Multi-IC Radar Array Layout for Larger Aperture Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of antennas that can be mounted on an integrated circuit restricts the expansion of the aperture length of an array antenna, thereby limiting the spatial resolution of radar devices.
Innovation Solution
A radar device is designed with multiple integrated circuits, each connected to a series of transmission and reception antenna elements, allowing for the formation of large aperture length array antennas and enhancing spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the number of antennas on an integrated circuit is increased, then the aperture length of the array antenna can be expanded, but the spatial resolution cannot be improved due to the limited number of antennas that can be mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The radar device is divided into multiple independent integrated circuits, each containing a subset of antenna elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a larger total number of antennas by combining multiple ICs, thereby expanding the aperture length without being constrained by the antenna capacity of a single IC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane array antenna configuration to a multi-dimensional arrangement by distributing antenna elements across multiple integrated circuits in series. This dimensional expansion enables the system to achieve both increased aperture length and higher spatial resolution simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is limited on an integrated circuit, then the device complexity remains low, but the spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the radar functionality across multiple integrated circuits, each IC can maintain a manageable number of antennas while the collective system achieves high spatial resolution. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing complexity across modular units rather than concentrating it in a single complex IC.
Solution Approach 2:
Each integrated circuit is designed with universal radar functionality (transmission and reception capabilities), allowing multiple identical or similar ICs to be combined. This multi-functionality approach enables the system to achieve high spatial resolution through quantity and arrangement rather than requiring each individual IC to be highly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a radar device includes a transmission module including a transmission antenna and first integrated circuits, a reception module including a reception antenna and second integrated circuits, and a third integrated circuit. Each of the first integrated circuits includes first transmission circuits, first reception circuits, and a first signal generation circuit. Each of the second integrated circuits includes second transmission circuits, second reception circuits, and a second signal generation circuit. The third integrated circuit includes third transmission circuits, third reception circuits, and a third signal generation circuit.