Radar Angle Estimation Correction for Master-Slave Jitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar devices using a master-slave configuration with integrated radar chips face inaccuracies in angle estimation due to delays and jitter in the slave chip, affecting the reliability of object detection, particularly in determining the angular position of targets.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a test target movement through the radar device's field of view to measure angles at multiple positions, evaluate reliability, and specify a usable field of view or required repetitions for accurate measurements, incorporating post-processing algorithms like the Capon algorithm to correct for outliers and improve accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a master-slave radar configuration is used, then the radar device can determine angular position of targets, but delays and jitter in the slave chip reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle estimation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary characterization measurements to identify and map delay and jitter effects across the field of view before actual operation. This preliminary action creates correction data that compensates for the slave chip timing issues during real measurements, resolving the contradiction between using slave chip reception and maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting correction values based on the measured field of view position. Different delay and jitter compensation parameters are applied depending on the angular position being measured, allowing the system to maintain high precision across the entire field of view despite slave chip variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If integrated radar chips are used, then device complexity is reduced, but angle estimation accuracy deteriorates due to timing delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar device structureVSAvoidangular position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism that mediates between the integrated radar chips and the angle estimation process. The correction values act as an intermediary layer that compensates for the timing delays inherent in the integrated chip architecture, allowing the simplified device structure to achieve high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical synchronization approaches with signal processing-based correction. Instead of using complex hardware synchronization mechanisms, the system uses computational correction of delay and jitter effects, substituting mechanical complexity with software-based precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the slave chip receives radar signals, then angular position detection is enabled, but timing jitter reduces measurement reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning measurements across the entire field of view to characterize jitter effects at each position. This preliminary action creates a reliability map that guides subsequent measurements, ensuring consistent reliability across the full adaptable field of view

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the characterized jitter and delay information to adjust correction parameters in real-time based on the current measurement position. This feedback loop maintains measurement reliability across the entire field of view by adapting to position-specific timing variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enhances the accuracy of angle determination by identifying reliable measurement ranges and reducing the impact of delays and jitter, thereby improving the radar device's performance in detecting target positions within a specified field of view.

Implementation Method 1

Radar devices generally emit radar signals. These radar signals may then be reflected from objects, and the reflected radar signals may be received by the radar device.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4148454A1Methods of evaluating radar devices and radar devices
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4148454A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4148454A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4148454A1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

According to a first aspect, a method for testing a radar device including a master radar device and a slave radar device is provided, comprising moving a target through a field of view of the radar device and measuring the angle of a target with the radar device at a plurality of positions. The reliability of the measured angles is evaluated, and than the method includes specifying a usable field of view based on the evaluating or specifying a number of repetitions for measurements needed. In another aspect, a radar device is provided.