Bistatic SAR Signal Synchronization via Phase Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems face phase errors due to oscillator frequency differences between primary and secondary satellites, affecting imaging focus and interferometry phase accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A signal synchronization system that includes an acquisition module to receive synchronous signals, a determination module to calculate a compensation phase, and a compensation module to perform phase compensation on radar echo signals, ensuring phase synchronization between signals from primary and secondary satellites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If primary and secondary satellites use different oscillators for signal transmission, then the bistatic SAR system achieves flexible configuration and rich information acquisition, but phase errors are introduced due to oscillator frequency errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible configurationVSAvoidphase accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A phase reference signal is introduced as an intermediary between the primary and secondary satellites. This reference signal serves as a common timing基准 that both satellites use to synchronize their oscillators, thereby eliminating phase errors while preserving the flexible bistatic configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the phase difference between signals from primary and secondary satellites, then adjusting the oscillator frequencies based on this feedback to maintain phase coherence throughout the observation period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of moving object

If observation time is extended to improve imaging coverage, then more comprehensive ground information is acquired, but phase errors accumulate over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation timeVSAvoidphase accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The phase reference signal is established in advance before the extended observation period begins. This preliminary synchronization ensures that both satellites start with coherent phases and maintain synchronization throughout the entire extended observation time, preventing phase error accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Continuous feedback mechanisms adjust oscillator frequencies in real-time during the extended observation period, compensating for drift and preventing phase error accumulation over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If oscillator frequency is increased to improve signal resolution, then imaging detail is enhanced, but phase instability increases due to frequency errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal resolutionVSAvoidphase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The phase reference signal acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between high oscillator frequency and phase stability. By referencing both high-frequency signals to a common stable reference, the system achieves both high resolution and phase stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of oscillator frequency to high values for improved resolution, while simultaneously using the phase reference signal to control and stabilize the phase parameter, allowing independent optimization of both resolution and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3812788B1Device and system for signal synchronization
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 INST OF ELECTRONICS CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
  • EP3812788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3812788B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3812788B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A device and system for signal synchronization are provided. The device includes an acquisition module, a determination module and a compensation module. The acquisition module acquires a first synchronous receiving signal received by a first communication device and a second synchronous receiving signal received by a second communication device. The first communication device synchronously receives a first radar echo signal and the first synchronous receiving signal by using a first delayer. The second communication device synchronously receives a second radar echo signal and the second synchronous receiving signal by using a second delayer. The determination module determines a compensation phase for the second synchronous receiving signal based on the acquired first synchronous receiving signal and second synchronous receiving signal. The compensation module performs, according to the compensation phase, phase compensation on the second radar echo signal to obtain a compensated second radar echo signal.