Radar Sensor Self-Test Path for Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensor systems face challenges in effectively monitoring and identifying contamination, particularly by solder balls or environmental factors, within a larger detection range, which can affect their transmission range and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor device with a self-testing capability is developed, utilizing a test signal with a different polarity from the transmission signal, allowing for passive or active self-testing through a separate test signal path, which includes polarity-dependent transmission means and a common signal source, enabling detection of signal disturbances and contamination within the radar sensor and its surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-test function is implemented in the radar sensor, then the reliability of signal transmission monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional test signal paths and polarity-dependent transmission means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test signal path with the existing transmission and receiving paths by utilizing the same antenna means and signal processing components. The test signal is superimposed on the transmission signal, and both signals are processed through the same waveguide and antenna structure, thereby reducing the need for completely separate test hardware while maintaining reliable monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polarity-dependent transmission means that selectively transmit signals based on their polarity. The test signal is generated with a specific polarity that differs from the transmission signal, allowing the same physical path to selectively pass different signals based on their polarisation parameters. This enables function separation without physical separation
2Measurement precision
If the test signal frequency is set outside the operating range of the radar sensor, then the measurement precision of contamination detection is improved, but the loss of information increases due to frequency filtering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency-selective filtering at specific locations in the signal path - particularly at the receiving end where the test signal is extracted from the received signals. The filter is positioned to selectively pass the test signal frequency while blocking the operating range frequencies, thereby achieving precise contamination detection without interfering with the main radar detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency filter means as an intermediary element between the receiving antenna and the signal processing unit. This filter acts as a mediator that separates the test signal from the transmission signal based on their frequency differences, allowing precise extraction of contamination information while preserving the integrity of the main radar signals
3Ease of operation
If the test signal is superimposed on the transmission signal for passive self-testing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to signal separation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polarity-dependent transmission means and frequency filter means to separate the superimposed test and transmission signals. By exploiting the different polarity and frequency parameters of the two signals, the system can easily superimpose them during transmission while readily separating them during reception, achieving both ease of operation and ease of measurement
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 self-testing mechanism enhances the ability to monitor and identify contamination across a larger detection range, ensuring reliable operation of the radar sensor by distinguishing between test and transmission signals, thereby maintaining accurate object detection and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a high frequency component (20) for generating a high frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
The transmission path (32) can comprise at least one waveguide (42). The receiving path (38) can comprise at least one waveguide (44)
Implementation Method 3
a radar sensor (12) for detecting an object (14) by means of radar waves
Data Source
AI summary
A radar sensor device. The radar device includes a radar sensor for detecting an object using radar waves, a transmission path which transmits a transmission signal in the direction of the object and includes a transmission antenna, at least one receiving path which transmits a transmission signal reflected by the object as a reception signal and includes a receiving antenna and a test signal path which transmits a test signal for self-testing the radar sensor and extends at least between a first coupling point of the transmission path and a second coupling point of the receiving path. The first coupling point is disposed in the direction toward the object downstream of the transmission antenna or immediately upstream of the transmission antenna and the second coupling point is disposed in the direction coming from the object upstream of the receiving antenna or immediately downstream of the receiving antenna.