Pulsed Radar Data Link Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulsed radar systems face significant latency in communication cycles when attempting to coexist with radar functions, as they operate in separate frequency bands and require separate antenna systems, limiting their efficiency in data link applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that encode downlink data with a signature sequence onto a continuous wave pulse signal, allowing simultaneous operation within the same frequency band, using multi-dimensional signal pulse modulation (MDSPM) and multi-user detection techniques to synchronize data-encoded pulse signals between master and slave devices, enabling efficient data communication without interfering with radar functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate transmitting and receiving devices are used for radar and communications functions in separate frequency bands, then radar and communications can operate independently, but device complexity increases and communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and communications functions into a single integrated system that operates in the same frequency band. The master device transmits both radar pulses and encoded communication data through the same antenna system, eliminating the need for separate transmitting and receiving devices while maintaining reliable operation of both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed to perform multiple functions: primary radar detection and tracking, plus secondary communications data link operations. The same hardware infrastructure supports both radar surveillance/ targeting and data communication with slave devices, making the system universal and reducing overall complexity
2Productivity
If communication data is encoded on the same pulse signal as the radar function during the off-state, then communications can utilize idle radar time, but significant latency is added to the communication cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous communication data transmission by encoding data throughout the radar pulse cycle rather than only during off-states. The system continuously modulates the radar signal with communication data using techniques like phase coding and frequency shift keying, eliminating idle communication periods and reducing overall latency while maintaining radar functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic radar pulse repetition to carry communication data in a structured manner. Each radar pulse cycle contains encoded communication information, and the periodic nature of radar pulsing provides a natural framework for time-division multiplexing of radar and communication functions, reducing latency through regular data transmission opportunities
3Use of energy by moving object
If the radar transmitter is idle during the off-state with small duty cycle, then communications functions can be performed, but the communication bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands communication bandwidth by utilizing multiple signal dimensions simultaneously - phase, frequency, and time - rather than being constrained to only time-division during idle periods. By encoding communication data across these additional signal dimensions during the entire radar pulse cycle, the system achieves higher data rates and greater bandwidth utilization without requiring the transmitter to be idle
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for communicating using pulsed radar signal data links is disclosed. The method comprises encoding downlink data with a signature sequence as a secondary function onto a continuous wave pulse signal having a primary function at a master device. The data-encoded pulse signal from the master device is interpreted at one or more slave devices configured to receive the pulse signal within a first communications bandwidth of the primary and secondary functions. The master device synchronizes returning communication transmissions from each of the one or more slave devices for the secondary function within a prescribed return interval of the primary function.