Multiband software-defined radio system for detecting surroundings, method, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a software-defined radio system (2) for detecting surroundings, comprising - an optical device (6) for generating an optical carrier signal (7) and - a transmission device (4) which is designed to emit electric emission signals (16, 17, 18) that are based on the optical carrier signal (7). The invention is characterized by - an electro-optical modulator (8) which has a specified working point (10), wherein – the electro-optical modulator (8) is designed to generate a plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) on the basis of the specified working point (10) and the optical carrier signal (7) such that the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) have frequency bands (20, 21, 22) which differ from one another, and - an electro-optical modulator device (46) which is designed to generate a plurality of optical emission signals (9) on the basis of the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) in that the plurality of optical output signals (9) are modulated with at least one electric CW signal (11). The invention additionally relates to a method and a motor vehicle (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Multi-band software-defined radio system for environmental detection, as well as method and motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a software-defined radio system for environmental detection. The software-defined radio system comprises an optical device for generating an optical carrier signal. The software-defined radio system also comprises a transmitting device configured to transmit electrical signals based on the optical carrier signal.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a software-defined radio system.

[0005] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a software-defined radio system.

[0006] US 2021 / 0 055 387 A1 discloses a coherent LIDAR system. This comprises a light source configured to emit locally oscillated light and light pulses, each coherent with a corresponding portion of the locally oscillated light. Furthermore, the LIDAR system includes a laser and an amplifier. Furthermore, the LIDAR system includes a receiver configured to receive the locally oscillated light and the light pulses in order to determine a distance to an object.

[0007] For example, US 2021 / 0 072 381 A1 further discloses a system and method for improved velocity resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in optical phase-encoded ranging. An electrical signal generated by mixing a first optical signal and a second optical signal can be received, the first optical signal being generated by modulating an optical signal, and the second optical signal being generated in response to transmitting the first optical signal to a value. A Doppler frequency shift of the second optical signal can be determined, and a corrected electrical signal can be generated by adjusting the electrical signal based on the Doppler frequency shift. A distance to an object can be determined based on a cross-correlation of the correlated electrical signal with a radio-frequency signal.

[0008] Furthermore, US 11,032,009 B1 discloses a method for transmitting a signal from a user device in a wireless communication system. Furthermore, the method comprises generating an optical signal related to data transmission, combining an electrical signal for the data with the optical signal, and transmitting a combined signal.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a software-defined radio system which can be used more extensively while minimizing its complexity.

[0010] This problem is solved by a software-defined radio system, a method, and a motor vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Useful further developments arise from the dependent patent claims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a software-defined radio system for environmental detection, with

[0012] - an optical device for generating an optical carrier signal,

[0013] - a transmitting device which is designed to transmit electrical transmission signals based on the optical carrier signal, comprising:

[0014] - an electro-optical modulator which has a predetermined operating point,

[0015] - the electro-optical modulator, which is designed to generate a plurality of optical output signals on the basis of the predetermined operating point and the optical carrier signal such that the plurality of optical output signals have different frequency bands from one another,

[0016] - an electro-optical modulator device which is designed to generate a plurality of optical transmission signals on the basis of the plurality of optical output signals by modulating the plurality of optical output signals with at least one electrical CW signal, and

[0017] - the transmitting device, which is designed to convert the plurality of optical transmission signals into a plurality of electrical transmission signals and to transmit the plurality of electrical transmission signals with at least one radio-based transmission unit.

[0018] The proposed software-defined radio system makes it possible to create a radar system that has a lower complexity and yet uses several frequency bands by means of one, in particular a single, electro-optical modulator.

[0019] Unlike current optically assisted radar systems, the proposed software-defined radio system uses multiple frequency bands, or radar frequency bands, for object detection. The electro-optical modulator of the inventive software-defined radio system eliminates the need for a separate phase shifter to generate the bands, unlike known multi-band optically assisted radar systems. Previously, such radar or frequency bands were subsequently separated using an optical filter, and the radar ramp was modulated in a separate electro-optical modulator. This can be improved by the proposed software-defined radio system.

[0020] In particular, the proposed software-defined radio system requires only one electro-optical modulator for generating radar signals in different frequency bands. For example, the software-defined radio system can be a radar system. For example, the software-defined radio system can be used as a photonic multi-band radar system.

[0021] “Software Defined Radio (SDR)” refers to concepts for high-frequency transmitters and receivers in which smaller or larger parts of the signal processing are carried out using software.

[0022] The proposed software-defined radio system can perform much of the signal processing with a computing device, such as a general-purpose computer, or, if necessary, a combination with dedicated hardware, such as signal processors and / or FPGAs.

[0023] The proposed software-defined radio system can in particular provide a software-defined radio system or a radio system in which different modulation parameters, different bandwidths, temporal behavior and different channel coding methods can be implemented by changing the software alone.

[0024] The software-defined radio system can be used as a software-defined radio system for environmental sensing or as a data transmission system. For example, the software-defined radio system can include analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the intermediate, software-based digital signal processing.

[0025] In particular, the electro-optical modulator and / or the electro-optical modulator device can be configured to be at least partially software-based or entirely software-based. For example, corresponding implementations can be carried out on a computing device of the software-defined radio system.

[0026] First, the electro-optical modulator can produce or generate the multiple optical output signals, which have different or distinct frequency bands, based on the optical carrier signal and the predetermined or specific operating point. These can then be provided or transmitted to the electro-optical modulator device, so that the multiple optical output signals can be modulated there with at least one electrical CW signal or with a separate CW signal. A CW signal is a "continuous wave" signal or an uninterrupted wave. The CW signal is an undamped, i.e. temporally constant, radiated wave. In particular, the CW signal can be a narrowband signal.

[0027] The generation of the plurality of optical output signals and the modulation of the plurality of optical transmission signals can be at least partially software-based.

[0028] For example, a sine signal can be used as a CW signal for modulation.

[0029] Unlike state-of-the-art software-defined radio systems, the proposed software-defined radio system does not use separate hardware components for each frequency band generation. Using the electro-optical modulator, the proposed software-defined radio system can generate different frequency bands with the same component or unit.

[0030] Furthermore, the proposed software-defined radio system enables multiple bands or frequency bands to be controlled with special hardware, in particular a single piece of hardware, such as the electro-optical modulator. This minimizes the costs and complexity of the overall system, in particular of the software-defined radio system for environmental detection. A further advantage of the software-defined radio system according to the invention is, for example, that the software-defined radio system can dispense with a mode-locked laser (MLL) and separately controlled phase shifters for generating different frequency bands. Likewise, optical bandpass filters, which separate the bands from one another before each individual frequency band is controlled separately, can be dispensed with. This can be dispensed with by the proposed software-defined radio system.

[0031] Since the electro-optical modulator of the software-defined radio system can be used to generate or control multiple frequency bands or radar bands using one unit or one hardware component, the complexity, the probability of failure and the costs of the software-defined radio system according to the invention can be reduced compared to software-defined radio systems in the prior art.

[0032] By omitting a phase shifter, which is not possible in the prior art, costs and complexity can be reduced. By omitting a mode-locked laser (MLL), which is used in known systems to generate the frequency bands, further advantages of the software-defined radio system according to the invention arise. Due to their design, MLLs have a short lifetime and are very expensive. This increases the probability of failure of the system containing the MLL and the system cannot be implemented cost-effectively. Separating the frequency bands requires additional optical bandpass filters, which are very expensive discretely and generate additional energy, such as additional heat dissipation, which in turn must be compensated. This increases the power dissipation of the system and therefore the system's cost.These disadvantages of using an MLL can be solved with the proposed software-defined radio system.

[0033] In contrast to the state of the art, the proposed software-defined radio system requires only one electro-optical modulator to generate multiple frequency bands or radar bands. Furthermore, thanks to optical clock distribution, the software-defined radio system can also be used for large-scale equipment systems.

[0034] With slight modifications to the hardware, the software-defined radio system can be used as a radar system. By selecting the required software-defined radio system components, the software-defined radio system can be implemented as a discrete, integrated, or semi-integrated solution.

[0035] In contrast to the lifetime problems of a mode-locked laser, the electro-optical modulator has a longer lifetime, which in turn has a positive effect on the software-defined radio system.

[0036] In particular, the electro-optical modulator is designed such that it can generate a plurality of optical signals which have different frequency bands from one another. For this purpose, the electro-optical modulator can be operated at a predetermined or specific operating point. For example, the electro-optical modulator can be driven or operated as an operating point at a point in which many, or at least some, harmonics of possibly identical amplitudes can be generated. In this case, the electro-optical modulator can be operated at an operating point in which at least two harmonic signals can be generated. A harmonic can be understood as a harmonic oscillation whose frequency is an integer multiple of a fundamental frequency. In this case, the fundamental frequency can be predetermined by the optical carrier signal.

[0037] Specifically, the Nyquist point can be used as the operating point. Accordingly, the electro-optical modulator can have an operating mode that can be or is determined based on the Nyquist point. A Nyquist point, or critical point, is a point, taking into account the Nyquist criterion, up to which a system is stable. Furthermore, taking into account the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, all components in a signal can have frequencies lower than the Nyquist frequency, so that the sampled signal can be reconstructed with any desired degree of accuracy. This is advantageous for the present software-defined radio system, since the corresponding radar or sensor information can be evaluated or reconstructed accordingly for object detection, particularly for environmental sensing.

[0038] Using the electro-optical modulator, three frequency bands, or the corresponding signals for environmental detection, can be used simultaneously. This is particularly advantageous for improved location classification. The multiple optical transmission signals can be generated coherently with each other, ensuring their phases are equal. Thus, the generated multiple transmission signals are coupled in phase synchronization with each other.

[0039] The proposed software-defined radio system can be used in a wide variety of application areas, such as aerospace, shipping, agriculture, automotive industry or automotive systems.

[0040] In particular, the software-defined radio system can be used in at least partially autonomous vehicles, but especially also in fully autonomous vehicles. To enable such automated driving, reliable environmental perception is essential. The environment is recorded using sensors such as radar. A holistic 360-degree, three-dimensional recording of the environment is particularly important, so that all static and dynamic objects can be detected. The software-defined radio system can be used for this purpose. For example, the software-defined radio system can be designed as a photonic radar system, with the electronic and photonic components co-integrated into one, especially a single, semiconductor chip.The tracking of an FMCW signal, as well as the entire signal processing and evaluation, can be performed in a central station or central computing device. For example, the optical device can be used to transmit a gigahertz signal as an optical carrier signal, particularly in the terahertz frequency range. A central station, which can also be referred to as a central electronic computing device, generates an optical carrier frequency, particularly the optical carrier signal. In particular, all data, especially for environmental detection, can be processed at the central station.

[0041] In particular, spectral properties of the optical transmission signals can be the same as those of the electrical transmission signals.

[0042] For example, the optical device or an optical laser can generate a 77 gigahertz FMCW signal as a carrier signal.

[0043] For example, at least the optical device can be provided to modulate the optical transmission signal or the optical carrier signal directly and / or by means of external components. Specifically, the electro-optical modulator can be referred to as an electro-optical converter unit or electro-optical converter device.

[0044] In one embodiment, the electro-optical modular device is configured to modulate each of the plurality of optical output signals with the at least one electrical CW signal. Consequently, depending on the application of the software-defined radio system, the optical transmission signals provided for transmission can be generated by modulating the plurality of optical output signals. Each of the plurality of optical output signals can be modulated with one and the same CW signal. It is also conceivable that a separate or individual electrical CW signal can be provided and used for the modulation or modulation for each of the plurality of optical output signals.

[0045] In one embodiment, it is provided that the electro-optical modulator device has a plurality of electro-optical modulators, wherein the plurality of electro-optical modulators are designed to modulate each of the plurality of optical output signals with a different electrical CW signal. The electro-optical modulator device can have a plurality or a multiplicity of electro-optical modulators. The number of electro-optical modulators can be determined by the number of output signals and depending on how many different frequency bands are required, in particular for environmental detection. As a result, a separate electro-optical modulator can be used individually for a respective output signal and thus for a respective frequency band for modulating the respective optical output signal or the respective frequency band.

[0046] For example, the multiple electro-optical modulators can be operated at the same operating point as the electro-optical modulator. It is also conceivable for the multiple electro-optical modulators to be operated at different operating points.

[0047] In one embodiment, the plurality of electro-optical modulators of the electro-optical modulator device are connected in series or parallel to one another. Accordingly, depending on the application or area of ​​use of the software-defined radio system, parallel modulation or serial modulation can be used to generate the optical transmission signals.

[0048] In one embodiment, the transmitting device comprises at least one optical-electronic converter unit, with which the plurality of optical transmission signals can be converted into the plurality of electrical transmission signals. For example, the plurality of optical transmission signals can be transmitted to the transmitting device via optical transmission paths or optical transmission links. This can be done, for example, via fiber optic connections. The transmitted plurality of optical transmission signals can then be converted by means of one or more optical-electronic converter units or optical-electrical converter devices, so that the plurality of electrical transmission signals can be provided or made available for transmission to the at least one radio-based transmitting unit, such as a radar sensor.

