FMCW radar device, apparatus comprising FMCW radar device, and method for FMCW radar device

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an FMCW radar device, an apparatus including the FMCW radar device, and a method for the FMCW radar device. A frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar apparatus is provided. The FMCW radar device includes a power amplifier (PA) configured to amplify a transmit signal including a frequency modulated pulse sequence. Further, the FMCW radar apparatus includes control circuitry configured to control the PA to vary the amplitude of the transmit signal. The control circuitry is configured to control the PA such that the frequency modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: 1) each frequency modulated pulse of the frequency modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and 2) the respective maximum amplitude of the frequency modulated pulse varies over the frequency modulated pulse sequence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. Specifically, examples of this disclosure relate to FMCW radar equipment, apparatus including FMCW radar equipment, and methods for using FMCW radar equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional FMCW radar data processing, much of the data included in the received radar signal is ultimately discarded, for example, due to a lack of validity of the data relative to the observed scene. Therefore, a significant portion of the electrical power involved in transmitting the radar signal (typically across one or more power amplifier (PA) stages) is used to generate a signal that is not subsequently used.

[0003] Therefore, an improved FMCW radar may be needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This need is met by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims present advantageous embodiments.

[0005] According to a first aspect, this disclosure provides an FMCW radar device. The FMCW radar device includes a PA configured to amplify a transmitted signal comprising a frequency-modulated (FM) pulse sequence. Furthermore, the FMCW radar device includes control circuitry configured to control the PA to vary the amplitude of the transmitted signal. The control circuitry is configured to control the PA such that the FM pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: 1) each FM pulse in the FM pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and 2) the corresponding maximum amplitude of the FM pulse varies across the FM pulse sequence.

[0006] According to a second aspect, this disclosure provides an apparatus including an FMCW radar device according to a first aspect.

[0007] According to a third aspect, this disclosure provides a method for an FMCW radar device including a PA. The method includes: controlling the PA to vary the amplitude of a transmitted signal amplified by the PA. The transmitted signal includes a frequency-modulated pulse sequence. The PA is controlled such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: 1) each frequency-modulated pulse of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and 2) the maximum amplitudes of the frequency-modulated pulses vary across the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect, this disclosure provides a non-transitory machine-readable medium having a program stored thereon, the program having program code for executing the method according to a third aspect when executed on a processor or programmable hardware.

[0009] According to the fifth aspect, this disclosure provides a program having program code that, when executed on a processor or programmable hardware, performs the method according to the third aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The following will describe some examples of apparatus and / or methods by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 The illustration shows a first example of an FMCW radar device;

[0012] Figure 2 The illustration shows exemplary signal properties;

[0013] Figure 3 An exemplary power distribution is illustrated;

[0014] Figure 4 The illustration shows a second example of an FMCW radar device;

[0015] Figure 5 An exemplary device is illustrated; and

[0016] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an example method for an FMCW radar device that includes a PA. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Some examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of these embodiments described in detail. Other examples may include modifications to the features, as well as equivalents and alternatives to the features. Furthermore, the terminology used herein to describe certain examples should not limit other possible examples.

[0018] Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements and / or features, which may be implemented in the same or modified form while providing the same or similar function. For clarity, the thickness of lines, layers, and / or areas in the drawings may also be enlarged.

[0019] When using "or" to combine two elements A and B, this should be understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B, unless otherwise explicitly specified in the individual cases. As alternative wording for the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used. The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0020] If the singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are used, and the use of a single element is not explicitly or implicitly defined as mandatory, other examples may also use several elements to achieve the same functionality. If the functionality is described below as being implemented using multiple elements, other examples may use a single element or a single processing entity to achieve the same functionality. It should also be understood that the terms “include,” “including,” “comprise,” and / or “comprising”, when used, describe the presence of a specified feature, integer, step, operation, process, element, component, and / or combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] Figure 1 An FMCW radar device 100 is schematically illustrated. The FMCW radar device 100 includes a PA 110. For example, the PA 110 may be a transmitter or part of the transmission path of the FMCW radar device 100.

[0022] PA 110 is configured to receive and amplify the transmitted signal 101. The transmitted signal 101 is an FMCW signal comprising (a series, continuous, or multiple) frequency-modulated pulse sequences. In other words, the frequency of the pulses in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence varies over time.

