Radar Signal Coexistence with Millimeter Wave Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radar equipment operating in the same environment as millimeter wave (mmW) communication networks can cause significant disruptions due to its omnidirectional signal transmission and reception, leading to interference with mmW network services.

Innovation Solution

A device that supports both mmW communication and radar operations determines when to conduct radar activities based on mmW communication information, such as monitoring for communication signals, reserving communication mediums, or performing radar operations during idle periods defined by the mmW network, using techniques like clear channel assessment and network allocation vectors to avoid interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radar equipment transmits omnidirectional signals for radar operations, then radar detection capability is improved, but interference with mmW network services increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar detection capabilityVSAvoidinterference with mmW network services
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system dynamically adjusts its transmission characteristics based on the operational state of mmW networks. When mmW communication is detected, the radar transitions from omnidirectional transmission to directional transmission or suspends transmission temporarily, thereby reducing interference while maintaining detection capability when the channel is clear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses mmW communication signals as an intermediary indicator to control radar operation. By detecting the presence or absence of mmW network services, the radar system indirectly regulates its transmission behavior, using the mmW signal status as a mediator to balance radar detection needs with network service protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If radar operations are suspended to avoid interfering with mmW communication, then interference with mmW network services is reduced, but radar operation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with mmW network servicesVSAvoidradar operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The radar system employs periodic transmission cycles with dynamic adjustment. Instead of continuous suspension, the radar transmits in periodic intervals, monitoring mmW network status between transmissions. This allows the radar to operate periodically with reduced duty cycle, maintaining some operational efficiency while minimizing interference during active mmW communication periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of mmW network signals before initiating radar transmission. By checking the channel status in advance and only transmitting when the channel is clear or during designated idle periods, the radar avoids last-minute suspensions and optimizes its transmission schedule to maximize operational efficiency within interference constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11375543B2Co-existence of millimeter wave communication and radar
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 QUALCOMM INC
  • US11375543B2 patent drawing
  • US11375543B2 patent drawing
  • US11375543B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various aspects of the disclosure relate to co-existence of millimeter wave (mmW) communication and radar. In some aspects, a device that supports mmW communication and radar operations may determine whether or when to conduct radar operations based on information obtained about a nearby mmW network. For example, prior to sending radar signals, the device may monitor for mmW communication signals. As another example, the device may send at least one mmW communication signal to reserve a communication medium for subsequent radar operations. As yet another example, the device may conduct radar operations during idle or allocated time periods defined by the mmW network.