Millimeter-Wave Beamforming Phase Control for Accurate Radar Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for measuring distances using radar systems, such as those used in automotive applications, face challenges in achieving precise and accurate distance measurement and beam direction control, particularly in environments with multiple objects and varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device employing beamforming technology with a plurality of transmitting antennas to control the phase of transmission waves, allowing for precise directionality and improved accuracy in measuring distances and angles to objects using millimeter-wave radar, including a configuration with a sensor and an ECU for controlling various operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase array antenna technology is used to form multi-beam over multiple operating frequency bands, then the capability to measure distance and detect objects in diverse environments is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a phase array antenna system that can form multiple beams across multiple operating frequency bands (76-77 GHz and 80-81 GHz), allowing a single antenna system to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters including phase shifts, amplitude weights, and frequency settings based on detection requirements and environmental conditions, enabling adaptive multi-beam formation that optimizes performance for different scenarios
2Measurement precision
If beamforming with multiple transmitting antennas is employed to improve measurement accuracy, then distance and angle measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled with separate phase shifters and amplifiers, allowing precise beamforming through independent phase and amplitude control of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses received reflection waves from multiple receiving antennas to calculate distance, velocity, and angle information, providing feedback that enables accurate measurement by analyzing the phase and amplitude relationships of signals from multiple transmitting antenna elements
3Reliability
If multiple receiving antennas are used to enhance object detection capability, then detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple receiving antennas through coherent integration and signal processing techniques, merging the detection capabilities of individual antennas into a unified detection system that improves reliability through diversified signal sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple receiving antennas as redundant copies to detect the same target from different spatial positions, allowing verification and cross-validation of detection results to improve reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy of distance, angle, and velocity measurement by aligning phases of transmission waves to form directed beams, extending the reachable range and improving the precision of object detection in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
transmits, as detection waves, transmission waves (T) such as radio waves from a transmitting antenna (25)
Implementation Method 2
receives, as detection waves, transmission waves (T) such as radio waves reflected by an object (200) by a receiving antenna (31)
Implementation Method 3
controls a phase of at least one of the transmission waves (T) so that phases of respective transmission waves (T) transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas (25) are aligned in a predetermined direction (α)
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an electronic device configured to transmit, as a transmission wave, a radio wave whose frequency changes over time from a plurality of transmitting antennas. The electronic device includes a phase controller. The phase controller controls a phase of at least one of transmission waves transmitted from a plurality of transmitting antennas so that the phases of respective transmission waves transmitted from the transmitting antennas are aligned in a predetermined direction. Further, the phase controller adjusts the phase of at least one of transmission waves on the basis of a frequency of the transmission wave.