[0023] The transmitted signal 101 itself can be generated, for example, by the transmitter of the FMCW radar device 100 or other components of the transmission path. For example, the transmitter or transmission path of the FMCW radar device 100 may include signal generation circuitry (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram), such as a frequency synthesizer and modulator for generating the transmit signal 101. The frequency synthesizer (e.g., a phase-locked loop (PLL) or a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)) can be configured, for example, to generate a continuous wave signal. The modulator can be configured to generate the transmit signal 101 by frequency modulating the continuous wave signal based on a target frequency modulation for the pulses in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence. The target frequency modulation for the pulses in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence can be varied. For example, linear frequency modulation, sawtooth frequency modulation, delta frequency modulation, step frequency modulation, or chirped frequency modulation can be used. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Other types of frequency modulation can also be used. Furthermore, it should be noted that other hardware can be used to generate the transmit signal 101.

[0024] The amplified transmit signal output from PA 110 is marked with reference symbol 101'.

[0025] The frequency of the continuous wave signal provided by the frequency synthesizer can be, for example, at least 300 MHz and at most 300 GHz. In other words, the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal 101 and therefore the carrier frequency of the amplified transmitted signal 101' can be at least 300 MHz and at most 300 GHz. For example, the frequency can be 24 GHz, 60 GHz, or 77 GHz.

[0026] The FMCW radar device 100 includes a control circuit device 120. The control circuit device 120 is coupled to a power amplifier (PA) 110 and configured to control the operation of the PA 110. Specifically, the control circuit device 120 is configured to control the PA 110 to vary the amplitude of the amplified transmit signal 101 (during the amplified transmit signal 101). In other words, the control circuit device 120 is configured to control the PA 110 to shape the amplitude of the amplified transmit signal 101' using the amplified transmit signal 101. The control circuit device 120 is configured to control the PA 110 such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics in the amplified transmit signal 101' output by the PA 110:

[0027] 1) Each frequency-modulated pulse in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and

[0028] 2) The corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse varies on the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

[0029] The amplitude distribution of a frequency-modulated pulse (FM) is the shape or pattern of the FM pulse's amplitude as it progresses or changes over time. The maximum amplitude of an FM pulse represents the maximum signal level or amplitude (i.e., the signal or amplitude peak value) achieved by the FM pulse.

[0030] exist Figure 2 The diagram also illustrates the change in the amplitude of the transmitted signal 101 during the amplified transmitted signal 101. Figure 2 In the example, the frequency-modulated pulse sequence consists of 1024 frequency-modulated pulses. However, it should be noted that... Figure 2 The number of pulses in the text is chosen for illustrative purposes. This technique is not limited to this. Any other number of pulses N≥2 can be used instead (e.g., 64, 128, 256, 512, 2048, etc.).

[0031] Figure 2 Subgraph (a) illustrates an exemplary frequency modulation using 1024 frequency modulation pulses. The 1024 frequency modulation pulses represent a frequency ramp. However, as indicated above, other types of frequency modulation can also be used. Figure 2 Subgraph (b) illustrates an exemplary amplitude distribution 210 of 1024 frequency-modulated pulses input to the transmit signal 101 for amplification of PA 110. Figure 2In the example of (b), the 1024 frequency-modulated pulses of the transmitted signal 101 shown by the solid lines are rectangular pulses of the same amplitude used in conventional FMCW radar. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0032] exist Figure 2 Sub-figure (b) further illustrates, with dashed lines, a first variant of the amplified transmit signal output by PA 110 according to the present disclosure. The first variant of the amplified transmit signal output by PA 110 is marked with reference numeral 101'-1. In this example, control circuitry 120 is configured to control PA 110 such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmit signal 101'-1 output by PA 110 exhibits the aforementioned characteristic 1). In this case, each of the 1024 frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmit signal 101'-1 exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution 220. In other words, the amplitude of each frequency-modulated pulse in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence of the amplified transmit signal 101'-1 varies with time (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, or 25% of the maximum amplitude of the corresponding frequency-modulated pulse). For example, the amplitude distribution 220 of each frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmit signal 101'-1 may exhibit a variation occurring over the duration of the corresponding frequency-modulated pulse, exceeding 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the duration of the frequency-modulated pulse. In other words, the amplitude variation of the corresponding frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmit signal 101'-1 covers at least 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the duration of the frequency-modulated pulse. Alternatively or additionally, for at least 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the duration of the frequency-modulated pulse, the amplitude level within each frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmit signal 101'-1 may be lower than 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50% of the maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse. Further alternatively or additionally, the average amplitude above each frequency modulation pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 may be less than 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75% of the maximum amplitude above the frequency modulation pulse.

