Radar Sensor Antenna Array Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensors with phased-array antennas require complex mechanical designs and long scanning times to cover multiple angular ranges, limiting their ability to simultaneously scan and swivel angular ranges effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple transmitting and receiving units connected to a phased-array antenna array via delay lines, allowing for independent frequency control to generate and evaluate radar signals, enabling simultaneous scanning of multiple angular ranges and easy swiveling by varying frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple independent antennas with a shared radar lens are used to scan different angular ranges simultaneously, then angle-resolved scanning of multiple angular ranges is possible, but the mechanical design becomes complicated and the angular ranges cannot be readily changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna system into multiple antenna elements arranged in an array, where each element can be independently controlled through delay lines. This segmentation allows different angular ranges to be scanned simultaneously by controlling phase shifts across elements, eliminating the need for multiple physical antennas and complex mechanical configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by varying the phase shifts across antenna elements through delay lines, allowing the directional lobes to be electronically swiveled to different angles without mechanical movement. This dynamic control enables flexible adjustment of scanning angular ranges without changing the physical structure.
2Measurement precision
If the directional lobes are swiveled over the entire viewing angle to scan the area in front of the vehicle, then angle-resolved scanning is achieved, but the scanning times become long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic frequency variation to generate directional lobes at different angles. By rapidly switching between multiple frequencies that correspond to different beam directions, the system achieves angle-resolved scanning without mechanically swiveling the entire antenna array, significantly reducing scanning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical swiveling of the antenna array with electronic beam steering through phase control. Instead of physically rotating the antenna to change scanning angles, the system uses delay lines and frequency variation to electronically redirect the beam, achieving the same angular resolution much faster.
3Measurement precision
If the surroundings are scanned at a particular instant at a single swiveling angle, then the directional lobe width provides angle resolution, but only one angular range is scanned at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple directional lobes into a single radar field by superimposing signals from multiple antenna elements with different phase shifts. This allows multiple angular ranges to be scanned simultaneously within one radar cycle, increasing scanning coverage rate while maintaining angular resolution through the combined directional characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single antenna array capable of performing multiple scanning functions simultaneously by controlling different subsets of antenna elements with different phase patterns. The same hardware configuration can generate multiple directional lobes at different angles at the same time, enabling multi-functional scanning without additional hardware.
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 configuration allows for efficient, simultaneous angle-resolved scanning of multiple angular ranges with a simple mechanical design, enhancing the radar sensor's ability to cover broader areas and adapt to different scanning angles without increasing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The delay lines cause phase shifts between the waves emitted by the individual series-connected antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
constructive and destructive interference of the emitted waves results in a lobe-shaped directional characteristic
Implementation Method 3
Radar sensors are increasingly used in motor vehicles to determine distances and relative speeds with respect to preceding vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A radar sensor including an antenna array having multiple antenna elements situated next to one another and at least one feeding point at an outer antenna element. The antenna elements are connected in series via delay lines. The radar sensor has at least two transmitting and receiving units which are each suitable for generating and evaluating a radar signal at a predefined frequency. The at least two transmitting and receiving units are connected to a feeding point of the antenna array. The frequencies of the radar signals of the at least two transmitting and receiving units are predefinable independently of one another.