Integrated Wireless Communication and Radar System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated wireless communication and radar systems cannot operate simultaneously in both modes, leading to reduced communication capability and discontinuous radar measurements due to the need for separate frequency bands and polarization methods.

Innovation Solution

An integrated wireless communication and radar system that transmits a chirped FSK modulated signal for both communication and radar measurement, where communication data and a chirp radar signal are combined, allowing simultaneous operation by encoding the data to balance '1' and '0' values and using a single sideband mixer to generate the chirped FSK signal, which is then filtered and demodulated in separate receivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate frequency bands and polarization methods are used for radar and communication systems, then the systems can operate independently, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines radar and communication functions into a single integrated system that operates simultaneously in the same frequency band. The transceiver uses FMCW radar signals with binary phase modulation to achieve both radar measurement and wireless communication without requiring separate frequency bands or polarization methods, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a radar sensor for distance/speed measurement and a wireless communication device for data transmission. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing overall system complexity and cost

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

2Device complexity

If radar and communication operate alternately in time-domain duplex, then separate frequency bands are not needed, but communication capability is reduced and radar measurement is discontinuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band separationVSAvoidcommunication data rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous simultaneous operation of both radar and communication functions by using FMCW radar signals with binary phase modulation. Unlike time-domain duplexing that alternates between modes, this approach maintains continuous radar measurement while continuously transmitting communication data, thereby improving communication data rate and eliminating measurement discontinuities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically modulates the phase of the FMCW radar signal to encode communication data. By varying the phase state (0 or π) of the radar chirp signal according to binary data, the system achieves dynamic communication functionality without interrupting the continuous radar measurement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If pulse radar signals are used for communication, then communication and radar can be transmitted in the same platform, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual function capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the signal type from expensive pulse radar to more economical FMCW radar while maintaining dual functionality. By using continuous frequency-modulated waves with binary phase modulation instead of expensive pulse compression techniques, the system achieves the same adaptability for both communication and radar at lower manufacturing and maintenance costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables simultaneous operation of wireless communication and radar functions, improving communication data rate and allowing continuous distance/speed measurements while simplifying the system by sharing frequency bands and components, reducing complexity and cost compared to circularly polarized microwave solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a chirped FSK modulated signal is used for both communication and radar measurement, where communication data, represented by a binary sequence, and a chirp radar signal are combined to form the chirped FSK modulated signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency Modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

The radar receiver is configured to filter-out the communication signal in the first chirped FSK modulated signal to obtain a radar signal for distance and/or speed measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal Filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

The communication receiver is configured to demodulate the second chirped FSK modulated signal and obtain the communication data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDemodulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 4

receive a first chirped FSK modulated signal reflected from a reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3673286B1An integrated wireless communication and radar system
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3673286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3673286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3673286B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An integrated wireless communication and radar system (100) and method therein for operating radar and communication mode simultaneously are disclosed. The system comprises a transmitter (110) configured to transmit a chirped FSK modulated signal (120) for both communication and radar measurement. The transmitter comprises an encoder (112) for encoding the communication data (140) such that a number of data with value "1" is equal to a number of data with value "0" in the encoded communication data. The system further comprises a receiver (130) configured to receive a first chirped FSK modulated signal reflected from a reflector and a second chirped FSK modulated signal transmitted from other integrated wireless communication and radar system. The receiver (130) comprises a radar receiver (131) and a communication receiver (132). The radar receiver (131) is configured to filter-out the communication signal in the first chirped FSK modulated signal for distance and/or speed measurement. The communication receiver (132) is configured to demodulate the second chirped FSK modulated signal and obtain the communication data.