[0033] exist Figure 2In subfigure (b), the amplitude distribution 220 of each frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 is symmetrical with respect to the center time of the frequency-modulated pulse under consideration. In other words, when observed from the beginning to the end of the corresponding frequency-modulated pulse, the shape of the amplitude of each frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 is symmetrical. In the example, the amplitude distribution 220 of each frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 comprises a strictly monotonically increasing and subsequently strictly monotonically decreasing over time, or consists of a strictly monotonically increasing and subsequently strictly monotonically decreasing over time. In other words, the amplitude of each frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 first monotonically increases and then monotonically decreases over time, or such a sequence is shown. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited thereto. The amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 need not be symmetrical. According to the example, the amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 can exhibit an amplitude distribution with the same or similar shape as the window function used in digital signal processing for FMCW radar. For example, the amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 can exhibit an amplitude distribution with shapes such as Hanning window, Hamming window, Kaiser window, Blackman window, flat-top window, etc. It should be noted that the amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-1 can generally exhibit any non-rectangular amplitude distribution.

[0034] Figure 2Subgraph (c) illustrates, in solid lines, a second variant of the amplified transmit signal output by PA 110 according to the present disclosure. The second variant of the amplified transmit signal output by PA 110 is labeled with reference numerals 101'-2. In this example, control circuitry 120 is configured to control PA 110 such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmit signal 101'-2 output by PA 110 exhibits the aforementioned characteristic 2). The maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses vary over a sequence of 1024 frequency-modulated pulses. In other words, the corresponding maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses vary over a sequence of 1024 frequency-modulated pulses (e.g., at least 5%, 10%, 15%, or 25% of the maximum amplitude in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence). In other words, the maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses are not constant (identical) over the sequence of 1024 frequency-modulated pulses. According to the example, the maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses exhibit a maximum value at one or more frequency-modulated pulses, and the maximum amplitudes of the remaining frequency-modulated pulses are all less than that maximum value. For example, the average value of the maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 across the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmit signal 101'-2 may be less than 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75% of the maximum value (of maximum amplitude) in that sequence. Alternatively or additionally, at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence of the amplified transmit signal 101'-2 may be less than 50% of the maximum value (of maximum amplitude) in that sequence.

[0035] exist Figure 2In subfigure (c), the maximum amplitudes 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2 exhibit a symmetrical distribution of variation over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence with respect to the center time of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence. In other words, when observed from the beginning to the end of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2, the process (progression) of the maximum amplitude is symmetrical. In the example, the distribution of variation includes or consists of the following: over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2, the maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulses increases strictly monotonically, followed by a strictly monotonically decreasing maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulses. In other words, over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2, the maximum amplitude first increases monotonically and then decreases monotonically, or such progression is exhibited over at least a portion of the pulse sequence. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited thereto. The distribution of the maximum amplitude variations 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2 need not be symmetrical. According to the example, the distribution of the maximum amplitude variations 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2 can have the same or similar shape as the window function used in digital signal processing for FMCW radar. For example, the distribution of the maximum amplitude variations 230-1, ..., 230-1024 of the frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2 can have the shape of a Hann (Hanning) window, a Hamming window, a Kaiser window, a Blackman aperture, a flat-top window, etc. It should be noted that the distribution of the maximum amplitude variations of the frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmitted signal 101'-2 can generally be any non-constant distribution.

[0036] exist Figure 2 Sub-figure (c) further illustrates, with dashed lines, a third variant of the amplified transmit signal output by PA 110 according to the present disclosure. The third variant of the amplified transmit signal output by PA 110 is marked with reference numerals 101'-3. In this example, control circuitry 120 is configured to control PA 110 such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmit signal 101'-3 output by PA 110 exhibits the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2). In this case, each of the 1024 frequency-modulated pulses in the amplified transmit signal 101'-3 exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution, as shown in the reference numerals above. Figure 2 (b) as described. Furthermore, the maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulses, 230–1, …, 230–1024, varies over a sequence of 1024 frequency-modulated pulses, as previously referenced. Figure 2 (c) as stated.

[0037] Compared to conventional FMCW radar, controlling PA 110 to make the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibit at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2) in the amplified transmitted signal 101' output by PA 110 is advantageous for various reasons. First, controlling PA 110 as presented herein allows for a reduction in the power consumption of PA 110 compared to conventional FMCW radar. Instead of discarding a portion of the transmitted signal in the signal processing chain on the receiver side as in conventional FMCW radar, the proposed technique allows for incomplete transmission or transmission with reduced (average) power. According to the proposed technique, amplitude modulation is performed on each FMCW radar pulse of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence, particularly on the sensing portion of the pulse. Since PA 110 consumes less power, the heat generated by PA 110 can be reduced compared to conventional FMCW radar. Furthermore, transients caused by the power supply to PA 110 can be reduced due to the softer on / off switching compared to conventional FMCW radar.

[0038] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the FMCW radar device 100 may also include a transmitting antenna 130 coupled to PA 110. PA 110 may be configured to provide an amplified transmitted signal 101' to the transmitting antenna 130. The transmitting antenna 130 may be configured to radiate (transmit) the amplified transmitted signal 101' into the environment (i.e., the area around the FMCW radar device 100).

[0039] A target 199 in the environment can reflect at least a portion of the amplified transmitted signal 101' back to the FMCW radar device 100.

[0040] The amplified transmitted signal 101' reflected 102 can be received, for example, by the receiving antenna 140 of the FMCW radar device 100. Antennas 130 and 140 can be located together at the same physical location, or they can be located separately at different locations. In other words, antennas 130 and 140 can be a single monostatic antenna or a bistatic antenna. Therefore, the FMCW radar device 100 can be a monostatic or bistatic FMCW radar device.

[0041] The FMCW radar device 100 may also include a receiving circuitry 150 coupled to a receiving antenna 140. The receiving circuitry 150 may be configured to generate (e.g., digital) received data 103 based on the received reflection 102. The receiving circuitry 150 may include analog signal processing circuitry for performing analog signal processing on the received reflection 102. For example, the analog signal processing circuitry may include a radio frequency receiver and analog front-end circuitry for (e.g., low-noise) amplification of the received reflection 102, downmixing the received reflection 102 to baseband or intermediate frequency, and analog filtering of the received reflection 102. The receiving circuitry 150 may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting one or more analog signals generated by the analog signal processing circuitry based on the received reflection 102 into one or more digital signals. Additionally, the receiving circuitry 150 may include digital front-end circuitry for performing digital processing (e.g., filtering) on ​​the one or more digital signals. The data output by the digital front-end circuitry may be the received data 103. In some examples, the receiving circuitry 150 may also include digital signal processing circuitry for further processing the data output from the digital front-end circuitry. For example, the digital signal processing circuitry may be configured to perform filtering (such as windowing and Fourier analysis) on the data output from the digital front-end circuitry. In these examples, the data output from the digital signal processing circuitry may be received data 103.

[0042] In other examples, the receiving antenna 140 and the receiving circuitry 150 may be external to the FMCW radar device 100. That is, the FMCW radar device 100 may not need to include the receiving antenna 140 and the receiving circuitry 150.

[0043] The frequency-modulated pulse sequence in transmitted signal 101 and / or amplified transmitted signal 101' can, for example, be part of a frame of transmitted signal 101 and / or amplified transmitted signal 101'. A frame includes the transmission of multiple frequency-modulated pulses such as the frequency-modulated pulse sequence described above, the reception of echoes or reflections from one or more targets such as target 199, and processing of the received signal(s) to generate received data 103 (e.g., via receiving circuitry 150). Various information such as target range, velocity, and other characteristics can be extracted from the received data 103. In other words, the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in transmitted signal 101 and / or amplified transmitted signal 101' can be part of a single (i.e., identical) radar measurement of FMCW radar device 100 or used for a single (i.e., identical) radar measurement of FMCW radar device 100.

[0044] The control circuit device 120 can control PA 110 in various ways so that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the characteristics 1) and 2) described above. Two exemplary techniques will be described in more detail below. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] According to the example, the control circuit device 120 can be configured to drive the gain of PA 110 such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2). The gain of PA 110 refers to the ratio of output power to input power. It indicates how much PA 110 amplifies the input transmitted signal 101. By varying the gain of PA 110, the amplitude of the pulses in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101 can be modulated, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2).

[0046] For example, control circuitry 120 may include a memory 121 configured to store digital values ​​representing a gain distribution of PA 110 during the amplification of a frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101. The gain distribution represents a target progression or variation of the gain of PA 110 over time during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101 to generate frequency-modulated pulses with a desired amplitude distribution. Memory 121 may be configured to store multiple sets of different gain distributions for different target amplitude modulations of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101. Control circuitry 120 may also include a drive circuitry 122 coupled to memory 121. Drive circuitry 122 may be configured to read digital values ​​from memory 121 and generate a drive signal 104 based on the digital values ​​to drive the gain of PA 110. For example, drive signal 104 may be a bias voltage or current for adjusting the operating point and linearity of PA 110. By adjusting the operating point of PA 110, the gain of PA 110 can be driven (adjusted) as desired.

[0047] According to the example, memory 121 may be random access memory (RAM), and the gain distribution may be a target bias voltage or current to be applied to PA 110 to drive PA 110. The drive circuitry 122 may be, for example, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described implementations of memory 121 and drive circuitry 122. Other types of memory and circuitry devices for converting digital values ​​into analog signals may also be used.

[0048] In some examples, the control circuitry 120 may include a power regulation circuitry 123. The power regulation circuitry 123 may be configured to regulate the amount of electrical power 105 supplied to the PA 110 during the amplification period of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2). For example, the power regulation circuitry 123 may be configured to modulate the power supply voltage of the PA 110 during the amplification period of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2).

[0049] The output power level of PA 110, and therefore the amplitude (directly) of the signal output by PA 110, is proportional to the amount of electrical power 105 supplied to PA 110. Therefore, by adjusting or varying the amount of electrical power 105 supplied to PA 110, the amplitude of the pulses in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101 can be modulated, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2).

[0050] For example, the control circuitry 120 may include another memory 124 configured to store digital values ​​representing the power distribution of the electrical power 105 supplied to the PA 110 during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101. The power distribution represents the amount of electrical power 105 supplied to the PA 110 during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101 as a target progression or change over time. The memory 124 may be configured to store multiple different groups of power distributions for different target amplitude modulations of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101.

[0051] According to the example, memory 124 may be RAM, and the power distribution may be a target supply voltage for PA 110. Power conditioning circuitry 123 may, for example, include a DC-DC converter (e.g., a buck converter) or a low-dropout (LDO) regulator that generates the supply voltage for PA 110, and a controller configured to control the DC-DC converter based on the target supply voltage. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described implementations of memory 124 and power conditioning circuitry 123. Other types of memory and circuitry for converting digital values ​​into analog power signals may also be used.

[0052] According to the example, the control circuit device 110 may be configured to drive the gain of PA 110 or adjust the amount of electrical power supplied to PA 110 during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101, so that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the above characteristics 1) and 2).

[0053] In an alternative example, control circuitry 110 may be configured to drive the gain of PA 110 and adjust the amount of electrical power supplied to PA 110 during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2). Specifically, control circuitry 110 may be configured to simultaneously drive the gain of PA 110 and adjust the amount of electrical power supplied to PA 110 during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the transmitted signal 101, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence in the amplified transmitted signal 101' exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics 1) and 2). For example, control circuitry 110 may be configured to synchronize the operation of drive circuitry 122 and power regulation circuitry 123.

[0054] In some examples, the power conditioning circuitry 123 may be housed in a first IC separate from the second integrated circuit (IC), with the remaining components of the FMCW radar device 100 integrated into the second IC. For example, the power conditioning circuitry 123 may be integrated into a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) coupled to a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), which includes the remaining components of the FMCW radar device 100. The memory 124 may be integrated into either the PMIC or the MMIC. In alternative examples, all components of the FMCW radar device 100 may be integrated into a single (i.e., identical) IC.

[0055] As indicated above, in conventional FMCW radar, by performing one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional windowing on the digital data generated from the reflected signals received from the transmitted signal, a large portion of the radar signal is discarded at the beginning and end of the signal. This is done to reduce spectral leakage, improve dynamic range, increase estimation accuracy, and enhance target detection. A similar effect can be achieved using the proposed technique by directly modulating the amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse with a PA110. Figure 3 An exemplary power distribution in a range Doppler representation 300 (also known as a "range velocity representation", "range Doppler plot", or "range Doppler image") is illustrated, which is derived from the received reflection 102 of the amplified transmitted signal 101' without windowing the digital data generated from the received reflection 102 of the amplified transmitted signal 101'.

[0056] The power distribution in the range Doppler representation 300 is similar to the power distribution generated in a conventional FMCW radar based on windowed data. However, unlike conventional FMCW radar, the proposed technique allows for such beneficial power distribution with significantly reduced power consumption of PA 110, reduced heat generation of PA 110, and reduced transients from the power supply to PA 110.

[0057] The range Doppler representation 300 is an example of a two-dimensional data structure where range values ​​are arranged as a fast-time to slow-time matrix. However, the proposed technique can also be used in FMCW radar equipment to generate radar data for three-dimensional data structures. Figure 4 An exemplary FMCW radar device 400 is illustrated. The FMCW radar device 400 is based on the FMCW radar device 100 described above. In the following text, only the differences between FMCW radar devices 100 and 400 will be described.

[0058] Compared to FMCW radar device 100, FMCW radar device 400 also includes another (second) PA 160. For example, PA 110 may be part of a first transmission path of FMCW radar device 400, while PA 160 may be part of a (separate, different) second transmission path of FMCW radar device 400.

