Apparatus and method for simulating radio frequency reflective object
Through automatic analysis and adjustment of receiver and signal parameter adjustment circuit, the inefficiency problem of radar sensors in simulating RF reflected objects and fading is solved, and automatic correction and efficient testing are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411711868.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-03
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
AI Technical Summary
When existing radar sensors simulate RF reflected objects and fading, signal parameters need to be manually preconfigured and manually corrected, resulting in inefficiency and inability to adapt to the measurement settings or tolerances of the equipment being tested.
Provided is an apparatus and method to automatically analyze RF signals and adjust signal parameters in real time through receivers, signal change parameter estimation circuits and signal parameter adjustment circuits to simulate RF reflected objects or fading, including adjustable delay, adjustable frequency shift and adjustable attenuation circuits to achieve automatic correction.
Automatic analysis of signal parameters and automatic adjustment of object simulation parameters are realized, which improves the testing efficiency and accuracy of radar sensors and reduces the need for manual correction.
Smart Images
Figure CN120254779A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to radio detection and ranging (RADAR) echo generation, and more particularly to devices and methods for simulating radio frequency (RF) reflecting objects, and devices for simulating RF fading. Background Art
[0002] Radar sensors typically change their signal parameters during object detection according to the current task to obtain improved range resolution or maximum visible range.
[0003] So far, signal parameters (such as the center frequency) are manually pre-configured, and object or channel simulations must be parameterized accordingly. Any deviation from the pre-configured signal parameters caused by the measurement setup or tolerances of the device under test (DUT) requires manual correction. This applies to simulating RF reflecting objects, such as an RF reflecting object in front of the DUT, and simulating RF fading between the simulator and the DUT. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The aim is to overcome the above and other drawbacks.
[0005] The above and other aims are achieved by the features of the present application. Further implementations become apparent from the description and the drawings.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for simulating an RF reflecting object. The device includes: a receiver configured to receive an RF signal from a device under test (DUT); a signal variation parameter estimation circuit configured to estimate one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal based on an analysis of the RF signal; one or more signal parameter adjustment circuits configured to adjust in real time one or more signal parameters of the RF signal according to one or more simulation parameters and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal; and a transmitter configured to transmit the adjusted RF signal to the DUT, the adjusted RF signal simulating the reflection of the object on the RF signal.
[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for simulating RF fading. The apparatus includes: an input terminal configured to receive an RF signal; a signal variation parameter estimation circuit configured to estimate one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal based on an analysis of the RF signal; one or more signal parameter adjustment circuits configured to adjust one or more signal parameters of the RF signal in real time according to one or more simulation parameters and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal; and a transmitter configured to transmit the adjusted RF signal to a device under test (DUT), the adjusted RF signal simulating the RF fading of the RF signal.
[0008] The RF signal and the adjusted RF signal may be radar signals.
[0009] The signal parameters of the RF signal may include one or more of the following: the timing of the RF signal, the frequency of the RF signal, and the average power of the RF signal.
[0010] The estimated time-varying parameters of the RF signal may include the estimated frequency offset of the RF signal.
[0011] The signal parameter adjustment circuits may be respectively configured to adjust one signal parameter among the signal parameters of the RF signal.
[0012] The simulation parameters may include one or more of the following: the delay of the object according to the simulated radial distance of the object relative to the DUT, the frequency shift of the object according to the simulated radial velocity of the object relative to the DUT, and the attenuation of the object according to the simulated cross-sectional area of the object and the simulated radial distance of the object relative to the DUT.
[0013] The simulation parameters may further include one of the following: the zero-mean Gaussian random path attenuation between the object and the DUT, and the power delay distribution including the attenuation values and delay values of multiple taps of a tapped delay line fading model.
[0014] The signal parameter adjustment circuits may include one or more of the following: an adjustable delay circuit for delaying the RF signal according to the delay of the object, an adjustable frequency shift circuit for shifting the frequency of the RF signal according to the frequency shift of the object and the estimated frequency offset of the RF signal, and an adjustable attenuation circuit for attenuating the RF signal according to the attenuation of the object.
