Method for operating radar sensor device of motor vehicle and radar sensor device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a radar sensor arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising the steps of: generating a first detection signal (29) having a first frequency by means of an electronic computing device (8) for detecting an environment (3) of the motor vehicle (1); modulating the first probe signal (29) onto the optical carrier signal by the electronic computing device (8); transmitting the optical carrier signal with the modulated first detection signal (29) to a transmitting device (9) of the radar sensor arrangement (2) by means of the electronic computing device (8); the first detection signal (29) is frequency-converted into a second detection signal (30) having a second frequency different from the first frequency by means of the transmitting device (9), the first detection signal (29) is transmitted into the environment (3) by means of a first transmitting antenna (10a) of the transmitting device (9), and the second detection signal (30) is transmitted into the environment (3) by means of a second transmitting antenna (10b) of the transmitting device. The invention also relates to a radar sensor arrangement (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a radar sensor system for a motor vehicle according to claim 1. The invention also relates to a radar sensor system. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art that, for example in the case of lidar sensors or radar sensors, wave signals are emitted into the environment, which are reflected again by objects and can thus be used, for example, for detecting the environment.

[0003] The intensity of the emitted waves plays a particularly important role here, since due to legal regulations the intensity cannot be high enough to adequately protect people or animals in the surroundings.

[0004] It is also known, for example, to better resolve the environment, to use multiple radar sensor devices, which then emit radar signals at different frequencies into the environment. This allows, for example, detection at short, medium, and long ranges.

[0005] Patent document CN116256751A discloses a multi-band fusion microwave photon radar based on a multi-channel electro-optical modulation chip. The radar comprises a silicon-based multi-channel external modulation chip, a multi-octave radar signal generation module, and a multi-octave radar receiving module. The chip is characterized by two upper and lower dual-drive intensity modulators. The multi-band radar signal generated by the upper dual-drive intensity modulator is split into two parts by an electrical power splitter. One part passes through a photodetector, amplified, and then transmitted into free space via an ultra-wideband antenna for radar detection. The other part, received by the lower dual-drive intensity modulator as a radar de-chirping reference signal and multi-band echo signals, is mixed by a low-speed photodetector for photon de-chirping. The signal is then sent to a real-time radar multi-subband synthesis digital processing module for coherent fusion. Using an inverse synthetic aperture imaging algorithm, the radar performs real-time ranging and imaging. This method offers the advantages of low cost, ease of implementation, high imaging resolution, and reduced system complexity.

[0006] Patent document CN109613510A discloses a method and system for detecting small targets or performing real-time tracking and imaging using microwave photon radar. The system primarily comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and a control and data processing center. The transmitter uses a continuous single-frequency laser as the radar system's light source. An optoelectronic-based high-frequency multiplication method is then used to generate the required high-frequency broadband radar signal. The receiver uses the transmitter's optical signal as an optical local oscillator to perform optical mixing and receive the radar echo. The control and data processing center controls the entire radar system's workflow and extracts target information from the echo signal. The implemented method and system utilize the advantages of optical high frequency multiplication to generate ultra-wideband radar signals, thereby achieving centimeter or even sub-centimeter resolution, which is sufficient to identify target features by imaging the target; a multi-branch optoelectronic conversion front-end architecture is proposed to fully tap the potential of the electronic power amplifier, and the requirements of lower-frequency narrowband long-range detection function and high-frequency broadband short-range imaging function can be met only by branch switching; it can simultaneously bring into play the advantages of electrical low-frequency high-quality signals and optical broadband compatibility, and based on the system, long-range detection and close-range real-time imaging supervision of small flying targets such as drones can be realized.

