Distributed Radar Modules for High Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar systems face challenges in achieving high angular resolution and accuracy due to the complexity and cost of large high-frequency substrates, as well as issues with phase stability and coherence in transmitting and receiving paths, particularly at frequencies above 10 GHz.
Innovation Solution
A radar system comprising at least two non-coherent radar modules with separate transmitter and receiver antennas, arranged in a distributed fashion, where signals are processed to generate coherent measurement signals post-processing, allowing for improved accuracy and resolution without the need for large, complex high-frequency substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large high-frequency substrate is used to achieve high angular resolution and accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple independent radar modules, each with its own transmitter and receiver antennas. These modules are distributed across the vehicle rather than using a single large substrate, achieving high angular resolution through spatial distribution while keeping individual modules simple and manageable in size
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional substrate-based antenna array to a three-dimensional distributed spatial arrangement of multiple radar modules. This allows the formation of a virtual large aperture through signal processing while maintaining physically small and simple individual modules
2Manufacturing precision
If a large high-frequency substrate is used to achieve high angular resolution, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to technical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing one large complex substrate, the system uses multiple small, simple radar modules that can be independently manufactured and then distributed across the vehicle. This segmentation makes each module easier to manufacture while achieving the same or better performance through their collective arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The radar modules are designed to be simple, standardized units that can be manufactured cost-effectively. Rather than investing in expensive, complex large-substrate manufacturing, the system uses multiple affordable modules that can be replaced or reconfigured as needed
3Device complexity
If multiple radar modules are used in a distributed arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may deteriorate without coherent signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device acts as an intermediary that processes signals from the distributed radar modules. It performs coherence processing to combine the signals in a way that maintains or enhances angular resolution, effectively bridging the gap between simple distributed modules and high-precision measurement requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual coherent signal structure through post-processing of signals from non-coherent modules. The evaluation device reconstructs the measurement data as if it came from a coherent system, achieving high precision without requiring the modules to be physically coherent
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 system achieves high lateral accuracy and resolution with reduced complexity and cost, enabling effective capture of surroundings by forming a shared aperture and compensating for phase deviations, thus enhancing the angular and velocity measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system for capturing the surroundings of a moving object, in particular a vehicle and/or a transport device, in particular a crane
Implementation Method 2
at least one evaluation device is provided, which is configured to process transmitted and received signals of the radar modules into modified measurement signals in such a way that the modified measurement signals are coherent in relation to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a radar system for capturing surroundings of a moving object, in particular a vehicle and/or a transportation apparatus, such as a crane, in particular, wherein the system is mounted or mountable on the moving object, wherein the radar system comprises at least two non-coherent radar modules (RM 1, RM 2, . . . RM N) having at least one transmitter antenna and at least one receiver antenna, wherein the radar modules (RM 1, RM 2, . . . RM N) are arranged or arrangeable in distributed fashion on the moving object, wherein provision is made of at least one evaluation device which is configured to process transmitted and received signals of the radar modules to form modified measurement signals in such a way that the modified measurement signals are coherent in relation to one another.