[0049] Additionally or instead, the transmitting device has at least one frequency manipulator with which at least one frequency band of one of the plurality of electrical transmission signals can be changed. For example, the transmitting device can have multiple frequency manipulators or mixers. With the aid of the at least one frequency manipulator, a frequency band of one of the plurality of transmission signals or multiple frequency bands of the plurality of electrical transmission signals can be converted into a higher or lower frequency band based on a defined bandwidth. Thus, frequency conversion can be carried out with the aid of the frequency manipulator. In other words, with the aid of the frequency manipulator, at least one frequency band of one of the plurality of electrical transmission signals can be manipulated for transmission, in particular for environmental detection.

[0050] Additionally or instead, the transmitting device has at least one electrical amplifier for amplifying at least one frequency band of one of the plurality of electrical transmission signals. In addition to the at least one electrical amplifier, the transmitting device can have further electrical amplifiers. In particular, an amplifier can be provided for each of the plurality of electrical transmission signals, so that a respective frequency band of a respective electrical transmission signal can be electrically amplified for transmission. The radio-based transmitting unit can be a device that can detect the environment using radio-based, electrical and / or electromagnetic signals. Thus, the radio-based transmitting unit can be a radar unit, for example.

[0051] The generated multiple optical transmission signals can be provided or transmitted via optical transmission links of the radio-based transmission unit and the optical transmission unit, so that the various signals, which have different frequency bands, are indirectly transmitted as electrical signals by means of conversion and / or manipulation. This makes it possible to provide a software-defined radio system that can be used as a radar system.

[0052] In one embodiment, it is further provided that the software-defined radio system comprises a receiving device having at least one radio-based receiving unit for receiving at least one electrical received signal. Additionally, the receiving device may comprise at least one mixer or frequency manipulator with which a frequency band of the at least one electrical received signal can be changed. Furthermore, the software-defined radio system comprises a computing device configured to process the electrical received signal.

[0053] With the help of the radio-based receiving unit, electrical signals, such as at least one electrical reception signal, can be received.

[0054] For example, the at least one electrical received signal may be a signal corresponding to one of the plurality of electrical transmitted signals.

[0055] In particular, the electrical transmission signals are emitted into the environment, and when they hit an object, a reflected signal can be reflected back. This can, for example, be the electrical reception signal. In particular, the electrical reception signal contains environmental information, especially radar information.

[0056] For example, for each electrical transmission signal transmitted, a corresponding electrical reception signal reflected in the environment can be received by the transmitting device.

[0057] The at least one received electrical reception signal or the plurality of received electrical reception signals can be processed accordingly and, for example, changed, in particular up-mixed or down-mixed, in its frequency band using the at least one mixer or a frequency manipulator.

[0058] The computing device can, in particular, be a central computing device. The computing device can, for example, be connected or coupled to the transmitting device and / or receiving device via signal or data transmission. The receiving device can have corresponding outputs and inputs so that, for example, the received electrical signals from the computing device can be transmitted, allowing the respective signals to be evaluated or processed. This allows for environmental detection.

[0059] For example, the central processing of data, signals and information, particularly with regard to environmental detection, takes place in the central computing facility.

[0060] In particular, the computing device and its components can be at least partially software-based. Accordingly, parts of the signal generation, signal processing, and signal evaluation can be performed using software or software implementations.

[0061] For example, the computing device can be used to control the transmitting device and / or the receiving device. In particular, the computing device can be used as a control and evaluation unit of the software-defined radio system, and in particular for the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0062] Accordingly, for example, a wide variety of transmitting devices and / or receiving devices can be controlled, operated or activated by one and the same central computing device.

[0063] The computing device can be coupled to the transmitting device and / or receiving device via one or more optical fibers and / or electrical lines.

[0064] In one embodiment, the computing device comprises the electro-optical modulator and / or the electro-optical modulator device. Thus, the computing device can be used as a central unit for generating the multiple optical output signals and the multiple optical transmission signals. Thus, the optical transmission signals can be preprocessed in the computing device, and these can then be transmitted to the transmission device for transmission via an optical transmission link.

[0065] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a software-defined radio system according to the preceding aspect or an advantageous development thereof. The electro-optical modulator is operated in a specific operating mode, wherein, in the specific operating mode of the electro-optical modulator, the plurality of optical output signals are generated such that the plurality of optical output signals have different frequency bands from one another, and the plurality of optical output signals are modulated by the electro-optical modulator device with the at least one electrical CW signal, thereby generating the plurality of optical transmission signals.

