Miniature Radar Target Simulator Array for Ghost Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar emulators are inadequate for accurately simulating complex driving environments with multiple targets, as they are slow, expensive, and only partially emulate range, velocity, and angle of arrival, leading to potential false warnings and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a two-dimensional array of miniature radar target simulators with variable gain amplifiers, in-phase-quadrature mixers, and variable attenuators, coordinated to emulate multiple targets with finer angular resolution, and a controller to adjust signal strength and suppress ghost signals, enabling accurate emulation of multiple targets in vehicular radar systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If known radar emulators are used to emulate multiple targets, then the system can simulate driving environments, but the emulation is slow and not scalable to larger numbers due to expensive electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the emulation task into multiple independent miniature radar target simulators (MRTS) arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each MRTS handles a specific spatial sector, allowing parallel processing of multiple targets simultaneously. This segmentation enables scalable emulation of numerous targets without requiring a single complex electronic system, directly improving productivity while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional or limited spatial emulation to a two-dimensional array of MRTS elements. This dimensional expansion allows the system to emulate targets across a broader angular space (azimuth and elevation) simultaneously, dramatically increasing scalability and emulation speed without proportionally increasing electronic complexity.
2Measurement precision
If known emulators are used, then some emulation capability is provided, but only an incomplete subset of range, velocity, and angle of arrival is emulated
Solution Approach 1:
Each MRTS in the array is designed as a multi-functional element capable of emulating multiple target characteristics simultaneously: range (via time delay), velocity (via Doppler frequency shift), and angle of arrival (via spatial positioning in the 2D array). This universal design allows the system to provide complete emulation of all three parameters for multiple targets, enhancing both measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters across the MRTS array including time delays (for range), frequency shifts (for velocity), and spatial positions (for angle of arrival). By independently controlling these parameters for each MRTS element, the system achieves accurate and complete emulation of diverse target scenarios, satisfying both precision and versatility requirements.
3Productivity
If multiple targets are emulated using traditional methods, then coverage is provided, but ghost signals are generated that cause false warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful ghost signals into beneficial interference patterns by strategically positioning and phasing the MRTS elements. The coordinated operation of adjacent MRTS creates constructive interference for legitimate targets while generating destructive interference that cancels out ghost signals. This transforms what would be harmful artifacts into a mechanism for signal purification, enabling multi-target coverage without false warnings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the combined output of all MRTS elements and dynamically adjusts their individual parameters to suppress ghost signals. By detecting ghost signal patterns and applying corrective phase or amplitude adjustments, the system continuously optimizes the emulation accuracy and eliminates harmful interference, maintaining both productivity and signal purity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides scalable and accurate emulation of multiple targets, reducing the risk of false warnings and improving the performance of vehicular radar systems by effectively simulating complex driving scenarios, thereby enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
an in-phase-quadrature (IQ) mixer
Implementation Method 2
a receive antenna; a variable gain amplifier
Implementation Method 3
a transmit antenna. The MRTS's are disposed in an array
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing vehicular radar is disclosed. The system includes a re-illumination element adapted to receive electromagnetic waves, and to transmit response signals. The re-illumination element includes: a plurality of miniature radar target simulators (MRTS's), each comprising: a receive antenna; a variable gain amplifier (VGA); an in-phase-quadrature (IQ) mixer; a variable attenuator; and a transmit antenna. The MRTS's are disposed in an array comprising rows and columns of the MRTS's, and each MRTS of the array is laterally spaced a distance px and vertically spaced a distance py from an adjacent MRTS. An incremental subtended azimuth angle (δϕ) and an incremental subtended elevation (δθ) angle are finer than an azimuth resolution specification (ϕres) and an elevation resolution specification (θres) of a radar device under test (DUT).