Phased Array Radar Range and Angle Determination in Multipath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems face challenges in quickly and accurately determining the range, relative angle, and velocity of a target, especially in noisy environments, and require separate calculations for range and direction of arrival, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that combine multiple data streams to determine range and angle of arrival using Fourier transforms, MUSIC pseudospectrums, and singular value decomposition, capable of operating with multiple frequencies and antennas, and applicable to various systems like radar, sonar, and laser systems, effectively handling noisy data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate calculations are performed for range and direction of arrival in prior radar systems, then the calculation process is simplified, but the system efficiency decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the range calculation and direction of arrival calculation into a single integrated process using multiple data streams from multiple frequencies and antennas. The MUSIC pseudospectrum algorithm simultaneously processes both range and angle information from the same data, eliminating the need for separate independent calculation functions and improving system efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple data streams from multiple frequencies and antennas are processed, then the accuracy of range and angle determination improves, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex signal processing task into distinct stages: first performing Fast Fourier Transforms on the raw data from multiple antennas and frequencies, then applying singular value decomposition to extract signal subspaces, and finally using the MUSIC algorithm to determine range and angle. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple data streams systematically while maintaining computational tractability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing steps including the creation of pseudospectrums and the use of singular value decomposition as a mediator between the raw multiple data streams and the final range/angle estimates. These intermediaries organize and simplify the complex data from multiple frequencies and antennas before final parameter extraction, reducing overall computational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional radar systems operate in multipath environments, then the system can function in various conditions, but the accuracy of target parameter determination deteriorates due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multipath propagation and environmental noise into a benefit by using the MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification) pseudospectrum algorithm. This algorithm is specifically designed to extract accurate signal parameters from noisy environments by separating signal subspaces from noise subspaces through singular value decomposition, thereby improving accuracy despite adverse environmental conditions.
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 enables efficient and accurate determination of range and angle of arrival, even in multipath environments, improving performance and cost-effectiveness by integrating calculations and correcting phase differences across multiple frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The utilization of multiple CW transmitted signals can produce the estimates of range, and to distinguish whether a target is approaching or receding
Implementation Method 2
calculating a Fourier transform on the reflected signals
Implementation Method 3
a MUSIC pseudospectrum for each of the range and angle of arrival
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method combine multiple data streams in an efficient and optimal manner, based on new techniques, to determine range, relative angle and velocity with respect to a point of reference. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the multiple data streams to provide improved performance when the data is contaminated with environmental and system noise. Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to data output from different target estimation systems, including radar, sonar, ultrasonic and laser systems. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in systems with multiple tones and multiple antennas, and generally work in multipath environments.