Radar Transmission Unit Resolution Analysis Using Simulated Echoes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing the resolution and accuracy of a radar sensor's transmission unit do not provide sufficient information on its quality, as they only measure the transmitter signal without considering the frequency difference and spectral properties.

Innovation Solution

A method involving receiving a transmitter signal, simulating an echo signal, determining the frequency difference, filtering and transforming it using Fourier transformation, detecting maxima, and determining spectral properties to output quality parameters such as resolution and accuracy, which are essential for assessing the transmission unit's quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the transmitter signal is measured and compared with a perfect line in a spectrogram, then the linearity and frequency deviation can be determined easily, but no information regarding the resolution and accuracy of the transmission unit is provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of determining linearityVSAvoidlack of resolution and accuracy information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simulated echo signal that copies the structure and processing of a real echo signal. This simulated signal is then processed through the same signal processing chain as real signals, allowing the system to extract resolution and accuracy information from the frequency difference spectrum without requiring actual target reflections. The copying approach enables quality assessment using virtual reference signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a simulated echo signal as an intermediary between the transmitter signal and the quality assessment process. This intermediary carries the necessary information about transmission unit quality through its frequency difference spectrum, enabling indirect measurement of resolution and accuracy without direct access to internal transmission characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If simulation of echo signals and Fourier transformation of frequency difference is performed, then resolution and accuracy information is obtained, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution and accuracy determinationVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary simulation of echo signals before actual quality assessment. By pre-generating simulated echo signals with known characteristics and processing them through the complete signal chain, the system establishes reference data that simplifies subsequent quality measurements. The Fourier transformation and spectral analysis are performed on predetermined simulated signals, preparing the processing pathway in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simulated echo signals that replicate the processing pathway of real signals. By copying the essential characteristics and processing steps, the system obtains accurate quality metrics without requiring complex real-time processing of actual target signals. The simulation approach transfers the complexity to a controllable virtual environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 method allows for easy determination of the transmission unit's quality by analyzing the frequency difference's spectral properties, providing essential parameters like resolution and accuracy, enabling effective verification of the radar sensor's performance.

Implementation Method 1

the received signal may be Doppler shifted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler shift: Doppler Effect

Implementation Method 2

the synthetic beat frequency is produced by delaying, particularly runtime shifting, and frequency shifting said received signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime delay:

Implementation Method 3

the frequency difference is also called beat frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeat frequency: Beat (acoustics)

Implementation Method 4

Filtering and transforming said frequency difference in order to obtain a transform, in particular using Fourier transformation in order to obtain a Fourier transform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS10684356B2Method for analyzing the resolution and/or the accuracy of a transmission unit and radar sensor
Publication Date: 2020.06.16 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • US10684356B2 patent drawing
  • US10684356B2 patent drawing
  • US10684356B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for analyzing the resolution and/or the accuracy of a transmission unit of a radar sensor is described wherein a transmitter signal is received via a receiving unit. At least one echo signal based on said received signal is simulated. The frequency difference of said transmitter signal and said echo signal is determined. Said frequency difference is filtered and transformed in order to obtain a transform. At least one maximum of said frequency difference in said transform is detected. Spectral properties of said frequency difference in said transform are determined. At least one quality parameter of said spectral properties is outputted. Further, a radar sensor is described.