Radar Antenna Array for 3D Azimuth Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar apparatuses improve detection capability only on a horizontal plane by arraying transmission antenna elements in the same direction as reception antenna elements, limiting detection capability in three-dimensional space and increasing the number of antenna elements, which raises costs.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus with a first antenna arrayed in one direction and a second antenna arrayed perpendicular to it, allowing for enhanced azimuth detection in three-dimensional space with fewer antenna elements by alternating and elongating antenna elements to create a zigzag array, and using time-divided transmission from the second antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of reception antenna elements is increased to improve detection capability, then the detection capability is improved, but the size of the reception circuit and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-plane antenna array to a three-dimensional configuration by adding transmission antenna elements in the vertical direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the reception antenna elements (X-axis). This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve enhanced detection capability without increasing the number of reception antenna elements, thereby avoiding reception circuit complexity increases.
2Measurement precision
If transmission antenna elements are arrayed in the same direction as reception antenna elements, then detection capability on horizontal plane is improved, but detection capability in three-dimensional space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds the vertical dimension (Y-axis) to the existing horizontal array (X-axis) by positioning transmission antenna elements at different heights. This creates a three-dimensional antenna configuration that enables azimuth detection in three-dimensional space, overcoming the limitation of conventional two-dimensional horizontal-only detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission antenna elements serve multiple functions: they transmit radar waves and simultaneously create path differences that enable azimuth detection in the vertical direction. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve three-dimensional detection capability without adding dedicated reception antenna elements for each dimension.
3Measurement precision
If the number of antenna elements is increased to enhance detection capability, then detection capability is improved, but the number of antenna elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves enhanced detection capability by utilizing the vertical dimension for transmission antenna elements while keeping the reception antenna elements confined to a single horizontal plane. This dimensional strategy allows the system to improve performance without proportionally increasing the total number of antenna elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the transmission and reception functions into a shared antenna system where transmission antenna elements create path differences that are utilized by the reception system for azimuth detection. This merging allows the system to achieve three-dimensional detection capability without duplicating the full set of antenna elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar apparatus includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna includes a plurality of first antenna elements that are arrayed in a first direction on a surface oriented to a forward direction, as antenna elements configuring the first antenna. The second antenna includes a plurality of second antenna elements that are arrayed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the surface oriented to a forward direction, as antenna elements configuring the second antenna. The radar apparatus emits radar waves in a forward direction using either of the first and second antennas, and receives reflected waves of the radar waves using the other of the first and second antennas.