Radar Antenna Array Vertical Offset for Azimuth Elevation Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems for adaptive cruise control in the automotive industry face challenges in achieving precise azimuth and elevation angle estimation, particularly in high-frequency applications, due to limitations in antenna array design and signal processing, which affect the accuracy and separability of object detection.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with an antenna array using the MIMO principle, featuring N transmitting and M receiving patch antennas with specific orthogonal signal transmission and vertical offsets, combined with a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) for central signal processing, allowing for precise azimuth and elevation angle estimation with reduced attenuation and phase synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional antenna array is used for radar detection, then the system can detect objects, but the azimuth and elevation angle estimation precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the antenna array by offsetting transmitting and receiving antennas in the vertical direction. This creates a three-dimensional antenna configuration that enables elevation angle estimation in addition to azimuth estimation, thereby improving angular measurement precision without requiring a planar array expansion that would increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into distinct transmitting and receiving antenna groups with specific vertical offsets. This segmentation allows independent optimization of transmit and receive beam patterns, improving angle estimation precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
2Measurement precision
If the MMIC is placed centrally in the sensor, then feed lines are short and phase synchronization is improved, but the antenna array structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The MMIC is merged with the antenna array structure by placing it centrally within the sensor housing. This integration combines the signal processing function with the antenna array, creating short and approximately equally long feed lines to all antennas, which improves phase synchronization accuracy while the compact central placement minimizes the increase in overall device complexity
3Loss of energy
If feed lines are made long to connect antennas, then signal attenuation increases, but placing MMIC centrally creates shorter feed lines
Solution Approach 1:
The central placement of the MMIC creates approximately equipotential feed line lengths to all antennas in the array. This geometric arrangement ensures that all signal paths from the MMIC to the antennas are of comparable length, minimizing differential attenuation and phase errors while keeping individual feed line lengths short, thus reducing overall signal attenuation without significantly increasing device complexity
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
The solution enables high-accuracy and high-separability azimuth and elevation angle estimation, improving distance control in adaptive cruise systems by minimizing signal attenuation and maintaining phase coherence, while allowing for cost-effective and efficient manufacturing of the antenna array.
Implementation Method 1
The N first transmitting antennas transmit transmitted signals, which are orthogonal to one another, during a transmission cycle
Implementation Method 2
objects being detected within the detection area of the antennas according to the MIMO principle using the N first transmitting antennas and the M second receiving antennas
Implementation Method 3
an unambiguous elevation angle estimation having a large aperture, i.e., a high degree of accuracy and a high degree of separability
Implementation Method 4
This is advantageous with regard to attenuation losses and phase synchronization between the individual high-frequency channels
Implementation Method 5
a good azimuth estimation as well as, across the relevant angle range, an unambiguous elevation angle estimation
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system includes an antenna array for sending and receiving electromagnetic radiation, the array including N transmitting antennas and M receiving antennas, objects being detectable within the detection area of the antennas according to the MIMO principle using the antennas. The transmitting antennas transmit signals that are orthogonal to one another during a transmission cycle. N-n of the transmitting antennas are situated horizontally next to one another and n of the transmitting antennas are situated in a horizontally offset manner at an identical offset from respective ones of the N-n transmitting antennas. M-m of the receiving antennas are situated horizontally next to one another and m of the receiving antennas are situated vertically offset from the M-m receiving antennas.