Large Aperture Array Radar Systems For Automotive Applications

The radar, besides camera and Lidar systems, is a core sensor to enable autonomous driving. The relatively limited angular resolution is the major drawback of the radar. This thesis shows the development of a conceptual future radar system for automotive applications. The focus is on providing a large antenna aperture to achieve the required high angular resolution. Two genetic algorithms are developed to optimize the antenna array for a good side lobe level while providing high angular resolution. Two demonstrators are built to implement certain aspects of the proposed radar system and prove the general concept viable. The first demonstrator features a large aperture with a limited side lobe level and is using a modular approach. The modules are synchronized with a radio over fiber system. The second demonstrator uses the previously proposed antenna array, which is implemented with a synthetic aperture radar approach. The system’s capabilities in a real scenario are demonstrated, and the reconstruction of a high-resolution three-dimensional image from the captured data is shown. Das Radar stellt, neben Kamera- und Lidar-Systemen, einen zentralen Sensor für das autonome Fahren dar. Dabei ist die relativ geringe Winelauflösung der primäre Nachteil des Radars. Diese Arbeit zeigt die Entwicklung eines konzeptionellen zukünftigen Radarsystems für automobile Anwendungen. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf der Umsetzung einer großen Antennenapertur, um die erforderliche hohe Winkelauflösung zu erreichen. Zwei evolutionäre Algorithmen werden vorgestellt, um das Antennen-Array auf einen guten Nebenkeulen-Pegel zu optimieren und gleichzeitig eine hohe Winkelauflösung zu erreichen. Zwei Demonstratoren werden gebaut, um bestimmte Aspekte des vorgeschlagenen Radarsystems zu implementieren und die Durchführbarkeit des allgemeinen Konzepts zu zeigen. Der erste Demonstrator weist eine große Apertur mit einem begrenzten Nebenkeulen-Niveau auf und verwendet einen modularen Ansatz. Die Module sind mit einem Radio-over-Fiber-System synchronisiert. Der zweite Demonstrator verwendet die zuvor entworfene Antennenanordnung, die mit einem Radar mit synthetischer Apertur realisiert wird. Die Fähigkeiten des Systems werden in einem realen Szenario demonstriert und die Rekonstruktion eines hochauflösenden dreidimensionalen Bildes aus den erfassten Daten gezeigt.

Airspace surveillance is one of the classic applications of radar technology. Existing systems are focused on large-scale surveillance of commercial airspace. This research presents a prototype of a small, mobile, passive radar system that for example can be used to monitor aircraft and UAVs in the airspace over maritime borders. The system is based on a coherent, software defined receiving system for data acquisition. The signal processing is subsequently performed in the digital domain. The paper gives an introduction to all the required fundamentals and all the relevant steps of signal processing are shown, starting from digital beamforming, through the generation of the range Doppler matrices, all the way to the tracking of targets using Kalman filters. Furthermore, a novel system for the detection of transmitter locations is presented, which allows the use of such a system in previously unknown scenarios. Finally, measurements are presented to show what such a system can achieve under real world conditions.

This book throws a lifeline to designers wading through mounds of antenna array patents looking for the most suitable systems for their projects. Drastically reducing the research time required to locate solutions to the latest challenges in automotive communications, it sorts and systematizes material on cutting-edge antenna arrays that feature multi-element communication systems with enormous potential for the automotive industry. These new systems promise to make driving safer and more efficient, opening up myriad applications, including vehicle-to-vehicle traffic that prevents collisions, automatic toll collection, vehicle location and fine-tuning for cruise control systems. This book’s exhaustive coverage begins with currently deployed systems, frequency ranges and key parameters. It proceeds to examine system geometry, analog and digital beam steering technology (including "smart" beams formed in noisy environments), maximizing signal-to-noise ratios, miniaturization, and base station technology that facilitates in-car connectivity while on the move. An essential guide for technicians working in a fast-developing field, this new volume will be warmly welcomed as a powerful aid in their endeavors.

The work focuses on the analysis of influences of motion errors on near-range SAR applications and design of specific motion measuring and compensation algorithms. First, a novel metric to determine the optimum antenna beamwidth is proposed. Then, a comprehensive investigation of influences of motion errors on the SAR image is provided. On this ground, new algorithms for motion measuring and compensation using low cost inertial measurement units (IMU) are developed and successfully demonstrated.

This definitive book supplies the information needed to specify and design a multifunction array radar system. With minimal mathematics, the book shows how radars smaller in aperture and power can meet demands formerly conceived for the larger rotating and phased array radars.

This comprehensive resource presents antenna fundamentals balanced with the design of printed antennas. Over 70 antenna projects, along with design dimensions, design flows and antenna performance results are discussed, including antennas for wireless communication, 5G antennas and beamforming. Examples of smartphone antennas, MIMO antennas, aerospace and satellite remote sensing array antennas, automotive antennas and radar systems and many more printed antennas for various applications are also included. These projects include design dimensions and parameters that incorporate the various techniques used by industries and academia. This book is intended to serve as a practical microstrip and printed antenna design guide to cover various real-world applications. All Antenna projects discussed in this book are designed, analyzed and simulated using full-wave electromagnetic solvers. Based on several years of the author’s research in antenna design and development for RF and microwave applications, this book offers an in-depth coverage of practical printed antenna design methodology for modern applications.

Radar Expert, Esteemed Author Gregory L. Charvat on CNN and CBSAuthor Gregory L. Charvat appeared on CNN on March 17, 2014 to discuss whether Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 might have literally flown below the radar. He appeared again on CNN on March 20, 2014 to explain the basics of radar, and he explored the hope and limitations of the technology i