System and method for characterizing radar target simulator

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for characterizing a radar target simulator. The system includes a signal source configured to provide a known radar signal for a radar target simulator; and a signal receiver configured to receive, from the front of the radar target simulator, a corresponding reflected radar signal caused by the known radar signal, a respective analog radar response signal to the known radar signal is also received from the radar target simulator and / or a respective output analog radar signal is measured from the radar target simulator as a response to the known radar signal. The system or signal receiver is configured to characterize a reflected radar signal and an analog radar response signal and / or to output an analog radar signal over time and / or frequency shifts. In addition to or alternatively, the system or signal receiver is configured to characterize an analog radar response signal and / or output an analog radar signal in frequency compared to the reflected radar signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for characterizing a radar target simulator and a method for characterizing a radar target simulator. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing number of radar sensors (such as those used in the context of autonomous driving), the demand for radar target simulators to verify the correct operation of such radar sensors is growing, which in turn leads to a growing demand for systems and methods to characterize such radar target simulators.

[0003] For example, CN 105738876 A discloses a device for calibrating the instantaneous Doppler frequency shift of a pulse Doppler (PD) radar seeker echo simulator. This device includes a mixing module, a data acquisition module, a data analysis module, and a parameter extraction module, wherein these modules are coupled to each other. The mixing module mixes the echo signal and transmits the mixed signal to the data acquisition module. The data acquisition module transmits the acquired data to the data analysis module, which then transmits the processed data to the parameter extraction module for calibration based on the data extracted by the parameter extraction module.

[0004] Disadvantage: the device does not allow for the characterization of radar target simulators in a particularly accurate and efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a system and method for characterizing radar target simulators in a particularly accurate and efficient manner.

[0006] This is achieved through the embodiments provided in this invention. Advantageous implementations of this invention are further defined in this invention.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system for characterizing a radar target simulator is provided. The system includes: a signal source configured to provide a known radar signal to the radar target simulator; and a signal receiver configured to receive, from the front of the radar target simulator, a corresponding reflected radar signal caused by the known radar signal, and further configured to receive from the radar target simulator a corresponding simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal and / or measure a corresponding output simulated radar signal from the radar target simulator as a response to the known radar signal. The system or signal receiver is configured to characterize the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal in terms of time and / or frequency shift. Alternatively, the system or signal receiver is configured to characterize the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal by comparing it to the reflected radar signal in terms of frequency.

[0008] Advantageously, radar target simulators can be characterized in a particularly accurate and efficient manner. In particular, the system allows for traceable characterization of the radar target simulator's parameters, such as range, velocity, and radar cross-section. Further advantageously, not only radar target simulators can be characterized, but also radar target simulators with corresponding air gaps. As another advantage, it is worth noting that no synchronization is required, thus significantly improving efficiency.

[0009] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system or signal receiver is configured to perform range calibration of the radar target simulator using the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal, characterized in time and / or frequency shift. Alternatively or concurrently, the front portion of the radar target simulator may include or be the front end of the radar target simulator. Advantageously, for example, range calibration can be performed in a particularly accurate and efficient manner.

[0010] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system or signal receiver is configured to perform Doppler calibration of the radar target simulator using the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal, characterized in frequency by comparison with the reflected radar signal. Advantageously, for example, Doppler calibration can be performed in a particularly accurate and efficient manner.

[0011] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system includes or comprises a measuring device that includes the signal source and / or the signal receiver. Advantageously, for example, efficiency can be further improved.

[0012] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device includes a time-domain reflectometry device, a spectrum analyzer, a vector network analyzer, or any combination thereof. Advantageously, for example, the measuring device may also be a network analyzer.

[0013] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device is power calibrated, particularly for calculating the corresponding radar cross-section. Advantageously, for example, the radar cross-section calculation can be performed in a particularly accurate and efficient manner.

[0014] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system or signal receiver is configured to change the corresponding radar cross-section in the radar target simulator, particularly for calibration within a corresponding range. Advantageously, for example, the calibration can be further improved.

[0015] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system or signal receiver is configured to change the corresponding Doppler frequency shift and / or distance in the radar target simulator, particularly for calibration at different Doppler distances. Advantageously, for example, the calibration can be further enhanced.

