Radar device and method for operating a radar device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radar device having means (10) for generating a carrier-frequency signal, means (12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b) for shaping pulses, means (14, 14a, 14b, 15, 15a, 15b) for generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, means (16, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for emitting modulated signals as radar pulses, means (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for receiving radar pulses, and means (20) for processing the received radar pulses, the means for receiving the radar pulses having an array including a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), the means (20) for processing the radar pulses having means for dividing the signal power over at least two different reception branches (24, 26), and means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) being provided for generating different directional characteristics (32, 34) in the various reception branches (24, 26). The invention also relates to a method for operating a radar device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a radar device having means for generating a carrier-frequency signal, means for shaping pulses, means for generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, means for emitting modulated signals as radar pulses, means for receiving radar pulses and means for processing the received radar pulses. The invention also relates to a method for operating a radar device including the steps: generating a carrier-frequency signal, shaping pulses, generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, emitting the modulated signals as radar pulses, receiving radar pulses and processing the received radar pulses.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Numerous applications for radar devices are known in widely differing fields of technology. For example, the use of radar devices is possible within the framework of the close-range sensor system in motor vehicles.

[0003] When working with radar devices, electromagnetic waves are radiated from a transmitting antenna. If these electromagnetic waves strike an obstacle, they are reflected, and after the reflection, are received again by a different or the same antenna. The received signals are subsequently fed to a signal processing and signal analysis.

[0004] The endeavor is to collect and evaluate as much information as possible about the vehicle surroundings. Such information concerns the measurement of the distance of the motor vehicle to other objects, the measurement of the relative speed between the vehicle and other objects, and an angle measurement with regard to the object to be detected. If possible, these measurement objectives should be achieved with as low an expenditure as possible for equipment, the effort being in particular to realize as many measurement objectives as possible in a single radar device.

[0005] These efforts are especially problematic with regard to the measurement of angle information, since here, according to the related art, a triangulation is performed on the basis of measured values from a plurality of spatially distributed sensors.

[0006] Possible applications for radar devices concern accident prevention (“precrash”), ACC stop & go (“adaptive cruise control”), park distance control, semi-autonomous parking and detection of the blind spot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is based on the radar device of the species, in that the means for receiving the radar pulses has an array including a plurality of antennas, the means for processing the radar pulses has means for dividing the signal power over at least two different reception branches, and means are provided for generating different directional characteristics in the various reception branches. Using a radar device of this type, it is possible, for example, to implement a precrash measurement and ACC stop & go simultaneously. The generation of different directional characteristics makes it possible to carry out an optimization with regard to the different demands in the various transmission branches. For example, a precrash measurement must be carried out in an extremely time-critical manner, while angle information, however, is of secondary importance.

[0008] In contrast thereto, in the case of ACC stop & go, an angular resolution is generally necessary. By making different directional characteristics available, it is therefore possible to dispense with angle information in the reception branch for precrash, which permits an extremely time-critical measurement, while in the reception branch for ACC stop & go, the directional characteristic is selected so that angle information is obtained.

[0009] Preferably, the means for emitting radar pulses has a wide directional characteristic. In this way, the entire angular range to be detected is covered.

[0010] The means for generating different directional characteristics in the various reception branches preferably generates a swivelling directional characteristic in at least one reception branch. This reception branch in which the swivelling directional characteristic is generated may therefore-be used for transmitting the angle information. The possibility thus exists, for example, of using the reception branch for ACC stop & go.

[0011] It may likewise be advantageous that the means for generating different directional characteristics in the various reception branches generates a wide directional characteristic in at least one reception branch. For applications in which angle information is not of primary importance, a wide directional characteristic is sometimes sufficient. For example, the reception branch having the wide directional characteristic may therefore be used for precrash.

[0012] It may likewise be advantageous that at least two different transmission branches are provided, and that means are provided for generating different directional characteristics in the various transmission branches. It is therefore possible to implement different directional characteristics on the transmitter side, as well, and thus to support the advantageous effects of parallel operation for different applications of the radar device. This is particularly advantageous when the radar device uses the same antennas for transmitting and receiving.

[0013] The means for generating different directional characteristics preferably has a control. Such a control receives, for example, signals from the reception branches as input signals. It may also be responsible for the weighting in terms of amplitude and phase, and thus for generating the different directional characteristics.

[0014] Means are preferably provided for generating modulated signals from the carrier-frequency signal, and means are provided for mixing the delayed, modulated signals with received signals. The radar device may therefore operate according to the correlation method. For instance, the distance of a target object may be inferred by correlation on the basis of the time delay from the emission to the reception of the radar pulses.

[0015] It may likewise be preferred that the means for emitting the radar pulses be implemented as a single transmitting antenna. It is thus sufficient that different directional characteristics are generated by an antenna array on the receiver end, while a single transmitting antenna is provided on the transmitter end.

[0016] However, it may also be useful if the means for emitting the radar pulses has an array including a plurality of antennas. These antennas may be positioned separate from the antenna array on the receiver end, or they may be identical with the antenna array on the receiver end. Thus, there is great flexibility within the scope of the present invention with respect to the layout of transmitting and receiving antennas.