[0066] In particular, the method just described can be used to operate a previously described software-defined radio system. The electro-optical modulator can be operated at an operating point where as many harmonics of potentially identical amplitudes as possible can be generated. This allows different frequency bands to be generated with one electro-optical modulator. This allows the software-defined radio system to be used more extensively, particularly for better environmental detection.

[0067] In one embodiment of the further aspect (method), it is provided that the electro-optical modulator is operated in the specific operating mode by defining the Nyquist point as the operating point of the electro-optical modulator. This consequently allows multiple harmonic signals to be generated. In particular, the Nyquist point offers the advantage that the multiple optical transmission signals are in phase with each other. Thus, stable signals can be generated and transmitted for environmental detection.

[0068] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a software-defined radio system according to the previous aspect or an advantageous development thereof. In particular, the motor vehicle just described includes a software-defined radio system according to the previous aspect.

[0069] In particular, the motor vehicle is an assisted or at least partially autonomous vehicle. In particular, the motor vehicle is a highly automated vehicle that includes various driver assistance systems. These driver assistance systems can access the proposed software-defined radio system and, for example, retrieve environmental information. In particular, the motor vehicle can have several such software-defined radio systems.

[0070] By using software-defined radio technology, a sensor system for environmental detection can be designed or created that is more compact and requires fewer hardware components. This allows such a sensor system to require less space, making it particularly suitable for use in automated systems, especially highly automated vehicles.

[0071] In particular, multiple transmitting devices and multiple receiving devices can be arranged in and / or on the motor vehicle. These, in turn, can be coupled to the central computing device, which is, for example, centrally integrated in the motor vehicle.

[0072] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle. Furthermore, trams, subways, trains, boats, aircraft, satellites, and other mobile units can also be equipped with this sensor technology.

[0073] For example, the units of the software-defined radio system can be distributed throughout the motor vehicle, particularly for environmental detection. In particular, the software-defined radio system can be an environmental detection system.

[0074] Such a software-defined radio system can be used in particular in motor vehicles, rail vehicles, watercraft, or automated systems, or in aeronautical or aerospace engineering. In particular, the software-defined radio system can be used for environmental sensing or for the detection of objects or environmental pollution.

[0075] Embodiments of individual aspects of the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of other aspects, in particular of all other aspects. In particular, the respective embodiments of individual aspects can be regarded as advantageous embodiments of all other aspects, and vice versa. An environment sensor system can, for example, be understood as a software-defined radio system capable of generating sensor data or sensor signals that map, display, or reproduce the environment of the environment sensor system. In particular, the ability to detect electromagnetic or other signals from the environment is not sufficient to consider a software-defined radio system as an environment sensor system. For example, cameras, radar systems, and / or ultrasonic sensor systems can be understood as software-defined radio systems.

[0076] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the software-defined radio system according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention and the method according to the invention are not described again here.

[0077] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are:

[0079] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle having a software-defined radio system according to the invention;

[0080] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a computing device and a transmitting device of the software-defined radio system of Fig. 1; and

[0081] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a receiving device of the software-defined radio system 2 from Fig. 1.

[0082] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0083] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0084] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that various aspects are described, each of which can be used individually or in combination. This means that any aspect can be used with different embodiments of the invention unless explicitly presented as a mere alternative.

[0085] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, reference will generally only be made to one entity in the following. Unless explicitly stated, the invention may also comprise several of the entities in question. Therefore, the use of the words "a," "an," and "another" is to be understood merely as an indication that at least one entity is used in a simple embodiment.

[0086] Where procedures are described below, the individual steps of a procedure can be arranged and / or combined in any order, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the procedures can be combined with one another unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0087] Numerical values ​​are generally not to be understood as exact values, but also include a tolerance of + / - 1% to + / - 10%.

[0088] References to standards or specifications are to be understood as references to standards or specifications that are / were in force at the time of the application and / or, if priority is claimed, at the time of the priority application. However, this does not imply a general exclusion of applicability to subsequent or replacing standards or specifications.

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle can be designed, for example, as a highly automated vehicle or as an at least partially autonomous vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 can, for example, have a software-defined radio system 2. With the aid of the software-defined radio system 2, an environment detection of an environment 3 of the motor vehicle 1 can be carried out. For example, the software-defined radio system 2 can be part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, the software-defined radio system 2 provides corresponding information, in particular regarding the environment 3, for the driver assistance system or a vehicle guidance system.

