Radar Angular Resolution Using Spatially Separated Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems face challenges in achieving high angular resolution for closely spaced targets without requiring large, costly antennas, and existing methods for resolving multiple targets within a beam are either inefficient or unable to distinguish between targets.
Innovation Solution
A radar system utilizing multiple receivers spaced at a predetermined distance, with a multiple input de-noiser that includes neural network reservoirs to enhance signal detection and determine the time difference of arrival of reflected signals, allowing for improved angular resolution between targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture or diameter of the transmit antenna is increased to achieve narrower beamwidth for angular resolution of multiple targets, then the angular resolution capability is improved, but the cost and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single large transmit antenna to multiple smaller receive antennas spatially distributed in different positions. By measuring the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of reflected signals at these spatially separated receivers, the system achieves angular resolution capability without requiring a large single antenna aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces target reflections as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of directly transmitting and receiving signals through a large antenna, the system transmits signals that reflect off targets and are then received by multiple smaller antennas. The TDOA measurement of these reflected signals provides angular information about the targets.
2Measurement precision
If multiple targets within a beam are separated using range or Doppler techniques, then angular resolution is achieved, but significantly long integration times are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical processing of range or Doppler techniques with a geometric time-difference measurement approach. By directly measuring the TDOA of reflected signals at spatially separated receivers, the system obtains angular information more rapidly without requiring the long integration times needed for range or Doppler-based separation methods.
3Reliability
If antenna interferometric techniques such as monopulse are used to recognize multiple targets, then detection capability is improved, but the system cannot actually resolve multiple targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from multiple receive antennas to determine TDOA measurements. By comparing the arrival times of reflected signals at different spatial positions, the system not only detects the presence of multiple targets but also resolves their angular positions, overcoming the limitation of monopulse techniques that can detect but not resolve multiple targets.
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 enables enhanced angular resolution between targets without the need for large antennas, improving detection capabilities and reducing integration times, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and applicability across various environments.
Implementation Method 1
determine a time difference of arrival of the reflected signals between the plurality of receivers
Implementation Method 2
receiving a plurality of reflected signals created by a plurality of targets reflecting the RF signal or radar signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A radar system (100) includes a transmitter (102) for transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal or a radar signal and a plurality of receivers (114). Each receiver (114) receives a plurality of reflected signals (116a) created by a plurality of targets (118a) reflecting the RF signal (104) or radar signal. The reflected signals (116a) include background noise and each of the receivers (114) are separated by a predetermined distance. The radar system (100) also includes a multiple input denoiser (130) configured to de-noise input signals (136) from the plurality of receivers (114) and to determine a time difference of arrival of the reflected signals (116a) between the plurality of receivers (114). A detection and angular resolution module (140) is configured to determine an angular resolution between the plurality of targets (118a) using the time difference of arrival of the reflected signals (116a) between the plurality of receivers (114).