Radar System Using CW and FM-CW Signal Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar detection systems face ambiguity in determining the range and velocity of objects, especially at supersonic velocities, and require multiple time cycles, reducing sensitivity and inability to detect multiple objects simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A radar system that simultaneously transmits continuous-wave (CW) and frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) or multi-frequency (MF) signals, using mixers to produce beat signals for unambiguous range and velocity measurements, with multiple receivers and phase detection to enhance sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single FM-CW radar signal is transmitted, then the system can determine target distance, but ambiguity arises in determining target velocity especially at supersonic velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CW and FM-CW radar signals into a single transmission system. The CW signal provides unambiguous velocity information through Doppler shift measurement, while the FM-CW signal provides distance information. By merging these two signal types and processing their respective beat signals together, the system resolves the velocity ambiguity that plagues single FM-CW systems, especially for supersonic targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously using a single transmission framework. The transmitted signal serves both as a CW signal for velocity measurement and as an FM-CW signal for distance measurement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate transmission cycles, improving both measurement accuracy and system efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If CW and FM-CW signals are transmitted at different time cycles, then velocity and distance information can be obtained, but the observation time is divided into three cycles reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits CW and FM-CW signals simultaneously in a continuous manner rather than alternating between them in separate time cycles. This continuous transmission allows the radar to collect both velocity and distance information throughout the entire observation period, maximizing the use of available time and improving detection sensitivity without dividing the observation into discrete cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the transmission of CW and FM-CW signals into a single simultaneous operation. Both signal types are transmitted together and their reflected signals are processed concurrently to extract both velocity and distance information, eliminating the need for multiple sequential observation cycles and thereby reducing the total time required for accurate target detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single radar signal type is used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to detect multiple objects simultaneously with unambiguous range and velocity measurements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CW and FM-CW radar functionalities into a single integrated system that transmits both signal types simultaneously. This combination enables the system to detect multiple objects with unambiguous range and velocity measurements, as the CW component resolves velocity ambiguity while the FM-CW component provides range information, all within a unified processing framework that handles multiple targets concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed with universal capability to perform both velocity measurement (via CW signal processing) and distance measurement (via FM-CW signal processing) using a single transmission and reception system. This multi-functional design allows simultaneous detection of multiple objects with complete kinematic information without requiring separate specialized systems for each measurement type.
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 system provides unambiguous range and velocity measurements of multiple objects with increased sensitivity, capable of detecting supersonic velocities using a minimum number of time cycles, thereby improving detection accuracy and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a first CW mixer for mixing CW transmission signals and reflected CW signals received by the first receiver to produce one or more first CW beat signals, each first CW beat signal relating to the velocity of an object
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a radar system for detection of one or more objects. The radar system comprises a radar wave transmitter for simultaneously transmitting a CW radar signal and a FM-CW or MF radar signal, and a first radar wave receiver for receiving CW and FM-CW or MF radar signals, reflected from one or more objects present in a detection range of the radar system. The system may further comprise a first CW mixer for mixing CW transmission signals and reflected CW signals received by the first receiver, and a first FM-CW or MF mixer for mixing FM-CW or MF transmission signals and corresponding reflected FM-CW or MF signals received by the first receiver. The first CW mixer may be a mixer for mixing CW transmission signals and reflected CW signals received by the first receiver to produce one or more first CW beat signals, each first CW beat signal relating to the velocity of an object, and the first FM-CW or MF mixer may be a first FM-CW mixer for mixing FM-CW transmission signals and reflected FM-CW signals received by the first receiver to produce one or more first FM-CW beat signals relating to the distance to and the velocity of an object. The radar wave transmitter may be adapted for simultaneously transmitting a CW radar signal and a FM-CW radar signal, wherein the FM-CW radar signal is a ramp modulated signal. The radar system may further comprise several radar wave receivers for receiving reflected CW and FM-CW or MF radar signals, which receivers may be arranged along first and/or second receiver directions. The radar system may have means for detecting phase differences between corresponding reflected radar signals received by different radar wave receivers. There is further provided a method of radar detection of one or more objects, where the method comprises simultaneously transmitting a CW radar signal and a FM-CW or MF radar signal, and receiving, via a first radar receiver, reflected CW and FM-CW or MF radar signals reflected from one or more object present in a detection range of the radar system.