[0007] Patent document CN110221292A relates to the field of imaging radar equipment, and more specifically, to a microwave photon multi-band radar imaging system and method. At the transmitting end, an optical multi-band signal generation module generates multi-band signals and sends them to the transmitter RF front end, and generates reference signals and sends them to the optical multi-band signal receiving module. The output of the transmitter RF front end is connected to the input of the transmitting antenna. At the receiving end, the output of the receiving antenna is connected to the input of the receiver RF front end, and the output of the receiver RF front end is connected to the receiving signal input of the optical multi-band signal receiving module. The optical multi-band signal receiving module uses the reference signal to de-skew the received multi-band echo signals, generating de-skewed signals for each band echo and sending them to the signal acquisition and processing module. The signal acquisition and processing module processes the received signals to obtain high-resolution imaging. The system has a compact structure, simple method, and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a radar sensor device by means of which improved surroundings detection for a motor vehicle is achieved.

[0009] This object is achieved by the method and the radar sensor device according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a radar sensor system for a motor vehicle. An electronic computing device generates a first detection signal having a first frequency for detecting the surroundings of the motor vehicle. The electronic computing device modulates the first detection signal onto an optical carrier signal. The optical carrier signal having the modulated first detection signal is transmitted by the electronic computing device to a transmitting device of the radar sensor system. The transmitting device performs frequency conversion of the first detection signal into a second detection signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency. The first detection signal is transmitted into the surroundings via a first transmitting antenna of the transmitting device, and the second detection signal is transmitted into the surroundings via a second transmitting antenna of the transmitting device.

[0011] This allows two detection signals to be emitted into the environment. In particular, the first and second detection signals are configured to differ in frequency. Thus, for example, a low-frequency detection signal and a high-frequency detection signal can be emitted into the environment. This allows, for example, corresponding detection of objects in the environment to be performed at both a shorter range and a higher range.

[0012] The present invention specifically utilizes the fact that, for example, miniaturized radar chips can be used in a coherently distributed, sparse array that can be integrated over a large area on a vehicle. The optically transmitted radar signal is then converted into at least two different frequencies, for example on an electronic-photonic co-integrated semiconductor chip. The corresponding detection signals at the two frequencies are then emitted into the environment via a transmitting antenna, and the corresponding chips are optically connected to form a coherent overall system. This allows for the detection of targets or objects in the environment, particularly in two frequency bands.

[0013] A particular advantage is the high signal-to-noise ratio that can be achieved. Furthermore, low phase noise and flexible chip manufacturing are possible. Likewise, fewer optical fibers are required. This results in significant cost savings, higher resolution, and a greater range.

[0014] The present invention specifically addresses the problem that, due to physical constraints, the angular resolution of a radar system or radar device is determined by the size of its antenna system. Current radar sensor systems are mostly modules measuring approximately ten by ten square centimeters, which is limited by their integration into motor vehicles. Consequently, the angular resolution is limited to a maximum of approximately two degrees. The resolving power increases proportionally with the size of the device. To angularly resolve two objects, particularly in azimuth and elevation, requires a device that is extended in both directions.

[0015] The second most important variable in an antenna array is the distance between the respective elements. This determines the range of angles that can be unambiguously measured. Larger antenna distances lead to ambiguities in the angle measurement, particularly so-called side peaks (German: Nebenpeak). Therefore, modern radar sensor systems in the automotive sector use so-called virtual antenna elements. These virtual elements are created by combining a transmitting antenna with a receiving channel, specifically at the center of the connection vector. Thus, with n transmitting antennas and m receiving antennas, a virtual array consisting of up to n by m elements can be created. This principle is also known as Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO).

[0016] In order to detect the environment as reliably as possible, the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio and stable signal generation in the sensor are essential. This is especially necessary in larger devices with sparse antenna arrangements in order to unambiguously detect objects.

[0017] Furthermore, modern radar sensor systems, such as those in the 77 GHz range, have their range limited by their maximum transmit power and array pattern. Specifically, prior art radar systems are limited to a single frequency band. Typically, 77 GHz or 24 GHz are used for this purpose in the automotive sector. However, the maximum range of these two frequencies is limited by their maximum transmit power. Furthermore, two different photonics semiconductor chips are required for the transmit and receive channels (Tx and Rx), which leads to further costs.

