Radar Altimeter Range Gate Parallel Acquisition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed radar altimeter systems face limitations in target acquisition time, especially at higher altitudes, which affects measurement sensitivity and detection probability.
Innovation Solution
The system partitions the acquisition time into multiple range gates, simultaneously positions them within a search area, and advances them based on signal levels until a threshold is reached, allowing for rapid target acquisition and expanded search coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional pulsed radar altimeter systems use sequential gate scanning, then the system structure remains simple, but the target acquisition time increases significantly at higher altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the search area into multiple range gates that can operate simultaneously. Instead of scanning gates sequentially, the system positions multiple gates at different range positions concurrently, allowing parallel target detection across the search area. This segmentation of the search function into parallel gates directly reduces target acquisition time without requiring complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential gate scan to a multi-dimensional parallel gate positioning system. By simultaneously positioning multiple gates at different range positions, the system adds a temporal dimension to the search process, enabling concurrent detection across multiple range cells and significantly reducing acquisition time.
2Area of stationary object
If the system uses multiple range gates simultaneously in search mode, then the search coverage area increases, but the measurement sensitivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different operational characteristics to different range gates based on their position and function. Each gate can be optimized for its specific role in the search area, with gates in different positions having tailored parameters to maintain sensitivity while contributing to overall search coverage. This localized optimization allows simultaneous expansion of search area without uniformly degrading measurement sensitivity.
3Reliability
If the range gate waits for a prescribed time at each position before moving, then the detection probability is maintained, but the acquisition response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates idle waiting time by continuously advancing range gates through the search area without interruption. Multiple gates operate in parallel and move continuously through their respective range positions, maintaining detection probability through overlapping observation windows while eliminating the sequential wait-time delays that would otherwise extend acquisition response time.
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 method enables faster target acquisition and maintains detection probability across various altitudes by covering a larger search area with shorter acquisition times and reduced transition times from power-up to track mode.
Implementation Method 1
A radar altimeter measures altitude by using the time for energy (that is, a radar pulse) to reflect from a target back to the object
Implementation Method 2
the time for energy (that is, a radar pulse) to reflect from a target back to the object
Implementation Method 3
measuring the time for energy (that is, a radar pulse) to reflect from a target back to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for acquiring targets within a search area using an electronic device is disclosed. The method involves partitioning a first acquisition time period into a plurality of range gates, simultaneously positioning one or more of the range gates within the search area during a search mode, and transmitting an energy pulse train. Upon receipt of a reflection of the transmitted pulse train, the method records a signal level of the reflected energy pulse train within the first acquisition time period. Based on the recorded signal level, the method advances one or more of the range gates by a prescribed outbound movement increment until the signal level within at least one of the range gates is above a prescribed acquisition signal level threshold.