Redundant Frequency Modulators for Radar Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maximum detectable velocity in radar systems using linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) signals is limited by the stabilization time of the oscillator, restricting the frequency of chirp transmissions and thus the detectable velocity of objects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating redundant frequency modulators with a second oscillator and a multiplexer controlled by a controller to alternate and overlap the transmission periods of the first and second oscillators, allowing for increased chirp repetition frequency without waiting for stabilization periods to end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the chirp repetition frequency is increased to detect higher velocities, then the maximum detectable velocity is improved, but the oscillator stabilization time causes transmission delays that limit the achievable repetition frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system divides the transmit signal generation into multiple independent segments using separate oscillators (first oscillator 212-1 and second oscillator 212-2), each capable of generating chirps independently. This segmentation allows parallel operation where while one oscillator is stabilizing, the other can transmit, effectively eliminating the time loss associated with oscillator stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous transmit signal output by switching between first and second oscillators. The multiplexer 240 ensures that transmit signals are continuously provided to the antenna 111 without interruption, even during oscillator stabilization periods. This continuity allows the chirp repetition frequency to be increased without being constrained by oscillator stabilization time.
2Productivity
If redundant frequency modulators and multiple oscillators are added to overcome stabilization time limitations, then the chirp repetition frequency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second oscillators 212-1, 212-2 are designed with identical functionality, each capable of generating LFMCW transmit signals independently. This universality allows them to be interchangeably switched by the multiplexer 240, simplifying the control logic while achieving continuous operation. The redundant oscillators perform the same function, reducing the need for complex coordination between different types of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer 240 serves as an intermediary device that manages the switching between first and second oscillators 212-1, 212-2. By introducing this dedicated switching component, the system achieves continuous transmit signal output with relatively simple control logic. The multiplexer handles the complexity of coordinating multiple oscillators, allowing the rest of the radar system to remain unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system includes one or more antennas to emit transmit signals and receive reflected signals resulting from reflection of the transmit signals by an object. The transmit signals are linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) signals. The radar system also includes a transmission generator to generate the transmit signals. The transmission generator includes a controller to control output of a first of the transmit signals and a second of the transmit signals in succession. A time between transmission of the first of the transmit signals and the second of the transmit signals is less than a duration of a stabilization period of a first oscillator used to generate the first of the transmit signals.