Multistatic Radar UAV Detection via Segmented Antenna Sectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar-based systems for detecting and tracking Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) face challenges such as performance degradation in cluttered environments, electromagnetic interference, and difficulty in distinguishing UAVs from other targets like birds.
Innovation Solution
A multistatic radar system with a novel method of operation, utilizing multiple radar receivers and a processing system that implements advanced computation algorithms to improve detection and tracking accuracy, especially in complex environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radar-based systems are used for detecting and tracking UAVs, then basic detection capability is provided, but performance degrades in cluttered environments and electromagnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surveillance area into multiple sectors, each monitored by a dedicated radar antenna system. This segmentation allows each antenna to focus on a specific sector, reducing the impact of cluttered environments on overall system performance and enabling independent optimization of each sector's detection parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal processing unit that acts as an intermediary between the radar antennas and the detection system. This unit processes raw radar signals to filter out electromagnetic interference and clutter effects, thereby improving detection accuracy in challenging environments.
2Measurement precision
If conventional radar systems monitor the entire volume, then complete coverage is achieved, but detection precision for slow moving UAVs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance volume is divided into multiple sectors, each monitored by a dedicated antenna system. This allows the system to concentrate measurement resources on detecting slow-moving UAVs in each sector with high precision Doppler signal processing, while maintaining overall volume coverage through coordinated sector monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system employs periodic scanning of different sectors with optimized pulse repetition frequencies tailored to each sector's requirements. This periodic action enables precise measurement of slow-moving targets in each sector while maintaining efficient overall coverage of the entire surveillance volume.
3Measurement precision
If multiple radar antennas are deployed to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the surveillance area into sectors, each handled by a dedicated antenna system with specialized processing. This segmentation allows each antenna subsystem to be relatively simple while the overall system achieves high precision through the coordinated operation of multiple specialized subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing unit is designed to handle multiple antenna inputs and perform various processing functions (clutter filtering, Doppler analysis, target tracking) in a unified manner. This multi-functional processing core reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from having separate processing chains for each antenna.
4Length of stationary object
If the radar system uses high power transmission to detect distant targets, then detection range is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance volume is divided into multiple sectors with different transmission power levels. Distant sectors can use higher power when needed, while nearby sectors use lower power, thereby extending detection range for distant targets while minimizing electromagnetic interference in closer areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on the sector being monitored and the detected target characteristics. This dynamic power control allows the system to achieve long-range detection capability when necessary while minimizing electromagnetic interference during normal operation in cluttered environments.
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 enhanced performance by accurately detecting and tracking UAVs in cluttered environments, reducing false alarms, and providing precise 3D position and velocity data of targets.
Implementation Method 1
a radar transmitter arranged to transmit radar signals
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of radar receivers arranged in different positions in said surveillance area
Implementation Method 3
computing a three-dimensional (3D) position of said one and the same target based on a group of selected ellipsoids of revolution
Implementation Method 4
computing a three-dimensional (3D) velocity of said one and the same target based on measured Doppler frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A multistatic radar system is provided for detecting and tracking targets moving in a surveillance area that includes: a radar transmitter and a plurality of radar receivers located in different positions in the surveillance area and processing means. The radar transmitter and the radar receivers are configured to obtain a GNSS-based time reference based on the GNSS signals received by the respective GNSS receiver. Each radar receiver is configured to determine, for each radar echo received by the radar receiver from a respective target, a corresponding distance-related information item based on the predefined transmission time and frequency pattern, the GNSS-based time reference and a respective reception time of the radar echo, and to provide the processing means with data indicative of the distance-related information items and the Doppler frequencies determined by the radar receiver, and reference times associated with the distance-related information items and the Doppler frequencies.