radar testing. The Doppler radar module to be tested is horizontally arranged opposite to a fan, the fan is rotated at a uniform speed, and the Doppler radar module sends a detection signal to detect a detection target; when the detection signal reaches the detection target, an echo signal is generated, and the echo signal contains the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade; the Doppler radar module receives the echo signal, and evaluates the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade. The present invention utilizes the uniform motion characteristics of the fan, simulates a moving target of a specific speed, modulates and demodulates the RCS intensity and velocity component of the fan blade, and compares the RCS intensity and velocity component detected by the standard radar module in this scene to determine the sensitivity of the radar module. The device is integrated, simple to operate, cost-saving, and suitable for mass production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of millimeter wave radar testing, and in particular to a method and device for quickly testing the performance of a Doppler radar module. Background Art

[0002] Millimeter wave radar is a radar that works in the millimeter wave band (millimeter wave) with a frequency range of 30 to 300 GHz. The main civil millimeter wave frequency bands include 24G, 60G, 77G, etc. Its principle is to modulate and demodulate the relevant data of the target by transmitting and receiving the returned electromagnetic waves.

[0003] With the improvement of semiconductor process technology, millimeter wave radar chips have been developed and promoted in large quantities, and have been rapidly popularized in the fields of automotive autonomous driving radar, life detection radar, etc. Among them, Doppler radar has a large application market due to its simple design, low cost and wide application. Since Doppler radar can only detect moving targets, it is difficult for laboratories and production sites to provide multiple expensive motion simulation instruments during the research and development and production process. Therefore, in order to meet the application requirements, a simple moving target test device with small size and low cost needs to be proposed.

[0004] According to the Doppler principle, when electromagnetic waves are irradiated on a moving metal target, the frequency of the reflected wave generated on the metal surface will change. If the moving target is moving away, the frequency of the reflected wave will become lower; if the moving target is approaching, the frequency of the reflected wave will become higher. Doppler radar is a radar that uses the Doppler effect to detect the position and relative speed of a moving target. When the radar emits a fixed-frequency pulse wave to scan the air, if it encounters a moving object, the radar can receive the reflected wave with a changed frequency reflected by the moving object, and mix it inside the radar to output a difference frequency signal; the frequency of the difference frequency signal can be used to calculate the relative speed of the moving target; in addition, the amplitude of the difference frequency signal can reflect the size and distance of the moving target, and the sign of the difference frequency signal can also reflect the relative direction of the target; only when the target is moving, the Doppler radar can output a signal, when the target is stationary, the output is zero; when the target is moving at a constant speed, the radar outputs a difference frequency signal with a stable frequency. Therefore, in the process of Doppler radar debugging and performance evaluation, it is necessary to provide a real target or simulated target moving at a constant speed.

[0005] In the existing Doppler radar tests, one method is to use special equipment such as radar simulators, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, etc. to simulate moving targets, but this set of equipment is expensive, the test process is complicated, and the test cycle is long; the other method is to use field tests of application scenarios, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and there may be uncontrollable environmental conditions, which is not practical for mass production. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems existing in the Doppler radar test in the prior art and to provide a method and device for quickly testing the performance of a Doppler radar module.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, the method comprising:

[0009] Place the Doppler radar module to be tested horizontally facing the fan, and keep the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan unchanged;

[0010] The fan is rotated at a constant speed, and the Doppler radar module sends a detection signal to detect the detection target;

[0011] When the detection signal reaches the detection target, an echo signal is generated, wherein the echo signal includes the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade;

[0012] The Doppler radar module receives the echo signal and evaluates the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade.

[0013] As an option, a method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module, wherein the channel performance of the Doppler radar module is evaluated according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade, comprises:

[0014] By comparing the RCS intensity and velocity components detected by the standard radar module in this scenario, the sensitivity of the Doppler radar module to be tested can be determined.

[0015] As an option, a method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module, wherein the instantaneous rotational speed component of each point in the fan blade relative to the radar is v 1 =v·sinθ·cosθ, where v=k·r, k represents the speed of the fan, r represents the distance of each point on the fan blade relative to the center of the fan, and θ represents the deflection angle of each point on the fan blade.

[0016] As an option, a quick test method for the performance of a Doppler radar module is to change the rotation speed k of the fan and measure the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade at different specific speeds.

[0017] As an option, a method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, in which the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan is changed, and the performance of the Doppler radar module at different distances is measured.

