MIMO Radar Virtual Array Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face limitations in improving angular resolution due to cost and location constraints when increasing the number of antennas, necessitating alternative methods to enhance antenna aperture without physical expansion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) radar systems using virtual array technology, specifically through Khatri-Rao (KR) transformation and Minimum Redundancy Array (MRA) configurations, allows for the formation of virtual antennas with increased numbers without physical expansion, thereby enhancing angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to widen the antenna aperture and improve angular resolution, then the angular resolution is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna copies through signal processing. Specifically, it forms virtual antennas by combining signals from multiple physical antennas using correlation processing, effectively creating additional antenna elements without adding physical hardware. This allows the system to achieve the angular resolution of a larger antenna array while maintaining a compact physical structure with fewer actual antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the physical spatial dimension to the signal processing dimension. By using Khatri-Rao transformation and forming virtual antennas in the signal domain rather than the physical domain, the system effectively increases the antenna aperture without physically expanding the antenna array. This dimensional transformation allows achieving high angular resolution with a limited number of physical antennas.
2Length of stationary object
If the number of antennas is increased to widen the antenna aperture, then the antenna aperture is widened, but the location constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna copies through signal processing. Specifically, it forms virtual antennas by combining signals from multiple physical antennas using correlation processing, effectively creating additional antenna elements without adding physical hardware. This allows the system to achieve the angular resolution of a larger antenna array while maintaining a compact physical structure with fewer actual antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the physical spatial dimension to the signal processing dimension. By using Khatri-Rao transformation and forming virtual antennas in the signal domain rather than the physical domain, the system effectively increases the antenna aperture without physically expanding the antenna array. This dimensional transformation allows achieving high angular resolution with a limited number of physical antennas.
3Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to improve angular resolution, then the angular resolution is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna copies through signal processing. Specifically, it forms virtual antennas by combining signals from multiple physical antennas using correlation processing, effectively creating additional antenna elements without adding physical hardware. This allows the system to achieve the angular resolution of a larger antenna array while maintaining a compact physical structure with fewer actual antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding more physical antennas with a signal processing approach. Instead of mechanically increasing the number of antenna elements, the system uses digital signal processing techniques (correlation processing, Khatri-Rao transformation) to synthesize virtual antennas, thereby achieving high angular resolution without the cost and complexity of deploying a large physical antenna array.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a radar apparatus includes first antennas, a second antenna, and a third antenna. If the first antennas are used as transmission antennas, the second and third antennas are used as reception antennas. If the second and third antennas are used as the transmission antennas, the first antennas are used as the reception antennas. The first antennas are arranged in a first direction at a first distance and in a second direction crossing the first direction at a second distance. A distance between the second antenna and the third antenna in the first direction is approximately equal to a product of the first distance and a number of first antennas arranged in the first direction.