[0059] PA 160 is configured to receive and amplify another (second) transmitted signal 106. Similar to transmitted signal 101 described above, the other transmitted signal 106 is an FMCW signal comprising another frequency-modulated pulse sequence. The frequency-modulated pulses of the other transmitted signal 106 may be rectangular pulses of the same amplitude. The other transmitted signal 106 may be generated, for example, by other components of the FMCW radar device 100, similar to those described above for transmitted signal 101. Transmitted signal 101 and the other transmitted signal 106 may be phase-shifted relative to each other, for example. The carrier frequencies of transmitted signal 101 and the other transmitted signal 106 may be the same as each other. The amplified transmitted signal output by PA 160 is marked with reference symbol 106'-1. The amplified transmitted signal 106'-1 may be radiated into the environment by another transmitting antenna 170 coupled to PA 160.

[0060] The control circuit device 120 is also coupled to PA 160 and configured to control the operation of PA 160 in a manner similar to that of PA 110. Specifically, the control circuit device 120 is configured to control PA 160 to vary the amplitude of the other transmitted signal 106 during amplification. The control circuit device 120 is configured to control PA 160 such that the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics in the amplified transmitted signal 106' output by PA 160:

[0061] A) Each frequency-modulated pulse in another frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and

[0062] B) The corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse varies over another frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

[0063] The amplitude changes caused by PA 110 and PA 160 can be the same or different from each other. In other words, control circuitry 120 can be configured to control PA 110 and PA 160 to change the amplitudes of transmitted signal 101 and transmitted signal 106 in the same or different ways. Control circuitry 120 can be configured to control the amplitude changes of PA 110 and PA 160 for each PA separately (i.e., independently). For example, control circuitry 120 can be configured to drive the gain of PA 110 and PA 160 respectively during the amplification of transmitted signals 101 and 106. Additionally or alternatively, control circuitry 120 can be configured to adjust the amount of electrical power supplied to PA 110 and PA 160 respectively during the amplification of transmitted signals 101 and 106.

[0064] like Figure 4 As indicated, the FMCW radar device 400 may optionally include additional PAs for amplifying and amplitude modulating additional transmitted signals (e.g., phase shifting relative to transmitted signals 101 and 106). For example, if the FMCW radar device 400 includes M ≥ 2 transmit paths, each transmit path may include PAs similar to PA 110 and PA 160 for amplifying and amplitude modulating the corresponding transmitted signal generated by other elements (circuit devices) of the corresponding transmit path. Control circuit device 120 controls the PAs according to the proposed technique.

[0065] Similarly, radar device 400 may include more than one receiving path (i.e., one or more additional receiving circuits).

[0066] It should be noted that in some examples, windowing can be omitted at the receiving side due to pulse shaping implemented on the transmitting side. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In other examples, windowing can be used at the receiving side (e.g., as in conventional FMCW radar).

[0067] The FMCW radar device according to the proposed technology can be used in a variety of applications. Therefore, this technology also relates to devices including the FMCW radar device as described herein. This device can be, for example, a vehicle such as a car, truck, or motorcycle. In other examples, the device can be a consumer product such as a mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartwatch, earphone, in-ear phone, and headset. In particular, the device can be a battery-powered device. In other words, the device can include a battery configured to power the FMCW radar device and optionally other components or devices of the device. The FMCW radar device according to the proposed technology can also be used in other applications, such as home appliances or (smart) toilets. In other words, according to the examples of this disclosure, the device can be a home appliance or a (smart) toilet.

[0068] As an example of a device including an FMCW radar device according to the proposed technology, in Figure 5 The illustration shows a mobile phone 500, which includes an FMCW radar device 510 as described herein (e.g., one of the FMCW radar devices 100 and 400 described above) and a battery 520 configured to power the FMCW radar device 510 and optionally other components of the mobile phone 500. Because the power consumption of the power supplies (PAs) of the FMCW radar device 510 is significantly reduced compared to conventional FMCW radar, the battery 520's lifespan can be extended. Furthermore, the mobile phone 500 benefits from the reduced heat generation of the power supplies (PAs) of the FMCW radar device 510, as the mobile phone 500's cooling infrastructure requires less heat dissipation. These benefits are analogous to those applicable to other battery-powered devices using FMCW radar devices according to the proposed technology.

[0069] To further highlight the pulse shaping used in the aforementioned FMCW radar, Figure 6 A flowchart of method 600 for an FMCW radar device including a PA is illustrated. Method 600 includes controlling (602) the PA to vary the amplitude of a transmitted signal amplified by the PA. The transmitted signal includes a frequency-modulated pulse sequence. The PA is controlled such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics:

[0070] Each pulse in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and

[0071] The corresponding maximum amplitude of the pulse varies over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

[0072] Similar to the above, method 600 provides an improved FMCW radar. In particular, method 600 allows for reduced power consumption of the PA, reduced heat generated by the PA, and reduced power transients due to softer on / off switching.