[0018] The present invention also provides a Doppler radar module performance quick detection device, the device comprising:

[0019] Base;

[0020] A fan, wherein the fan is arranged on the base and is used to simulate a moving target at a specific speed;

[0021] The Doppler radar module to be tested is arranged on the base and faces the fan, and is used to detect the movement of the fan blades.

[0022] As an option, a quick inspection device for the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, the device further comprising a metal shielding cover, wherein the metal shielding cover is arranged between the Doppler radar module and the fan.

[0023] As an option, a quick inspection device for the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, wherein the Doppler radar module is connected to the base via a module support, and a motor is also provided on the base, wherein the motor is connected to the fan, and the motor is connected to the base via a motor support.

[0024] As an option, a quick inspection device for the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, wherein the bottoms of the module support and the motor support are connected to the base via a self-locking slider.

[0025] As an option, a quick inspection device for the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, wherein windows are opened at both ends of the metal shielding cover, the Doppler radar module and the fan are respectively arranged at the windows at both ends of the metal shielding cover, and the Doppler radar module is directly opposite to the center of the fan.

[0026] It should be further explained that the technical features corresponding to the above options can be combined or replaced with each other to form a new technical solution if there is no conflict.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] (1) The present invention utilizes the uniform motion characteristics of the fan and the different rotation speeds of various points on the fan blade relative to the radar to simulate a moving target at a specific speed, modulates and demodulates the RCS intensity and velocity component of the fan blade, and compares the RCS intensity and velocity component detected by a standard radar module in this scenario to determine the sensitivity of the radar module. The distance between the fan and the radar module is fixed, and the radar channel performance can be evaluated without allowing the moving target to move back and forth. This method does not require the use of expensive simulators or field tests, and can complete the test in a simple, efficient, and low-cost manner.

[0029] (2) The test device of the present invention is integrated, simple to operate, and cost-effective. The test time of a single module is less than 5 seconds, which greatly improves the feasibility of full testing during the mass production of radar modules.

[0030] (3) The metal shielding cover reduces the impact of the environment on the sensitivity test. Its cost is much lower than that of a microwave darkroom, and it is smaller in size and easier to apply in batches.

[0031] (4) The test device of the present invention makes the Doppler radar module consistent with the center of the fan blade 2 through the module support and the motor support, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the test.

[0032] (5) The testing device of the present invention can adjust the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan through a self-locking slider, and simulate and measure the performance of the Doppler radar module at different distances. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a process flow of a method for quickly detecting performance of a Doppler radar module according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of calculating the relative speed between the fan blades and the radar during the rotation of the fan of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a Doppler radar module performance quick detection device of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a quick inspection device with a metal shielding cover according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a quick inspection device with a self-locking slider according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The technical solution of the present invention is described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. are directions or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0041] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0042] The present invention mainly tests the detection performance of the radar for moving targets, and utilizes the uniform motion characteristics of the fan to simulate a moving target at a specific speed. During the rotation of the fan, the rotation speed of each point of its blade relative to the radar is different, and the rotation speed of each point relative to the radar is different. The strength of the signal at different speeds (equivalent RCS) is related to the distance between the radar and the fan, the size of the fan blade, the rotation speed, etc. However, for a fixed-speed fan, the strength of the echo signal at a specified speed is constant, and the radar receiving signal strength is only related to the radar transmitting signal strength and the radar receiving channel gain, so it can be used to evaluate the radar channel performance. In the whole machine solution, the test platform is integrated and efficiently realizes the radar transceiver channel performance.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, a method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, such as Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0045] Place the Doppler radar module to be tested horizontally facing the fan, and keep the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan unchanged;

[0046] The fan is rotated at a constant speed, and the Doppler radar module sends a detection signal to detect the detection target;

[0047] When the detection signal reaches the detection target, an echo signal is generated, wherein the echo signal includes the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade;

[0048] The Doppler radar module receives the echo signal and evaluates the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade.

[0049] The present invention utilizes the uniform motion characteristics of the fan and the different rotation speeds of various points on the fan blade relative to the radar to simulate a moving target at a specific speed. During the rotation of the fan, the rotation speeds of various points on the fan blade relative to the radar are different. The strength of signals at different rotation speeds (equivalent RCS) is related to the distance between the radar and the fan, the size of the fan blade, the rotation speed, etc. However, for a constant-speed fan, the strength of the echo signal at a specified speed is unchanged. The radar received signal strength is only related to the radar transmit signal strength and the radar receive channel gain, and can therefore be used to evaluate radar channel performance.