[0090] In addition to the use of the software-defined radio system 2 in the motor vehicle 1, it can also be used in vehicle-external systems. For example, the software-defined radio system 2 can be used in automated systems, in space technology, in aviation technology, or in communications technology.

[0091] In Fig. 1, again for illustrative purposes, the example is shown in which the software-defined radio system 2 is integrated in the motor vehicle 1.

[0092] In Fig. 2, one of several embodiments of the software-defined radio system 2 is shown by way of example in a representation, in particular in a block diagram.

[0093] Here, Fig. 2 shows, by way of example, a transmitting device 4 and a computing device 5 of the software-defined radio system 2. The computing device 5 serves in particular for signal processing, signal processing, and / or signal evaluation for the software-defined radio system 2.

[0094] The computing device 5 can, for example, be a central unit or a central control or central activation unit of the software-defined radio system 2.

[0095] The software-defined radio system 2 comprises, in particular, an optical device 6 with which an optical carrier signal 7 or an optical transmission signal can be provided or generated. The optical device 6 can be integrated into the computing device 5, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2.

[0096] The optical device 6 can, for example, be a laser device or an optical source. In the illustrated Fig. 2, the optical device 6 is integrated into the computing device 5. However, this is only one possible example. The optical device 6 can also be designed as a standalone unit.

[0097] The software-defined radio system 2 can have an electro-optical modulator 8, which is, for example, integrated or arranged in the computing device 5. Using the electro-optical modulator 8, a plurality of optical transmission signals 9 (shown here in simplified form) can be generated based on the optical carrier signal 7. In particular, the electro-optical modulator 8 is designed such that radar ramps or radar signals or transmission signals can be implemented in different bands or frequency bands. Accordingly, the software-defined radio system requires only a single electro-optical modulator 8 for this purpose. To achieve this, the electro-optical modulator 8 is operated at a predetermined or specific operating point.In this case, an operating point is driven or controlled by generating as many harmonics as possible, i.e., harmonic oscillations whose frequency is an integer multiple of a fundamental frequency. The fundamental frequency can, in turn, be provided by the optical carrier signal 7. These harmonics can have an identical amplitude. To achieve this particularly advantageously, the Nyquist point can be used as the operating point 10.

[0098] Based on the operating point 10 and the optical carrier signal 7, the multiple optical transmission signals 9 can be generated such that the multiple optical transmission signals 9 have different frequency bands from one another. For this purpose, the electro-optical modulator 8 can optionally be additionally modulated with a CW signal 11. This can primarily be a sinusoidal signal.

[0099] For environmental detection, the software-defined radio system 2 has at least one transmitting device 4, which has at least one radio-based transmitting unit 12. In this exemplary embodiment, three or more radio-based transmitting units 12, 13, 14 are shown. The radio-based transmitting unit 12, 13, 14 can be a unit or device based on a radar sensor.

[0100] The generated multiple optical transmission signals 9 can, for example, be transmitted via optical

[0101] Transmission links, such as via fiber optics, to the transmitting device 4 or other transmitting devices of the software-defined radio system 2.

[0102] The transmitting device 4 can, for example, have at least one optical-electronic converter unit 15. This converter unit 15 serves for the optoelectronic conversion of the multiple optical transmission signals 9 into multiple electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18. After conversion, the electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 can be separated accordingly by means of a distributor 19, in particular according to their frequency band. The distributor 19 can, for example, be a "1x3 power divider." Furthermore, a narrowband optoelectronic converter or an electrical bandpass filter can be used as the distributor 19. Following the distributor 19, the electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 can be separated or divided according to their frequency bands 20, 21, 22.For example, the electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 and also the multiple optical transmission signals 9 can be coherent with each other and, in particular, in phase with each other. Accordingly, the proposed software-defined radio system 2 can be operated or used by simultaneously or synchronously measuring on several different frequency bands, as shown in Fig. 2, on three different frequency bands. This is particularly advantageous for location classification with regard to environmental detection.

[0103] After the electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 have been separated, they can each be modified, in particular up-mixed, in their respective frequency bands 20, 21, 22 using a frequency manipulator 23, 24, 25 or a frequency mixer. Furthermore, the respective frequency bands 20, 21, 22 can then be amplified or boosted using a respective electrical amplifier 26, 27, 28. After the electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 have been up-mixed and amplified, they can be transmitted or radiated into the environment 3 for environmental detection using a respective radio-based transmission unit 16, 17, 18, which can be referred to, for example, as antennas.

