Segmented Chirp Signal Generation for Radar Measurement Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems face limitations in measurement repetition rate due to resettling intervals during chirp signal generation, which restricts the improvement in measurement resolution and frequency range.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a segmented chirp signal generation method, where a chirp signal is divided into multiple linearly-ramped segments with different shift frequencies, allowing for faster measurement repetition and reduced resettling intervals through the use of a chirp generator, shift frequency generator, and modulator, and signal processing circuitry for target range-velocity information derivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a continuous chirp signal is used for radar measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement repetition rate is limited due to resettling intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a continuous chirp signal into multiple discrete chirp segments within each chirp interval. Each segment can be independently generated and transmitted, eliminating the need for long resettling intervals between complete chirp cycles. This segmentation allows the radar system to perform multiple measurements faster by processing each segment separately, thereby increasing the measurement repetition rate while reducing the time loss associated with system resettling.
2Measurement precision
If measurement repetition rate is increased, then measurement resolution improves, but system complexity increases due to segmented signal generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency shifting within each chirp segment using frequency shift generators that can rapidly change parameters between segments. This dynamic approach allows the system to generate diverse chirp segments with different frequency characteristics without requiring completely separate signal generation paths, thereby improving measurement resolution through multiple independent measurements while controlling the increase in system complexity through parameter reconfiguration rather than structural multiplication.
3Speed
If segmented chirp segments are used to eliminate delays, then measurement speed increases, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency shifting to chirp segments before transmission and incorporates corresponding frequency compensation in the signal processing stage. By pre-processing the segments with known frequency transformations and preparing compensation algorithms in advance, the system can rapidly process multiple segmented measurements without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby increasing measurement speed while managing signal processing complexity through pre-computed correction factors and structured processing pipelines.
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 enables faster and more accurate distance and velocity measurements by eliminating delays between chirp segments and improving measurement resolution, enhancing the performance of multi-input, multi-output radar systems in self-driving vehicles and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a modulator to derive a segmented chirp signal from a product of the chirp signal with the shift frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
In an illustrative integrated circuit, a chirp generator provides a chirp signal having linearly-ramped chirp intervals, while a shift frequency generator provides a signal having a different shift frequency during each of multiple segments in each chirp interval. A modulator combines the signals to derive a segmented chirp signal having multiple linearly-ramped chirp segments in each chirp interval. The modulator may be a single sideband modulator to provide frequency up-shifted and frequency down-shifted chirp segments. The segmented chirp signal may be suppressed during resettling intervals of the original chirp signal.