Two-Channel Monopulse Radar 3D Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional four-channel monopulse radar systems are too large and costly for automobile applications, and they exhibit long detection times when channels are operated in series, making them impractical for compact and low-cost implementation in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A two-channel monopulse radar system is developed for three-dimensional detection, featuring transmitting antennas spaced apart by half a wavelength and squinted in perpendicular directions, allowing for simultaneous determination of elevation and azimuth angles using amplitude- and phase-comparison monopulse techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If four-channel monopulse radar systems are used for three-dimensional detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of four separate channels into a two-channel configuration by using a single receiving antenna that processes signals from both transmitting antennas. The in-phase and quadrature-phase components are extracted and processed separately within each channel, effectively merging the spatial separation function while maintaining the computational separation needed for 3D detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial dimensionality (four physically separated channels) to computational dimensionality (in-phase and quadrature-phase components processed within two channels). This allows the system to maintain three-dimensional detection capability while reducing physical complexity by moving the differentiation function from physical space to signal processing space.
2Measurement precision
If four-channel monopulse radar systems are used for three-dimensional detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the receiving functions into a single antenna and combines the signal processing paths, reducing the number of expensive components needed. By processing in-phase and quadrature-phase components within two channels rather than requiring four separate receiving channels, the system achieves 3D detection at lower cost.
3Measurement precision
If four-channel monopulse radar systems operate channels in series, then detection accuracy is maintained, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing of both transmitting antenna signals within the two-channel structure, allowing simultaneous processing rather than sequential processing. The in-phase and quadrature-phase components from both antennas are processed in parallel within the unified channel structure, reducing detection time while maintaining accuracy.
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 two-channel system achieves efficient three-dimensional detection with reduced component count and cost, enabling faster detection times and more compact design suitable for automotive applications without sacrificing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna for receiving a signal reflected off of a target object
Implementation Method 2
A radar system may detect the range (e.g., distance) to a target object by determining the roundtrip delay period between the transmission of a radar signal and the receipt of the signal returning back to the radar antenna after it bounces off of the target object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining the position of a target object using a two-channel monopulse radar. The radar may include two transmitting antennas and one common receiving antenna disposed in a coplanar arrangement. The transmitting antennas may be positioned on the focal plane of the radar along a focal plane axis that extends through, and that is perpendicular with, a boresight axis of the radar. The transmitting antennas may be spaced apart from one another in a first dimension a distance equal to about one half of one wavelength of the radar's center operating frequency. One of the transmitting antennas may be squinted at an angle of θ1 relative to the boresight axis and the other transmitting antenna may be squinted at an angle of θ2 relative to the boresight axis in a second dimension. The transmitting antennas are not squinted relative to one another in the first dimension.