Multi-Frequency Radar Sensor Integration for Short- and Long-Range Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar sensor devices for motor vehicles are limited by angular resolution, range, and cost due to physical constraints and the use of multiple frequency bands, which restrict their ability to reliably detect surroundings at both short and long ranges.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an electronic-photonic co-integrated chip (EPIC) to generate and emit detection signals at multiple frequencies, allowing simultaneous or sequential emission and reception of low and high-frequency signals, enhancing detection capabilities and resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple radar sensor devices are used to emit radar signals at different frequencies for better resolution, then detection range and resolution are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection resolutionVSAvoidnumber of radar sensor devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency detection signals into a single radar sensor device by integrating different transmission antennas (first transmission antenna for low frequency, second transmission antenna for high frequency) and corresponding receiving antennas within one device. This merging approach allows the device to perform both short-range and long-range detection without requiring multiple separate radar sensor devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radar sensor device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both short-range and long-range detection using different frequency bands within a single device. The first detection signal (low frequency) and second detection signal (high frequency) enable the device to universally handle various detection ranges, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple radar sensor devices are used to emit radar signals at different frequencies, then detection range is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple frequency detection capabilities into a single radar sensor device, combining first and second transmission antennas with their corresponding receiving antennas. This integration reduces the total number of components required, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to detect at both short and long ranges through different frequency signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radar sensor device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that handles both short-range and long-range detection within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing overall system cost while preserving comprehensive detection range capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the intensity of emitted waves is increased to improve detection, then detection capability is improved, but harmful effects on people and animals increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidimpact on people and animals
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the detection signals to achieve improved detection capability without increasing intensity. By using different frequency bands (low frequency and high frequency), the system optimizes detection performance through frequency variation rather than intensity increase, thereby avoiding harmful effects on people and animals while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach improves angular resolution, increases detection range, reduces noise, and lowers costs by integrating multiple frequencies and reducing the need for physical antenna expansion, while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Implementation Method 1

The first detection signal is modulated onto an optical carrier signal by means of the electronic processor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical modulation:

Implementation Method 2

A frequency conversion of the first detection signal to a second detection signal with a second frequency that is different from the first frequency is carried out by means of the transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Implementation Method 3

the first detection signal is emitted into the surroundings by means of a first transmission antenna of the transmitter and the second detection signal is emitted into the surroundings by means of a second transmission antenna of the transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 4

wave signals are emitted in the surroundings and are, in turn, reflected on objects and can thus be used, for example, to detect the surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250251510A1Method For Operating A Radar Sensor Device For A Motor Vehicle, And Radar Sensor Device
Publication Date: 2025.08.07 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • US20250251510A1 patent drawing
  • US20250251510A1 patent drawing
  • US20250251510A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for operating a radar sensor device for a motor vehicle, comprising: generating a first detection signal with a first frequency for detecting surroundings of the motor vehicle by means of a processor; modulating the first detection signal onto an optical carrier signal by means of the processor; transmitting the optical carrier signal with the modulated first detection signal to a transmitter of the radar sensor device by means of the processor; frequency-converting the first detection signal to a second detection signal with a second frequency that is different from the first frequency by means of the transmitter; and emitting the first detection signal into the surroundings by a first transmission antenna of the transmitter and emitting the second detection signal into the surroundings by means of a second transmission antenna of the transmitter.