Distributed Radar Phase Correction for Precise Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems with distributed transceiver units face challenges in achieving coherent measurements due to phase noise and interference variables, which degrade distance measurement accuracy and hinder target detection, especially in scenarios with multiple targets or strong multipath propagation.
Innovation Solution
A radar method that involves forming phase correction values for each sample value of comparison signals from spatially separated transceiver units, using mathematical operations to suppress phase noise and nonlinearities, allowing for improved signal quality and target detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed transceiver units with separate local oscillators are used, then system flexibility and spatial distribution are improved, but phase noise and interference variables increase, degrading measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces comparison signals as intermediary elements that carry information about interference variables. These comparison signals are processed through a correlation unit that extracts phase noise and interference characteristics, allowing the system to compensate for the degrading effects of distributed architecture without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the correlation unit continuously processes comparison signals to estimate interference variables, and this information is fed back to correct the measured signals. This closed-loop approach enables the system to maintain measurement precision despite the phase noise introduced by separate local oscillators in distributed units.
2Reliability
If phase noise suppression methods are applied, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional signal processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase noise suppression function with the existing signal processing architecture by integrating the correlation unit into the standard radar signal flow. The comparison signals are generated as part of the normal transmission-reception process, and the correlation operation is combined with the existing range processing, thereby improving signal quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The correlation unit serves multiple functions: it processes comparison signals to estimate interference variables, generates correction signals for phase noise suppression, and integrates with the existing radar signal processing pipeline. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable signal quality improvement.
3Measurement precision
If comparison signals are processed to estimate interference variables, then phase noise suppression is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of comparison signals to estimate interference variables before the main signal processing steps. By pre-characterizing the phase noise and interference properties through the correlation unit, the system prepares correction information in advance, which can then be applied efficiently during subsequent signal processing without requiring excessive real-time computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial processing by focusing the correlation operation on the most critical aspects of interference estimation rather than exhaustive analysis. The comparison signals are processed to extract the essential phase noise characteristics, and this partial action provides sufficient correction information to achieve effective phase noise suppression without the full computational burden of complete signal analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar method, in particular a primary radar method, in which at least one first and at least one second transceiver unit (S1, S2), which are in particular spatially separated from one another, and transmit and receive signals simultaneously or overlapping in time, wherein a respective comparison signal, in particular mixed signals s1k,mix(t) or s2k,mix(t) are formed from a signal transmitted and received by the respective transceiver unit, wherein a phase correction is formed for each of a plurality of sample values, preferably a phase correction value for each of a plurality of sample values from the comparison signals s1k,mix(t) or s2k,mix(t), in particular in such a way that, preferably by a mathematical operation, a measure is formed of a phase difference per sample value between the at least two signals s1k,mix(t) or s2k,mix(t).