[0018] The corresponding problems are overcome in particular by the features mentioned above.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second detection signals are emitted simultaneously. In particular, simultaneous reflections of the first and second detection signals can thus also be detected. The simultaneous emission of the detection signals allows, for example, detection signals to be emitted simultaneously for both a shorter range and a longer range, and thus in different frequency bands. This enables reliable detection of the environment.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first detection signal and the second detection signal are emitted at different times. For example, the first detection signal may be emitted at a first time, and the second detection signal may be emitted at a second time after the first time. This allows for a better distribution of the reflected signals in the corresponding evaluation, thereby enabling better detection of objects in the environment.

[0021] For example, in an alternative embodiment, provision can be made to initially emit two detection signals simultaneously and then in a further time step to emit the detection signals at different points in time. The advantages of the two embodiments can thus be combined with one another.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the second detection signal is emitted at a higher frequency than the first detection signal. For example, the first detection signal may have a frequency of 6 GHz, while the second detection signal may have a frequency of 77 GHz. Thus, for example, the second detection signal can detect a range of up to 150 meters. For a larger range, the first detection signal can then be used again. This allows for reliable detection of larger areas in the vehicle environment.

[0023] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide the transmitting device as an electron-photon co-collector chip. This allows, in particular, the miniaturized integration of the photon co-collector chip into a coherently distributed sparse array, which is provided over a large area, particularly on a motor vehicle. This allows optically transmitted radar signals to be combined at at least two different frequencies on the electron-photon co-collector semiconductor circuit.

[0024] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the first detection signal and / or the second detection signal are amplified before being transmitted by the transmitting device. Therefore, the transmitting device may, in particular, include at least one amplifier device. Provision may then be made for the first detection signal to be amplified by the first amplifier device and / or for the second detection signal to be amplified by the second amplifier device. Alternatively, for example, the transmitted first detection signal may be amplified and only then undergo a frequency conversion relative to the second detection signal. This allows the corresponding detection signals to be reliably transmitted into the environment.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment, a first reflection signal based on the reflection of the first detection signal and a second reflection signal based on the reflection of the second detection signal are received by a receiving device of the radar sensor device. Specifically, the radar sensor device includes at least one receiving device for receiving reflected detection radiation. To this end, different reflection signals can be received and fed, for example, to an electronic computing device, thereby enabling a corresponding assessment of the environment. In particular, objects in the environment can thus be detected accordingly.

[0026] To this end, another advantageous embodiment provides that the evaluation of the first and second reflection signals is performed by an electronic computing device. In other words, the corresponding reflection signals are transmitted from the receiving device to the electronic computing device, for example, via an optical carrier path. The evaluation is then performed within the electronic computing device.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous to perform a separate evaluation of the first reflection signal and a separate evaluation of the second reflection signal, or to perform a joint evaluation of the first reflection signal and the second reflection signal, by the electronic computing device. The separate evaluations are, in particular, independent evaluations. In other words, the first reflection signal can be evaluated independently of the second reflection signal. In particular, the evaluations can then be merged to enable the corresponding object assignment. Alternatively, provision can be made for a joint evaluation of the reflection signals to be performed within the electronic computing device. Thus, for example, the reflection signals can already be evaluated together, thereby enabling reliable environmental detection.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first reflection signal and the second reflection signal are evaluated coherently or incoherently. A finer resolution can be achieved by coherent evaluation. In addition, data fusion is no longer necessary because it is already performed internally. In addition, less computing power is required by incoherent evaluation.

[0029] It is also advantageous if the first transmitting antenna and the first receiving antenna are co-integrated on a first element and / or the second transmitting antenna and the second receiving antenna are co-integrated on a second element. In other words, the first element can be configured as a transmitting antenna with an associated receiving antenna, and the second element can be configured as a second transmitting antenna with an associated second receiving antenna. In particular, the elements can thus operate alternately as transmitting or receiving antennas. Thus, the functions of the transmitting and receiving antennas can be provided within a single element, in particular within a so-called Epic chip.