[0016] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system and the radar target simulator are desynchronized. Alternatively, the signal source and the radar target simulator are desynchronized. Further, or even further alternatively, the signal receiver and the radar target simulator are desynchronized. Advantageously, for example, as described above, no synchronization is required, thereby further improving efficiency.

[0017] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the measuring device and the radar target simulator are out of synchronization. Advantageously, for example, as described above, efficiency can be further improved.

[0018] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system includes the radar target simulator. Advantageously, for example, a radar target simulator with a self-test function can be implemented.

[0019] According to one implementation of the first aspect of the invention, the system or radar target simulator includes radar reflective elements, particularly radar reflective elements arranged and / or operable on the radar target simulator. Advantageously, for example, especially before the addition of an absorber, arranging such radar reflective elements can efficiently increase the corresponding reflection.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for characterizing a radar target simulator is provided. The method includes the following steps: providing a known radar signal to the radar target simulator, particularly by means of a signal source; receiving, particularly by means of a signal receiver, a corresponding reflected radar signal caused by the known radar signal from the front of the radar target simulator; furthermore, receiving from the radar target simulator a corresponding simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal; and / or measuring a corresponding output simulated radar signal from the radar target simulator as a response to the known radar signal; characterizing the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal, particularly by means of the signal receiver, in terms of time and / or frequency shift; and / or characterizing the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal, particularly by means of the signal receiver, in terms of frequency, by comparison with the reflected radar signal.

[0021] Advantageously, radar target simulators can be characterized in a particularly accurate and efficient manner. In particular, this method allows for traceable characterization of the radar target simulator's parameters, such as range, velocity, and radar cross-section. Further advantageously, not only radar target simulators can be characterized, but also radar target simulators with corresponding air gaps. As another advantage, it is noteworthy that no synchronization is required, thus significantly improving efficiency.

[0022] According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the step of: performing range calibration of the radar target simulator, particularly by means of the signal receiver, using the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal characterized in time and / or frequency shift. Advantageously, for example, range calibration can be performed in a particularly accurate and efficient manner.

[0023] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the step of: performing Doppler calibration of the radar target simulator, particularly by means of the signal receiver, using the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal, which are characterized in frequency by comparison with the reflected radar signal. Advantageously, for example, Doppler calibration can be performed in a particularly accurate and efficient manner.

[0024] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the step of: preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing the corresponding radar cross-section in the radar target simulator, particularly for calibration within the corresponding range. Advantageously, for example, the calibration can be further improved.

[0025] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the step of: preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing the corresponding Doppler frequency shift and / or distance in the radar target simulator, particularly for calibration at different Doppler distances. Advantageously, for example, the calibration can be further enhanced.

[0026] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the step of omitting any synchronization with the radar target simulator, particularly in the case of characterizing the radar target simulator. Advantageously, this can significantly improve efficiency.

[0027] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the following steps: performing the following steps at various continuous wave frequencies of the corresponding transmitted signal: preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing the corresponding radar cross-section in the radar target simulator, particularly for calibration within a corresponding range; or, preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing the corresponding Doppler frequency shift and / or distance in the radar target simulator, particularly for calibration at different Doppler distances. Advantageously, the method can be further improved.

[0028] According to one implementation of the second aspect of the invention, the method further includes the step of arranging a radar reflector element on the radar target simulator, preferably at the front of the radar target simulator, especially at the front end. Advantageously, for example, especially before adding an absorber, arranging such a radar reflector element can efficiently increase the corresponding reflection.

[0029] The above description of the system according to the first aspect of the invention is accordingly applicable to the method according to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above aspects and implementations of the invention will be explained in the following description of specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a system for characterizing a radar target simulator is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A block diagram of another exemplary implementation of a system for characterizing a radar target simulator is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A block diagram of yet another exemplary implementation of a system for characterizing a radar target simulator is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 A flowchart of an exemplary implementation of a method for characterizing a radar target simulator is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another exemplary implementation of a method for characterizing a radar target simulator is shown; and

[0036] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown for yet another exemplary implementation of a method for characterizing a radar target simulator. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for characterizing a radar target simulator 13 is shown. The system 10 includes: a signal source 11 configured to provide a known radar signal to the radar target simulator 13; and a signal receiver 12 configured to receive a corresponding reflected radar signal caused by the known radar signal from the front of the radar target simulator 13, and further configured to receive a corresponding simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal from the radar target simulator 13 and / or measure a corresponding output simulated radar signal emitted from the radar target simulator 13 as a response to the known radar signal.

