Phased Array Radar Monopulse Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monopulse radar systems face challenges in achieving high precision angle measurement over a wide field of view, distinguishing between closely separated targets, and maintaining a compact, low-cost configuration while being limited by tradeoffs between scan resolution, angular range, and linear range.
Innovation Solution
A phased array radar apparatus with individually phased antenna elements and a radar controller that uses amplitude and complex monopulse ratios, along with a weighted target angle histogram, to estimate target angles from a single scan and discriminate between closely separated targets, while employing beamforming algorithms and dual beam steering to improve scan resolution and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monopulse radar systems use two receiving antennas to calculate sum and difference signals for target location, then angle measurement capability is achieved, but scan resolution and angular range are limited by tradeoffs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the receiving system into two separate phased array receivers, each capable of independent beam steering. This segmentation allows each receiver to cover a specific angular range while maintaining high measurement precision through monopulse processing of their combined signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-receiver monopulse system to a dual-receiver phased array system with independent beam steering capabilities. This adds the dimension of electronic beam steering control, enabling wide field of view coverage while maintaining precise angle measurement through coordinated processing of both receivers' signals.
2Measurement precision
If radar systems increase scan resolution and angular range, then target detection capability improves, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes each phased array receiver multi-functional by equipping them with individual phase shifters that enable both wide field of view coverage through beam steering and precise angle measurement through monopulse processing. This universality allows the system to achieve high scan resolution without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical scanning systems with electronic phase shifter-based beam steering in the phased array receivers. This substitution achieves wide angular range and high scan resolution through electronic control rather than mechanical movement, reducing system complexity while improving performance.
3Measurement precision
If radar systems use closely spaced antenna elements to improve resolution, then angular precision improves, but grating lobes and side lobes increase causing target discrimination problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces coordinated beam steering control as an intermediary mechanism between the antenna elements and the target detection process. By using phase shifters to electronically steer beams and control radiation patterns, the system achieves high angular resolution while suppressing grating lobes and side lobes that would otherwise cause target discrimination problems.
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
Enables high precision estimation of target angles over a wide field of view in a single scan, effectively distinguishing between closely separated targets and improving radar performance by eliminating grating lobe effects and enhancing target tracking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A phased array radar transmitter operable to transmit a plurality of beams into an environment
Implementation Method 2
Each antenna element of the first and second arrays of receive antenna elements has an associated phase shifter
Implementation Method 3
receive a plurality of beams reflected by targets within either the first beam detectable area or the second beam detectable area
Implementation Method 4
the radar controller uses the plurality of first and second receive beams to calculate a weighted target angle histogram along with a complex amplitude monopulse ratio to identify angle information
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array radar apparatus and method for identifying targets in an environment includes a phased array radar transmitter, a first phased array radar receiver, a second phased array radar receiver, and a radar controller. The first and second phased array radar receivers are configured such that the first and second phased array radar receivers have effectively the same configuration. The radar controller uses the first and second receive beams to calculate an amplitude monopulse ratio and identify angle information of the targets within the environment. The present invention enables high precision estimation of target angle information while scanning over a wide field of view in a single scan. The radar apparatus further uses a complex amplitude monopulse ratio and a weighted target angle histogram to distinguish between closely separated targets that would otherwise be viewed as a single target by conventional monopulse radar apparatuses.