Radar Device MMIC Frequency Divider Linear Chirp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar devices with high chirp gradients require stringent tuning voltage curves, leading to increased costs due to the use of phase-locked loops, and struggle with achieving linear frequency response curves, which affects target detection quality.
Innovation Solution
A radar device utilizing a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) with a frequency divider and mixer integrated within, allowing for direct frequency counting and calibration, eliminating the need for a programmable PLL module and enabling fast, linear chirps with improved target detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a phase-locked loop (PLL) is used to generate tuning voltage for high gradient chirps, then the linearity of the frequency response curve is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the PLL module from the radar system, replacing it with a direct frequency counter approach. The frequency counter counts oscillator cycles directly without requiring a PLL, thereby removing the source of nonlinearity while avoiding the high costs associated with PLL implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a frequency counter that provides sufficient measurement precision for calibration purposes without the complexity and cost of a PLL. This cheaper alternative achieves the necessary accuracy for generating linear chirps without requiring expensive hardware.
2Productivity
If the chirp duration is reduced to 75 μs with higher gradient, then the target detection quality is improved, but the requirements on tuning voltage curve linearity become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the frequency counter measures the actual oscillator frequency during calibration cycles. This measurement feedback is used to generate correction values that are stored in a lookup table, which then compensates for nonlinearities in subsequent measurement cycles, enabling precise linear chirps even at 75 μs duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calibration measurements in advance during dedicated calibration cycles. The frequency response characteristics are measured and stored in a lookup table before actual radar measurements are taken. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-compensate for nonlinearities, ensuring linear chirps during rapid 75 μs measurement cycles without requiring complex real-time control.
3Measurement precision
If a programmable PLL module is used to ensure linear frequency response, then the target detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the PLL module entirely from the system architecture. Instead of using a programmable PLL to control frequency, the system uses a frequency counter to measure oscillator cycles and a lookup table to store pre-calculated correction values. This extraction eliminates the complexity of PLL programming and control while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the frequency response characteristics by measuring them with the frequency counter and storing them in a lookup table. This digital representation allows the system to reference and apply correction values without requiring complex real-time PLL control, simplifying the hardware while preserving accuracy.
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 enables affordable and efficient generation of high-linear chirps, enhancing target detection quality while reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for costly PLL modules and simplifying signal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer for mixing the receive signal with the signal at the output of the oscillator
Implementation Method 2
a frequency divider is provided that feeds signals from the oscillator to a frequency counter
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device for transmitting a signal in a frequency range with a control system and an oscillator. An input of the oscillator is connected to the control system via a converter. The oscillator can be activated by the control system to generate the signal and the signal generated by the oscillator can be tapped at an output of the oscillator, with at least one transmission antenna for transmitting the signal at the output of the oscillator. The transmission antenna is connected to the output of the oscillator, with at least one receive channel for receiving a receive signal, for processing the receive signal and for forwarding the processed receive signal to the control system. The receive channel features at least one receive antenna and a mixer for mixing the receive signal with the signal at the output of the oscillator. The mixer is connected to the output of the oscillator. A frequency divider is provided that feeds signals from the oscillator to a frequency counter. At a minimum, the oscillator and the frequency divider are designed as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit.