Radar Range Sidelobe Suppression via Envelope Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar systems face challenges in clearly indicating the presence of targets due to the presence of sidelobes in signal processing, which interfere with the accurate determination of time delays and object location.

Innovation Solution

A pulse compression radar system that includes a receiver, a correlator, and a range sidelobe envelope generator, which compresses signals with a reference signal and generates a range sidelobe envelope function to suppress sidelobes, thereby improving the accuracy of target detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal compression is performed using a correlator, then the radar system can detect targets, but range sidelobes are generated that interfere with accurate target location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget detection capabilityVSAvoidtarget location accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the compressed signal processing into two distinct paths: a main signal path for target detection and a sidelobe generation path for creating range sidelobe envelope functions. This segmentation allows the system to handle the main signal and sidelobes separately, enabling precise cancellation of sidelobes without affecting target detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces range sidelobe envelope functions as intermediary elements that mediate between the compressed signal and the final target location determination. These envelope functions serve as a bridge to model and cancel sidelobe effects, thereby improving measurement precision without compromising detection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If correlation compression is applied to enhance target detection, then detection sensitivity improves, but correlation levels rise creating harmful sidelobe interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsidelobe interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful sidelobe interference into a beneficial element by using the same correlation compression process to generate range sidelobe envelope functions. These functions, which initially represent harmful interference, are then utilized to model and cancel the sidelobes, thereby improving target location accuracy while maintaining detection sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by generating and subtracting range sidelobe envelope functions from the compressed signal before final target location determination. This preliminary cancellation of sidelobe effects prevents interference from affecting the accuracy of target location measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 system effectively suppresses range sidelobes, enhancing the precision of target location by minimizing interference from elevated correlation levels, allowing for more accurate determination of time delays and object distances.

Implementation Method 1

The correlator compresses the signal with a reference signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal correlation:

Implementation Method 2

The range sidelobe envelope generator generates a range sidelobe envelope function based on the compressed signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnvelope generation:

Data Source

PatentUS9739873B2Range sidelobe suppression
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 NAVICO INC
  • US9739873B2 patent drawing
  • US9739873B2 patent drawing
  • US9739873B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and method for receiving a signal. In one implementation, the system includes a receiver, a correlator, and a range sidelobe envelope generator. The receiver receives the signal. The correlator compresses the signal with a reference signal. The range sidelobe envelope generator generates a range sidelobe envelope function based on the compressed signal.