Millimeter-Wave Radar Communication Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter-wave systems face challenges in simultaneously performing radar and communication operations without significant interference, as they often require separate frequency bands and configurations, which can lead to performance degradation and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter-wave system with a controller and RF channels that can dynamically reconfigure to operate as both a radar device and a communication device, using frequency, spatial, and time separation to multiplex between radar and communication operations, allowing for simultaneous or sequential performance of these functions without substantial interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate frequency bands and configurations are used for radar and communication operations, then interference between the two functions is reduced, but system complexity and performance degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and communication operations into a single millimeter-wave system with shared hardware resources including RF circuits, antennas, and signal processing units. The controller dynamically allocates these shared resources between radar and communication functions based on operational requirements, reducing system complexity while managing interference through intelligent resource scheduling rather than complete separation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the controller can adjust the operational mode of shared hardware resources in real-time. The RF circuits and antennas can be dynamically allocated to either radar or communication functions based on current operational needs, enabling the system to adapt between different operational states and optimize performance for each function when active
2Reliability
If separate hardware systems are used for radar and communication operations, then functional performance is maintained, but overall system complexity and resource utilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal millimeter-wave system where the same hardware components serve multiple functions. The RF circuits, antennas, and signal processing units can operate for both radar detection and communication transmission/reception. The controller manages this multi-functionality by dynamically allocating resources based on operational requirements, allowing a single system to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated hardware for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control and resource management functions from the hardware execution functions. The controller divides the operational timeline into segments where radar or communication functions are prioritized based on current needs. This segmentation allows shared hardware resources to be time-multiplexed between different functions while maintaining the performance requirements of each function when active
3Productivity
If a single hardware platform performs both radar and communication operations, then resource utilization is optimized, but interference between operations occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic allocation of shared hardware resources between radar and communication functions. Based on operational priorities and requirements, the system periodically switches the usage of RF circuits and antennas between the two functions. This periodic action allows both functions to share resources efficiently while ensuring that when one function is active, the other is temporarily suspended to avoid interference
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages and coordinates access to shared hardware resources between radar and communication operations. It mediates resource allocation by receiving requests from both functions, determining priority based on operational context, and allocating resources accordingly. This intermediary control prevents direct interference by ensuring only one function uses the shared RF hardware at any given time
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a millimeter-wave system includes a first circuit having M channels, one or more antennas coupled to the first circuit, and a controller that includes a resource scheduler module. The controller is configured to operate the millimeter-wave system as a radar device and as a communication device based on an output of the resource scheduler module.