Multi-Static Radar Spectrum Occupancy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current primary surveillance radar systems occupy a significant portion of the communication spectrum, particularly in the 'S' band, which is needed to be released for other users without compromising air surveillance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-static radar system is introduced, comprising multiple static transmitters and receivers arranged in a polygonal configuration to provide persistent radar coverage, allowing for efficient spectrum use by processing radar signals to determine object position and motion, and utilizing a high pulse repetition frequency to unambiguously detect objects moving at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional primary surveillance radar systems are used to maintain air surveillance capabilities, then surveillance coverage is ensured, but spectrum occupancy increases and cannot be released for other users
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple independent transmitters and receivers distributed across different locations, forming a networked multi-static radar system. Each transmitter-receiver pair operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive surveillance coverage while using spectrum more efficiently through spatial distribution and signal sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar transmitters serve multiple functions simultaneously: they illuminate radar cells for surveillance, provide synchronization signals to receivers, and enable multiple receivers to detect the same target from different angles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated spectrum resources while maintaining surveillance effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If radar transmitters persistently illuminate radar cells with high pulse repetition frequency to detect fast-moving objects, then detection accuracy improves, but spectrum usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receivers detect radar returns from the same illuminated cell simultaneously, combining their detection capabilities. This allows the system to use a lower pulse repetition frequency than a single radar would require, reducing spectrum usage while maintaining the ability to detect fast-moving objects through cooperative detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to detection by deploying multiple receivers at different locations. Instead of relying solely on temporal sampling (pulse repetition frequency), the system uses spatial distribution to capture radar returns, enabling accurate detection of fast-moving objects with reduced temporal sampling requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple transmitters and receivers are deployed in a multi-static configuration to reduce spectrum occupancy, then system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar transmitters operate with periodic pulse transmission at synchronized intervals, creating regular illumination patterns across radar cells. This periodic operation simplifies the coordination between multiple transmitters and receivers, reducing system complexity while enabling efficient spectrum utilization through time-division multiplexing.
4Reliability
If radar receivers attenuate signals from transmitter directions to mitigate saturation, then receiver sensitivity is protected, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radar receivers pre-establish attenuation or nulling in the directions of transmitters before strong signals arrive, preventing receiver saturation and desensitization. This preliminary protective action simplifies subsequent signal processing by avoiding the need to recover from saturation effects, reducing overall system complexity.
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 multi-static radar system effectively reduces spectrum occupancy while maintaining or improving air surveillance capabilities, allowing for precise detection and tracking of objects with minimal interference and clutter mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radar transmitters arranged to illuminate a radar cell with radar signals
Implementation Method 2
radar return signals echoed from any object within the respective radar cell, as a result of illumination of the radar cell by at least one corresponding radar transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-static radar system provides surveillance. The radar system includes a plurality of radar receivers and a plurality of radar transmitters arranged in a multi-static configuration to form at least one radar cell to provide an area of radar coverage within the cell.