FMCW Radar Interference Detection via Frequency-Dependent Power Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

FMCW radar systems face interference issues that limit sensitivity and detection range, leading to erroneous or missed object detection due to mutual electromagnetic wave interference from other radar systems, which existing methods struggle to effectively address.

Innovation Solution

An FMCW radar system with an interference detection method that uses frequency-dependent reception power threshold values based on modulation parameters, such as modulation slope, to differentiate between actual target signals and interference, allowing for efficient and reliable interference detection across various frequency ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radar systems use electromagnetic waves to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but susceptibility to interference from other radar systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidinterference from other radar systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing frequency-dependent reception power threshold values that are specifically adapted to different modulation parameters (such as modulation slope). By dynamically adjusting the threshold values based on the actual modulation parameters being used, the system can distinguish between genuine target signals and interference signals, thereby maintaining high detection precision while reducing susceptibility to interference from other radar systems operating in the same frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If interference detection sensitivity is increased to detect all interference, then interference detection accuracy is improved, but false detection of actual targets increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse detection rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing frequency-dependent reception power threshold values instead of using a single uniform threshold. Different frequency ranges have different threshold values optimized for their specific characteristics and expected signal strengths. This localized approach allows the system to maintain high interference detection accuracy in each frequency band while avoiding false detection of actual targets, as the thresholds are adapted to the local signal characteristics rather than applying a one-size-fits-all criterion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If frequency-dependent reception power threshold values are used for interference detection, then interference detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing frequency-dependent reception power threshold values for different modulation parameters before actual operation. During runtime, the system simply retrieves the appropriate threshold values based on the current modulation parameters and compares received signal powers against these pre-established thresholds. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations, reducing system complexity while maintaining high interference detection accuracy through the use of pre-optimized threshold values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2549292B1FMCW radar system and interference detection method for FMCW radar systems
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2549292B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2549292B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar system (1) has a transmitting- or receiving unit (2) which is formed to transmit radar signals (3) which are modulated by a modulation parameter and to receive radar signals (3a) which are reflected from the objects. An interference detector (6) is provided for detecting interferences in the received radar signals based on a frequency-dependent received power threshold value corresponding to the modulation parameter. The modulation parameter is a modulation slope of the transmitted radar signal. An independent claim is included for an interference detection method for a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar system.