MIMO Radar Array Layout for Wider Virtual Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MIMO radar systems face challenges in maximizing the aperture length of virtual receiving arrays without compromising detection performance, particularly in wide-angle radar applications.
Innovation Solution
The radar apparatus employs a specific antenna arrangement where the transmitting array includes a first antenna group and a second antenna group, and the receiving array includes a third antenna group and a fourth antenna, optimizing interelement spacings to maximize the virtual receiving array's aperture length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture length of the virtual receiving array is maximized by increasing interelement spacing, then angular resolution is improved, but detection performance deteriorates due to signal loss and reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional planar array configuration. The transmitting array and receiving array are arranged in orthogonal directions (x-axis and y-axis), creating a virtual receiving array with enlarged aperture in both dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous achievement of high angular resolution and maintained detection performance through increased effective aperture area rather than just length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested array structures where the transmitting array and receiving array are positioned such that their combined configuration creates a virtual array with nested spatial relationships. The virtual receiving array elements are formed by the combination of transmitting and receiving antenna positions, creating a nested structure that maximizes aperture utilization while maintaining element correlation for reliable detection.
2Reliability
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve detection performance, then sensitivity is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna elements universal by using the same type of antenna for both transmitting and receiving functions. The transmitting array elements can serve as receiving elements, and receiving array elements can serve as transmitting elements. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of specialized antenna elements needed while maintaining detection performance, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual receiving array that is a mathematical copy of the physical antenna configuration. The virtual array elements are generated through signal processing that replicates the spatial sampling pattern, allowing the system to achieve the performance of a larger physical array without actually deploying additional physical elements, thus reducing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide-angle detection is implemented to cover broader angular ranges, then detection coverage is improved, but resolution capability is reduced due to beam spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two-dimensional planar array configuration to achieve wide-angle detection while maintaining resolution. By distributing antenna elements in both x and y directions, the system can perform independent angle estimation in both azimuth and elevation directions. The orthogonal arrangement allows the beam to be focused in one dimension while covering wide angles in the other dimension, resolving the trade-off between coverage and resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitting array antenna includes a second antenna group placed in a position inside a first antenna group in a first direction and a position different from the first antenna group in a second direction. A receiving array antenna includes a fourth antenna placed in a position outside a third antenna group arranged in the first direction and a position different from the third antenna group in the second direction. An interelement spacing between a receiving antenna of the third antenna group located at an end on a second side is identical to an interelement spacing in the first direction between a transmitting antenna of the first antenna group on the first side and each of the second antenna group. In a case where the first antenna group and the third antenna group are identical in position in the second direction, positions of antennas are different.