[0073] In combination with the proposed technology or one or more of the examples above (e.g.) Figures 1 to 5 To explain further details and aspects of method 600. Method 700 may include one or more aspects corresponding to the proposed technology or one or more additional optional features of the above examples.

[0074] The proposed technique provides amplitude pulse shaping for FMCW.

[0075] The examples described in this article can be summarized as follows:

[0076] An example (e.g., Example 1) relates to an FMCW radar device. The FMCW radar device includes a PA configured to amplify a transmitted signal comprising a frequency-modulated (FM) pulse sequence. Furthermore, the FMCW radar device includes control circuitry configured to control the PA to vary the amplitude of the transmitted signal. The control circuitry is configured to control the PA such that the FM pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: each FM pulse in the FM pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; the corresponding maximum amplitude of the FM pulse varies over the FM pulse sequence.

[0077] Another example (e.g., Example 2) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 1) or any other example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to drive the gain of the PA such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0078] Another example (e.g., Example 3) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 2) or any other example, wherein the control circuitry includes: a memory configured to store digital values ​​representing the gain distribution of the PA during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence; and a drive circuitry configured to generate a drive signal for driving the gain of the PA based on the digital values.

[0079] Another example (e.g., Example 4) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 3) or any other example, wherein the control circuitry includes a power regulation circuitry configured to regulate the amount of electrical power supplied to the PA during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0080] Another example (e.g., Example 5) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 4) or any other example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to simultaneously drive the gain of the PA and adjust the amount of electrical power supplied to the PA during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0081] Another example (e.g., Example 6) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 5) or any other example, where the frequency modulation pulse sequence is part of a frame of the transmitted signal.

[0082] Another example (e.g., Example 7) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 6) or any other example, and also includes a receiving circuit arrangement configured to generate received data based on the reflection of the received transmitted signal.

[0083] Another example (e.g., Example 8) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 7) or any other example, and also includes another PA configured to amplify another transmitted signal comprising another frequency-modulated pulse sequence, wherein control circuitry is configured to control the other PA to vary the amplitude of the other transmitted signal, wherein control circuitry is configured to control the other PA such that the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: each frequency-modulated pulse of the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution, and the corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse varies above the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

[0084] Another example (e.g., Example 9) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 8) or any other example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control a power amplifier and another PA to similarly vary the amplitude of the other transmitted signal and the amplitude of the transmitted signal.

[0085] Another example (e.g., Example 10) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 8) or any other example, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control a power amplifier and another PA to vary the amplitude of another transmitted signal and the amplitude of the transmitted signal.

[0086] Another example (e.g., Example 11) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 10) or any other example, wherein the amplitude distribution of each frequency modulation pulse is symmetrical with respect to the center time of the frequency modulation pulse under consideration, and / or wherein the maximum amplitude of the frequency modulation pulse exhibits a variation distribution over the frequency modulation pulse sequence that is symmetrical with respect to the center time of the frequency modulation pulse sequence.

[0087] Another example (e.g., Example 12) relates to an apparatus that includes an FMCW radar device according to a previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 11) or any other example.

[0088] Another example (e.g., Example 13) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 12) or any other example, and also includes a battery configured to provide electrical power to an FMCW radar device.

[0089] Another example (e.g., Example 14) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 13) or any other example, wherein the device is one of a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, an earphone, an in-ear phone, and a headset.

[0090] Examples (e.g., Example 15) relate to a method for a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar device including a PA, the method comprising controlling the PA to vary the amplitude of a transmitted signal amplified by the PA, wherein the transmitted signal comprises a sequence of frequency-modulated pulses, and wherein the PA is controlled such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: each frequency-modulated pulse of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution, and the corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulses varies above the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

[0091] Another example (e.g., Example 16) relates to a non-transitory machine-readable medium on which a program has program code for executing the method according to Example 15 when the program is executed on a processor or programmable hardware.

[0092] Another example (e.g., Example 17) involves a program with program code that, when executed on a processor or programmable hardware, performs the method according to Example 15.

[0093] The aspects and features described in a particular example from the previous examples can also be combined with one or more examples from other examples to replace the same or similar features in other examples or to introduce features into other instances.