[0104] For example, the transmitting device 4 can be referred to as a transmitting module. The transmitting device 4 can be controlled or operated, for example, using the computing device 5, so that at least one radar-based signal, i.e., signals 16, 17, 18, can be transmitted. In particular, the embodiment in Fig. 2 shows the use of the software-defined radio system 2 as a radar system. A multi-band radar can be created using the electro-optical modulator 8 according to the invention. In particular, this can be referred to as a "Nyquist pulse multi-band radar."

[0105] The computing device 5 can be a spatially and / or physically separate unit from the transmitting device 4. In this case, the computing device 5 and the transmitting device 4 can be connected via multiple optical transmission paths or optical transmission links in order to exchange or transmit the optical signals. In a further embodiment, the transmitting device 4 and the computing unit 5 can also be integrated into a common unit.

[0106] For example, Fig. 2 shows that the different frequency bands 20, 21, 22 of the transmission signals can be transmitted using a single transmitting device 4. It is also conceivable to use a separate transmitting device 4 for each transmission signal or frequency band.

[0107] In particular, depending on the application, the Software Defined Radio System 2 can be designed or configured accordingly.

[0108] Following the electro-optical modulator 8, the multiple optical output signals 53, 54, 55 can be divided accordingly using a unit 44, such as a "1 x 3 power split." The multiple output signals 53, 54, 55 can be divided according to the respective frequency bands. Optical filters 47, 48, 49 can also be used for this purpose. After the division or filtering, the output signals 53, 54, 55 can be provided or transmitted to a respective electro-optical modulator 50, 51, 52. With the aid of the optical modulators 50, 51, 52, a respective one of the multiple optical output signals 53, 54, 55 can be modulated or modulated with the at least one electrical CW signal 11 or a respective different electrical CW signal. This allows the optical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 to be generated.These can in turn be combined with a unit 45, such as a "1 x 3 power combiner." Thus, the multiple optical transmission signals 9 can be transmitted to the transmitting device 4, for example, via fiber optics or other optical transmission links.

[0109] For example, units 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52 can be components or units of an electro-optical modulator device 46. Using the electro-optical modulator device 46, the plurality of optical transmission signals 9 can be generated based on the plurality of optical output signals 53, 54, 55 by modulating the plurality of optical output signals 53, 54, 55 with at least one or more sinusoidal signals or the CW signal 11.

[0110] For example, each electro-optical modulator 50, 51, 52 can be operated with an individual operating point. It is also conceivable for the electro-optical modulator 8 and the electro-optical modulators 50, 51, 52 to have the same operating point 10.

[0111] For the implementation of the Software Defined Radio System 2 as a sensor system for environmental detection, at least some of the components can be software-based.

[0112] In the event that the same signal, i.e. the CW signal 11, is to be modulated onto all optical harmonics, i.e. the frequency bands of the output signals 53, 54, 55, the output signals of the first electro-optical modulator, i.e. the electro-optical modulator 8, can be fed to a second electro-optical modulator, i.e. the electro-optical modulator device 46, so that all harmonics are then modulated using the CW signal. In the event that different signals are to be modulated onto the harmonics or the different frequency bands of the signals 53, 54, 55, the harmonics or the frequency bands can be separated using optical filters, such as units 47, 48, 49, and each harmonic can also be modulated onto the respective signal using an electro-optical modulator 50, 51, 52. This can be done using parallel modulation or serial modulation.

[0113] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a receiving device 31 of the software-defined radio system 2. For example, the receiving device 31 can be combined with the transmitting device 4. These can be at least partially integrated into one device. For example, in a combination, the transmitting device 4 and the receiving device 31 can be combined using interchangeable or controllable components, so that, for example, switching between receiving mode and transmitting mode is possible as needed.

[0114] The receiving device 31 can have at least one radio-based receiving unit 32, 33, 34. These can be radar-based receiving units. Using the radio-based receiving units 32, 33, 34, at least one electrical received signal 35, 36, 37 can be received. The received signal or signals 35, 36, 37 can be signals corresponding to the electrical transmission signals 16, 17, 18 and reflected in the environment 3.

[0115] In particular, the transmitting device 4 and the receiving device 31 can be complementary to each other.

[0116] For example, the received electrical signals 35, 36, 37 can be down-mixed using at least one mixer 38, 39, 40. This involves, in particular, changing or adapting the respective frequency band of the received signals 35, 36, 37. Additionally, depending on the signal strength of the received signals 35, 36, 37, they can be amplified using a respective amplifier 41, 42, 43. The electrical signals 35, 36, 37 can then be provided at electrical outputs. In this case, they can be transmitted, in particular, to the computing device 5 or another evaluation or processing unit.

