OFDM Split Band Radar for Fast High-Resolution Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground penetrating radar technologies using the impulse method offer fast sensing but with poor frequency band characteristics and difficulty in generating high power signals, while the step frequency method provides excellent frequency band characteristics but at the cost of slow sensing, limiting their application and increasing work time in tasks like road traffic facility inspection.
Innovation Solution
The use of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based split band penetration signals to rapidly obtain a wideband response signal by radiating multiple signals towards a target object and processing the reflected signals to achieve high resolution sensing without the limitations of existing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the impulse method is used, then fast sensing is achieved, but frequency band characteristics deteriorate and high power signal generation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wideband signal is segmented into multiple narrowband signals that are transmitted in parallel through different channels. Each channel transmits a subset of the total frequency bands simultaneously, allowing the system to achieve both fast sensing (parallel transmission) and good frequency band characteristics (narrowband signals with excellent frequency selectivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (single wideband impulse signal) to a multi-dimensional approach by introducing frequency channel dimension. Multiple narrowband signals are transmitted across different frequency channels simultaneously, adding a frequency dimension to the transmission scheme. This enables parallel processing and improves both sensing speed and frequency characteristics.
2Reliability
If the step frequency method is used, then excellent frequency band characteristics are achieved, but sensing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency band is segmented into multiple sub-bands, and multiple narrowband signals corresponding to different sub-bands are transmitted in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the excellent frequency band characteristics of narrowband signals while achieving fast sensing through parallel transmission, eliminating the slow sequential transmission of the step frequency method.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple narrowband signals are transmitted continuously in parallel across different frequency channels simultaneously, rather than sequentially as in the step frequency method. This continuous parallel transmission maintains the useful action of frequency-selective signaling while dramatically improving sensing speed by eliminating the time required to sequentially transmit each frequency component.
3Productivity
If multiple narrowband signals are transmitted in parallel, then sensing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal IFFT-based signal generation approach that can handle any number of frequency channels and sub-bands. The same core algorithmic structure (IFFT for signal generation and FFT for signal processing) is used regardless of the specific configuration, making the system multi-functional and adaptable. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated hardware for each channel, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based signal generation and processing mechanisms with software-based digital signal processing algorithms (IFFT and FFT). Instead of using separate physical oscillators and modulators for each frequency channel, the system uses digital algorithms to generate and process signals, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to transmit multiple narrowband signals in parallel.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for obtaining a radar signal, the apparatus including a radar transmitter to radiate a plurality of split band penetration signals toward a target object, and a radar receiver to receive a plurality of signals reflected from the target object, and to obtain a wideband response signal using the plurality of reflected signals.