FMCW GPR Radiolocation Circuit for Zero-Dead-Zone Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiolocation devices for space objects, particularly those using pulse techniques and homodyne circuits, suffer from a large dead zone, high electromagnetic emissions, and phase noise interference, which affect detection accuracy and interfere with other devices.
Innovation Solution
A device using a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) generator, a transmitting-receiving antenna, a non-linear quadripole, and a delay line, along with filters, to minimize dead zones and phase noise, and reduce electromagnetic emissions, utilizing a single antenna and simple electronic circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse techniques are used with high power to achieve satisfactory measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but electromagnetic emissions increase and dead zone enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from pulsed high-power mode to continuous low-power FMCW mode. The frequency modulation parameters (sweep range, sweep time) are optimized to achieve the required measurement precision without high power emissions, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and electromagnetic emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/pulsed operation mode with a continuous wave FMCW mode. Instead of using high-power pulses to achieve detection, the system uses continuous frequency-modulated waves with much lower power, substituting the detection mechanism from pulse-echo timing to frequency difference analysis.
2Measurement precision
If pulse techniques with high power are used, then measurement precision is improved, but dead zone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from pulsed mode to continuous FMCW mode, which eliminates the dead zone inherent in pulsed systems. The continuous wave operation allows immediate detection of reflected signals without the recovery time required in pulsed systems, achieving both high precision and zero dead zone.
3Device complexity
If homodyne receivers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but phase noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary frequency translation stage in the receiver. The FMCW signal is mixed with a local oscillator to produce an intermediate frequency signal, which is then processed. This intermediary step converts the high-frequency signal with phase noise to a lower intermediate frequency where phase noise is reduced and filtering is more effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple homodyne detection method with a heterodyne detection approach using FMCW. Instead of directly detecting the high-frequency signal as in homodyne receivers, the system uses frequency modulation and intermediate frequency conversion, substituting the detection mechanism to achieve better phase noise performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for wide frequency range measurements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single antenna universal for the entire frequency range by using FMCW technology. The frequency-modulated continuous wave can operate across a wide frequency spectrum with a single antenna, eliminating the need for multiple antennas while maintaining adaptability for different measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frequency modulation to enable a single antenna to operate across multiple frequency ranges. The FMCW system dynamically sweeps through different frequencies, allowing one antenna to perform the work of multiple fixed-frequency antennas, achieving versatility without increasing hardware complexity.
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 device achieves a wide FM tuning band, high resolution, and accurate distance measurement without a dead zone, with low electromagnetic emissions and improved signal-to-noise ratio, suitable for detecting objects in proximity to the antenna.
Implementation Method 1
A frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) generator
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting-receiving antenna connected to the generator
Implementation Method 3
a non-linear quadripole squaring the input signal, connected at its input to the generator and to the antenna
Implementation Method 4
The device also comprises a delay line through which the antenna is connected to the generator
Implementation Method 5
connected at its output to the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A device for radiolocation of objects in space (100), comprising: a frequency-modulated continuous-wave FMCW generator (101), a transmitting-receiving antenna (102) connected to the generator (101), a non-linear quadripole (103A) squaring the input signal, connected at its input to the generator (101) and to the antenna (102), and at its output to a filter (104A, 104B).A ground penetrating radar system (200) adapted to detect wave-reflecting objects (301) located in the vicinity of a wave-propagating medium (300), comprising: the device for radiolocation of objects in space (100), an echo signal amplifier (201), an analogue-to-digital echo signal converter (202) and a processing and visualisation circuit (203).