MIMO Radar Position Angle Determination Without Phase Coherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MIMO radar devices require phase coherence between transmitting antennas, which is challenging for objects moving relative to the radar, leading to errors in speed estimation and position angle determination, especially with slow FMCW ramps.
Innovation Solution
The method involves emitting radar signals from multiple antennas with distinct radiation patterns and determining the position angle based on phase and amplitude differences of the received signals, allowing for precise angle determination without phase coherence, and utilizing amplitude differences for ambiguity resolution and increased angular accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase coherence is required between transmitting antennas, then measurement precision of position angle is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase coherence requirement from the system by determining position angles independently for each transmitting antenna based on amplitude differences, eliminating the need for complex phase coherence control between antennas while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from phase-dependent to amplitude-dependent. By using amplitude differences of radar signals received at different antennas, the system determines position angles without requiring phase coherence, thus simplifying the system while maintaining accuracy
2Device complexity
If a small number of antennas is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of position angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of measurement by utilizing amplitude differences across multiple antennas, which compensates for the reduced number of antennas. This amplitude-based dimensional approach enables accurate position angle determination with fewer antennas by exploiting signal amplitude variations rather than relying solely on phase information
3Use of energy by moving object
If slow FMCW ramps are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement precision of speed and position angle deteriorates due to phase shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement from phase information that is sensitive to speed-induced phase shifts. By determining position angles based on amplitude differences rather than phase coherence, the system eliminates the harmful effect of phase shifts caused by slow FMCW ramps and moving objects, maintaining accuracy while consuming less energy
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
This approach enables accurate determination of the position angle of objects using a smaller number of antennas, resolving ambiguities and improving angular accuracy, even with slow FMCW ramps, and allows for the use of larger virtual antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a first radar signal with the aid of a first transmitting antenna having a first radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
receiving radar signals which are reflected on the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a MIMO radar device are provided for determining a position angle of an object. The method includes the following steps: emitting a first radar signal with the aid of a first transmitting antenna having a first radiation pattern; emitting a second radar signal with the aid of a second transmitting antenna having a second radiation pattern; emitting a third radar signal with the aid of a third transmitting antenna having a third radiation pattern; the first, second, and third radar signal being emitted in various directions; receiving radar signals which are reflected on the object; and determining the position angle of the object based on phase differences and based on amplitude differences, which originate from the emission of the radar signals in the first through third directions, between the received reflected radar signals.