Distributed Transceiver Network for Radar False Echo Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-echo jamming solutions are costly and complex, using either high-power transmitters or DRFMs, which are expensive and not effective in generating false echoes in different directions and distances without significant resource investment.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using multiple lightweight transceivers that retransmit signals in different directions, creating false echoes by introducing time delays through spatial paths, allowing for the generation of multiple false echoes in various directions and distances without the need for high-power transmitters or DRFMs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heavy jammer with high-power transmitter and DRFM is used, then false echoes can be generated in different directions and distances, but the cost becomes prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming effectivenessVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the jamming function into multiple independent lightweight transceivers distributed in space, each performing simple signal reception and retransmission. This segmentation replaces the single complex heavy jammer with multiple simple units, achieving distributed multi-directional jamming without requiring expensive high-power transmitters or DRFM in each unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple lightweight transceivers are combined to form a distributed jamming network. The collective effect of these transceivers, each retransmitting signals in different directions, creates the equivalent functionality of a single heavy jammer with multi-directional capability, but at much lower cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If several lightweight jammers with low power transmitter and DRFM are used, then false echoes can be generated in different directions, but the cost remains prohibitive due to high drone loss rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming effectivenessVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DRFM component is extracted and removed from the lightweight transceiver design. The system achieves time delay functionality not through electronic memory and processing, but through the physical propagation time of electromagnetic signals through space. This extraction eliminates the expensive DRFM subsystem while maintaining the core jamming functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic time-delay mechanism (DRFM) is replaced with a physical spatial mechanism. Instead of electronically delaying and processing signals, the system uses the natural propagation time of electromagnetic waves through space to create the desired time delays. This substitution replaces complex electronic subsystems with simple signal retransmission based on spatial geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If DRFM is used to generate false echoes at different ranges, then time delay is achieved, but it cannot generate false echoes from targets in different directions without high-power transmitter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse echo generation capabilityVSAvoidtransmitter power requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-point heavy jammer to a spatially distributed network of lightweight transceivers. By adding the spatial dimension and distributing transceivers at different locations, the system achieves multi-directional false echo generation. Each transceiver naturally creates false echoes in its own direction based on its position, eliminating the need for high-power transmitters to penetrate radar lobes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic signal itself acts as an intermediary that carries information between the radar, multiple transceivers, and back to the radar. The signal propagates through space, is received by multiple transceivers at different locations, and retransmitted back, creating multiple false echo paths. This intermediary approach replaces the need for high-power amplification with simple spatial signal routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach provides a cost-effective and reliable method to saturate radar systems with false tracks, masking real targets by generating a multitude of false echoes, achieving similar effects to DRFM systems at a lower cost with simpler, more reliable devices.

Implementation Method 1

A method and device using multiple lightweight transceivers that retransmit signals in different directions, creating false echoes by introducing time delays through spatial paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2159598B1Method for the generation of false echoes for a detector that transmits a signal and then receives its echoes
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 THALES SA
  • EP2159598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2159598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2159598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves receiving a portion of initial pulsed signal emitted by a detector i.e. radar (4), and emitting another signal identical to the former signal in a direction of the radar and in a direction of each position. The latter signal is received at each position, in which a third signal is emitted in the direction of radar and in the direction of the positions so that each position receives a set of signals identical to the former signal, and emits another set of identical signals to the radar. A set of false echoes from each direction is detected by the radar. An independent claim is also included for a device for generating false echoes for a detector, comprising a transmitter-receiver.