Multi-Static Radar Persistent Illumination for Unambiguous Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar systems face limitations in unambiguously determining range and range-rate of targets due to inherent ambiguities, which restricts their coverage area and surveillance capabilities, especially in high-speed target detection and air traffic control applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-static radar system with persistent illumination, using a network of static transmitters and receivers, processes radar return signals to unambiguously determine target positions and characteristics within a large three-dimensional field of surveillance, allowing for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets and enhanced surveillance performance without the need for mechanical or electronic scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar systems use high pulse repetition frequency to determine range rate of fast moving targets unambiguously, then range rate measurement precision is improved, but the coverage area represented by unambiguous range becomes impractically small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surveillance area into multiple radar cells, each illuminated by a different static transmitter. This segmentation allows each transmitter to operate at high PRF for unambiguous range rate measurement while the network collectively covers a large area, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple static transmitters and receivers as intermediaries in the radar system. Each transmitter-receiver pair forms a bistatic radar cell that independently measures target parameters with unambiguous precision. The network of intermediaries collectively provides both high measurement precision and large coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional radar systems use mechanical or electronic scanning to cover large areas, then coverage area is improved, but the ability to persistently illuminate targets for accurate discrimination is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large surveillance area into multiple smaller radar cells, each continuously illuminated by a dedicated static transmitter. This segmentation allows persistent illumination within each cell for accurate target discrimination while the collection of cells provides extensive overall coverage, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic network where multiple static transmitters and receivers work in coordination. While individual transmitters remain static for persistent illumination, the system dynamically assigns different transmitters to illuminate different regions, enabling both large coverage area and persistent illumination for accurate discrimination.
3Area of stationary object
If multi-static radar system uses multiple transmitters and receivers to provide large coverage area, then coverage area is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar system into multiple independent transmitter-receiver pairs, each forming a simple bistatic radar cell. Each cell operates independently with simple geometry, but the network of segmented cells collectively provides large coverage area. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing complexity across multiple simple units rather than requiring one complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the multi-static radar system where each transmitter can illuminate multiple radar cells and each receiver can detect returns from multiple transmitters. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve large coverage area through flexible geometry configuration without proportionally increasing system complexity, as components serve multiple purposes.
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 achieves unambiguous range and range-rate determination, enabling reliable discrimination between targets and clutter, even at close proximity, and supports the tracking of numerous targets within a vast surveillance volume, improving air traffic control and surveillance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radar transmitter operable to persistently illuminate said FoS with a sequence of pulses at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF); at least one radar receiver arranged to persistently monitor said FoS to receive radar return signals returned from objects within the FoS, as a result of said persistent illumination of said FoS by the at least one radar transmitter
Implementation Method 2
analyse the stored signal information and/or further signal information to detect a target and to extract and/or refine target information for said target relating to at least one of a position and a characteristic of said target
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A radar system for providing information relating to a three-dimensional field of surveillance (FoS) having a volume exceeding one cubic kilometre, the radar system comprising a radar transmitter and radar receiver arranged to provide persistent surveillance of said FoS. Each radar return signal received within a sequence of time periods are processed an associated signal information stored in a memory in association with information identifying at least one of a respective beam in which that return signal was received and a respective receiver element at which that respective return signal was received.