Dual-Antenna Virtual Target Generator Without Prior Frequency Knowledge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual target generators for RADAR systems face challenges in accurately simulating moving targets due to the need for a priori knowledge of the frequency content of incoming pulses, leading to errors and noise in phase calculations.

Innovation Solution

A Target Generator (TG) with two antennas separated by a defined distance d, using phase delay calculations to generate virtual targets without requiring prior knowledge of the frequency, by calculating phase delay as ∅ n = R ⋅ ΔØ d = R + nv ⋅ ΔØ d , where R is the range, ΔØ d is the phase change rate, v is target velocity, and ω s is the sample rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single receiver is used in the Target Generator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of phase calculations deteriorates due to inability to infer frequency information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of receiversVSAvoidphase calculation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single receiver is segmented into multiple receivers (first and second receivers) positioned at different locations. Each receiver independently receives the radar signal, enabling frequency inference through comparison of received signals and improving phase calculation precision without requiring a priori frequency knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a priori frequency knowledge is required for phase calculations, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the adaptability of the system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase calculation precisionVSAvoidsystem adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by using multiple receivers to automatically infer the frequency of incoming radar pulses through signal comparison. This eliminates the need for external frequency information or manual configuration, allowing the system to adapt to different radar systems and operating conditions autonomously while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple receivers are used to infer frequency information, then the adaptability and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase calculation precisionVSAvoidnumber of receivers
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that automatically performs frequency inference by comparing signals from multiple receivers. This intermediary component manages the complexity of multiple receivers, coordinating their operation and processing their outputs to generate accurate phase calculations without requiring manual configuration or external frequency information.

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

Enables the creation of realistic virtual targets with reduced errors by inferring frequency information through multiple receivers, eliminating the need for prior frequency knowledge and minimizing noise in phase calculations.

Implementation Method 1

a Target Generator (TG) with two antennas separated by a defined distance d, using phase delay calculations to generate virtual targets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave detection: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4644947A1Improved virtual target generator
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP4644947A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4644947A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4644947A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a Target Generator, TG, for use with a RADAR system to generate a virtual target in response to the TG receiving a signal from the RADAR system, wherein the TG comprises first and second antennas arranged to receive the signal from the RADAR, the first and second antennas arranged such that they are separated by a defined distance, d, in a propagation direction of the signal from the RADAR.