[0117] In particular, the computing device 5, the transmitting device 4, and the receiving device 31 can be physically and / or spatially separate units. Alternatively, the transmitting device 4, the receiving device 31, and the computing device 5 can be formed together as a common unit.

[0118] List of reference symbols

[0119] Motor vehicle software-defined radio system environment

[0120] Transmitting device Computing device Optical device Optical carrier signal Electro-optical modulator Multiple optical transmission signals Operating point CW signal, 13, 14 Radio-based transmitting unit Optical-electronic converter unit, 17, 18 Multiple electrical transmission signals

[0121] Distributor, 21, 22 Frequency bands, 24, 25 Frequency manipulator, 27, 28 Amplifier Optical transmitting unit Optical unit Receiving device, 33, 34 Radio-based receiving unit, 36, 37 Electrical received signals, 39, 40 Mixer, 42, 43 Amplifier, 45 Unit Electro-optical modulator device, 48, 49 Optical filters, 51, 52 Optical modulators, 54, 55 Optical output signals

Claims

Patent claims 1. Software-defined radio system (2) for environment detection, with - an optical device (6) for generating an optical carrier signal (7), - a transmitting device (4) which is designed to transmit electrical transmission signals (16, 17, 18) which are based on the optical carrier signal (7), characterized by - an electro-optical modulator (8) having a predetermined operating point (10), - the electro-optical modulator (8), which is designed to generate a plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) on the basis of the predetermined operating point (10) and the optical carrier signal (7) in such a way that the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) have different frequency bands (20, 21, 22) from one another, - an electro-optical modulator device (46) which is designed to generate a plurality of optical transmission signals (9) on the basis of the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) by modulating the plurality of optical output signals (9) with at least one electrical CW signal (11), and - the transmitting device (4), which is designed to convert the plurality of optical transmission signals (53, 54, 55) into a plurality of electrical transmission signals (16, 17, 18) and to transmit the plurality of electrical transmission signals (16, 17, 18) with at least one radio-based transmission unit (12, 13, 14).

2. Software-defined radio system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electro-optical modulator device (46) is designed to modulate each of the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) with the at least one electrical CW signal (11).

3. Software-defined radio system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electro-optical modulator device (46) comprises a plurality of electro-optical modulators (50, 51, 52), wherein the plurality of electro-optical modulators (50, 51, 52) are designed to modulate each of the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) with a different electrical CW signal.

4. Software-defined radio system (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the plurality of electro-optical modulators (50, 51, 52) of the electro-optical modulator device (46) are connected in series or in parallel to one another.

5. Software-defined radio system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the transmitting device (4) has at least one optical-electronic converter unit (15) with which the plurality of optical transmission signals (9) can be converted into the plurality of electrical transmission signals (16, 17, 18), and / or - the transmitting device (4) has at least one frequency manipulator (23, 24, 25) with which at least one frequency band (20, 21, 22) of one of the plurality of electrical transmission signals (16, 17, 18) can be changed, and / or - the transmitting device (4) has at least one electrical amplifier (26, 27, 28) for amplifying at least one frequency band (20, 21, 22) of one of the plurality of electrical transmission signals (16, 17, 18).

6. Software-defined radio system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - a receiving device (31) which has at least one radio-based receiving unit (32, 33, 34) for receiving at least one electrical received signal (35, 36, 37), in particular the receiving device (31) has at least one mixer (38, 39, 40) with which a frequency band (20, 21, 22) of the at least one electrical received signal (35, 36, 37) can be changed, and - a computing device (5) which is designed to process the electrical received signal (35, 36, 37).

7. Software-defined radio system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the computing device (5) comprises the electro-optical modulator (8) and / or the electro-optical modulator device (46).

8. A method for operating a software-defined radio system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the electro-optical modulator (8) is operated in a specific operating mode, wherein in the specific operating mode of the electro-optical modulator (8), the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) are generated such that the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) have mutually different frequency bands (20, 21, 22), and - the plurality of optical output signals (53, 54, 55) are modulated by the electro-optical modulator device (46) with the at least one electrical CW signal (11), so that the plurality of optical transmission signals (9) are generated.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the electro-optical modulator (8) is operated in the specific operating mode in such a way that the Nyquist point is defined as the operating point (10) of the electro-optical modulator (8).

10. Motor vehicle (1) with a software-defined radio system (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7.

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