Radar Antenna Array Layout for Wide-Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar devices face challenges in increasing the aperture length per antenna element while maintaining high antenna gain without generating grating lobes or sidelobes, especially when restricted by physical constraints and cost considerations, which affects the reception signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to detect targets over a wide angle range.
Innovation Solution
The radar device employs a configuration with a first antenna group and a second antenna group, where the phase centers of antenna elements are laid out in specific spacings and orientations to form sub-arrays, allowing for increased aperture length and reduced grating lobes, enabling improved reception signal-to-noise ratio and detection capabilities over a wide angle range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture length per antenna element is increased to enhance antenna gain, then the reception signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but grating lobes or sidelobes are generated which increase the chance of erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear array configuration to two-dimensional planar array configuration. The antenna elements are arranged in multiple rows and columns forming a planar structure, which increases the aperture length in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve higher antenna gain and improved signal-to-noise ratio without generating grating lobes, as the two-dimensional spacing can be optimized to suppress sidelobes in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric spacing between antenna elements in the planar array. Rather than uniform spacing in both dimensions, the horizontal spacing and vertical spacing are designed with different values optimized for specific performance requirements. This asymmetric arrangement allows independent optimization of aperture length in each dimension while controlling the radiation pattern to minimize grating lobes and sidelobes, thereby improving measurement precision without introducing harmful interference patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements are used to widen the aperture length, then the detection capability over wide angle range is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a integrated planar array structure where elements are systematically arranged in rows and columns with optimized spacing. By merging the antenna elements into a coordinated two-dimensional configuration rather than separate independent antennas, the system achieves wide-angle detection capability while managing complexity through unified design and signal processing approaches. The combined array structure allows electronic beam steering across wide angles without requiring mechanical movement or additional separate antenna systems.
3Measurement precision
If the aperture length of virtual receiving array is widened to improve resolution, then the measurement precision is enhanced, but the physical constraints and cost considerations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves extended aperture length for high resolution by transitioning to two-dimensional planar array configuration. Instead of extending the array length in a single dimension which would violate physical constraints, the system distributes antenna elements across two dimensions (horizontal and vertical) with optimized spacing in each direction. This allows the virtual receiving array to achieve equivalent or superior resolution performance with a more compact physical footprint that satisfies spatial constraints and reduces system cost.
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 configuration effectively increases the aperture length per antenna element, enhances antenna gain, and suppresses grating lobes, thereby improving the detection of targets over a wide angle range without increasing the chance of erroneous detection.
Implementation Method 1
a radar transmitting circuit that transmits radar signals from a transmission array antenna, and a radar receiving circuit that receives returning wave signals
Data Source
AI summary
One of a transmitting array antenna and a receiving array antenna includes a first antenna group and a second antenna group. The first antenna group includes one or more first antenna elements of which the phase centers of the antenna elements are laid out at each first layout spacing following a first axis direction, and a shared antenna element. The second antenna group includes a plurality of second antenna elements and the one shared antenna element, and the phase centers of the antenna elements are laid out in two columns at each second layout spacing following a second axis direction that is different from the first axis direction. The phase centers of the antenna elements included in each of the two columns differ from each other regarding position in the second axis direction.