[0050] The RCS intensity and velocity components of the fan blades are modulated and demodulated, and compared with the RCS intensity and velocity components detected by the standard radar module in this scenario, the sensitivity of the radar module can be determined. The distance between the fan and the radar module is fixed, and the radar channel performance can be evaluated without moving the target back and forth. This method does not require the use of expensive simulators or field tests, and can complete the test simply, efficiently and at a low cost.

[0051] Furthermore, since the fan speed is fixed, the fan blade shape, the relative position between the fan and the radar, etc. are fixed, for the tested radar, if its radar signal transmission power, transceiver antenna efficiency, radar receiving channel gain and other parameters are determined, the specific speed signal strength value received by the radar is determined. Through test calibration, the test system can provide the test data range of qualified radar signals, thereby realizing radar testing.

[0052] Further, the radar test calibration method is as follows:

[0053] 1) Under the given test system and implementation conditions, the speed of the fixed-speed fan is determined to be k; the fan blade parameters (including blade shape, length, deflection angle, etc.) are determined; and the installation distance d between the radar and the fan is determined;

[0054] 2) Under the above conditions, test a batch of radars with qualified parameters, the number of radars is n; collect the moving target parameters (movement amplitude A, maximum speed V) output by each radar;

[0055] 3) Perform statistical analysis on the collected data to determine the parameter ranges of radar parameters A and V, thus completing the calibration of the test system.

[0056] Further, the evaluating the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the blade includes:

[0057] By comparing the RCS intensity and velocity components detected by the standard radar module in this scenario, the sensitivity of the Doppler radar module to be tested can be determined.

[0058] Furthermore, if Figure 2As shown, the fan rotates at a constant speed, the radar is placed in front of the fan, and the fan has a deflection angle. The instantaneous speed component of each point in the fan blade relative to the radar is v 1 =v·sinθ·cosθ, where v=k·r, k represents the speed of the fan, r represents the distance of each point of the fan blade relative to the center of the fan, and θ represents the deflection angle of each point of the fan blade. Assume that the speed of the highest point of the fan blade is v 1 , the rotation speed range of each point relative to the radar is 0-v 1 .

[0059] Furthermore, the rotation speed k of the fan is changed, and the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade at different specific speeds are measured.

[0060] Furthermore, the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan was changed, and the performance of the Doppler radar module at different distances was measured.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] In another embodiment, a quick detection device for Doppler radar module performance is provided, such as Figure 3 As shown, the device comprises:

[0063] Base 1;

[0064] A fan 2, wherein the fan 2 is disposed on the base 1, and the fan 2 is used to simulate a moving target at a specific speed;

[0065] The Doppler radar module 3 to be tested is arranged on the base 1 and faces the fan 2 . The Doppler radar module 3 is used to detect the movement of the blades of the fan 2 .

[0066] Specifically, according to the Doppler principle, when electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto a moving metal target, the frequency of the reflected wave generated by the metal surface will change. If the moving target is moving away, the frequency of the reflected wave will become lower; if the moving target is approaching, the frequency of the reflected wave will become higher. Doppler radar is a radar that uses the Doppler effect to detect the position and relative speed of a moving target. For example, in the prior art CN113534080A, the moving target is moved back and forth on the base.

[0067] When the device of the present application is tested, the Doppler radar module 3 and the fan 2 to be tested are fixed on the base 1 respectively, so that the distance between the Doppler radar module 3 and the fan 2 remains unchanged in one test, and there is no need to let the fan 2 move back and forth relatively on the base 1. The fan 2 is selected as the moving target in a different way, and the uniform motion characteristics of the fan are used to simulate a moving target with a specific speed. Specifically, during the rotation of the fan, the rotation speed of each point of its blade relative to the radar is different, and the rotation speed of each point relative to the radar is different, so that the "relative motion" of the target and the radar is achieved while the horizontal distance remains unchanged.

[0068] Furthermore, the strength of signals at different speeds (equivalent RCS) is related to the distance between the radar and the fan, the size of the fan blades, the speed, etc. However, for a constant-speed fan, the strength of the echo signal at a specified speed is constant, and the radar received signal strength is only related to the radar transmit signal strength and the radar receive channel gain, and can therefore be used to evaluate radar channel performance.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] Based on Example 2, a quick detection device for Doppler radar module performance is provided. Figure 4 As shown, the device further includes a metal shielding cover 4 and a module interface board 6 , and the metal shielding cover 4 is arranged between the Doppler radar module 3 and the fan 2 .

