Voltage-Controlled Oscillator Signal Generator Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems in motor vehicles face downtime during calibration cycles, preventing real-time data provision for drive-assistance systems due to the need for voltage-controlled oscillators to be calibrated, which disrupts continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement with a signal generator capable of producing digital and pulse-width modulated signals, combined using dual digital-analog converters and low pass filters to smooth analog signals, allowing for continuous operation and real-time data generation by generating high-frequency signals with controlled voltage progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage-controlled oscillators are calibrated using phase-locked loops, then oscillator accuracy is improved, but system operational time is reduced due to calibration cycles interrupting radar signal generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing oscillator calibration before the critical radar measurement period. The phase-locked loop calibration is executed in advance, and the calibrated oscillator state is then maintained during normal operation. This ensures that the oscillator achieves accurate frequency control without interrupting the continuous radar signal generation required for real-time distance and speed measurements.
2Ease of manufacture
If frequency of the signal is kept constant during signal sections, then signal transmission is simplified, but adaptability to frequency variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the oscillator frequency to vary dynamically in response to changing radar detection requirements. The phase-locked loop mechanism allows the frequency to be adjusted continuously based on detected target characteristics, such as relative speed, while maintaining stable frequency within each signal section. This dynamic adjustment capability enhances the system's adaptability without complicating the basic signal transmission structure.
3Reliability
If multiple voltage-controlled oscillators with identical features are selected, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to extensive measurement and selection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a phase-locked loop calibration mechanism that automatically adjusts and equalizes the oscillator characteristics. Instead of requiring manual selection and measurement of multiple oscillators with identical features, the system uses the phase-locked loop to self-calibrate and compensate for variations in oscillator performance. This automated approach maintains signal quality while significantly reducing the complexity of oscillator selection and measurement processes.
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 continuous operation of radar systems by suppressing unwanted signal jumps, allowing for real-time data provision and improved performance in drive-assistance systems without calibration-induced downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage-controlled oscillator to generate a high-frequency signal with an actual frequency
Implementation Method 2
The calibration occurs via a phase control loop (also called phase-locked loop (PLL)). The phase-locked loop provided for calibration comprises a circuit arrangement to control the oscillator, namely to adjust the voltage in order to control the oscillator
Implementation Method 3
the digitally provided value at the outlet of the signal processor is converted via a digital-analog converter into an analog voltage signal
Implementation Method 4
combined using dual digital-analog converters and low pass filters to smooth analog signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radar sensor. The radar sensor includes a voltage-controlled oscillator for generating a high-frequency signal with an actual frequency. The radar sensor also includes a circuit arrangement to control the oscillator, more specifically for adjusting a voltage to control the oscillator, with each value of a target frequency being allocated to a voltage value of the voltage intended to control the oscillator. The circuit arrangement to control the oscillator includes a signal generator with at least two signals that can be generated by the signal generator. The two signals may be two digital signals, two pulse-width modulated signals, or one digital and one pulse-width modulated signal. The signal generator also may include a first output, at which a digital signal can be provided or two digital signals can be provided and/or a second output at which a pulse-width modulated signal can be provided.