[0030] It is also advantageous that the first reflected signal and the second reflected signal are modulated onto an optical carrier signal and transmitted to the electronic computing device. Therefore, the receiving device can be designed to modulate the reflected signal onto the optical carrier signal. This allows for reliable transmission of the reflected signal to the electronic computing device.

[0031] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the receiving device is provided with a ring line, thereby requiring fewer fibers.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one third detection signal is frequency-converted based on the first detection signal, and at least the third detection signal is additionally emitted into the environment. Of course, more than three detection signals can also be generated accordingly. In particular, for example, all additional detection signals can be generated frequency-converted based on the first detection signal. In particular, the third detection signal then has a third frequency that is different from the first and second frequencies. Thus, multiple frequency bands can be used to perform corresponding environmental monitoring.

[0033] The proposed method is at least partially a computer-implemented method. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product having program code means which, when processed by an electronic computing device, causes the electronic computing device to perform the method according to the aforementioned aspect. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium having the computer program product according to the aforementioned aspect.

[0034] For example, the generation of the detection signal in an electronic computing device and the evaluation of the received reflection signal in the electronic computing device are provided as a computer-implemented method.

[0035] For this purpose, the electronic computing device has in particular the relevant features in order to be able to carry out the corresponding computer-implemented method steps.

[0036] The present invention therefore also relates to a radar sensor device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electronic computing device and a transmitting device, the radar sensor device being designed to carry out the method according to the aforementioned aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by the radar sensor device.

[0037] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a radar sensor device according to the aforementioned aspect.

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the method can be seen as advantageous embodiments of a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium, a radar sensor device, and a motor vehicle. The radar sensor device and the motor vehicle have relevant features for carrying out the corresponding method steps.

[0039] For application cases or application scenarios that may occur in the method and are not explicitly described here, provision may be made for outputting an error message and / or a request for user feedback and / or setting standard settings and / or a predetermined initial state according to the method.

[0040] The present invention also includes improvements of the radar sensor device and motor vehicle according to the present invention, which have the same features as those already described in conjunction with the improvements of the method according to the present invention. Therefore, the corresponding improvements of the radar sensor device and motor vehicle according to the present invention will not be described in detail.

[0041] The invention even comprises combinations of features of the described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic perspective illustration shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle having an embodiment of a radar sensor device;

[0044] Figure 2A schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radar sensor device is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a transmitting device is shown;

[0046] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a receiving device is shown;

[0047] Figure 5 A further block diagram schematically illustrates further embodiments of a transmitting device;

[0048] Figure 6 shows another block diagram according to another embodiment of the receiving device;

[0049] Figure 7 A further block diagram schematically illustrates further embodiments of a transmitting device;

[0050] Figure 8 A further block diagram schematically illustrates a transmitting device and a receiving device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In these embodiments, the components described are each individual, independently discussed features of the present invention, which also independently improve the present invention and thus also constitute components of the present invention individually or in combinations other than those shown. Furthermore, the embodiments described can also be supplemented by other already described features of the present invention.

[0052] Functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals in each case in the figures.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 is shown. Motor vehicle 1 has at least one radar sensor device 2. Radar sensor device 2 is designed to detect an environment 3 of motor vehicle 1. In this exemplary embodiment, a first object 4 and a second object 5 are shown in front of motor vehicle 1, in particular as oncoming vehicles. First object 4 is located in a first range of action 6, and second object 5 is located in a second range of action 7.

[0054] Figure 2 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a radar sensor device 2. In this exemplary embodiment, radar sensor device 2 comprises at least one electronic computing device 8 and a transmitting device 9. In this exemplary embodiment, transmitting device 9 comprises a plurality of transmitting antennas 10.

[0055] The following exemplary embodiments particularly illustrate that the method can be performed based on an electron-photon concentrator chip. In particular, the electron-photon concentrator chip can also be referred to as an Epic chip, which is defined as a sensor element.