[0015] The signal parameter adjustment circuit may further include one of the following: a fading simulation circuit for attenuating the RF signal according to the zero-mean Gaussian random path attenuation, and a fading simulation circuit for attenuating and delaying the RF signal according to the power delay profile.
[0016] The apparatus may further include a user notification circuit for notifying a user of the apparatus of the estimated time-varying parameters of the RF signal that are related to the corresponding signal parameters provided to the user of the RF signal.
[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement system including an apparatus for simulating an RF reflecting object according to the first aspect or an apparatus for simulating RF fading according to the second aspect; and a device under test (DUT), which is preferably a radar sensor for automotive applications.
[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for simulating an RF reflecting object. The method includes: receiving an RF signal from a device under test (DUT); estimating one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal based on an analysis of the RF signal; adjusting one or more signal parameters of the RF signal in real time according to one or more simulation parameters and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal; and sending the adjusted RF signal to the DUT, where the adjusted RF signal simulates the reflection of the object on the RF signal.
[0019] The method may be performed by an apparatus for simulating an RF reflecting object according to the first aspect.
[0020] Advantageous Effects
[0021] The present invention provides an automatic analysis of signal parameters and an automatic adjustment of simulation parameters of an object, where these simulation parameters depend on the signal parameters and otherwise have to be corrected manually. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022] The above aspects and implementations will now be explained with reference to the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.
[0023] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the features of these aspects and implementations may be combined with each other.
[0024] The drawings should be regarded as schematic diagrams, and the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Instead, the various elements are represented such that their functions and general purposes are clear to those skilled in the art.
[0025] Figure 1shows a measurement system including a device according to the present invention; and
[0026] Figure 2 shows a method according to the present invention. Detailed Description
[0027] Figure 1 shows a measurement system 1, 1A, 3 including devices 1, 1A according to the present invention.
[0028] The measurement system 1, 1A, 3 includes a device 1 for simulating an RF reflection object according to the first aspect or a device 1A for simulating RF fading according to the second aspect, and a device under test DUT 3. The DUT 3 can be a radar sensor preferably used for automotive applications.
[0029] The devices 1, 1A include a receiver or input terminal 11, a signal variation parameter estimation circuit 12, one or more signal parameter adjustment circuits 13, 13A-Z, a transmitter 14, and may include a user notification circuit 15.
[0030] The receiver 11 is configured to preferably receive an RF signal 2 from the device under test DUT 3, or the input terminal 11 is configured to preferably receive an RF signal 2 from an RF source (such as an RF vector signal generator). In particular, the RF signal 2 can be a radar signal. Similarly, the receiver 11 can include a radar receiver.
[0031] The signal variation parameter estimation circuit 12 is configured to estimate one or more time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2 based on the analysis of the RF signal 2.
[0032] In particular, the estimated time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2 can include an estimated frequency offset Δf (i.e., Δf) of the RF signal 2 relative to a (given) frequency f0 of the RF signal 2 or be represented implicitly (i.e., f0 + Δf). Accordingly, the signal variation parameter estimation circuit 12 can include, for example, an analog-to-digital converter ADC, a digital downconverter DDC, and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) analyzer implemented as a digital circuit (such as an ASIC, FPGA, DSP, etc.).
[0033] One or more signal parameter adjustment circuits 13, 13A-Z are configured to adjust one or more signal parameters of the RF signal 2 in real time according to one or more analog parameters 132 and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2.
[0034] The signal parameters of the RF signal 2 can include one or more of the following: the timing of the RF signal 2, the frequency f0 of the RF signal 2, and the average power of the RF signal 2.
[0035] The timing used herein may refer to the occurrence time (e.g., start time, end time) of the pulse of the RF signal 2.
[0036] The power used herein may refer to the average power of the RF signal 2 (in mW) or the power level (in dBm, referenced to 1 mW).
[0037] The frequency used herein may refer to the center frequency f0 of the RF signal 2.
