Radar Module With Laterally Spaced Antennas For 360 Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar modules face challenges in providing ultra-wide angular field of view coverage while being cost-effective and compact, particularly in automotive applications, where they often require multiple modules and high-cost analog receiver circuits.
Innovation Solution
A compact radar module design featuring a pair of vertically oriented and laterally spaced antennas with shared transceiver circuitry and signal processing, forming a fixed, ultra-wide flat beam pattern, which can provide up to 360° coverage by mounting modules in diametrically opposed positions, and using chirp ramps for interference mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radar modules are used to achieve full azimuthal coverage, then the angular field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single radar module, where a four-element antenna array provides 360-degree azimuthal coverage. This merging approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate modules into one integrated unit, reducing system complexity while maintaining full angular coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar module is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both transmission and reception functions across all azimuthal directions simultaneously. The antenna array structure enables the single module to replace multiple specialized modules, achieving universal coverage without requiring separate units for different angular sectors.
2Measurement precision
If analog receiver circuits are used for each antenna element, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal processing functions for all four antenna elements into a single integrated receiver circuit. Instead of implementing separate analog receiver circuits for each element, the design consolidates the reception and processing functions, reducing component count and cost while maintaining the precision needed for accurate signal measurement through digital signal processing techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital beam forming is implemented with multiple receivers, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam forming functionality into a single receiver unit that processes signals from all four antenna elements. This integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple separate receiver circuits, reducing device complexity while preserving digital beam forming capabilities for adaptive signal processing and directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver circuit is designed with universal processing capability to handle signals from all antenna elements and perform beam forming operations. This multi-functional receiver can steer beams and process signals from any direction, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized receiver circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar module for forming an ultra-wide field of view, including vertically oriented and laterally spaced first and second antennas for transmitting radar signals and for receiving the radar signals after the radar signals have been reflected from a reflecting surface of an object in the FOV of the module. At least one transceiver is configured to generate drive signals for the first and second antennas, such that each antenna forms a flat beam, and a signal processor is configured to detect from the received reflected radar signals a location of one or more objects in the FOV of the module.