[0056] Figure 2 It is particularly shown here that the radar sensor device 2 can have at least one central station as an electronic computing device 8. The central station has at least one processor device 11 and a control interface 12. In addition, a traveling waveguide grating 13 is optionally shown. In addition, a low-level signal processing unit 21 is optionally shown. A digital interface 22, for example in the form of an analog-to-digital converter, is also shown. The proposed components are in particular electronic components. The central station also has a photonic component. For example, a feedback loop 14 can be optionally provided here. In addition, a laser device 15, a gigahertz synthesis unit 16, an optical control unit 17, an optical switch 18, and an optical detection device 23 are shown. In particular, the corresponding light signal is emitted by the optical switch 18 to the Epic chip. The optical return signal 20 is then emitted from the Epic chip to the optical detection device 23. In addition, the electronic output signal 19 to the Epic chip is shown. The electronic return channel 24 is also shown.

[0057] Therefore, in particular Figure 2 A central station is shown on the right side of the co-integrated design, with transmitter and receiver chips. In the case of an electronic photonic integrated circuit, specifically an Epic chip, the photonic components are shown, such as a grating coupler and photodiode for the transmitter, and two grating couplers, a photodiode, and a modulator for the receiver, while the electronic components are preferably shown on the left. The central station generates an optical carrier signal. This is fed to a gigahertz synthesis unit, and the synthesized gigahertz signal is forwarded to the Epic chip via optical fiber within the optical spectrum for transmission, for example, as a 77 GHz signal. Signal detection is performed in reverse. All data is processed at the central station.

[0058] Figure 3 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmitting device 9. In this embodiment, the transmitting device 9 is shown to have a first transmitting antenna 10a and a second transmitting antenna 10b. Figure 3 A photonic coupling element 25 and a photodiode 26 are also shown.

[0059] According to this embodiment, a frequency conversion module 27 and a corresponding amplification module 28 are also shown.

[0060] In particular, a method for operating radar sensor system 2 can be implemented using this exemplary embodiment. Here, electronic computing device 8 generates first detection signal 29 having a first frequency for detecting environment 3. Electronic computing device 8 modulates first detection signal 29 onto an optical carrier signal. The optical carrier signal having modulated first detection signal 29 is transmitted to transmitting device 9. Transmitting device 9 then frequency-converts first detection signal 29 into a second detection signal 30 having a second frequency different from the first frequency. The first detection signal is then transmitted into environment 3 via first transmitting antenna 10a, and the second detection signal 30 is transmitted into environment 3 via second transmitting antenna 10b.

[0061] It can be provided that, for example, the first detection signal 29 and the second detection signal 30 are emitted simultaneously. Alternatively, the first detection signal 29 and the second detection signal 30 can be emitted at different times. It is also provided that, for example, the second detection signal 30 is emitted at a higher frequency than the first detection signal 29. It can also be provided that the emission device 9 is provided as an electron-photon co-collector chip. Figure 3 In particular, it is shown that the first detection signal 29 and / or the second detection signal 30 are amplified before being transmitted by the transmitting device 9 .

[0062] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receiving device 31 of a radar sensor device 2 is shown. For this purpose, receiving device 31 has a first receiving antenna 32a and a second receiving antenna 32b. For example, first receiving antenna 32a is designed to detect a first reflected first detection signal 29, and second receiving antenna 32b is designed to detect a reflected second detection signal 30. For this purpose, receiving device 31 also has an amplification module 28. A mixer device 33 is also shown. In addition, Figure 4 It is shown that the receiving device 31 may have an optical modulator 34 .

[0063] In particular, it is therefore provided that a first reflection signal, which is a result of the reflection of first detection signal 29, and a second reflection signal, which is a result of the reflection of second detection signal 30, are received by receiving device 31 of radar sensor system 2. It can also be provided that the evaluation of the first reflection signal and the evaluation of the second reflection signal are performed by electronic computing device 8. In this case, the separate evaluation of the first reflection signal and the separate evaluation of the second reflection signal are performed by electronic computing device 8. Alternatively, a joint evaluation of the first reflection signal and the second reflection signal can also be performed.

