Orthogonal Radar Subarrays for High-Resolution Angle Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems in automotive applications face challenges in maintaining angular resolution without increasing the number of antenna elements, which leads to higher costs and complexity, especially when dealing with multiple objects in the same range-Doppler bin.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radar system using modified orthogonal linear antenna subarrays, comprising a first and second one-dimensional subarray positioned orthogonally and a two-dimensional subarray with additional antenna elements, allows for reduced complexity and cost while maintaining angular resolution by determining and associating azimuth and elevation angles effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large aperture is realized with a traditional 2D array to maintain angular resolution, then the angular resolution is improved, but the number of antenna elements increases leading to higher cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional 2D antenna array into three separate subarrays: a first 1D subarray for azimuth angle determination, a second 1D subarray for elevation angle determination, and a 2D subarray for associating angles with objects. This segmentation reduces the total number of antenna elements while maintaining angular resolution by using specialized subarrays for specific measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single 2D array to a three-dimensional configuration by adding the vertical dimension with the second 1D subarray positioned orthogonally to the first 1D subarray. This dimensional expansion enables independent measurement of azimuth and elevation angles with fewer total elements than a conventional 2D grid array.
2Measurement precision
If additional antenna elements are added to maintain angular resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the antenna system into specialized subarrays, each performing a specific function (azimuth measurement, elevation measurement, angle association), the patent reduces the total element count required compared to a full 2D array, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving angular resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The 2D subarray serves multiple functions: it receives electromagnetic energy from objects and enables the association of azimuth and elevation angles with specific objects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated elements, lowering overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional 2D array is used to detect multiple objects, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into specialized subarrays that can independently process signals for multiple objects. The first 1D subarray processes azimuth information, the second 1D subarray processes elevation information, and the 2D subarray performs angle-object association, enabling efficient multi-object detection with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the vertical dimension through the second 1D subarray positioned orthogonally to the first 1D subarray, the system gains the ability to resolve objects in three-dimensional space, improving multi-object detection capability while maintaining a simpler overall structure than conventional approaches.
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
This configuration enables the radar system to achieve comparable angular resolution to traditional systems with fewer antenna elements, reducing complexity and cost, and effectively handles multiple objects in the same range-Doppler bin.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) energy reflected by one or more objects
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques and systems of a radar system with modified orthogonal linear antenna subarrays and an angle-finding module. The described radar system includes a first one-dimensional (1D) (e.g., linear) subarray; a second 1D subarray positioned orthogonal to the first 1D subarray; and a two-dimensional (2D) subarray. Using electromagnetic energy received by the first 1D subarray and the second 2D subarray, azimuth angles and elevation angles associated with one or more objects can be determined. The radar system associates, using electromagnetic energy received by the 2D subarray, pairs of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle to the respective objects. In this way, the described systems and techniques can reduce the number of antenna elements while maintaining the angular resolution of a rectangular 2D array with similar aperture sizing.