Phased Array Radar Angular Resolution via Sub-Beam Deconvolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar systems face challenges in achieving high angular resolution, particularly for weather-related applications, as existing solutions require oversized antenna arrays or costly elements, making them impractical and cost-prohibitive for universal systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-function phased array radar system that transmits a central beam and multiple overlapping sub-beams, processed using a de-convolution module with a weighted matrix representative of the antenna pattern to achieve enhanced angular resolution beyond that of a single beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If oversized antenna arrays are used to achieve super-resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular resolutionVSAvoidantenna array size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments a single wide beam into multiple overlapping sub-beams that collectively cover the same angular space. By transmitting and processing these subdivided beams separately, the system achieves super-resolution without requiring a physically larger antenna array. The deconvolution module then combines the sub-beam data to reconstruct high-resolution information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from spatial resolution (physical antenna size) to signal processing resolution (beam subdivision and deconvolution). Instead of increasing resolution through physical dimension (larger array), the system uses signal processing dimensions (multiple sub-beams, deconvolution algorithms) to achieve the same goal without proportional hardware increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution antenna elements are used, then angular resolution is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular resolutionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates multiple copies of the same antenna pattern through digital beamforming, generating multiple sub-beams with identical hardware. Instead of using expensive high-resolution antenna elements, the system uses software to create multiple virtual copies of the antenna pattern, achieving super-resolution through processing rather than through costly hardware upgrades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by dynamically adjusting beamforming weights and phases to create multiple overlapping sub-beams. This parameter manipulation in the signal domain allows the same physical antenna to perform multiple resolution tasks without requiring expensive hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a single narrow beam is transmitted, then angular resolution is improved, but coverage area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular resolutionVSAvoidbeam coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple narrow sub-beams that overlap in space to create comprehensive coverage. Each sub-beam provides narrow, high-resolution coverage of a specific angular sector, and their overlapping arrangement ensures that the entire region of interest is covered by at least one high-resolution beam, combining the benefits of narrow beam resolution with broad area coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for increased effective angular resolution, enabling the detection of small weather patterns at greater ranges and providing detailed super-resolution data for improved weather tracking and risk prediction without the need for large or expensive antenna arrays.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna array for providing a central beam, and simultaneously transmitting a plurality of overlapping sub-beams covering the central beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A de-convolution module is provided to process the received return signals from each of the sub-beams. The module is responsive to both the received return signals, as well as a matrix indicative of the antenna pattern to output sub-beam data comprising return information for the overlapping portions of the transmitted beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal processing through de-convolution:

Data Source

PatentUS8736484B2Enhanced-resolution phased array radar

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

A system and method for increasing the effective angular resolution of a multi-function phased array radar system is provided. The system is operative to simultaneously transmit a plurality of overlapping sub-beams covering a representative central beam. A de-convolution process is applied to received return signals. The process includes determining the reflectivity within sub-beamwidth resolution cells defined by the overlapping sub-beams. Generated sub-beamwidth data provides the radar system with an effective angular resolution beyond that of any single transmitted beam.