Radar Device Antenna Mode Switching for Detection Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
MIMO radars face challenges in adapting beam shape to varying detection distances and angles, requiring individual production of radar devices to meet specific requirements, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A radar device with a transmission control unit that switches between two modes, controlling transmission antennas independently or as a synthesized antenna to adjust beam characteristics, allowing for flexible detection area switching and virtual array antenna construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MIMO radar uses multiple transmission antennas with equalized characteristics to construct a reception virtual array antenna, then the radar can achieve multi-target detection capability, but the radar cannot adapt beam shape to varying detection distances and angles, requiring individual production for each specific requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission antenna groups switchable between different operational modes. The transmission control unit dynamically switches between a first mode (controlling first transmission antenna group independently) and a second mode (controlling second transmission antenna group independently), allowing the radar to adapt beam shape for different detection areas without requiring multiple fixed configurations. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through temporal reconfiguration rather than spatial multiplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radar device is designed for short-distance, wide-angle detection, then it meets RCTA system requirements, but it cannot perform long-distance, narrow-angle detection for LCA system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single radar device that can perform multiple detection functions. By equipping the radar with both a first transmission antenna group and a second transmission antenna group that can be switched between modes, the device achieves both short-distance wide-angle detection (for RCTA) and long-distance narrow-angle detection (for LCA) capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for customized production of separate radar devices for different detection requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radar uses a fixed transmission antenna configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the beam shape cannot be changed to meet different detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmission antenna system into distinct groups: a first transmission antenna group and a second transmission antenna group. Each group can be controlled independently through mode switching. This segmentation allows the radar to change beam shape by selecting which antenna group to activate, providing adaptability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms. The segmented structure resolves the contradiction by enabling discrete beam shape changes through simple group selection rather than continuous parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device includes: reception array antennas each including virtual antennas constructed from plural transmission antennas and plural reception antennas; and a transmission control unit which controls transmission waves transmitted from the transmission antennas, the plural transmission antennas include: a first transmission antenna group having at least two of the transmission antennas that are spaced from each other by a prescribed first interval; and a second transmission antenna group having at least one of the transmission antenna that is spaced, by a prescribed second interval, from a synthesized antenna that is the first transmission antenna group as regarded as a single antenna; and the transmission control unit is capable of switching between: a first mode and a second mode as defined herein.