MIMO Radar Sensor Phase Calibration for Multi-Module Angle Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensors with multiple high-frequency modules face challenges in maintaining accurate phase calibration due to installation environment interactions and temperature variations, leading to systematic errors in angle estimation, especially when factory calibration is insufficient for anticipating these factors.
Innovation Solution
The method subdivides the antenna array into subarrays, each assigned to a high-frequency module, allowing for online recalibration by correcting phase shifts caused by module asynchronism, and using angle estimation to calibrate both azimuth and elevation angles, thereby accounting for phase offsets between modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If factory calibration is performed prior to initial operation, then initial directional diagram accuracy is improved, but the calibration cannot account for installation environment interactions and temperature variations that occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary factory calibration before installation to establish baseline directional diagrams, then applies preliminary calibration data during operation to compensate for environmental effects. This combines advance preparation with operational adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms during operation where the radar sensor monitors its own performance and adjusts calibration parameters based on detected environmental interactions and temperature variations, enabling adaptive recalibration.
2Power
If multiple high-frequency modules are used to improve radar performance, then power output and angular differentiation are improved, but phase calibration accuracy deteriorates due to module asynchronism and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into separate subarrays, each assigned to a specific high-frequency module. This segmentation allows independent calibration of each module's subarray, addressing phase calibration issues by treating each module as a separate unit that can be calibrated individually despite temperature variations and asynchronism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna array is subdivided into subarrays assigned to different high-frequency modules, then online recalibration capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into subarrays that map directly to existing high-frequency module boundaries. This segmentation enables independent processing and calibration of each module's subarray, providing online recalibration capability while leveraging the modular architecture to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The subarray architecture provides multi-functionality by enabling both normal radar operation and online calibration functions using the same hardware structure. The same antenna elements serve dual purposes for signal transmission and calibration measurements, reducing the need for additional dedicated calibration hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the phase calibration of a MIMO radar sensor having an array of transmitting and receiving antenna elements that are offset from each other in at least one direction, and high-frequency modules, which are each assigned to a part of the array. The array is subdivided into transmitting subarrays and receiving subarrays in such a manner, that each subarray is assigned to exactly one of the high-frequency modules and at least two receiving subarrays, which belong to different high-frequency modules, are offset from each other in the at least one direction and are aligned with each other in the direction perpendicular to it. The method includes a calibration which corrects a receiving control vector with the aid of a known relationship between first and second comparison variables for the respective receiving subarrays.