Offset Receiving Array Layout for 2D Imaging Radar Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging radar systems for automotive applications are limited in determining object positions in two-dimensional space, as one-dimensional digital beamforming does not allow for two-dimensional location determination, and fully filled two-dimensional arrays are complex and costly, while sparse arrays compromise sidelobe suppression.
Innovation Solution
A receiving antenna array is arranged linearly in the first dimension and spread out in the second dimension using a curve function, enabling digital beamforming for two-dimensional location determination with minimal sidelobes, reducing the number of rows of receiving antennas without loss of functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fully filled two-dimensional array is used for two-dimensional location determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving array is segmented into multiple rows that are spread in the second dimension, with each row contributing to specific angular ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve two-dimensional location determination by processing signals from distributed rows rather than requiring a fully filled dense array, thus reducing construction complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrays to two-dimensional spread arrays by adding a second dimension of row distribution. Rows are arranged linearly in the first dimension and spread out in the second dimension, enabling the system to determine angles in both azimuth and elevation, thereby achieving two-dimensional location determination with reduced hardware complexity.
2Device complexity
If the number of rows of receiving antennas is reduced, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different rows of receiving antennas are assigned to detect different angular ranges in the second dimension. By optimizing the local quality and positioning of each row according to its specific detection task, the system achieves efficient coverage of the entire angular space with fewer rows, maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a two-dimensional arrangement where rows are distributed in the second dimension to provide angular coverage. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve comprehensive spatial coverage and maintain measurement precision with a reduced number of rows compared to traditional one-dimensional dense arrays.
3Device complexity
If sparse arrays are used to reduce construction complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but sidelobe suppression deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or non-linear spacing patterns in the arrangement of receiving antenna rows, deviating from simple linear configurations. This curved arrangement optimizes the spatial distribution of elements to maintain good sidelobe suppression characteristics while using fewer rows, thus reducing device complexity without compromising performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing rows in a second dimension rather than concentrating them in one dimension, the patent creates a sparse two-dimensional array that maintains effective aperture and sidelobe suppression. The dimensional spread allows the system to achieve low sidelobe levels with reduced row count compared to dense one-dimensional arrays.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining the position of objects in two-dimensional space having a first dimension and a second dimension, the direction vector of which is orthogonal to the direction vector of the first dimension, containing at least one transmitter (I) having at least one transmitting antenna (3) and an imaging receiver circuit (2) having at least one receiving antenna array (Rx Array) with rows (6) of receiving antennas for scanning the first dimension by means of digital beam shaping, wherein the receiving antenna array has a linear array, a sparse array or an array with an enlarged aperture, and wherein the rows (6) of receiving antennas in the receiving antenna array of the receiver circuit (2) are linearly arranged in the first dimension according to a curve function or according to the contour of a two-dimensional geometric object and are spread out in the second dimension, and to a method using the apparatus.