[0038] In this case, system 10 or signal receiver 12 is configured to characterize the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal in time and / or frequency shift and / or output the simulated radar signal.

[0039] Alternatively, system 10 or signal receiver 12 is configured to characterize a simulated radar response signal and / or output a simulated radar signal by comparing it with a reflected radar signal in frequency.

[0040] Regarding the aforementioned reception of a corresponding simulated radar response signal to a known radar signal from the radar target simulator 13, it should be noted that it is particularly advantageous if system 10 or signal receiver 12 is connected to the radar target simulator 3. In this case, the radar target simulator 13 may include an interface configured to provide the simulated radar response signal.

[0041] Furthermore, it would be particularly advantageous if the system 10 or the signal receiver 12 were configured to use reflected radar signals and analog radar response signals characterized in time and / or frequency shifts and / or output analog radar signals to perform range calibration of the radar target simulator 13.

[0042] Regarding the front of the aforementioned radar target simulator 13, it should be noted that it would be particularly advantageous if the front of the radar target simulator 13 included or was the front end of the radar target simulator 13.

[0043] Furthermore, it would be particularly advantageous if the system 10 or the signal receiver 12 were configured to perform Doppler calibration of the radar target simulator 13 using an analog radar response signal characterized in frequency in comparison with the reflected radar signal and / or an output analog radar signal.

[0044] Regarding system 10, it should be noted that system 10 may include or include measuring devices for signal source 11 and / or signal receiver 12. These measuring devices may include or include time-domain reflectometry, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, or any combination thereof.

[0045] Regarding the aforementioned measuring equipment, it should be noted that power calibration of the measuring equipment would be particularly advantageous, especially for calculating the corresponding radar cross-section.

[0046] Similarly, regarding system 10 or signal receiver 12, it should be noted that it would be particularly advantageous if system 10 or signal receiver 12 were configured to change the corresponding radar cross-section in radar target simulator 13, especially for calibration within the corresponding range.

[0047] Furthermore, it would be particularly advantageous if the system 10 or the signal receiver 12 were configured to change the corresponding Doppler frequency shift and / or distance in the radar target simulator 13, especially for calibration at different Doppler distances.

[0048] It should also be noted that it is particularly advantageous if system 10 and radar target simulator 13 are out of sync, and / or signal source 11 and radar target simulator 13 are out of sync, and / or signal receiver 12 and radar target simulator 13 are out of sync. Similarly, it is particularly advantageous if the measuring device and radar target simulator 13 are out of sync, as described above.

[0049] Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that system 10 may include radar target simulator 13. Therefore, system 10 may include signal source 11, signal receiver 12 and radar target simulator 13, or system 10 may include the aforementioned measuring device and radar target simulator 13 respectively.

[0050] It should be noted that it is particularly advantageous if the system 10 or the radar target simulator 13 includes a radar reflective element, especially a radar reflective element arranged and / or operable on the radar target simulator 13. This radar reflective element can be used, in particular, for the calibration of the radar target simulator 13. The radar reflective element can be exemplarily arranged at the front or front end of the radar target simulator 13. The radar reflective element can exemplarily comprise a metal plate or a metal plate.

[0051] Figure 2A block diagram depicts another exemplary embodiment of a system 20 for characterizing a radar target simulator 23. The above description of radar target simulator 13 can be similarly applied to radar target simulator 23, and vice versa. System 20 includes a signal source 21. The above description of signal source 11 can be similarly applied to signal source 21, and vice versa.

[0052] In addition, system 20 includes measuring device 22. The above description of the measuring device can be similarly applied to measuring device 22, and vice versa.

[0053] For example, signal source 21 is connected to measuring device 22. Signal source 21 provides a known radar signal to measuring device 22. Further exemplarily, the measuring device is connected to measuring device front end 26. Measuring device 22 provides a known radar signal to radar target simulator 23 or a front end 27 connected to radar target simulator 23 via measuring device front end 26.

[0054] from Figure 2 It can also be seen that the measuring device 22 exemplarily includes a measuring element 24. The above description of the signal receiver 12 can be similarly applied to the measuring element 24, or the measuring element 24 and the measuring device front end 26, and vice versa.

