Distributed Radar Module Layout for High Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems face challenges in achieving high angular resolution while maintaining a low space requirement, particularly in dynamic situations with multiple targets, as they require large radar modules that are complex to manufacture and occupy significant space, leading to decreased reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radar system comprising at least two non-coherent radar modules, where one or more larger modules are combined with multiple smaller modules, allowing for a virtual aperture to be densely occupied, with the smaller modules being spatially separated and potentially non-coherent, to enhance angular resolution without increasing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large radar module is used to achieve high angular resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple independent radar modules (first radar module, second radar modules) with different configurations. Each module can be manufactured separately with simpler processes, and their results are combined through signal processing to achieve the angular resolution equivalent to a single large module, thereby reducing individual manufacturing complexity while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple radar modules with different antenna configurations are combined through coherent signal processing. The first radar module with more antennas and the second radar modules with fewer antennas work together, merging their measurement capabilities to achieve high angular resolution without requiring any single module to be overly complex or large.
2Measurement precision
If a large radar module is used to achieve high angular resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying one large radar module that would occupy significant space, the system segments the radar functionality into multiple smaller modules. The first radar module can be positioned at one location while second radar modules are distributed at other locations, collectively achieving the same angular resolution as a large module would provide, but with reduced space requirement at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-location large-aperture approach to a multi-location distributed aperture approach. By utilizing spatial distribution across different dimensions and positions, the system achieves equivalent angular resolution without concentrating all antennas in one large physical footprint, thereby reducing the area requirement.
3Device complexity
If multiple radar modules are distributed to reduce space requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different radar modules are assigned different local qualities or characteristics. The first radar module is configured with more antennas for higher individual precision, while the second radar modules are configured with fewer antennas for simpler manufacturing. Through coherent combination, the system leverages the superior precision capability of the first module while incorporating the distributed simplicity of the second modules, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies key parameters (number of antennas, module size, configuration) across different radar modules rather than using uniform modules. This parameter diversity allows optimization of each module for its specific manufacturing constraints while maintaining overall system precision through coherent signal processing that accounts for and utilizes these parameter differences.
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to a radar system for detecting the surroundings of a moving object, in particular a vehicle and/or a transport device, such as in particular a crane, wherein the system is mounted or mountable on the moving object, wherein the radar system comprises at least one first, non-coherent, and at least one second, non-coherent, radar module with at least one antenna, wherein the radar modules are arranged or can be arranged distributed on the moving object, wherein at least one first radar module is configured differently from at least one second radar module.