Radar Sensor Synchronization Network Redundancy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar sensor systems lack redundancy and reliability, particularly in high-demand autonomous driving applications, where precise and synchronized HF components are essential for functional safety and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor system with a synchronization network connecting multiple HF components, where at least two components can act as 'master-capable' units, allowing only one to operate as a master at a time, providing redundancy and enabling independent sub-sensor operation, with self-supply devices ensuring continued functionality in case of component failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RF components are connected to a synchronization network, then system redundancy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor system is divided into multiple RF components (master and slave), where each component can independently function. The system is segmented such that at least one RF component is capable of operating as master, providing functional redundancy without requiring a completely separate backup system.
Solution Approach 2:
RF components are designed with multi-functionality, where at least one RF component can serve both as master and slave depending on operational needs. This universal design allows the same hardware to perform different roles, reducing the need for dedicated backup components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If RF components are operated as master-capable units, then system reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic master-slave role switching among RF components. Instead of having all master-capable units continuously operate as masters, the system alternates which component serves as master, reducing the cumulative energy consumption while maintaining redundancy benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Each RF component is designed to be self-sufficient with local decision-making capability to determine when to switch between master and slave modes. This self-service approach allows components to autonomously manage their energy consumption based on system needs without requiring constant centralized control.
3Measurement precision
If master RF components feed back RF signal power, then signal coherence is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Master RF components implement feedback mechanisms where a portion of the transmitted RF signal is fed back to the synchronization network. This feedback ensures signal coherence and synchronization across all RF components while maintaining acceptable energy efficiency through controlled feedback proportions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Radar sensor system (100) having: - a defined number of RF components (10a...10d), wherein each of the RF components (10a...10d) respectively has at least one antenna for transmitting and/or receiving radar waves and at least one antenna controller for operating the at least one antenna; and - a synchronization network (20), to which all RF components (10a...10d) are functionally connected and via which an RF signal can be provided for all RF components (10a...10d); wherein - at least two RF components (10a...10n) each have a self-supply device (21a...21d; 22a...22d) for feeding back a defined portion of power of the RF signal which can be fed into the synchronization network (20), wherein the RF signal can be generated for all RF components (10a...10d) at a defined time by a defined RF component (10a...10d), wherein - the radar sensor system (100) can be functionally divided into at least two partial sensor systems (100a, 100b).