[0055] It should be noted that the measuring device 22 may also include another measuring element 25. This other measuring element 25 may be configured, exemplarily, to measure a known radar signal. Therefore, even if the radar signal provided by the signal source 21 deviates from the desired known radar signal, the knowledge about the radar signal provided by the signal source 21 remains correct.

[0056] It should also be noted that Figure 2 A time-amplitude diagram for measuring element 24 is also presented. Exemplarily, at a first time point t1, the corresponding reflected or correspondingly reflected radar signal on the front end 27 of the radar target simulator 23, caused by a known radar signal, has arrived at the measuring device front end 26. At a second time point t2, the simulated radar target or the corresponding output simulated radar signal has arrived. The measuring device front end 26 can be particularly understood as the reference plane 28. This would be particularly advantageous if the system 20 is used to characterize target range.

[0057] Regarding each of the aforementioned measuring element 24 and another measuring element 25, it should be noted that it would be particularly advantageous if at least one or each of the measuring elements 24, 25 includes or is a voltage measuring element, a current measuring element, a power measuring element, or any combination thereof.

[0058] Now, about Figure 3This diagram illustrates a block diagram of yet another exemplary implementation of a system 30 for characterizing a radar target simulator. System 30 is based on... Figure 2 The difference in system 20 is that the measuring element 24 is replaced by a spectrum analysis element 34 or a spectrum analyzer.

[0059] about Figure 3 Regarding the rest of system 30, it should be noted that the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The descriptions in the corresponding sections 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27 can be similarly applied to... Figure 3 Parts 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, and 37, and vice versa.

[0060] It should also be noted that Figure 3 The frequency-amplitude diagram of the spectrum analysis element 34 or spectrum analyzer is also presented. Exemplarily, at a first frequency f1, the corresponding reflected or correspondingly reflected radar signal from the front end 37 of the radar target simulator caused by a known radar signal has arrived at the front end 36 of the measuring device. At a second frequency f2, the simulated radar target (especially a simulated radar target shifted by Δf (Doppler shift)) or the corresponding output simulated radar signal has arrived. This would be particularly advantageous if the system 20 is used to characterize the Doppler shift of an object.

[0061] Now, about Figure 4 The diagram depicts a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of a method for characterizing a radar target simulator. This method would be particularly advantageous if it utilizes any of the systems 10, 20, or 30 described above.

[0062] The first step 101 includes providing a known radar signal to the radar target simulator, particularly by means of a signal source, such as any of the signal sources 11, 21, and 31 described above. The second step 102 includes receiving, particularly by means of a signal receiver, such as signal receiver 12 described above, measuring element 24 or measuring device 22, or spectrum analysis element 34 or measuring device 32, a corresponding reflected radar signal caused by the known radar signal from the front of the radar target simulator; furthermore, receiving a corresponding simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal from the radar target simulator; and / or measuring a corresponding output simulated radar signal from the radar target simulator as a response to the known radar signal.

[0063] Exemplarily, another step 103 includes: particularly by means of a signal receiver, characterizing the reflected radar signal and the analog radar response signal in terms of time and / or frequency shift and / or outputting the analog radar signal. In particular, as an addition to or alternative to step 103, step 104 includes, particularly by means of a signal receiver, characterizing the analog radar response signal and / or outputting the analog radar signal in terms of frequency in comparison with the reflected radar signal.

[0064] according to Figure 5 Step 105, if the method further includes the following step: in particular, using a signal receiver to perform range calibration of the radar target simulator with reflected radar signals and analog radar response signals and / or output analog radar signals characterized in time and / or frequency shift.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the above Figure 5 Step 106, the method may further include: in particular, using a signal receiver, a simulated radar response signal characterized in frequency by comparison with the reflected radar signal and / or an output simulated radar signal to perform Doppler calibration of the radar target simulator.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 5 As can be seen from step 107, it would be particularly advantageous if the method further included the following step: preferably by means of a signal receiver, changing the corresponding radar cross-section in the radar target simulator, especially for calibration within the corresponding range.

