Radar Sensor Synchronization Network Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar sensor systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy and reliability for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving functions due to limitations in radar resolution and signal transit time, which are exacerbated by long signal lines causing losses and complexity in signal processing.

Innovation Solution

A radar sensor system with a synchronization network connecting HF components, allowing for synchronized operating frequencies and short line lengths, which reduces signal transit time and maintains low compensation effort, enabling improved distance and angular resolution. The system arranges HF components in close proximity with defined groups connected by synchronization lines, allowing one pair to compensate for another, and allows each component to act as a synchronization master, enhancing flexibility and reducing cable length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If long signal lines are used to connect RF components, then the system can accommodate more components and provide better coverage, but signal losses increase and resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of RF componentsVSAvoidsignal losses
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides RF components into multiple groups, where each group is closely spaced and connected by short synchronization lines. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate more RF components while keeping individual line lengths short, thereby reducing signal losses and maintaining resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If long signal lines are used to connect RF components, then the system can accommodate more components, but range resolution and angular resolution are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of RF componentsVSAvoidrange resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the RF components into closely spaced groups with short synchronization lines, the system maintains short signal propagation paths. This ensures that even with more components, the range resolution and angular resolution remain high because the synchronization error remains minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If long signal lines are used to connect RF components, then the system can accommodate more components, but compensation effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of RF componentsVSAvoidcompensation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments RF components into groups where members are closely spaced and connected by short lines. This reduces the propagation time differences between components, thereby reducing the compensation effort required in signal processing while still accommodating a large number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Length of stationary object

If RF components are arranged in close proximity, then cable length is reduced and signal losses are minimized, but system layout becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lengthVSAvoidsystem layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the RF components into multiple closely spaced groups. This segmentation allows components to be arranged in close proximity within each group, reducing cable length and signal losses, while the modular group structure helps manage the overall system layout complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Adaptability or versatility

If each RF component acts as synchronization master, then flexibility increases and redundancy is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows any RF component to act as the synchronization master, making each component universal and interchangeable. This multi-functionality increases flexibility and redundancy, as any component can take over the master role if needed, while the standardized synchronization protocol keeps control complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3765865B1Radar sensor system and method for operating a radar sensor system
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3765865B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3765865B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a radar sensor system (100) comprising: a defined number of RF components (10a... 10d); each of the RF components (10a... 10d) comprising in each case 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 synchronisation network (20) which is connected to all RF components (10a... 10d) and via which an operating frequency of all RF components (10a... 10d) can be synchronised by at least one of the RF components.