Radar Target Simulator Continuous Distance Emulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar target simulators have limitations in target distance, often requiring a lower bound and not allowing for continuous, real-time distance emulation, which is inadequate for modern applications like autonomous vehicles that require highly accurate and efficient measurements.
Innovation Solution
A radar target simulator with no lower target distance limitation and continuous distance emulation, utilizing a ramp slope estimating unit, digital target generation, and signal processing techniques such as delay units, mixers, and Fourier transforms to simulate radar targets with flexible direction and distance settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar target simulators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability deteriorate due to lower target distance limitations and inability to perform continuous distance emulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic distance emulation by making the delay time adjustable and continuous rather than fixed. The delay unit's delay time is controlled by a control signal that can be varied in real-time, allowing the simulator to adapt to different target distances continuously without physical reconfiguration, thereby achieving high measurement precision across the full distance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay time parameter of the delay unit from a fixed value to a continuously adjustable parameter. By varying the delay time parameter in response to control signals, the simulator achieves continuous distance emulation capability, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional radar target simulators are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to support continuous distance emulation for applications like autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal radar target simulator that can handle multiple operation modes (continuous distance emulation, step distance emulation, fixed distance) through a single integrated system. The control unit receives various input signals and automatically configures the delay unit accordingly, making the simulator adaptable to different applications including autonomous vehicles while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator employs dynamic control where the delay time is continuously adjustable based on input signals. This dynamic capability allows the single device to adapt to various operational requirements (different distances, continuous or step emulation) without requiring multiple specialized devices, thus improving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
3Measurement precision
If continuous distance emulation is implemented, then measurement precision and adaptability are improved, but loss of time increases due to real-time signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing the radar signal through the delay unit before the actual measurement is needed. The delay unit is configured in advance with the appropriate delay time based on the desired target distance, allowing the system to immediately provide accurate distance emulation without computational delays during the measurement process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time computational processing with a more efficient signal processing approach using delay units and mixers. Instead of calculating distance in real-time through complex algorithms, the system uses predetermined delay times that directly correspond to target distances, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables highly accurate and efficient radar target simulation with continuous and real-time distance emulation, supporting advanced applications like autonomous vehicles without the constraints of lower target distance limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a first delay unit (18a) configured to delay the receive signal according to a first delay time Δτ1
Implementation Method 2
a second delay unit (18b) configured to delay the receive signal according to a second delay time Δτ2
Implementation Method 3
a mixer (16b) configured to mix the receive signal with a delayed version of the receive signal
Implementation Method 4
a Fourier transformation unit (21) configured to apply a Fourier transformation, in particular a discrete Fourier transformation, to a signal resulting from mixing the receive signal with the delayed version of the receive signal
Implementation Method 5
which emits a frequency-modulated wave, the modulation being according to linear segments of slope p, and which compares the frequencies of the emitted wave and of the wave which is received after reflection to provide a distance measurement
Implementation Method 6
second devices, which generate a signal possessing a frequency fd, the ratio of fd and G assuming a predetermined, adjustable ratio, Q
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A radar target simulator (10) with no lower target distance limitation and continuous distance emulation is provided. Said radar target simulator (10) comprises a receiving unit (11) configured to receive a radar signal from a radar under test (12) and to provide a corresponding receive signal, and a ramp slope estimating unit (13). In this context, the ramp slope estimating unit (13) is configured to track the ramp slope of the radar under test (12) on the basis of the receive signal.