[0067] It should be noted that the method is particularly advantageous if it further includes the following step: preferably by means of a signal receiver, changing the corresponding Doppler frequency shift and / or distance in the radar target simulator, especially for calibration at different Doppler distances, such as... Figure 5 Step 108 is shown as an example.

[0068] like Figure 6 As exemplarily shown in step 109, it should also be noted that it would be particularly advantageous if the method further included the following step: omitting any synchronization with the radar target simulator, especially in the case of characterizing the radar target simulator.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the above Figure 6 Step 110, the method may further include the following steps: performing step 107 or 108 at various continuous wave frequencies of the corresponding transmitted signal.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the above Figure 6 Step 111, it would be particularly advantageous if the method further included the following step: arranging radar reflective elements, preferably at the front, especially the front end, of the radar target simulator.

[0071] Within the scope of this invention, all the features described above or shown in the figures may be combined with each other in any advantageous manner.

Claims

1. A system for characterizing a radar target simulator, comprising: a signal source configured to provide a known radar signal for the radar target simulator; and a signal receiver configured to receive a respective reflected radar signal from a front of the radar target simulator caused by the known radar signal, further configured to receive a respective simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal from the radar target simulator and / or to measure a respective output simulated radar signal from the radar target simulator as a response to the known radar signal, wherein the system or the signal receiver is configured to characterize the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal in time and / or frequency shift, and / or wherein the system or the signal receiver is configured to characterize the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal in frequency compared to the reflected radar signal.

2. The system according to claim 1, the system or the signal receiver is configured to use the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal characterized in time and / or frequency shift for a range calibration of the radar target simulator, and / or wherein wherein the front of the radar target simulator comprises or is a front end of the radar target simulator.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, the system or the signal receiver is configured to use the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal characterized in frequency compared to the reflected radar signal for a Doppler calibration of the radar target simulator. wherein, 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the system comprises or is a measurement device comprising the signal source and / or the signal receiver. wherein 5. The system according to claim 4, the measurement device comprises or is a time domain reflectometry device, a spectrum analyzer, a vector network analyzer, or any combination thereof, or wherein wherein the measurement device is power calibrated, in particular for calculating a respective radar cross section.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the system or the signal receiver is configured to change a respective radar cross section in the radar target simulator, in particular for a calibration over a respective range. wherein 7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the system or the signal receiver is configured to change a respective Doppler shift and / or range in the radar target simulator, in particular for a calibration at different Doppler ranges. wherein 8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the system and the radar target simulator are not synchronized, and / or wherein, wherein the signal source and the radar target simulator are not synchronized, and / or wherein the signal receiver and the radar target simulator are not synchronized, wherein preferably the measurement device and the radar target simulator are not synchronized.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, ​ wherein, The system comprises the radar target simulator, wherein, preferably, the system or the radar target simulator comprises radar reflecting elements, in particular arranged and / or arrangeable on the radar target simulator.

10. A method for characterizing a radar target simulator, comprising the steps of: providing, in particular by means of a signal source, the radar target simulator with a known radar signal; receiving, in particular by means of a signal receiver, from a front of the radar target simulator a respective reflected radar signal caused by the known radar signal, furthermore receiving from the radar target simulator a respective simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal, and / or measuring a respective output simulated radar signal from the radar target simulator as a response to the known radar signal; characterizing, in particular by means of the signal receiver, the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal in time and / or frequency shift, and / or characterizing, in particular by means of the signal receiver, the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal in frequency compared to the reflected radar signal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises the steps of: performing, in particular by means of the signal receiver, a range calibration of the radar target simulator using the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal characterized in time and / or frequency shift.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The method further comprises the steps of: performing, in particular by means of the signal receiver, a Doppler calibration of the radar target simulator using the simulated radar response signal and / or the output simulated radar signal characterized in frequency compared to the reflected radar signal.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The method further comprises the steps of: preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing a respective radar cross section in the radar target simulator for calibration in particular in a respective range.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The method further comprises the steps of: omitting any synchronization with the radar target simulator, in particular in characterizing the radar target simulator.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The method further comprises the steps of: performing the steps on various continuous wave frequencies of a respective transmission signal: preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing a respective radar cross section in the radar target simulator for calibration in particular in a respective range, or, preferably by means of the signal receiver, changing a respective Doppler shift and / or range in the radar target simulator for calibration in particular at different Doppler ranges.

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