[0017] It may also be advantageous that means are provided for generating a high pulse repetition frequency, and that means are provided for generating a low pulse repetition frequency. The different pulse rates may therefore be utilized for different applications, the different pulse repetition frequencies being used on the various directional characteristics.

[0018] The means for generating a low pulse repetition frequency preferably divides the high pulse repetition frequency by a whole number. Pulse repetition frequencies are thereby advantageously available which have an integer relationship. Generating the various pulse repetition frequencies in this manner is also efficient.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the radar pulses having the wide directional characteristic are emitted with the high pulse repetition frequency, and the radar pulses with the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted with the low pulse repetition frequency. For example, during this operation it is possible to perform the time-critical measurement on the wide directional characteristic using a high pulse repetition frequency, while for the swivelling directional characteristic, which is preferably less time-critical within the framework of the present invention, it is possible to work with the lower pulse repetition frequency.

[0020] It may likewise be useful if the radar pulses with the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted using a pulse repetition frequency that is modulated by a PN (“pseudo-noise”) code. When working with such a PN modulation, it is decided according to a PN code whether a pulse is sent or not. Since the PN code is known to the receiver, a target object may be detected by correlation.

[0021] The present invention is based on the method of the species, in that the radar pulses are received by an array having a plurality of antennas, the signal power is divided over at least two different reception branches, and different directional characteristics are generated in the various reception branches. Using a method of this type, it is possible, for example, to implement a precrash measurement and ACC stop & go simultaneously. The generation of different directional characteristics makes it possible to carry out an optimization with regard to the different demands in the various transmission branches. For example, a precrash measurement must be carried out in an extremely time-critical manner, while angle information, however, is of secondary importance. In contrast thereto, in the case of ACC stop & go, an angular resolution is generally necessary. By making different directional characteristics available, it is therefore possible to dispense with angle information in the reception branch for precrash, which permits an extremely time-critical measurement, while in the reception branch for ACC stop & go, the directional characteristic is selected so that angle information is obtained.

[0022] It may be advantageous if the radar pulses are emitted with a wide directional characteristic. In this way, the entire angular range to be detected is covered.

[0023] Preferably, a swivelling directional characteristic is generated in at least one reception branch. This reception branch in which the swivelling directional characteristic is generated may therefore be used for transmitting the angle information. The possibility thus exists, for example, of using the reception branch for ACC stop & go.

[0024] It may be advantageous if a wide directional characteristic is generated in at least one reception branch. For applications in which angle information is not of primary importance, a wide directional characteristic is sometimes sufficient. For example, the reception branch having the wide directional characteristic may therefore be used for precrash.

[0025] It may likewise be useful if different directional characteristics are generated in the various transmission branches. It is therefore possible to implement different directional characteristics on the transmitter side, as well, and thus to support the advantageous effects of parallel operation for different applications of the radar device. This is particularly advantageous when the radar device uses the same antennas for transmitting and receiving.

[0026] The different directional characteristics are preferably generated by a control. Such a control receives, for example, signals from the reception branches as input signals. It may also be responsible for the weighting in terms of amplitude and phase, and thus for generating the different directional characteristics.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if delayed, modulated signals are generated from the carrier-frequency signal, and if the delayed, modulated signals are mixed with received signals. The radar device may therefore operate according to the correlation method. For instance, the distance of a target object may be inferred by correlation on the basis of the time delay from the emission to the reception of the radar pulses.

[0028] Usefully, the radar pulses are emitted by a single transmitting antenna. It is thus sufficient that different directional characteristics are generated by an antenna array on the receiver end, while a single transmitting antenna is provided on the transmitter end.

[0029] It may likewise be advantageous if the radar pulses are emitted by an array having a plurality of antennas. These antennas may be positioned separate from the antenna array on the receiver end, or they may be identical with the antenna array on the receiver end. Thus, there is great flexibility within the scope of the present invention with respect to the layout of transmitting and receiving antennas.

[0030] Moreover, it is particularly useful within the framework of the present invention if a high pulse repetition frequency is generated and if a low pulse repetition frequency is generated. The different pulse rates may therefore be utilized for different applications, the different pulse repetition frequencies being used on the various directional characteristics.

[0031] In this connection, it is particularly advantageous if the low pulse repetition frequency is produced by dividing the high pulse repetition frequency by a whole number. Pulse repetition frequencies are thereby advantageously available which have an integer relationship. Generating the various pulse repetition frequencies in this manner is also efficient.

[0032] Preferably, the radar pulses having the wide directional characteristic are emitted with the high pulse repetition frequency, and the radar pulses with the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted with the low pulse repetition frequency. For example, during this operation, it is possible to perform the time-critical measurement on the wide directional characteristic using a high pulse repetition frequency, while for the swivelling directional characteristic, which is preferably less time-critical within the framework of the present invention, it is possible to work with the lower pulse repetition frequency.

