Noise Radar Correlation Using Asynchronous Broadband Noise Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noise radar systems face limitations due to pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) that restrict bandwidth and channel usage, and true analog noise sources require additional hardware, posing challenges in signal generation and processing.
Innovation Solution
A noise radar system utilizing asynchronous gate arrays to generate broadband noise signals digitally, without relying on analog sources, using a noise unit with asynchronous logic elements and a tapped delay-line for signal sampling and storage, enabling true randomness and uncorrelated signals for multi-user/multi-channel applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is used to generate noise signals, then the system can operate with digital circuitry, but the bandwidth is inherently limited to the clock speed, which limits the range resolution of the noise radar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional clocked digital PRNG circuitry with an analog noise source that feeds into a digital sampling system. The analog noise generator produces broadband signals without clock speed limitations, and the subsequent digital sampling and processing preserve the broadband characteristics while enabling digital signal processing. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining digital implementation ease while achieving unlimited bandwidth and improved range resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal generation from clocked digital switching to analog noise generation followed by digital sampling. By using an analog noise source with inherently broadband characteristics and sampling it at appropriate rates, the system achieves bandwidth independent of any clock speed, thereby improving range resolution while maintaining digital processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is used in multichannel scenarios, then the system can operate with multiple channels, but the PRNGs eventually repeat a sequence of pseudo-random numbers, which limits the number of channels that may be simultaneously used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital PRNG sequences with analog noise sources for multichannel operation. Each channel can have its own analog noise source or share a common source with different processing, ensuring that the noise signals are truly random and non-repeating. This substitution eliminates the sequence repetition problem inherent in digital PRNGs, allowing unlimited multichannel operation with guaranteed signal uniqueness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements through analog noise generation, where the noise signals are inherently time-varying and unpredictable. Unlike static PRNG sequences that eventually repeat, the analog noise sources produce continuously evolving signals that maintain uniqueness across multiple channels and extended time periods, thereby improving reliability in multichannel scenarios.
3Reliability
If true analog noise sources are used to generate uncorrelated signals, then the signals are truly random and do not repeat, but additional hardware is necessary to create these signals, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges analog noise generation with digital sampling and processing in a unified system architecture. The analog noise source is directly coupled to digital sampling circuitry, eliminating the need for separate analog processing chains. This integration reduces overall hardware complexity while maintaining the benefits of true random noise generation, as the digital portion handles signal conditioning and processing that would otherwise require additional analog components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital sampling as an intermediary between the analog noise source and the digital processing system. This intermediary converts the analog noise signals into digital form while preserving their random characteristics, eliminating the need for complex analog processing hardware. The sampling approach simplifies the overall system by using the digital domain for signal manipulation, reducing analog hardware requirements while maintaining signal randomness and reliability.
4Measurement precision
If the full amplitude of the analog noise source is used for ranging, then wideband direction couplers and correlators are necessary to direct and process the information content, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wideband direction couplers and analog correlators with digital signal processing techniques. By sampling the analog noise signals and performing correlation and processing in the digital domain, the system achieves the same ranging accuracy without requiring complex wideband analog hardware. The digital processing can implement correlation algorithms flexibly and efficiently, reducing the need for specialized analog components while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the signal processing from the analog domain to the digital domain, effectively moving to another dimension of processing. By converting analog noise signals to digital samples and performing all subsequent processing digitally, the system achieves wideband ranging capabilities without requiring wideband analog direction couplers and correlators. This dimensional transition simplifies the hardware while maintaining or improving processing flexibility and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Backend components for noise radar and techniques for operation of those components are provided. Some embodiments include noise radar apparatuses. A noise radar apparatus may include a first unit that generates a random signal or a broadband noise signal using asynchronous logic gates constituting the first unit. The noise radar apparatus also may include a second unit that generates a reference sequence using the generated random signal or the generated broadband noise signal. The second unit comprises at least one tapped delay line formed by second asynchronous logic gates having sampling functionality and storage functionality. The noise radar apparatus may further include a third unit that receives a return signal correlates the return signal and the reference sequence in nearly real-time using third asynchronous logic gates constituting the third unit.