[0064] It can also be provided that the first reflection signal and the second reflection signal are evaluated coherently or incoherently.

[0065] Therefore, it is particularly provided that the control signal and the optical signal are provided by the electronic computing device 8, for example by the processor device 11. The optical signal is then transmitted to the gigahertz frequency synthesis unit 16. The gigahertz signal is modulated onto an optical carrier signal and transmitted to a corresponding transmitting device 9, which in particular has an Epic chip. The detection of the optical carrier signal in the Epic chip is performed by a photodiode 26 and corresponds to a frequency conversion in the low gigahertz spectral range, for example 6 GHz or 9 GHz. The gigahertz signal is then forwarded to the corresponding Figure 3 The signals are then transmitted to two circuits. Here, amplification in the low-gigahertz spectral range and transmission via the first transmitting antenna 10a are performed, followed by frequency conversion, for example, to the 77 GHz spectral range, for amplification and transmission by the second transmitting antenna 10b. The gigahertz electronic signal is then forwarded to the respective transmitting antennas 10a and 10b. The reflected radiation is then detected by receiving antennas 32a and 32b, and the received signal is returned to the electronic computing device 8 or processor device 11 by modulation onto an optical carrier signal. The detection of the optical radiation in the electronic computing device 8 can be performed, for example, through ADC sampling and coherent processing. Data from both frequency bands can be processed separately and / or jointly, both coherently and incoherently. The data can then be forwarded, for example, to an environmental model.

[0066] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the transmitting device 9 is shown. Figure 5 In contrast to the exemplary embodiment of , a common amplification module 28 is particularly shown to be provided downstream of the photodiode 26. After the amplification module 28, the corresponding detection signal 29 again reaches the first transmitting antenna 10a or the frequency conversion module 28, where further amplification can then respectively take place.

[0067] Figure 6 It is shown again that the receiving device 31 can be designed with an optical ring line 35 .

[0068] Figure 7 Another schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the transmitting device 9 is shown again. In this exemplary embodiment, it is particularly shown that an additional frequency conversion module 36 can be provided. In particular, a third detection signal 37 can thereby be generated. In particular, it can be provided that at least the third detection signal 37 is frequency-converted based on the first detection signal 29 and that, at least in addition, the third detection signal 37 is transmitted into the environment 3, in particular via the third transmitting antenna 10c.

[0069] Figure 8A schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmitter device 9 with an integrated receiver device 31 is shown again. In particular, a schematic diagram of a so-called EPIC semiconductor circuit with combined transmit and receive antennas 10a, 10b, 32a, 32b for multiple frequency bands is shown according to the following exemplary embodiments. Switching between transmit and receive modes is accomplished via an electronic circuit. Furthermore, a diagnostic circuit 38 may be provided. A phase modulator 39, an RF driver 40, and a bias module 41 may also be provided for this purpose. Furthermore, a receive antenna output signal 42 is shown, which can in turn be transmitted back to the electronic computing device 8, in particular the processor device 11.

[0070] In particular, provision can also be made here for the corresponding Epic chips or transmitter devices 9 and receiver devices 31 to be distributed over a large area of the motor vehicle, for example in the bumper, doors, door sills, roof equipment, glass equipment, or even in the corresponding A- and B-pillars. In particular, they can be arranged over the entire vehicle surface, such as the windshield or rear window, roof, bumper, etc. Different antennas for different spectral ranges can be co-integrated into the antenna module itself.