[0094] Examples may also be or relate to a (computer) program that includes program code, which, when executed on a computer, processor, or other programmable hardware component, performs one or more of the methods described above. Therefore, the steps, operations, or processes of the different methods described above may also be executed by a programmed computer, processor, or other programmable hardware component. Examples may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, that are machine-readable, processor-readable, or computer-readable and encoded and / or include machine-executable, processor-executable, or computer-executable programs and instructions. For example, a program storage device may include or may be a digital storage device, such as magnetic storage media like disks and tapes, hard disk drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. Other examples may also include computers, processors, control units, (field-programmable arrays) ((F)PLAs), (field-programmable gate arrays) ((F)PGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs), or system-on-a-chip (SoC) systems programmed to perform the steps of the methods described above.

[0095] It should also be understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations, or functions in the specification or claims should not be construed as implying that these operations must depend on the described order, unless expressly stated in individual cases or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the foregoing description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a particular order. Furthermore, in other examples, a single step, function, process, or operation may include and / or be decomposed into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations.

[0096] If aspects of a device or system have already been described, these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding methods. For example, a block, device, or functional aspect of a device or system may correspond to a feature of the corresponding method, such as method steps. Therefore, aspects of the method description should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding blocks, elements, attributes, or functional characteristics of the corresponding device or system.

[0097] The following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim may be considered an independent example. It should also be noted that, although in the claims, dependent claims refer to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are expressly presented here unless, in individual cases, it is indicated that a particular combination is not desired. Furthermore, the features of a claim should also be included in any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent on that other independent claim.

Claims

1. A frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar device (100, 400), comprising: A power amplifier (110) is configured to amplify a transmitted signal (101) comprising a frequency-modulated pulse sequence; as well as A control circuit device (120) is configured to control the power amplifier (110) to vary the amplitude of the transmitted signal (101), wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to control the power amplifier (110) such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: Each frequency-modulated pulse in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and The corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse varies over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

2. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to drive the gain of the power amplifier (110) such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

3. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit device (120) comprises: The memory (121) is configured to store digital values ​​representing the gain distribution of the power amplifier (110) during the amplification of the frequency modulation pulse sequence; as well as The driving circuit device (122) is configured to generate a driving signal (104) for driving the gain of the power amplifier (110) based on the digital value.

4. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit device (120) includes a power adjustment circuit device (123) configured to adjust the amount of electrical power (105) supplied to the power amplifier (110) during the amplification of the frequency modulation pulse sequence, such that the frequency modulation pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

5. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) of claim 4 when dependent on any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to simultaneously drive the gain of the power amplifier (110) and adjust the amount of electrical power (105) supplied to the power amplifier (110) during the amplification of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence, such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the aforementioned characteristics.

6. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frequency modulation pulse sequence is part of a frame of the transmitted signal (101).

7. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: The receiving circuit device is configured to generate received data based on the reflection (102) of the received transmitted signal (101').

8. The FMCW radar device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprises another power amplifier (160), the other power amplifier (160) being configured to amplify another transmitted signal (106) comprising another frequency-modulated pulse sequence, wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to control the other power amplifier (160) to vary the amplitude of the other transmitted signal (106), wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to control the other power amplifier (160) such that the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: Each frequency-modulated pulse in the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and The corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse varies over the other frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

9. The FMCW radar device (400) according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to control the power amplifier (110) and the other power amplifier (160) to equally vary the amplitude of the other transmitted signal (106) and the amplitude of the transmitted signal (101).

10. The FMCW radar device (400) according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit device (120) is configured to control the power amplifier (110) and the other power amplifier (160) to vary the amplitude of the other transmitted signal (106) and the amplitude of the transmitted signal (101).

11. The FMCW radar device (100, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the amplitude distribution of each frequency-modulated pulse is symmetrical with respect to the center time of the frequency-modulated pulse under consideration, and / or wherein the maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse exhibits a variation distribution over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence, the variation distribution being symmetrical with respect to the center time of the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

12. An apparatus (600) comprising a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar device (610) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The apparatus (600) of claim 12 further includes a battery (620) configured to provide electrical power to the FMCW radar device (610).

14. The device (600) according to claim 13, wherein the device (600) is at least one of: a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartwatch, an earphone, an in-ear phone, and a headset.

15. A method (700) for a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar device including a power amplifier, the method comprising: Control (702) the power amplifier to vary the amplitude of the transmitted signal amplified by the power amplifier. The transmitted signal includes a frequency-modulated pulse sequence, and The power amplifier is controlled such that the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits at least one of the following characteristics: Each frequency-modulated pulse in the frequency-modulated pulse sequence exhibits a non-rectangular amplitude distribution; and The corresponding maximum amplitude of the frequency-modulated pulse varies over the frequency-modulated pulse sequence.

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