Radar Signal Modulator With PLL Bandwidth Compensation for Frequency Hopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
FMCW radar systems face interference issues due to increasing vehicle density, leading to inaccuracies in object detection, and existing mitigation techniques are complex and costly, often requiring complicated signal generators and software modifications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a frequency hopping radar signal generation method using bandwidth compensation circuitry and a phase locked loop (PLL) without the need for complex waveform generators or software, which generates a bandwidth-compensated signal to effectively mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex waveform generators and software modifications are used to mitigate interference, then interference mitigation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the radar signal over time using a frequency hopping pattern. The PLL is configured to generate signals at different frequencies according to a predetermined sequence, transforming the signal characteristics to avoid interference without requiring complex waveform generators or software modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic frequency hopping capability to the radar signal generator. The system transitions from static frequency operation to dynamic frequency switching, where the signal frequency changes over time according to a predetermined pattern, enabling interference mitigation through temporal variation of signal characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If PLL bandwidth is increased to improve signal tracking, then signal tracking capability is improved, but interference rejection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic frequency hopping to resolve the contradiction between signal tracking and interference rejection. By rapidly switching frequencies according to a predetermined pattern, the system maintains good signal tracking through the PLL while spending minimal time at any single frequency, thereby reducing exposure to narrowband interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic frequency hopping where the signal frequency changes in a predetermined cyclic pattern. The PLL tracks these periodic frequency changes while the bandwidth compensation circuitry ensures accurate tracking, achieving both signal tracking capability and interference rejection through the periodic nature of the frequency transitions.
3Device complexity
If frequency hopping is implemented without bandwidth compensation, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but signal tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating the modulation signal before it enters the PLL. The bandwidth compensation circuitry pre-distorts the signal in a controlled manner to account for the PLL's bandwidth limitations, ensuring that the frequency hopping transitions are tracked accurately without requiring overly complex circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bandwidth compensation circuitry as an intermediary between the frequency hopping signal source and the PLL. This intermediate stage processes the modulation signal to optimize it for the PLL's bandwidth characteristics, acting as a mediator that enables accurate frequency tracking without directly modifying the PLL structure.
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
This approach allows for effective interference mitigation with minimal expense, enabling accurate object detection in FMCW radar systems by overcoming the limitations of narrow PLL bandwidth and reducing the complexity of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a phase locked loop (PLL) to receive the bandwidth compensated signal and generate a frequency hopping radar signal based on the bandwidth compensated signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and circuitries are provided for generating a frequency hopping radar signal. In one example, a radar signal modulator include a frequency offset generator, a phase locked loop, and a bandwidth compensation circuitry. The frequency offset generator is configured to generate a sequence of frequency offsets. The bandwidth compensation circuitry is configured to combine a modulation signal and the sequence of frequency offsets to generate a bandwidth compensated signal. The PLL is configured to receive the bandwidth compensated signal and generate a frequency hopping radar signal based on the bandwidth compensated signal.