Dual AGC Switching for Joint Radar and Data Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joint radar and communication systems face challenges in optimizing performance due to differences in signal strength between data signals and reflected radar signals, leading to coarse resolution and inaccurate determination of target properties.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-automatic gain control (AGC) system that switches between a first AGC unit for data signals and a second AGC unit for radar signals, along with antenna array partitioning, to optimize signal amplification and processing for both communication and radar functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single automatic gain control unit is used for both data signals and radar signals, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of target properties deteriorates due to coarse resolution caused by signal strength differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single AGC unit into two separate AGC units: a first AGC unit for processing data signals and a second AGC unit for processing radar signals. This segmentation allows each AGC unit to be optimized for its specific signal type, with the second AGC unit providing enhanced gain control for weak radar echo signals, thereby improving target property measurement precision without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different AGC characteristics to different signal processing paths. The second AGC unit is specifically designed with parameters optimized for radar signal characteristics (weak echo signals), while the first AGC unit handles data signals with different requirements. This local quality differentiation ensures each signal type receives appropriate gain control for its specific needs.
2Measurement precision
If signal amplification is optimized for weak radar signals, then the measurement precision of target properties improves, but the receiver performance for data signals deteriorates due to high dynamic range requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the AGC system into two independent units, the patent allows the first AGC unit to maintain optimized performance for data signal reception with appropriate dynamic range handling, while the second AGC unit provides specialized amplification for weak radar signals. This segmentation prevents the performance deterioration that would occur if a single AGC unit tried to handle both signal types with conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first and second AGC units based on the incoming signal type. The system dynamically selects which AGC unit to use depending on whether the signal is a data signal or a radar signal, ensuring that each signal type is processed by the AGC unit with the most appropriate characteristics for that signal type.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus which use a first automatic gain control unit to receive a first data signal, use a second automatic gain control unit to receive a reflected radar signal, and switches between using the first automatic gain control unit and using the second automatic gain control unit.