FMCW Radar Transmit Receive Array Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems for small aircraft and UAVs face challenges in weight and power constraints, requiring efficient and low-weight designs for object sensing and weather radar applications while maintaining effective angular coverage and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system with a transmit array and separate receive array, configured to produce a transmit beam with greater extent in one dimension and lesser extent in a perpendicular dimension, allowing for efficient scanning and low power operation, utilizing phase shifts at intermediate frequencies to reduce power losses and simplify design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a radar system uses a single antenna system for both transmission and reception, then the device complexity is reduced, but the angular coverage and sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system divides the antenna functions into separate transmit and receive arrays, with each array having multiple elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the transmit array to cover one angular sector while the receive array covers another, thereby increasing overall angular coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional antenna system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by deploying multiple antenna elements in specific geometric arrangements (such as planar arrays). This dimensional expansion enables the system to achieve broader angular coverage and improved sensitivity by utilizing spatial diversity, where signals from multiple elements are combined to enhance detection capability
2Measurement precision
If the radar system uses multiple antenna elements and complex beamforming, then the angular coverage and sensitivity are improved, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system employs periodic frequency modulation of the transmitted signal (FMCW - Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave). This periodic frequency sweeping allows the system to achieve range resolution and target detection without requiring high peak power transmissions, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sensitivity through coherent integration of returned signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with electronic beamforming and signal processing techniques. By using phase shifters and amplitude controllers to electronically steer and focus beams, the system achieves improved angular coverage and sensitivity without the mechanical complexity and power consumption associated with moving parts
3Area of stationary object
If the radar system uses electronic scanning and multiple beams, then the angular coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system uses a single set of antenna elements and signal processing hardware to perform multiple functions: transmission, reception, beamforming, and electronic scanning. The same antenna array elements are used for both transmitting and receiving signals, and the same signal processing chain handles both beam formation and scanning, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving broad angular coverage
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 FMCW radar system achieves efficient scanning with reduced power consumption and component complexity, enabling better sensitivity and angular coverage, particularly suitable for small aircraft and UAVs, by using multiple arrays to increase dwell time and form multiple focused receive beams simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a transmit array comprising a plurality of transmit antenna elements arranged such that a number of transmit antenna elements in a first transmit array dimension is greater than a number of transmit antenna elements in a second transmit array dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transmit array dimension, wherein the transmit array is configured to output an FMCW transmit beam
Implementation Method 2
a receive array comprising a plurality of receive antenna elements; and a receive electronics module operable to generate, using a plurality of receive signals received from the receive array
Implementation Method 3
utilizing phase shifts at intermediate frequencies to reduce power losses and simplify design
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A frequency-modulation, continuous-wave (FMCW) radar system may include a transmit array including a number of transmit antenna elements in a first dimension that is greater than a number of transmit antenna elements in a second dimension. The transmit array may output an FMCW transmit beam that illuminates an area with a greater extent in a first illumination dimension than in a second illumination dimension. The radar system may include a transmit electronics module that electronically scans the transmit beam in the second illumination dimension, and a receive array comprising receive antenna elements. The radar system may include a receive electronics module that generates, using a plurality of receive signals, a plurality of receive beams within the area illuminated by the transmit beam and electronically scans each receive beam in the second illumination dimension such that scanning of each receive beam is coordinated with scanning of the transmit beam.