MIMO Radar Antenna Mismatch Calibration for AoA and PSLL
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO radar systems suffer from antenna element mismatches that lead to dysfunctional arrays without proper calibration, affecting performance metrics such as Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Peak Side Lobe Level (PSLL).
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus and method for calibrating Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar antennas by processing received signals to correct antenna mismatches, enhancing the Angle of Arrival (AoA) spectrum and improving PSLL and SNR performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If antenna elements are manufactured with enhanced phase and gain, then manufacturing capability is improved, but antenna array functionality deteriorates without proper calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration measurements during the manufacturing process to characterize phase and gain mismatches before the antenna array is deployed. By performing calibration in advance and storing correction data, the system ensures that manufactured variations do not compromise array functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Reliability
If calibration process is implemented, then antenna array functionality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is performed during manufacturing or initialization before the antenna array enters service. The calibration data is stored and applied automatically during operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration procedures during actual radar operations. This resolves the contradiction by shifting the time investment to a preliminary stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model or calibration matrix that represents the actual phase and gain characteristics of each antenna element. This digital copy is then used for corrections during operation, avoiding the need to physically adjust or re-measure antenna elements in real-time, thus reducing processing time while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple calibration measurements are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Comprehensive calibration measurements are performed during manufacturing when time is not a constraint during actual operation. The patent performs multiple measurements to capture phase and gain characteristics under different conditions, storing the results for later application. This resolves the contradiction by investing measurement time preliminarily rather than during operational use.
Data Source
AI summary
For example, a radar apparatus may include an input to receive radar receive (Rx) data, the radar Rx data based on radar signals received via a plurality of Rx antennas of Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar antenna; and a radar processor configured to generate radar information based on the radar Rx data by calibrating an antenna Mismatch (MM) of the MIMO radar antenna such that the radar information includes an Angle of Arrival (AoA) spectrum having a Peak Side Lobe Level (PSLL) of at least 30 decibel (dB).