Phase Coded Radar Antenna for 360-Degree Azimuth Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicular radar systems have limited precision and field of view due to single-directional beams, leading to reduced capability in detecting obstacles beyond the forward direction, and face interference from multiple radar units and radio noise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-sector 90-degree field of view radar antenna architecture with steerable beams and phase coded linear frequency modulation to enable scanning across a 360-degree azimuth plane, using multiple radar units with unique phase modulations and chip rates to minimize interference and enhance detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional single-directional beam radar systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and detection precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is divided into multiple radar units, each responsible for a specific sector (90-degree field of view). Each unit transmits signals with unique phase modulations and chip rates, enabling simultaneous coverage of different azimuth directions while maintaining manageable individual unit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-directional beam transmission to multi-directional sector coverage by introducing phase coded linear frequency modulation. This adds a temporal/code dimension to the spatial beam direction, allowing 360-degree azimuth coverage through multiple radar units with steerable beams
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radar units operate simultaneously, then detection coverage is improved, but interference between units increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each radar unit is assigned a unique phase modulation code and chip rate, creating locally distinguishable signal characteristics. This allows receiving units to differentiate and selectively detect signals from specific transmitting units based on their unique code signatures, filtering out interference from other units
Solution Approach 2:
Phase coded linear frequency modulation acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables multiple radar units to share the same frequency spectrum simultaneously without mutual interference. The unique phase codes serve as virtual identifiers that allow signal separation at the receiving end
3Measurement precision
If phase coded linear frequency modulation is implemented, then detection precision and field of view are improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar units perform self-identification through their unique phase modulation codes. The receiving units automatically distinguish between different transmitting units by detecting their distinctive code signatures, eliminating the need for complex external coordination or identification systems
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 solution provides improved radar system functionality by enabling a wider field of view, increased precision, and reduced interference, allowing for effective detection of obstacles in various directions, enhancing autonomous driving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first pulse with a first phase modulation and a first chip rate, and transmitting a second pulse with a second phase modulation and a second chip rate
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by the radar unit, a signal that includes at least two reflection signals associated with reflection of the at least two transmitted signal pulses
Implementation Method 3
filtering the received signal to time-align the at least two reflection signals. The filtering includes applying a frequency-dependent time delay to one or more of the at least two reflection signals
Implementation Method 4
removing phase modulations from the time-aligned reflection signals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments that relate to phase coded linear frequency modulation for a radar system. Embodiments include transmitting at least two signal pulses. The transmitting includes transmitting a first pulse with a first phase modulation and a first chip rate, and transmitting a second pulse with a second phase modulation and a second chip rate. The second chip rate may be different than the first chip rate. Embodiments also include receiving a signal that includes at least two reflection signals associated with reflection of the at least two transmitted signal pulses. Embodiments further include processing the received signal to determine target information. The processing includes filtering the received signal to time-align the at least two reflection signals. The filtering includes applying a frequency-dependent time delay to one or more of the at least two reflection signals. Additionally, embodiments include removing phase code modulations from the time-aligned reflection signals.