Multistatic Radar Doppler Measurement Using Dual Carrier Waves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bi-static radar systems face challenges in accurately measuring Doppler speed due to differential frequency drifts between transmitting and receiving oscillators, which can lead to significant speed errors, and existing solutions are either complex, costly, or vulnerable to jamming.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the generation of two carrier waves with a known frequency difference, where the Doppler speed is measured by dividing the difference in reception frequencies of these carriers, using a stable secondary frequency source to reduce errors, and partitioning the antenna for efficient signal emission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bi-static radar systems use separate local oscillators for transmitting and receiving radars, then system discretion and vulnerability are improved, but measurement precision of Doppler speed deteriorates due to differential frequency drifts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem discretionVSAvoidDoppler speed measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stable secondary frequency source as an intermediary reference that both transmitting and receiving radars use to generate their carrier waves. This mediator allows the system to maintain the physical separation and discretion of bi-static configuration while eliminating differential frequency drift effects, since both oscillators are locked to the same stable reference frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter by using a stable secondary frequency source with a frequency lower than the radar transmission frequency. This frequency down-conversion allows for better frequency stability and drift compensation, as the secondary source can be more precisely controlled and measured, thereby improving Doppler speed measurement accuracy while maintaining system discretion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If oscillators with better stability are used to reduce speed bias, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDoppler speed measurementVSAvoidoscillator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stable secondary frequency source serves multiple functions: it acts as the reference for both the transmitting radar's local oscillator and the receiving radar's local oscillator, and also provides the reference for Doppler frequency measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate high-stability oscillators at each site, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.

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

3Measurement precision

If GNSS disciplined reference is used to control local oscillators, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to jamming and signal distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency stabilityVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a stable secondary frequency source that does not rely on external GNSS signals, making it immune to jamming and distortion. While the patent text does not explicitly detail the implementation, the approach replaces vulnerable GNSS-dependent systems with a self-contained frequency reference that provides continuous, reliable operation regardless of external signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Measurement precision

If two carrier waves with known frequency difference are generated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDoppler velocity measurementVSAvoidsignal generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal generation process by using two distinct carrier waves with a known frequency difference, both derived from the stable secondary frequency source. This segmentation allows the receiving radar to measure the Doppler effect on each carrier separately and then compute the target velocity from the frequency difference, improving measurement precision while keeping the complexity manageable through systematic signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for accurate Doppler speed measurement with reduced errors and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining system discretion and resilience against jamming, by leveraging a stable frequency source and antenna partitioning for efficient signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

a first radar E emits a signal towards a target C, a second radar R receives and processes the signal backscattered by the target C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

If the target is affected by a 'Doppler velocity' producing a Doppler effect fD

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4078227B1Doppler measurement method for multistatic radar device, radar device implementing such a method
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 THALES SA
  • EP4078227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4078227B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4078227B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a Doppler measurement method for a multistatic radar device. The multistatic radar device comprises at least one first radar generating a transmission signal towards the target and a second radar receiving the signal backscattered by the target. According to the invention, two carrier waves are generated (23, 24, 25) on transmission having a given frequency gap (2Δƒ), the measurement of the Doppler velocity on reception being a function of the difference between the reception frequencies of the carrier waves divided by the frequency gap (2Δƒ).