Impulse Radar with Variable Pulse Repetition for Dual-Range Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monostatic radars are limited to either long-range or short-range operations, limiting their application, and existing radar systems struggle to efficiently operate in both modes while maintaining cost-effectiveness and signal sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A pulsed radar system that dynamically adjusts between gated and non-gated modes based on target characteristics, using variable pulse repetition frequency and machine learning for target classification, to optimize detection of both short-range and long-range targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If monostatic radar operates in long-range mode, then detection distance is improved, but short-range detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection distanceVSAvoiddetection mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system dynamically switches between gated and non-gated modes based on operational requirements. The gated mode uses for long-range detection by filtering out close-range reflections, while non-gated mode enables short-range detection by accepting all reflections. This dynamic mode switching allows the single monostatic radar to adapt to different detection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the receiver gating parameter to switch between operational modes. By adjusting the gate timing and duration in the receiver, the radar can selectively detect either long-range targets (with gated mode filtering close reflections) or short-range targets (with non-gated mode accepting all reflections), thus resolving the contradiction between detection distance and detection mode flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If radar uses high pulse repetition frequency, then short-range detection is improved, but long-range detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse repetition frequencyVSAvoidlong-range detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The radar employs periodic gating in the receiver that synchronizes with the pulse repetition frequency. By using gated mode with appropriate gate timing, the system can operate at high pulse repetition frequencies for short-range detection while still enabling long-range detection through the gating mechanism that filters out close-range reflections during the gate-off periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If radar operates continuously in both modes, then detection coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system dynamically selects between gated and non-gated modes based on the detected target characteristics and operational requirements. The controller switches modes as needed rather than operating continuously in both modes, thereby maintaining full detection coverage while significantly reducing energy consumption by activating only the necessary mode for each operational scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If monostatic radar uses single operation mode, then device complexity is reduced, but application versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode configurationVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The monostatic radar achieves multi-functionality by implementing both gated and non-gated modes within a single device. The gated mode enables long-range detection applications, while the non-gated mode enables short-range detection applications. This universal design allows one radar system to serve multiple detection purposes without requiring separate specialized radars, thereby increasing application versatility while maintaining relatively simple monostatic architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system achieves cost-effective and sensitive detection of both short-range and long-range targets by dynamically adjusting operation modes, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter transmits a waveform towards the target. The waveform is then reflected or retransmitted by the target towards a receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

The waveform is then reflected or retransmitted by the target towards a receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The duration of time for the reflection or retransmission to reach the receiver, determines the distance between the transmitter and the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3789791B1Impulse radar using variable pulse repetition frequency
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 NXP BV
  • EP3789791B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3789791B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3789791B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An apparatus (12) including a transmitter (20) including a pulsed Radio Frequency (RF) source coupled to an antenna (66). A receiver (32) includes an amplifier coupled to the antenna. A controller (34) is configured to adjust one or more durations of a ranging cycle of the apparatus, wherein the ranging cycle includes a first duration (110, 130, 150) of a gated mode and a second duration (112, 132, 152) of a non-gated mode. The gated mode blinds the amplifier during a transmission of the transmitter. The non-gated mode reduces a gain of the amplifier during the transmission.