Radar Front-End Module Segmentation for Detection Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar apparatuses with separated front-end and back-end modules face decreased object detection performance and prolonged starting times due to inefficient signal processing and control command transmission.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus with a signal processing circuit in the front-end module and a detection circuit in the back-end module, connected by a cable, where the back-end module transmits a start trigger command to initiate the signal processing circuit, allowing synchronized operation and improved object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the radar apparatus is divided into front-end module and back-end module connected by cable, then the size of front-end module is reduced and installation ease is improved, but object detection performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar apparatus is divided into front-end module (antenna, RF processor) and back-end module (processing unit), connected by cable. This segmentation reduces front-end module size for easier installation while maintaining detection performance through coordinated operation of separated components.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable serves as an intermediary connection between the front-end module and back-end module, enabling signal transmission while allowing physical separation. This intermediary enables modular design without compromising the functional integration needed for accurate object detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of antennas connected to radio processor is reduced for versatility, then adaptability is improved, but object detection performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio processor is designed with a standard interface to connect to a fixed number of antennas (3 transmit, 4 receive), making it a universal component. System versatility is achieved by scaling the number of radio processors rather than customizing each processor for different antenna counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple groups, each connected to a separate radio processor. This allows the system to support various total antenna configurations by simply adding or removing radio processors while maintaining optimal connection counts for each processor.
3Ease of operation
If control command transmission is used to start signal processing circuit, then operational control is improved, but starting time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing circuit in the front-end module is kept in a pre-warmed or pre-initialized state, ready to process signals immediately upon receiving a start command. This preliminary preparation minimizes the time delay between command reception and actual signal processing initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing circuit maintains continuous operational readiness through pre-warming or idle processing modes, ensuring that useful action can begin immediately when needed rather than starting from a cold state, thus reducing starting time while maintaining operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar apparatus includes: a first module; a second module; and a cable that connects the first module to the second module, in which the first module includes: a signal processing circuit that outputs a plurality of beat signals respectively for a plurality of reception antennas, and a control circuit that starts the signal processing circuit in accordance with a start command received from the second module via the cable, and the second module includes: a detection circuit that detects an object based on the plurality of beat signals received from the first module via the cable, and a command circuit that transmits the start command to the first module.