Vehicle Radar Auxiliary Power Boost for Extended Detection Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems in vehicles, particularly in aviation applications, face challenges in achieving longer detection and tracking ranges without increasing mass, size, and cost, especially due to the decreasing Radar Cross Section (RCS) of stealthy threats and the need for extended operational range of missiles.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with an auxiliary power source, such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor, is integrated to provide supplementary operating power to the antenna arrangement, allowing temporary power boosts through a boost controller that manages the connection and disconnection of the auxiliary power source and main power supply, along with controlling duty cycles and antenna unit activation to increase output power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the radar system increases its output power to extend detection and tracking range, then the maximum range is improved, but the mass and size of the power supply system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power supply architecture where the auxiliary power source can be selectively connected to the antenna arrangement through a boost controller. This allows the radar system to dynamically switch between normal power mode (using only the main power supply) and boost power mode (combining main power supply with auxiliary power source), thereby providing high power output only when needed for extended range detection while maintaining normal operational weight characteristics during standard operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power source is pre-charged during periods when the radar is operating at normal power levels or when energy demand is low. The boost controller monitors system conditions and prepares the auxiliary power source in advance, so that when extended detection range is required, the supplementary power is already available immediately without requiring a larger main power supply system.
2Reliability
If the radar system increases its output power to detect stealthy threats with decreasing RCS, then the detection capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system employs periodic operation modes, switching between normal power operation and boost power operation based on detection requirements. The boost mode, which consumes higher energy to detect stealthy threats with decreasing RCS, is activated only when necessary rather than continuously. The system periodically charges the auxiliary power source during normal operation and discharges it during boost mode, creating a periodic energy consumption pattern that maintains detection capability while managing overall energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The boost controller implements feedback control by monitoring radar operational requirements and system energy status. When the radar needs to detect stealthy threats, the controller activates the auxiliary power source to provide supplementary power. The system continuously monitors the state of charge of the auxiliary power source and adjusts operation accordingly, ensuring detection capability is maintained while optimizing energy consumption through intelligent power management.
3Power
If the radar system uses an auxiliary power source to increase output power, then the detection range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boost controller serves as an intermediary device that manages the complexity of integrating the auxiliary power source with the main power supply system. It automatically handles the switching between normal and boost power modes, monitors the state of charge of the auxiliary power source, and controls the connection to the antenna arrangement. This intermediary component absorbs the system complexity, allowing the radar to extend detection range through supplementary power while keeping the operational interface simple and automated.
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 system effectively enhances radar detection and tracking range without significant penalties in weight or cost, optimizing energy use by providing power only when needed and managing power sources dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary power source (7), in particular a battery, for supplying the antenna arrangement (2) with supplementary operating power
Implementation Method 2
The antenna arrangement (2) has a plurality of high power amplifiers (HPA) (3) and a plurality of antenna elements (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radar system for a vehicle, a method for controlling a radar system, a computer program product, and a vehicle comprising such a radar system. The radar system comprises an antenna arrangement for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, a power supply connected to the antenna arrangement, the power supply being arranged to supply the antenna arrangement with operating power. The radar system further comprises an antenna controller connected to the antenna arrangement, the antenna controller being configured to control an operation of the antenna arrangement. The radar system also comprises an auxiliary power source connectable to the antenna arrangement for supplying the antenna arrangement with supplementary operating power so to increase an output power of the antenna arrangement, and a boost controller connected to the auxiliary power source and to the antenna controller, the boost controller being configured to connect and disconnect the auxiliary power source to/from the antenna arrangement. Hereby presenting a radar system capable of increasing the maximum range of the antenna arrangement during an arbitrary period of time without suffering from too heavy penalties in terms of increased weight or cost.