Multi-Function Weather Radar Using Parallel Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weather radar systems face challenges in efficiently scanning large areas with high aspect ratio frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) transmission beams, particularly in smaller aircraft like UAVs, due to weight and power constraints, and struggle to simultaneously perform multiple functions such as weather detection, navigation, and object tracking.
Innovation Solution
A weather radar system with a transmission antenna array that outputs a high aspect ratio FMCW transmission beam, which can be electronically scanned in azimuth, and includes a receive array and electronics to form multiple receive beams for determining weather characteristics and navigating objects, allowing for simultaneous processing of signals for accurate navigation and detection of birds, aircraft, and UAVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a mechanically or electronically scanned radar transmission pencil beam is used to cover an area systematically, then the area coverage is achieved, but the scanning time and update rate are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system divides the area coverage function into multiple simultaneous pencil beams that scan different azimuth sectors concurrently. Each pencil beam independently covers a specific angular sector, and multiple beams operate in parallel to achieve complete area coverage without sequential scanning, thereby reducing total scanning time and improving update rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-beam sequential scanning to multi-beam parallel scanning by adding the dimension of spatial multiplexing. Multiple transmit beams are generated simultaneously at different azimuth angles, transforming the scanning process from a time-sequential operation to a spatially-parallel operation, which dramatically reduces scanning time while maintaining comprehensive area coverage.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional radar systems are designed for smaller aircraft like UAVs, then weight constraints are considered, but radar functionality and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system integrates multiple functions including weather detection, terrain mapping, and air target detection within a single unified platform. The same transmit and receive arrays perform all these functions by processing returned signals through different algorithms and beamforming patterns, eliminating the need for separate specialized radar systems and reducing overall weight while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines transmit and receive arrays into an integrated phased array configuration where multiple antenna elements serve dual purposes. The same physical infrastructure supports both weather radar operations and air target detection, merging previously separate functional systems into a single lightweight platform suitable for UAVs while preserving all required capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receive beams are generated and electronically scanned, then simultaneous weather detection and object tracking are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the receive signal processing into multiple independent beamforming channels, each generating a separate receive beam for different azimuth sectors. These segmented processing channels operate in parallel, allowing simultaneous weather detection in one sector and air target detection in another sector without increasing overall system complexity, as each channel uses standardized processing algorithms.
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 system provides a coherent weather picture and enables simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple objects, offering advantages in power efficiency, reduced complexity, and faster update times compared to conventional radar systems, while being suitable for various vehicles including aircraft and marine applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transmit array comprising a plurality of transmit antenna elements, wherein the transmit array is configured to output an FMCW transmit beam that illuminates an area with a greater extent in a first illumination direction than in a second illumination direction
Implementation Method 2
a receive array comprising a plurality of receive antenna elements; and receive electronics operable to: receive a plurality of receive signals
Data Source
AI summary
A weather radar with a transmission antenna array that outputs a high aspect ratio FMCW transmission beam that illuminates an area in the field of regard in elevation and may be electronically scanned in azimuth. The weather radar includes a receive array and receive electronics that may receive the reflected return radar signals and electronically form a plurality of receive beams that may be used to determine characteristics of the area in the field of regard. The receive beams may be used to determine reflectivity of weather systems and provide a coherent weather picture. The weather radar may simultaneously process the receive signals into monopulse beams that may be used for accurate navigation as well as detection and tracking of objects, such as birds, aircraft, UAVs and the like.