[0071] Reference Signs List

[0072] 1 motor vehicle

[0073] 2 radar sensor device

[0074] 3 Environment

[0075] 4 First Object

[0076] 5 Second Object

[0077] 6 First Distance

[0078] 7 Second Distance

[0079] 8 Electronic computing equipment

[0080] 9 Transmitter

[0081] 10 transmitting antennas

[0082] 10a First transmitting antenna

[0083] 10b Second transmitting antenna

[0084] 10c third transmitting antenna

[0085] 11 processor devices

[0086] 12 control interfaces

[0087] 13-row waveguide grating

[0088] 14 Feedback Loop

[0089] 15Laser equipment

[0090] 16 GHz Frequency Synthesis Module

[0091] 17 Optical control unit

[0092] 18 Optical switches

[0093] 19 electronic output signal

[0094] 20 light signals

[0095] 21 low-level signal processor units

[0096] 22 digital interfaces

[0097] 23 Optical inspection equipment

[0098] 24 electron return channel

[0099] 25 photon coupling elements

[0100] 26 diodes

[0101] 27 frequency conversion module

[0102] 28 Amplification Module

[0103] 29 First detection signal

[0104] 30 Second detection signal

[0105] 31 receiving equipment

[0106] 32a First receiving antenna

[0107] 32b Second receiving antenna

[0108] 33 Mixer equipment

[0109] 34 optical modulators

[0110] 35 Ring Line

[0111] 36 additional frequency conversion modules

[0112] 37 The third detection signal

[0113] 38 diagnostic modules

[0114] 39 Phase Modulator

[0115] 40 RF-driver

[0116] 41 bias module

Claims

1. A method for operating a radar sensor system (2) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising the steps of: - generating a first detection signal (29) having a first frequency by means of an electronic computing device (8) for detecting an environment (3) of the motor vehicle (1); - modulating the first detection signal (29) onto an optical carrier signal by means of an electronic computing device (8); - transmitting the optical carrier signal with the modulated first detection signal (29) via the electronic computing device (8) to the transmitting device (9) of the radar sensor device (2); - frequency converting the first detection signal (29) by means of the transmitting device (9) into a second detection signal (30) having a second frequency different from the first frequency, and - transmitting a first detection signal (29) into the environment (3) via a first transmitting antenna (10a) of the transmitting device (9), and transmitting a second detection signal (30) into the environment (3) via a second transmitting antenna (10b) of the transmitting device.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The first detection signal (29) and the second detection signal (30) are emitted simultaneously.

3. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The first detection signal (29) and the second detection signal (30) are emitted at different time points.

4. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The second detection signal (30) is transmitted at a higher frequency than the first detection signal (29).

5. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The emission device (9) is provided as an electron-photon co-collector chip.

6. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized by: The first detection signal (29) and / or the second detection signal (30) are amplified before being transmitted by the transmitting device (9).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: A first reflection signal based on the reflection of the first detection signal (29) and a second reflection signal based on the reflection of the second detection signal (30) are received by a receiving device (31) of the radar sensor device (2).

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized by: The evaluation of the first reflection signal and the evaluation of the second reflection signal are performed by an electronic computing device (8).

9. The method according to claim 8, It is characterized by: The electronic computing device (8) performs a separate evaluation of the first reflection signal and a separate evaluation of the second reflection signal, or performs a joint evaluation of the first reflection signal and the second reflection signal.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized by: The first reflection signal and the second reflection signal are evaluated coherently or incoherently.

11. The method according to claims 7 to 10, It is characterized by: The first transmitting antenna (10a) and the first receiving antenna (32a) are co-integrated in the first element and / or the second transmitting antenna (10b) and the second receiving antenna (32b) are co-integrated in the second element.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, It is characterized by: The first reflected signal and the second reflected signal are modulated onto an optical carrier signal and transmitted to an electronic computing device (8).

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, It is characterized by: The receiving device (31) is provided with a ring line (35).

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: At least one third detection signal (37) is frequency-converted as a function of the first detection signal (29), and at least the third detection signal (37) is additionally emitted into the environment (3).

15. A radar sensor system (2) for a motor vehicle (1) having at least one electronic computing device (8) and a transmitting device (9), wherein the radar sensor system (2) is designed to carry out the method according to claim 1.

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