Coherent Radar Micro-Doppler UAS Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems, such as Perimeter Surveillance Radars and Aircraft Weather Radars, are inadequate in detecting and identifying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) due to their low radar cross-sections and unique Doppler signatures, posing a threat to protected facilities and aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A coherent radar system that generates and sends RF signals, receives micro-Doppler echoes, and extracts UAS parameters like micro-Doppler spectra, radar cross-section, and radial speed for comparison against stored signatures to identify UAS types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radar systems (PSR or WxR) are used for detection, then the systems are designed to detect their respective targets (moving humans or water/moisture), but they fail to adequately detect UAS due to the UAS's low radar cross-section and unique Doppler signature
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameters by analyzing micro-Doppler spectra characteristics instead of relying on traditional radar detection parameters. By extracting and comparing micro-Doppler spectral features, the system adapts to detect UAS with low radar cross-sections that traditional systems miss, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and adaptability to different target types
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process is segmented into distinct steps: receiving RF signals, extracting micro-Doppler spectra, comparing spectral characteristics, and identifying UAS types. This segmentation allows the system to focus on specific spectral features that differentiate UAS from other targets, enabling both reliable detection and versatility across different UAS models
2Measurement precision
If radar systems are designed with specific waveforms for particular threats, then the waveform configuration optimizes detection for that specific target type, but creates inadequacy when facing different target types like UAS
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a universal detection approach based on micro-Doppler spectral analysis that works across different UAS types. The controller compares extracted spectral characteristics against stored signatures of multiple UAS types, enabling a single radar system to detect and identify various target types accurately without requiring separate specialized systems
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 effectively detects and identifies UAS, providing an additional layer of protection by distinguishing between different UAS models based on their unique Doppler signatures, radar cross-sections, and radial speeds, enhancing security measures.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may command the antenna to send the RF signal and receive a micro-Doppler echo of the RF signal
Implementation Method 2
a coherent radar system which in turn may comprise an antenna configured to send and receive a radio frequency (RF) signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detection and identification of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) employs a radar system to detect and identify the UAS based on the rich Doppler spectrum generated by one or more rotors and associated motors onboard the UAS. UAS have a low radar cross sections (RCS), relatively low speed, and possess a unique Doppler signature providing data for the system to discriminate once the system detects the quadcopter UAS. The system and method functions as a traditional radar, yet analyzes the micro-Doppler signature, including the RCS and radial speed, to detect and identify the UAS. Based on the signature analysis, the system and method are able to distinguish one model from other types of UAS.