I-Q Radar Frequency Domain Aliasing Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems face limitations in extending the unambiguous range and resolution due to the filtering out of frequencies above the Nyquist frequency, which restricts the maximum range at which a target's location can be determined, and upgrading hardware to increase these parameters is costly.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving an echo signal, identifying peaks in the frequency space greater than the Nyquist frequency, moving these peaks to the negative frequency domain, and using them to determine the target's location, thereby extending the range and resolution without requiring additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequencies above the Nyquist frequency are filtered out to avoid aliasing, then measurement precision is maintained within the unambiguous range, but the unambiguous range itself is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the usable frequency spectrum by utilizing the negative frequency domain, which is traditionally discarded. By mapping positive frequencies above the Nyquist frequency to negative frequencies through the relationship f_negative = f_positive - f_sampling, the system effectively doubles the unambiguous range without requiring additional hardware bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of aliasing into a beneficial tool. Instead of filtering out frequencies above the Nyquist frequency, the system deliberately allows these frequencies to alias into the negative domain and then uses them to extend the measurement range, transforming what was previously considered noise or error into useful information.
2Length of stationary object
If hardware with higher radar frequencies and higher sampling rates is installed to increase unambiguous range, then the unambiguous range is extended, but the cost of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interpretation and usage parameters of the existing frequency spectrum rather than changing the hardware parameters. By redefining how frequencies above the Nyquist frequency are handled and utilized, the system achieves extended range without modifying the physical hardware configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual extension of the frequency spectrum by copying and mapping frequencies from the positive domain to the negative domain. This computational copying allows the system to simulate having access to a wider frequency range without physically acquiring additional hardware capabilities.
3Length of stationary object
If frequencies above the Nyquist frequency are used to extend range, then the unambiguous range is increased, but measurement precision may be compromised due to aliasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach to frequency handling. Instead of treating frequencies above the Nyquist frequency as errors to be eliminated, the system inverts the perspective and treats them as valuable resources to be harvested and mapped to the negative frequency domain for extended range measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system and method of extending a parameter of a location of a target obtained by radar is disclosed. The system receives an echo signal that is a reflection of a radar source signal from the target. The echo signal is sampled and a peak for the echo signal is objected in frequency space. For a peak that is located at a frequency greater than a Nyquist frequency of the echo signal, the peak is moved to a negative domain of the frequency space and the location of the target is determined using the peak in the negative domain.