RIS-Based Radar Cross-Section Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar cross-section (RCS) measurement systems face limitations such as high resource demands, long computation times, and design challenges like reducing diffracted fields and achieving accurate quiet zones, especially for complex targets and low frequencies, and are often limited to monostatic measurements with fixed antennas and bulky supports that interfere with measurements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) system that uses RIS transceivers and reflectors to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves from multiple illumination directions, allowing for comprehensive 3D RCS measurements without rotating the target or reconfiguring the chamber, and supports both monostatic and bi-static measurements across various frequency bands and polarizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If compact range measurement systems are used to increase the size of measurable targets, then the measurement capability is improved, but design challenges arise including reduction of diffracted field from edges, reduction of quiet-zone ripple, and achievement of large quiet zones at low frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical compact range system with a digital beamforming approach using multiple fixed antennas and signal processing. Instead of mechanically moving a large reflector, the system uses electronic beam steering to illuminate targets of various sizes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments and quiet-zone management while expanding measurable target size capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can measure targets of various sizes and frequencies using the same fixed antenna array. The system achieves multi-functionality through digital beamforming that can electronically adjust illumination patterns for different target sizes and frequencies, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems for different target classes
2Measurement precision
If conventional RCS measurement chambers are built with high accuracy positioners and fully anechoic chambers, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for heavy-duty mechanical positioners with a fixed antenna array that uses digital beamforming to achieve precise measurements. The electronic steering and signal processing substitute for mechanical target rotation, eliminating the need for complex positioners while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital signal processing and beamforming algorithms as intermediaries between the fixed antennas and the target measurements. These computational intermediaries enable precise RCS measurement without requiring the physical intermediaries (positioners, anechoic chambers) that conventional systems depend on, reducing overall system complexity
3Device complexity
If monostatic measurements with fixed transmit/receive antenna and rotating target are used, then the system is simpler, but it is limited to monostatic RCS measurements and cannot measure various surfaces efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system dynamically adaptable by using digital beamforming to electronically steer illumination directions and measurement angles. Instead of mechanically rotating the target to measure different surfaces, the system dynamically adjusts the beam direction and reception patterns to capture RCS data from multiple angles and surfaces, achieving versatility through electronic reconfiguration rather than mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple fixed antennas into a unified array system that performs both transmission and reception with electronic beamforming. This combination allows the system to achieve monostatic and bistatic measurement capabilities simultaneously, enabling comprehensive surface measurement without requiring separate mechanical rotation systems
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, efficient, and comprehensive RCS measurements for complex targets from all illumination directions, reducing the need for expensive anechoic chambers and heavy-duty positioners, and allows for comparison with field radar systems, improving target identification and design verification.
Implementation Method 1
control the RIS transceiver to transmit an electromagnetic (EM) wave towards the first illumination direction of the TUT
Implementation Method 2
control the RIS reflector to reflect the EM wave received from the RIS transceiver towards the second illumination direction of the TUT
Implementation Method 3
control the RIS reflector to reflect a scattering of the EM wave received from the second illumination direction of the TUT back to the RIS transceiver
Implementation Method 4
control the RIS reflector to reflect a scattering of the EM wave received from the second illumination direction of the TUT
Data Source
AI summary
A radar cross-section (RCS) measurement system comprising a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) transceiver positioned relative to a first illumination direction of a target under test (TUT), a RIS reflector positioned relative to a second illumination direction of the TUT, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the RIS transceiver to transmit an electromagnetic (EM) wave towards the first illumination direction of the TUT and the RIS reflector, control the RIS reflector to reflect the EM wave received from the RIS transceiver towards the second illumination direction of the TUT, control the RIS reflector to reflect a scattering of the EM wave received from the second illumination direction of the TUT back to the RIS transceiver, and compute the RCS of the TUT in the second illumination direction of the TUT based on the scattering of the EM wave received from the RIS reflector.