Switchable Antenna Subarrays for High-Resolution Angle Measurement

The antenna array is divided into multiple subarrays (first subarray, second subarray, third subarray) that can be independently configured. By segmenting the array, the system can achieve high angle resolution through virtual aperture expansion without proportionally increasing the number of physical elements and ADC channels, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional antenna array to a two-dimensional configuration by introducing multiple subarrays arranged in specific geometric patterns. This dimensional expansion creates virtual antenna elements through signal processing, effectively increasing the aperture without linearly increasing physical hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between angle resolution and device complexity.

Each subarray can be independently configured and switched between different working modes. The same physical ADC channels can serve multiple subarrays through time-division or space-division multiplexing, making the ADC resources universal and multi-functional. This reduces the total number of ADC channels needed while maintaining the capability to process signals from all antenna elements for high-resolution imaging.

Multiple subarrays are merged into a unified antenna system with shared ADC resources. By combining the signals from different subarrays through coherent processing, the system achieves the equivalent performance of having separate ADC channels for each element, thereby reducing the total quantity of ADC channels while maintaining angle measurement capability.

The antenna array is segmented into multiple compact subarrays that can be independently mounted on the vehicle surface. This segmentation allows the radar system to achieve high angle resolution through clever geometric arrangement rather than requiring a large continuous aperture, making installation easier and more flexible on vehicle platforms with limited space.

The system uses two-dimensional subarray configurations to create virtual aperture expansion in the electrical domain rather than requiring proportional physical space expansion. This allows high angle resolution to be achieved with a compact physical footprint, significantly improving ease of installation and vehicle integration while maintaining measurement precision.