Radar Target Simulator Characterization Without Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar target simulators lack accurate and efficient characterization methods, which is crucial for verifying the functionality of radar sensors, especially in the context of autonomous driving.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a signal source to provide a known radar signal to a radar target simulator, with a signal receiver to characterize the reflected and simulated radar signals in time and frequency shifts, enabling distance and Doppler calibration without synchronization, and potentially using a measurement device like a time domain reflectometry or spectrum analyzer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a frequency mixing module and data analysis module are used for calibration, then the radar target simulator can be characterized, but the characterization accuracy and efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacterization accuracyVSAvoidcharacterization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the characterization process into separate functional modules: a signal source module for generating radar signals, a receiver module for capturing reflected and simulated signals, and a characterization module for analyzing time and frequency shifts. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, improving both accuracy and efficiency of the overall characterization process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary characterization module that processes signals from the receiver and compares them against known radar signal parameters. This intermediary module calculates time shifts for distance characterization and frequency shifts for velocity characterization, serving as a mediator between raw signal data and final calibration results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional calibration methods are used, then radar target simulator can be characterized, but synchronization is required which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary characterization by capturing radar signals and measuring time and frequency shifts before final calibration is completed. The receiver captures reflected signals and simulated signals, and the characterization module analyzes these signals to determine calibration parameters without requiring synchronization with the radar transmitter, enabling preliminary accuracy assessment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical synchronization mechanisms with electronic signal processing. Instead of requiring temporal synchronization between transmitter and receiver, the system uses electronic measurement of time shifts and frequency shifts to achieve calibration, eliminating the need for complex synchronization hardware and procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate and efficient characterization of radar target simulators for parameters such as distance, velocity, and radar cross section, enhancing calibration efficiency and eliminating the need for synchronization.

Implementation Method 1

a signal source configured to provide a known radar signal for the radar target simulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

receive the correspondingly reflected radar signal, caused by the known radar signal, from a front of the radar target simulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

characterize the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and/or the outgoing simulated radar signal in time and/or frequency shift

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler Effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4703761A1System and method for characterizing a radar target simulator
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4703761A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703761A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703761A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system (10) for characterizing a radar target simulator (13) is provided. Said system comprises a signal source (11) configured to provide a known radar signal for the radar target simulator, and a signal receiver (12) configured to receive the correspondingly reflected radar signal, caused by the known radar signal, from a front of the radar target simulator (13), and in addition to receive the correspondingly simulated radar response signal to the known radar signal from the radar target simulator and/or to measure the correspondingly outgoing simulated radar signal as response to the known radar signal from the radar target simulator. The system or the signal receiver is configured to characterize the reflected radar signal and the simulated radar response signal and/or the outgoing simulated radar signal in time and/or frequency shift. In addition to this or as an alternative, the system or the signal receiver is configured to characterize the simulated radar response signal and/or the outgoing simulated radar signal in frequency compared to the reflected radar signal.