Radar Spatial Filtering via Antenna Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems face challenges in achieving compact antenna apertures while maintaining sufficient spatial resolution for angle of arrival estimation and beamforming, particularly in constrained spaces such as within a motor vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The method involves operating a monostatic radar system with a compact antenna aperture comprising at least two antennas, where the system performs two successive transceiving sequences with antenna switching, allowing for the generation of additional antenna signals that simulate a larger antenna aperture without increasing the physical number of antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna aperture size is reduced to achieve a compact form factor, then the device size is reduced, but the spatial resolution and angle of arrival estimation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna signals by copying and processing existing antenna signals through mathematical operations. The system generates additional antenna signals that simulate what would be received by antennas not physically present, effectively copying the function of a larger antenna array without the physical hardware. This allows the compact radar system to achieve the spatial resolution equivalent of a larger aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical spatial dimension to signal processing dimension. Instead of increasing the physical antenna aperture size in space, the system uses signal processing techniques (beamforming, angle of arrival estimation algorithms) to create virtual spatial information. This dimensional transformation allows achieving large-aperture performance in a compact physical form factor.
2Measurement precision
If the number of antennas is increased to improve spatial resolution and beamforming capability, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna in the system performs multiple functions: it transmits radar signals, receives reflected signals, and its signal is used in multiple beamforming calculations for different virtual antenna positions. The same physical antenna serves as both a real antenna and as a source for generating virtual antenna signals, reducing the need for additional dedicated antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mathematical copying of antenna signals to create virtual antenna elements. Instead of physically installing more antennas, the system copies the signal processing functions and uses algorithms to generate signals that would be produced by additional antennas, thereby achieving enhanced resolution without increasing hardware complexity.
3Measurement precision
If antenna switching is implemented to generate additional antenna signals, then the spatial resolution is enhanced, but the operation complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic antenna switching between transmit and receive modes in a structured sequence. The control circuit alternates between different antenna configurations in regular intervals, allowing the radar to collect signals from multiple antenna perspectives over time. This periodic switching enables the generation of additional antenna signals while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna switching configuration is dynamic rather than static. The system adaptively changes which antenna is active for transmission and which antennas are used for reception based on the current measurement requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to achieve multiple measurement functions, reducing the need for permanently complex switching circuits.
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
This approach enhances the spatial resolution of the radar system, enabling accurate angle of arrival estimation and beamforming, while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for use in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system with at least one monostatic aperture with at least a first antenna and a second antenna and with a signal source for generating radar pulses
Implementation Method 2
an electronic control circuit which determines spatial information of an object from the reflected radar waves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for operating a radar system. In a first transmission sequence a first antenna is operated as a TRX antenna transmitting a first radar pulse and a second antenna is operated as a RX antenna. Between a first sequence and a second sequence the second antenna is connected to the signal source using a switch of a control circuit and in the second sequence the antennas switch roles. A second radar pulse for the second sequence is generated coherent to the first radar pulse of the first sequence. An electronic control circuit combines or compares at least one of the first antenna signal and the second antenna signal from the first sequence with at least one of the third antenna signal and the fourth antenna signal from the second sequence for generating an analysis signal and spatial information of the reflecting object is determined based thereon.