Bistatic Radar Module Dynamic Transmitter Receiver Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bistatic radar systems for predicting imminent collisions in vehicles face accuracy limitations due to direct path leakage signal amplitude, which affects the sensitivity and reliability of target radar cross-section estimation, and are hindered by high cabling costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The improved bistatic radar system dynamically configures each module to operate as either a transmitter or receiver, using a phase-locked loop for RF signal generation and embedded micro-controllers for processing, with reduced cabling through alternative synchronization methods such as inductive current loops and vehicle safety bus communication, enabling more accurate target tracking and reduced wiring costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional star-like cabling configuration is used for communication between central processing module and radar sets, then system reliability is maintained, but cabling cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple dedicated cabling connections into a single bus structure. The improved bistatic radar system uses one bus for transmitting timing signals and another bus for transmitting radar signal samples, replacing the traditional star-like configuration where each radar set required separate high-speed cabling connections to the central processing module. This consolidation dramatically reduces cable quantity and installation complexity while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing synchronization, transmits radar signal samples, and enables communication between radar sets. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated cabling for each function, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If direct path leakage signal amplitude is not well characterized, then target radar cross-section estimation accuracy deteriorates, but system sensitivity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separately processes the direct path leakage signal from the received radar signals. By identifying and isolating this known interference component, the system can subtract it from the total received signal, thereby improving the accuracy of target radar cross-section estimation without compromising the detection of weak target signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the known direct path signal characteristics to adjust the processing of received signals. By continuously characterizing and compensating for the direct path leakage based on previously measured or modeled parameters, the system maintains both high sensitivity to weak targets and accurate radar cross-section estimation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If antenna design with stronger nulls parallel to antenna face is implemented, then direct path leakage is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fundamentally redesigning the antenna structure to create stronger nulls, the patent achieves direct path leakage mitigation by changing operational parameters: using specific signal processing techniques, adjusting receiver sensitivity settings, and implementing digital filtering methods. This approach reduces direct path interference while avoiding the manufacturing complexity of specialized antenna designs.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of target radar cross-section estimation, reduces cabling costs by approximately half, and allows for rapid reconfiguration to adapt to various driving scenarios, providing improved all-around pre-crash detection and driver assistance functions like blind-spot detection and pedestrian detection.
Implementation Method 1
Each radar module contains a timing reference crystal from which the radio frequency (RF) signal is derived using a phase-locked loop (PLL)
Implementation Method 2
a direct path signal from a transmitter to a corresponding receiver of a radar set
Implementation Method 3
a target radar cross-section was estimated by assessing the degree to which a threshold exceedance time was modulated by a direct path signal
Data Source
AI summary
An improved bistatic radar detection system useful for detecting an imminent collision between a vehicle and a tracked object includes at least one radar module having both receiver circuitry and transmitter circuitry to allow a processor to dynamically select operations of the module as either a transmitter or a receiver of a bistatic radar set.