Radar Interference Suppression via Chirp Parameter Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face interference challenges when coexisting with other radar sources, leading to difficulty in detecting reflected signals due to strong interference signals, which can result in false target detection and reduced signal-to-interference ratio.
Innovation Solution
A radar system generates frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) signals with varied waveform parameters on a per chirp basis, using a codebook with high auto-correlation and low mutual correlation patterns to minimize interference and distinguish interference from reflected signals, and applies phase modulation to reduce the likelihood of matching parameters with interference sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If radar systems transmit signals in a shared environment with other radar sources, then radar coverage and detection capability are improved, but interference from other radar sources increases making detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying waveform parameters (frequency, chirp rate, phase) of transmitted radar signals according to predefined parameter patterns. This allows the radar system to dynamically adjust its transmission characteristics to minimize interference from other radar sources while maintaining effective detection coverage. The receiver processes signals by correlating with these known parameter patterns to distinguish reflected signals from interference.
2Device complexity
If waveform parameters are kept constant for simple processing, then device complexity is reduced, but interference from other radar sources cannot be distinguished from reflected signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining multiple sets of waveform parameters and parameter patterns before radar operation. These predefined patterns are stored and selected based on the detection scenario. This approach allows the system to switch between different parameter sets without complex real-time calculations, maintaining relatively simple processing while enabling precise distinction between reflected signals and interference through correlation with known patterns.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the same waveform parameters are used continuously, then energy consumption is reduced, but the likelihood of parameter matching with interference sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by cycling through different sets of waveform parameters and parameter patterns at predetermined intervals or based on detection requirements. Instead of continuously varying parameters which would consume excessive energy, the system periodically switches between a finite set of predefined parameter configurations. This reduces energy consumption compared to continuous variation while still preventing persistent parameter matching with interference sources through periodic 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
The solution effectively minimizes interference, allowing radar systems to coexist with other radar sources by distinguishing interference from reflected signals, improving detection accuracy and reducing false target detection, thereby enhancing the signal-to-interference ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a receive signal corresponding to the transmit signal reflected off an object in a surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving radar signals from a radar source while minimizing interference with other radar sources are presented. A transmit signal comprising a first chirp sequence is generated according to a set of waveform parameters, with least one waveform parameter being varied for one or more chirps in the first chirp sequence. Additionally, each chirp of the first chirp sequence can be phase-modulated. A receive signal comprising a second chirp sequence and corresponding to the transmit signal reflected off an object in a surrounding environment is then sampled to determine one or more attributes of the object. In some embodiments, the attributes include distance and speed values calculated using Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFTs). Other attributes that can be calculated from the receive signal include azimuth angle and elevation angle.