CMOS Radar Apparatus for Simultaneous Short and Long Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar apparatuses for vehicles are limited in simultaneously supporting both long and short range radar operations due to size, power consumption, and cost, and cannot be miniaturized effectively using existing CMOS technology while maintaining low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus is designed with a single chip configuration using CMOS technology, implementing a frequency modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) modulation scheme and variable power amplifiers to generate and transmit both short and long range chirp signals, allowing for simultaneous long and short range radar operations with improved resolution and field of view control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radar apparatus uses separate configurations for long range radar (LRR) and short range radar (SRR), then each mode can be optimized for its specific detection range and field of view, but the apparatus cannot simultaneously implement both modes and requires multiple separate radar systems
Solution Approach 1:
The radar apparatus implements a single unified configuration that can operate in both long range radar mode and short range radar mode by adjusting operational parameters. The same antenna array, signal processing unit, and control system are used for both modes, eliminating the need for separate radar systems while maintaining optimized performance for each detection range requirement
2Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to increase spatial resolution, then high resolution radar performance is improved, but the size of the mechanical apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning apparatus with electronic beamforming using a phased array antenna system. Multiple antenna elements are arranged in a compact array, and electronic phase shifters control the beam direction and focus, achieving high spatial resolution without large mechanical moving parts. The signal processing unit performs digital beamforming to achieve precise angular resolution with a compact antenna array configuration
3Use of energy by moving object
If CMOS technology is used to implement miniaturization and low power consumption, then power efficiency and integration are improved, but excellent isolation characteristics required for switching between transmitting and receiving are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a circulator as an intermediary component that enables isolation between the transmitting antenna and receiving antenna without requiring high-performance switches. The circulator directs the transmitted signal to the target and routes the reflected signal to the receiving antenna, providing sufficient isolation characteristics using standard CMOS-compatible components while maintaining low power consumption and enabling integration
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
The solution enables miniaturization, high integration, and low power consumption, allowing a single radar system to perform both long and short range operations with enhanced detection capabilities and reduced size and cost, facilitating simultaneous mounting on multiple vehicle locations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of short range transmitting chirp signals and a plurality of long range transmitting chirp signals are generated by a predetermined modulation scheme
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a radar apparatus supporting short range and long range radar operations, wherein a plurality of short range transmitting chirp signals and a plurality of long range transmitting chirp signals are generated by a predetermined modulation scheme and is transmitted to an object through at least one transmitting array antenna and signals reflected from the object is received through at least one receiving array antenna, and the plurality of long range transmitting chirp signals have transmission power larger than that for the plurality of short range transmitting chirp signals.