Radar-Communication Processor for Overlapping Spectrum Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar and communication systems face interference and complexity issues when sharing the same radio spectrum, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A processor with a signal generator, communication and radar control units, and a prioritization control unit to manage overlapping time and frequency ranges, prioritizing transmissions based on predefined rules to mitigate interference and optimize operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the same radio spectrum is utilized for communication with base stations and radar functions, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but interference between communication signals and radar signals occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the shared radio transceiver alternates between communication mode and radar mode in periodic time slots. The processor schedules communication signals during communication time periods and radar signals during radar time periods, preventing simultaneous transmission and thus eliminating interference while allowing both functions to share the same frequency spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic frequency tuning where the radio transceiver can switch between different frequency ranges based on operational requirements. The processor dynamically assigns frequency ranges to communication or radar functions as needed, allowing flexible spectrum utilization while preventing frequency conflicts that would cause interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate radar unit and separate wireless communication unit are utilized, then interference can be detected and mitigated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference mitigationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radar transceiver and communication transceiver into a single shared radio transceiver unit. The processor coordinates both radar and communication operations through this single transceiver, eliminating the need for separate transceiver hardware while maintaining the ability to detect and mitigate interference through centralized control and scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared radio transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions - both radar signal transmission/reception and communication signal transmission/reception. The processor configures the transceiver to switch between these different operational modes as needed, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining full functionality for both radar and communication operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate radar unit and separate wireless communication unit are utilized, then interference detection is possible, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference detection capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the radar transceiver and communication transceiver into a single shared radio transceiver, reducing the total power consumption associated with maintaining separate transceiver systems. The processor manages the shared transceiver to perform both functions, eliminating redundant hardware power requirements while maintaining interference detection and mitigation capabilities through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250231272A1Processor for performing radar and communication operations, an electronic device, a method, a computer program product, and a prioritization control unit

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 BEAMMWAVE AB

AI summary

A processor (100) for performing radar and communication operations, connectable to a radio transceiver (110) capable of transmitting radar and communication radio signals over at least a first and a second frequency range, the processor (100) comprising: a signal generator (120) configured to generate communication signals and radar signals; a communication control unit (130) configured to control a first time period and the first frequency range for transmitting communication signals generated by the signal generator (120); a radar control unit (140) configured to control a second time period and the second frequency range for transmitting radar signals generated by the signal generator (120); and a prioritization control unit (150) configured to receive the first time period and the first frequency range from the communication control unit (130), configured to receive the second time period and the second frequency range from the radar control unit (140), configured to determine if the first and second time periods at least partially overlap, configured to determine if the first and second frequency ranges at least partially overlap and configured to prioritize transmission of communication signals or transmission of radar signals based on a prioritization rule if the first and second time periods at least partially overlap and the first and second frequency ranges at least partially overlap. Corresponding electronic device, method, computer program product and prioritization control unit are also disclosed.