[0038] The simulation parameter 132 may include one or more of the following: the delay Δt of the object according to the simulated radial distance r of the object relative to the DUT 3, the frequency shift Δf of the object according to the simulated radial velocity v of the object relative to the DUT 3 D (i.e., Doppler frequency shift), and the attenuation α of the object according to the simulated cross-sectional area σ of the object (i.e., radar cross-sectional area RCS) and the simulated radial distance r of the object relative to the DUT 3. The simulation parameter 132 may also include one of the following: the zero-mean Gaussian random path attenuation ε between the object and the DUT 3, and the attenuation value α of a plurality (i) of taps including a tapped delay line fading model i and the delay value C i of the power delay profile.
[0039]
[0040] More specifically, the signal parameter adjustment circuits 13, 13A-Z may include one or more of the following: an adjustable delay circuit 13A for delaying the RF signal 2 according to the delay Δt of the object (e.g., implemented by an analog adjustable delay line or an equivalent DSP filter), for delaying the RF signal 2 according to the frequency shift Δf of the object D and the estimated frequency offset Δf of the RF signal 2, an adjustable frequency shift circuit 13B for shifting the frequency f0 of the RF signal 2 (e.g., implemented by an analog complex frequency shifter or an equivalent DSP filter), and an adjustable attenuation circuit 13Z for attenuating the RF signal 2 according to the attenuation α of the object (e.g., implemented by an analog variable attenuator or an equivalent DSP filter). The signal parameter adjustment circuits 13, 13A-Z may also include one of the following: a fading simulation circuit 13C for attenuating the RF signal 2 according to the zero-mean Gaussian random path attenuation ε (e.g., implemented by a DSP filter), and a fading simulation circuit 13C for attenuating and delaying the RF signal 2 according to the power delay profile (e.g., implemented by a DSP filter).
[0041] According to the frequency shift Δf of the object D (due to the simulated radial velocity v) and the estimated frequency offset Δf of the RF signal 2, shifting the frequency f0 of the RF signal 2 → f0 + Δf may be summarized as follows:
[0042]
[0043] In other words, the estimated frequency offset Δf of the frequency f0 of the RF signal 2 generates a frequency shift Δf of the object. D The corresponding deviation In addition to the frequency shift Δf of the object (at the frequency f0), the tunable frequency shift circuit 13B can also automatically take into account the corresponding deviation. D
[0044] The transmitter 14 is configured to send the adjusted RF signal 2' to the DUT 3, wherein the adjusted RF signal 2' simulates the reflection of the RF signal 2 by the object or the RF fading of the RF signal 2.
[0045] Obviously, the adjusted RF signal 2' can also be a radar signal. Therefore, the transmitter 14 can include a radar transmitter.
[0046] The receiver 11 and the transmitter 12 can form part of a transceiver 11, 12, which is connected to an antenna (shown as a triangle in Figure 1 ), which mediates between the wired and wireless transmission of the RF signals 2, 2'.
[0047] The user notification circuit 15 (if any) is configured to notify the user of the device 1, 1A of the estimated signal time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2 that are related to the corresponding signal parameters 121 provided by the user of the RF signal 2. In other words, the signal time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2 can be used to distinguish the desired RF signal from interference.
[0048] In addition, the signal parameters 121 provided by the user of the RF signal 2 can include one or more of the following: the timing of the RF signal 2, the frequency f0 of the RF signal 2, and the average power of the RF signal 2.
[0049] Figure 2 Method 4 according to the present invention is shown.
[0050] Method 4 is applicable to simulating RF reflecting objects.
[0051] Method 4 includes the following steps: receiving 41 the RF signal 2 from the device under test DUT 3.
[0052] Method 4 further includes the following steps: estimating 42 one or more signal time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2 based on the analysis of the RF signal 2.
[0053] Method 4 further includes the following steps: adjusting in real time one or more signal parameters of the RF signal 2 according to one or more simulation parameters 132 and one or more estimated signal time-varying parameters 131 of the RF signal 2.
