Radar Sensor Testing With Electronic Multi-Target Simulation

The patent replaces mechanical positioning of front ends with electronic control of signal paths. The electronic control unit dynamically configures which antenna (first or second) transmits and receives signals for each simulated target, eliminating mechanical movement entirely. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling both angle separation (through electronic beam forming) and precise distance/Doppler measurements (through stable, repeatable signal paths) without the errors introduced by mechanical positioning.

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of signal paths through electronic control, allowing the system to adaptively switch between different test configurations. The electronic control unit can dynamically assign the first or second antenna to simulate different targets and can change signal routing in real-time, enabling both angle separation tests and precise distance/Doppler tests without mechanical intervention. This dynamic electronic control resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility without mechanical instability.

The patent makes each physical front end (with its antenna and electronic control unit) multi-functional by enabling it to simulate multiple virtual targets through electronic signal processing. The first electronic control unit can configure the first antenna to simulate multiple targets at different angles and ranges, and similarly for the second front end. This universality resolves the contradiction by achieving multi-target simulation capability without requiring additional physical hardware, thus reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.

The patent creates virtual copies of targets through electronic signal generation and processing rather than requiring physical hardware copies. The electronic control units generate synthetic echo signals that simulate the radar returns from multiple targets, allowing the system to simulate three or more targets using only two physical front ends. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for additional expensive hardware while maintaining full multi-target simulation capability.

The patent replaces all mechanical reconfiguration operations (plugging cables, adding/removing components, mechanical positioning) with electronic control of signal paths. The electronic control units can reconfigure which antenna transmits and receives signals for each target, and can adjust beam forming parameters, all through software control without any physical intervention. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid, error-free reconfiguration between different test configurations, eliminating both time loss and orientation errors associated with mechanical adjustments.

The patent pre-configures multiple signal paths and antenna assignments within the electronic control units, allowing instantaneous switching between different test configurations. The system maintains pre-programmed signal routing options and antenna assignments that can be activated immediately through electronic commands, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical reconfiguration. This preliminary electronic preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid transitions between test modes without mechanical intervention or time loss.