Virtual Antenna Array Switching for Compact Radar Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radar systems in electronic devices are bulky due to the physical size requirements of antennas and integrated circuits, necessitating a method to reduce the size while maintaining functionality for detecting external objects and their characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a radar system that employs a switch-controlled integrated circuit with multiple transmit and receive paths, allowing for the formation of virtual antenna arrays by strategically connecting antennas to transmit and receive signals within specific time intervals, thereby reducing physical space without compromising detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical antenna arrays are used in radar systems, then detection capability is maintained, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual antenna array elements by processing signals through multiple physical antennas and applying signal processing techniques (phase shifting, amplitude weighting) to synthesize additional antenna positions that do not physically exist. This allows the radar system to achieve the detection capability of a larger physical antenna array while using a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single physical dimension (actual antenna positions) to multiple dimensions by introducing temporal and signal processing dimensions. By transmitting signals at different time intervals and applying complex signal processing algorithms, the system creates virtual antenna elements in space without requiring additional physical space.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmit and receive paths are implemented, then detection precision is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching of antenna connections to transmit and receive paths using switches controlled by a processor. The antenna array can be reconfigured in real-time to create different virtual antenna arrangements, allowing multiple detection paths to be implemented sequentially rather than requiring all paths to be physically present simultaneously, thus reducing circuit complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Each physical antenna in the array is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in both transmit and receive modes and being dynamically assigned to different virtual antenna elements. This universal design allows the same physical hardware to fulfill multiple detection path functions through software control, reducing the need for dedicated hardware for each detection path.
3Volume of moving object
If antenna array configuration is optimized for compactness, then device size is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies signal processing parameter changes including phase shifting, amplitude weighting, and time-delay processing to signals received from the compact antenna array. These parameter transformations enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by coherently combining signals from multiple antennas and suppressing noise through algorithmic processing, compensating for the reduced physical separation between antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous signal processing and accumulation across multiple transmission cycles. By continuously receiving, processing, and integrating signals over time from the compact antenna array, the system accumulates useful signal energy while averaging out random noise, thereby maintaining an adequate signal-to-noise ratio despite the reduced physical antenna separation.
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
This approach enables a compact radar system that effectively detects external objects and their characteristics, such as location and movement, while minimizing the device's size and power consumption, and enhances signal-to-noise ratio by forming virtual antennas within the existing antenna array configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The radio waves transmitted from the radar system in the electronic device may be reflected off the external object and returned to the radar system
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include an integrated circuit (IC) including a switch and a plurality of paths that may include a first transmit (Tx) path, a second Tx path, a first receive (Rx) path, and a second Rx path; a first antenna electrically connected with the first Tx path from among the plurality of paths; a second antenna electrically connectable with the second Tx path or the second Rx path from among the plurality of paths via the switch; a third antenna electrically connected with the first Rx path from among the plurality of paths; and at least one processor operably coupled with the IC.