Shared Radar Communication System Using PMCW Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar systems for vehicles lack the ability to simultaneously perform effective object detection and communication, leading to inefficiencies in determining range, velocity, and angle of objects, as well as limitations in communication performance due to separate systems and interference from other radar systems.

Innovation Solution

A shared radar and communication system that uses the same signaling schemes for both radar operations and information transmission, incorporating PMCW-based signaling with information bits modulated on spreading codes, and a control processor to optimize transmission and reception processing based on radar detection, communication, and external information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate radar and communication systems are used, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and interference from other radar systems affects communication performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines radar and communication functions into a single integrated system that uses the same hardware components (transmitters, receivers, antennas) and signaling schemes for both radar detection and data communication. This merging eliminates the need for separate systems, reduces overall complexity, and allows the system to avoid interference from other radar systems by using orthogonal signaling patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously using the same hardware platform. The radar system detects objects while the communication system transmits data, and both functions share the same transmitters, receivers, and signal processing infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both radar detection and communication capabilities without requiring dedicated separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If radar systems transmit signals continuously for detection, then object detection capability is maintained, but communication bandwidth and spectral efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidcommunication data rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic signaling patterns where radar and communication functions are alternated in time. The radar transmits detection signals during certain time intervals and the communication function operates during other intervals. This periodic alternation allows both functions to share the same spectral resources without simultaneous interference, maintaining detection accuracy while enabling communication data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary signal processing and preparation before each transmission cycle. The control processor pre-configures the signaling patterns, selects appropriate radar or communication mode, and prepares the necessary signal parameters in advance. This preliminary action enables efficient switching between functions and optimizes the utilization of available time and spectral resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the radar system uses advanced signal processing to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but computational requirements and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange and velocity estimation accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control processor continuously monitors detection results and adjusts signal processing parameters in real-time. Based on feedback from object detection accuracy and communication quality metrics, the system dynamically optimizes processing intensity, selecting appropriate algorithms and computational resources to achieve required precision without excessive processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The signal processing system dynamically adapts its complexity based on operational requirements. The control processor adjusts processing algorithms, computational intensity, and time allocation according to the current detection task, communication needs, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use advanced processing only when necessary, reducing overall processing time while maintaining required accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simultaneous radar detection and communication, improving the accuracy of object location and velocity estimation while enhancing communication performance by integrating radar and communication functions, and adapting to various environments and objectives.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitted radio signal is generated by up-converting a baseband transmitted signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUp-conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the received radio signal is down-converted (with in-phase and quadrature signals)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDown-conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

A radar system typically transmits radio signals and listens for the reflection of the radio signals from objects in the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 4

the reflected radio signal is the transmitted radio signal(s) reflected from an object or multiple objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

the information bits are modulated on top of the spreading code

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase Modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS11582305B2Vehicle radar system with a shared radar and communication system
Publication Date: 2023.02.14 UHNDER INC
  • US11582305B2 patent drawing
  • US11582305B2 patent drawing
  • US11582305B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shared radar and communications system. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter modules signals based on a first spreading code defined at least in part by a first plurality of information bits. The first plurality of information bits encodes selected information. The transmitter transmits the modulated signals. The receiver receives a first signal and a second signal. The first signal includes the transmitted signals transmitted by the transmitter and reflected from objects in an environment. The receiver processes the first signal to detect objects in the environment. The second signal is transmitted from another system. The second signal carries a second plurality of information bits. The receiver processes the second signal to determine the second plurality of information bits. The second plurality of information bits are encoded with information selected by the other system.