Single-Antenna SAR Transponder with Signal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SAR transponders are difficult to miniaturize and require precise alignment due to the need for spatially separated antennas for receiving and transmitting radar signals, limiting their use in imaging radar systems.
Innovation Solution
A transponder design utilizing a single antenna for both receiving and transmitting, with signal processing that regenerates and modifies the radar transmission signal, allowing for a time-delayed transponder transmission signal to be sent between consecutive radar signals, eliminating the need for precise alignment and enabling smaller size and omnidirectional antenna use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spatially separated transmitting and receiving antennas are used in SAR transponders, then decoupling of transmitting and receiving functions is achieved, but the transponder size increases and precise alignment with the radar device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitting and receiving antennas into a single antenna system. The transponder uses one antenna for both receiving radar transmission signals and transmitting transponder signals, eliminating the need for spatially separated antennas. This merging reduces the transponder size while maintaining functional decoupling through temporal separation and signal processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by operating the transponder in alternating receive and transmit modes. The single antenna alternates between receiving radar signals during certain time intervals and transmitting transponder signals during other intervals. This time-division multiplexing approach allows functional decoupling without requiring physically separate antennas, thus reducing transponder volume.
2Reliability
If spatially separated transmitting and receiving antennas are used in SAR transponders, then decoupling of transmitting and receiving functions is achieved, but precise alignment with the radar device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitting and receiving antennas into a single omnidirectional antenna system. This eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate transmitting and receiving antennas, as the omnidirectional antenna can receive and transmit signals in all directions equally. The functional decoupling is achieved through temporal separation and signal processing rather than spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna serves multiple functions: it acts as both a receiving antenna for radar transmission signals and a transmitting antenna for transponder signals. The omnidirectional characteristic of the antenna provides universal coverage in all directions, eliminating alignment requirements and enabling the transponder to operate effectively regardless of its orientation relative to the radar device.
3Volume of moving object
If a single antenna is used for both receiving and transmitting, then transponder size is reduced and omnidirectional operation is enabled, but signal interference between receiving and transmitting may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing time-division multiplexing between receiving and transmitting operations. The single antenna alternates between receiving radar transmission signals during certain time intervals and transmitting transponder signals during other intervals. This temporal separation prevents signal interference while allowing the use of a single antenna, thus reducing transponder size and enabling omnidirectional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by delaying the transponder transmission signal until after the radar transmission signal has decayed. The system waits for the incoming radar signal to subside before initiating the transponder signal transmission, preventing overlap and interference between the two signals. This timing control allows safe use of a single antenna without signal contamination.
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 design reduces the transponder's size, increases reliability through decentralized coding, and allows for precise identification and data transmission, enhancing detection capabilities without the need for precise alignment with the SAR radar device.
Implementation Method 1
radar transmission signals that are transmitted in succession over time are subjected to compression
Implementation Method 2
reflected radar transmission signals
Data Source
AI summary
The transponder (10) for localizing objects by means of an imaging radar system having radar signal compression and, in particular, a SAR system (radar with synthetic aperture) is provided with an antenna (12), which optionally serves as a receiving antenna for receiving a radar transmission signal (A) and as a transmitting antenna for a transponder transmission signal (F). Furthermore, the transponder (10) is provided with a decoupling unit (18), which is connected to the antenna (12) and which has an outlet for routing a radar transmission signal (A) received from the antenna (12) and an inlet decoupled from the outlet for routing a transponder transmission signal to be transmitted through the antenna (12), and a signal compression unit (14), which compresses a received radar transmission signal (A) present at the outlet of the decoupling unit (18) into a signal compression pulse (C). The transponder has a delay unit (32) to delay the signal compression pulse (C) to generate a trigger pulse (D) delayed for a predetermined delay time relative to the signal compression pulse (C), and a transponder transmission signal-generating unit (16) to generate a transponder transmission signal (F) triggered by the trigger pulse (D), which can be fed to the inlet of the decoupling unit (18).