[0054] Method 4 further includes the following steps: sending 44 the adjusted RF signal 2’ to the DUT 3, where the adjusted RF signal 2’ simulates the reflection of the RF signal 2 by the object.
[0055] Method 4 may be performed by the device 1 for simulating an RF reflective object according to the first aspect.
[0056] The above technical effects and advantages related to the device 1 of the first aspect also apply to the method 4 of the third aspect with corresponding features.
Claims
1. An apparatus for simulating a radio frequency (RF) reflecting object, the apparatus comprising: - a receiver configured to receive an RF signal from a device under test; - a signal variation parameter estimation circuit configured to estimate one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal based on an analysis of the RF signal; - one or more signal parameter adjustment circuits configured to adjust, in real time, one or more signal parameters of the RF signal according to one or more simulation parameters and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal; and - a transmitter configured to transmit the adjusted RF signal to the device under test, the adjusted RF signal simulating the reflection of the object on the RF signal.
2. An apparatus for simulating RF fading, the apparatus comprising: - an input terminal configured to receive an RF signal; - a signal variation parameter estimation circuit configured to estimate one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal based on an analysis of the RF signal; - one or more signal parameter adjustment circuits configured to adjust, in real time, one or more signal parameters of the RF signal according to one or more simulation parameters and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters of the RF signal; and - a transmitter configured to transmit the adjusted RF signal to a device under test, the adjusted RF signal simulating the RF fading of the RF signal.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the RF signal and the adjusted RF signal are radar signals.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal parameters of the RF signal include one or more of the following: - the timing of the RF signal, - the frequency of the RF signal, and - the average power of the RF signal.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the estimated time-varying parameters of the RF signal include: - the estimated frequency offset of the RF signal.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal parameter adjustment circuits are respectively configured to adjust one signal parameter among the signal parameters of the RF signal.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the simulation parameters include one or more of the following: - the delay of the object according to the simulated radial distance of the object relative to the device under test, - the frequency shift of the object according to the simulated radial velocity of the object relative to the device under test, and - the attenuation of the object according to the simulated cross-sectional area of the object and the simulated radial distance of the object relative to the device under test.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the simulation parameters further include one of the following: - the zero-mean Gaussian random path attenuation between the object and the device under test, and - The power delay distribution including the attenuation values and delay values of multiple taps of a tapped delay line fading model.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the signal parameter adjustment circuit includes one or more of the following: - An adjustable delay circuit for delaying the radio frequency signal according to the delay of the object, - An adjustable frequency shift circuit for shifting the frequency of the radio frequency signal according to the frequency shift of the object and the estimated frequency offset of the radio frequency signal, and - An adjustable attenuation circuit for attenuating the radio frequency signal according to the attenuation of the object.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the signal parameter adjustment circuit further includes one of the following: - A fading simulation circuit for attenuating the radio frequency signal according to the zero-mean Gaussian random path attenuation, and - A fading simulation circuit for attenuating and delaying the radio frequency signal according to the power delay distribution.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - A user notification circuit for notifying the user of the apparatus of the estimated time-varying parameters of the radio frequency signal related to the corresponding signal parameters provided to the user of the radio frequency signal.
12. A measurement system, comprising: - The apparatus for simulating a radio frequency reflective object according to claim 1 or the apparatus for simulating radio frequency fading according to claim 2; and - A device under test, which is preferably a radar sensor for automotive applications.
13. A method for simulating a radio frequency reflective object, the method comprising: - Receiving a radio frequency signal from a device under test; - Estimating one or more time-varying parameters of the radio frequency signal based on an analysis of the radio frequency signal; - Real-time adjusting one or more signal parameters of the radio frequency signal according to one or more simulation parameters and the estimated one or more time-varying parameters of the radio frequency signal; and - Transmitting the adjusted radio frequency signal to the device under test, the adjusted radio frequency signal simulating the reflection of the radio frequency signal by the object.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method is performed by the apparatus for simulating a radio frequency reflective object according to claim 1.