FMCW Radar Doppler Processing With Dither Noise Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Doppler analysis in frequency-modulated continuous wave radar systems is compromised by phase noise induced by dither, which masks weaker signals and reduces the effectiveness of radar systems, particularly in environments with multiple radar systems in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A correction value is calculated from a strong signal peak's velocity to reduce phase noise, allowing a second Doppler analysis to detect weaker signals by applying this correction to range-gate data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dither is applied to separate radar signals in close proximity, then signal separation capability is improved, but phase noise increases and masks weaker signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful phase noise introduced by dither into a detectable pattern by performing a second Doppler analysis after removing strong signal peaks. The phase noise that initially masks weaker signals becomes identifiable and removable through iterative processing, transforming the harmful effect into a manageable artifact that can be eliminated to reveal weaker signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary Doppler analysis to identify and remove strong signal peaks before conducting a second Doppler analysis. This preliminary action of removing dominant signals prevents them from masking weaker signals in the final analysis, allowing the system to detect both strong and weak targets effectively.
2Measurement precision
If strong signal peaks are present in Doppler analysis, then signal detection capability is improved, but noise floor increases and masks weaker signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes strong signal peaks from the Doppler analysis data before performing the final analysis. By taking out these dominant signals that generate excessive noise floors, the system prevents them from masking weaker signals, thereby improving the detection of all targets including weak ones.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple radar systems operate in close proximity, then system coverage is improved, but interference between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the iterative two-stage Doppler analysis process. The system performs an initial Doppler analysis, removes strong peaks, then performs a second Doppler analysis on the residual signals. This periodic processing cycle effectively separates overlapping radar signals from multiple systems, reducing interference while maintaining extended 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 method effectively reduces the noise floor, enabling detection of previously masked weaker signals and improving the performance of radar systems in environments with interference.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor configurable to receive radar signals
Implementation Method 2
Doppler processing in frequency-modulated continuous wave radar systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable mediums are provided for processing radar data to improve detection of weaker targets in the presence of stronger targets. One such system comprises a radar sensor to receive radar signals; and a processor to generate a Doppler Fourier Transform (Doppler-FT) representation of the radar signals, and perform processing to adjust a noise floor in the Doppler-FT representation from a first level to a second level that is lower than the first level. The processing to adjust the noise floor is based on a velocity associated with a first signal peak visible in the Doppler-FT representation when the noise floor is at the first level, and a second signal peak not visible in the Doppler-FT representation when the noise floor is at the first level is visible in the Doppler-FT representation when the noise floor is at the second level.