[0071] Specifically, the metal shielding cover reduces the influence of the environment on the sensitivity test, and its cost is much lower than that of a microwave darkroom, and its volume is smaller, and it is easier to apply in batches. The module interface board 6 is used to receive and process the detection information of the Doppler radar module 3 .

[0072] Example 4

[0073] Based on Example 3, a quick detection device for Doppler radar module performance is provided. Figure 5 As shown, the Doppler radar module 3 is connected to the base 1 through a module support 31, and a motor 5 is also provided on the base 1. The motor 5 is connected to the fan 2, and the motor 5 is connected to the base 1 through a motor support 51. Among them, the module support 31 includes a steering support 312 and a base support 311. The Doppler radar module is aligned with the center of the fan blade 2 through the module support and the motor support to ensure the accuracy of the test.

[0074] Furthermore, a quick test device for the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, wherein the module support 31 and the motor support 51 are connected to the base 1 through a self-locking slider 7. The test device can adjust the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan through the self-locking slider, and simulate and measure the performance of the Doppler radar module at different distances.

[0075] Furthermore, a quick inspection device for the performance of a Doppler radar module is provided, wherein windows are opened at both ends of the metal shielding cover 4, the Doppler radar module 3 and the fan 2 are respectively arranged at the windows at both ends of the metal shielding cover 4, and the Doppler radar module 3 is directly opposite to the center of the fan 2.

[0076] The above specific implementation methods are detailed descriptions of the present invention. It cannot be determined that the specific implementation methods of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, several simple deductions and substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, which should be regarded as belonging to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module, characterized in that: The method comprises: Place the Doppler radar module to be tested horizontally facing the fan, and keep the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan unchanged; The fan is rotated at a constant speed, and the Doppler radar module sends a detection signal to detect the detection target; When the detection signal reaches the detection target, an echo signal is generated, wherein the echo signal includes the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade; The Doppler radar module receives the echo signal and evaluates the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade; The evaluating the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade includes: The RCS intensity and velocity components of the fan blades are modulated and demodulated, and compared with the RCS intensity and velocity components detected by the standard radar module to determine the sensitivity of the Doppler radar module to be tested.

2. A method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The instantaneous rotational speed component of each point in the fan blade relative to the radar is v1=v·sinθ·cosθ, where v=k·r, k represents the rotational speed of the fan, r represents the distance of each point on the fan blade relative to the center of the fan, and θ represents the deflection angle of each point on the fan blade.

3. A method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fan speed k is changed, and the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade at different specific speeds are measured.

4. The method for quickly checking the performance of a Doppler radar module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module and the fan was changed, and the performance of the Doppler radar module at different distances was measured.

5. A quick inspection device for Doppler radar module performance, characterized in that: The device comprises: Base (1); A fan (2), wherein the fan (2) is arranged on the base (1), and the fan (2) is used to simulate a moving target at a specific speed; A Doppler radar module (3) to be tested, wherein the Doppler radar module (3) is arranged on the base (1) and faces the fan (2), and the horizontal distance between the Doppler radar module (3) and the fan (2) remains unchanged; The fan (2) rotates at a constant speed, and the Doppler radar module (3) is used to send a detection signal to detect the movement of the fan blades of the fan (2); when the detection signal reaches the fan (2), an echo signal is generated, and the echo signal includes the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade; the Doppler radar module (3) receives the echo signal and evaluates the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade; The evaluating the channel performance of the Doppler radar module according to the RCS intensity and velocity component of each point in the fan blade includes: The RCS intensity and velocity components of the fan blades are modulated and demodulated, and compared with the RCS intensity and velocity components detected by the standard radar module to determine the sensitivity of the Doppler radar module to be tested.

6. A Doppler radar module performance quick inspection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The device further comprises a metal shielding cover (4), wherein the metal shielding cover (4) is arranged between the Doppler radar module (3) and the fan (2).

7. A Doppler radar module performance quick detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The Doppler radar module (3) is connected to the base (1) via a module support (31); a motor (5) is also provided on the base (1); the motor (5) is connected to the fan (2); and the motor (5) is connected to the base (1) via a motor support (51).

8. A Doppler radar module performance quick inspection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottoms of the module support member (31) and the motor support member (51) are connected to the base (1) via a self-locking slider (7).

9. A Doppler radar module performance quick inspection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Windows are opened at both ends of the metal shielding cover (4); the Doppler radar module (3) and the fan (2) are respectively arranged at the windows at both ends of the metal shielding cover (4); and the Doppler radar module (3) faces the center of the fan (2).

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