SiGe Phase Shifters for Precise Radar Target Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visualization and navigation systems in medical procedures lack the precision and reliability needed for accurate geotagging and target identification, especially in surgeries requiring high accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radar system configured with phase shifter modules, utilizing silicon germanium (SiGe) based multi-channel beamformers, to interact with navigation target devices. These devices adjust the frequency of received signals using phase shifters, allowing for precise identification of target locations through Doppler frequency analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional phase shifters are used in navigation target devices, then the system can provide basic frequency adjustment, but the measurement precision and reliability of geotagging and target identification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the phase shifter from conventional materials to silicon germanium (SiGe), which has superior electrical and thermal properties. This material parameter change enables more precise frequency control and more stable phase shifting performance, directly improving measurement precision and reliability of the radar system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs silicon germanium, a composite material combining silicon and germanium elements, to fabricate the phase shifter. This composite material leverages the advantages of both elements: silicon provides structural stability while germanium enhances carrier mobility and frequency response, resulting in improved phase control precision and system reliability
2Measurement precision
If SiGe phase shifters are used to improve precision, then geotagging accuracy is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase shifter functionality into multiple independent channels, each with its own SiGe phase shifter unit. This segmentation allows for modular design where each channel operates independently, making the complex system more manageable and easier to manufacture with standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The SiGe phase shifter design is created as a universal component that can be used across multiple channels and different radar configurations. The standardized multi-channel beamformer architecture allows the same phase shifter module to serve multiple functions, reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced material used
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
The radar system achieves precise geotagging and target identification, enabling surgeons to perform procedures with enhanced accuracy and reliability, even in small anatomical regions.
Implementation Method 1
applying, via a SiGe phase shifter, a voltage value to the RF signal; phase shifting the RF signal to a final phase based on the applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
The radar system identifies the navigation target by a phase shifted signal Doppler frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system for interacting with navigation targets is provided. The radar system is configured to interact with navigation targets (target devices) that shift the phase of a received radar transmission to generate a phase shifted response signal. Phase shifters (e.g., silicon germanium phase shifters) are designed to assign specific frequency responses from one or more navigation modules to identify target locations. The radar module transmits at a modulated signal at first frequency, each navigation target receives the radar transmission, phase shifts the signal and returns the phase shifted signal. Where two or more navigation targets are used, each will apply a different phase shift to the received radar transmission, wherein the frequency identifies the navigation target devices. In a radar system, the modulated transmission signal is compared to the returned phase shifted signal to determine a frequency difference between the two signals.