Radar Antenna Dual Resonant Frequency Angular Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radar systems face ambiguities in detecting objects located in ambiguous fields of view due to reduced transmission and detection capability at non-zero azimuthal angles, leading to misinterpretation of high RCS objects as low RCS objects.

Innovation Solution

A method using a radar system with an antenna configured to emit two radar beams at different resonant frequencies, one with a peak at zero azimuth angle and the other with peaks at non-zero angles, allowing signal comparison to determine the angular location of objects and distinguish between central and ambiguous fields of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional single-frequency radar beam is transmitted, then the radiation pattern provides a central peak at zero azimuth angle, but the transmission and detection capability is reduced at non-zero azimuthal angles, causing ambiguities in detecting objects in off-centre positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular location detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability in ambiguous fields of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the radar beam to exploit the antenna's dual resonant frequencies. By transmitting at the first resonant frequency (with a central peak radiation pattern) and the second resonant frequency (with off-centre peak radiation pattern), the system obtains different signal characteristics for objects at various angular positions, enabling accurate angular location determination and resolving detection ambiguities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If two different antennas are used to produce two different beams, then angular resolution and detection accuracy are improved, but hardware costs and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular resolutionVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single antenna multi-functional by utilizing its dual resonant frequency capability. The same antenna structure serves two purposes: transmitting the first radar beam at the first resonant frequency with a central peak pattern, and transmitting the second radar beam at the second resonant frequency with an off-centre peak pattern. This eliminates the need for separate antennas while maintaining the ability to resolve angular ambiguities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating frequency parameter of the single antenna to generate different radiation patterns. By switching between the first and second resonant frequencies, the antenna produces different beam patterns suitable for resolving angular ambiguities, achieving the functionality of multiple antennas through parameter variation alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach resolves ambiguity by comparing signals from the two beams, enabling accurate determination of object location without reducing angular resolution and minimizing hardware costs by using a single antenna.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna configured to have two resonant frequencies being a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

detecting a first signal from the object due to a reflection of the first radar beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3435113B1Method of detecting an object
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 NXP USA INC
  • EP3435113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3435113B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3435113B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method (400) of detecting an object using a radar system is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting (401) a first radar beam having a first frequency and first radiation pattern (301) from an antenna (500), the first radiation pattern comprising a peak at zero azimuth angle, and detecting (402) a first signal from the object due to a reflection of the first radar beam. A second radar beam having a second frequency and second radiation pattern (302) is transmitted (403) from the antenna (500), the second radiation pattern comprising a peak at a non-zero azimuth angle. A second signal due to a reflection of the second radar beam from the object is detected (404), and the first signal and the second signal compared (405) to determine an angular location of the object relative to the zero azimuth angle.