Radar Switching Between MIMO and Phased Array Antennas

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radar systems using either MIMO array antennas or phased array antennas face limitations in detection distance and angular resolution, with MIMO arrays having short detection distances and low angular resolution, and phased arrays having high detection distances but low angular resolution, necessitating a solution that combines the strengths of both.

Innovation Solution

A radar system incorporating both MIMO and phased array antennas, with a controller to switch between the two based on GPS signal availability and moving speed, allowing the system to adaptively use the most suitable antenna configuration for different scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If MIMO array antenna is used, then angular resolution is improved, but detection distance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular resolutionVSAvoiddetection distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines MIMO array antenna and phased array antenna into a single radar system, allowing the system to merge the high angular resolution capability of MIMO with the long detection distance capability of phased array. The controller switches between or combines both antenna types to achieve both high angular resolution and long detection distance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of moving object

If phased array antenna is used, then detection distance is improved, but angular resolution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection distanceVSAvoidangular resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines MIMO array antenna and phased array antenna into a single radar system, allowing the system to merge the high angular resolution capability of MIMO with the long detection distance capability of phased array. The controller switches between or combines both antenna types to achieve both high angular resolution and long detection distance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically switches between MIMO array antenna and phased array antenna based on detection requirements. When long detection distance is needed, phased array is activated; when high angular resolution is needed, MIMO array is activated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10270166B2Radar and method for switching to enable array antenna

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 WISTRON NEWEB CORP

AI summary

A radar and a method for enabling array antenna are proposed. The radar includes a transceiver, a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) array antenna, a phased array antenna, and a controller. The MIMO array antenna is coupled to the transceiver and includes first transmitting sub-arrays and receiving sub-arrays. The phased array antenna is coupled to the transceiver and includes second transmitting sub-arrays and the receiving sub-arrays. The controller is coupled to the transceiver and configured to to enable the first transmitting sub-arrays to form the MIMO array antenna or enable the second transmitting sub-arrays to form the phased array antenna.