[0033] The radar pulses with the swivelling directional characteristic are preferably emitted using a pulse repetition frequency that is modulated by a PN (“pseudo-noise”) code. When working with such a PN modulation, it is decided according to a PN code whether a pulse is sent or not. Since the PN code is known to the receiver, a target object may be detected by correlation.

[0034] The present invention is based on the surprising finding that a plurality of sensor applications may be implemented concurrently in one sensor using different directional characteristics. A flexible adaptation of the directional characteristic to the specific application may be carried out during the operation. The radar device of the present invention may provide an angular resolution, thereby making it possible to reduce the total number of sensors in a motor vehicle. The signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) is improved, since a plurality of antennas is used on the receiver end. Moreover, the signal-to-noise ratio may be increased in the manner that the average power is raised by increasing the pulse repetition frequency, such an increase in the pulse repetition frequency being possible depending on the practical application. A simultaneous increase of the pulse repetition frequency and a lowering of the peak pulse power, relevant for approval, may then lead to a retention of the signal-to-noise ratio, while at the same time, however, the electromagnetic compatibility of the radar device is increased. Improvement of the electromagnetic compatibility, that is to say, the ability of an electrical device to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without unacceptably influencing the environment to which other devices also belong, has advantages in view of the approval of the device before regulating authorities. It may likewise be advantageous that, given joint use of the antenna array as a transmitting and receiving antenna, the sensor on the whole is reduced in size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0035] The present invention shall now be clarified by way of example in terms of preferred specific embodiments, with reference to the accompanying Drawing, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first specific embodiment of a radar device according to the present invention; and

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second specific embodiment of a radar device according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first specific embodiment of a radar device according to the present invention. A carrier frequency, e.g. 24 GHz, is generated by a local oscillator 10. This carrier frequency is modulated in a transmission branch. The modulation is carried out by a pulse-shaping 12 which is connected to a control 42. This pulse-shaping element 12 actuates modulation means 14, so that modulated radar pulses having a specific pulse repetition frequency arrive at transmitting antenna 16. Transmitting antenna 16 radiates the radar pulses with a wide directional characteristic 36. After being reflected on a target object, the radar pulses are received by a receiving device. A plurality of antennas 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d is provided which receive the reflected radar pulses. Due to the subsequent switching operation in the reception branch, antennas 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d are able to operate with different directional characteristics. Thus, for example, a wide directional characteristic 32 or a narrow directional characteristic 34 may be made available. In addition, narrow directional characteristic 34 may be swivelling. The received radar pulses are processed in such a way that the radar pulses are initially conveyed to a 3 dB-divider, so that different reception branches 24, 26 are obtained. In the first reception branch, means 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are provided for modulating the phase and the amplitude of the received radar pulses. Means 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d for modulating the phase and the amplitude of the radar pulses are likewise provided in second reception branch 26. These means are influenced by control 42 in the manner that the specific directional characteristics are obtained in reception branches 24, 26. The resulting signals are supplied in first reception branch 24 to a first mixer 48. In second reception branch 26, the resulting signals are supplied to a second mixer 50. Both mixers 48, 50 receive modulated carrier-frequency signals, the modulation being effected by a pulse-shaping 13, connected to control 42, and modulation means 15. In this way, a correlation is obtained, and finally the further evaluation of the radar pulses may be carried out, i.e caused, in control 42. For example, swivelling directional characteristic 34 on the receiver end may be used for an operation with regard to ACC stop & go. By the swivelling of narrow directional characteristic 34, angle information is obtained with respect to the target objects. Since the ACC stop & go operation is not generally particularly time-critical, there is sufficient time for swivelling the reception lobe. In contrast, the precrash operation is extremely time-critical, so that here wide directional characteristic 32 is used on the receiver end.

[0039] In the present example according to FIG. 1, two reception branches are provided. It is likewise possible to provide more than two reception branches; more than two directional characteristics may also be implemented. Therefore, the directional characteristics may be optimized depending on the practical application.

[0040] Moreover, it should be noted that the precrash and the ACC stop & go applications are only examples of applications which are typical for a time-critical and an angle-critical application, respectively. The present invention may likewise be utilized for the parallel, optimized operation of other practical applications.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a further specific embodiment of a radar device according to the present invention. Elements which correspond to those from FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. In the specific embodiment according to FIG. 2, antenna array 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d is used both for transmitting and for receiving operation. Preferably, different pulse repetition frequencies are used on the various directional characteristics. These different pulse repetition frequencies are realized by the interaction of control 42 with pulse-shaping 12a, 12b and modulation means 14a14b, or by the interaction of control 32 with pulse-shaping 13a, 13b and modulation means 15a15b. Two transmission branches 38, 40 are provided, the different pulse repetition frequencies being selected so that the monomode range of the radar device is not violated. In general, the monomode range of a radar device is inversely proportional to the pulse repetition frequency. For example, if a pulse repetition frequency of 50 MHz is present, a monomode range of 3 m results. This monomode range may be sufficient to make an adequate precrash operation available. However, the monomode range of 3 m is generally not sufficient for an operation with ACC stop & go. Therefore, it is possible within the scope of the present invention to operate the wide directional characteristic with a high pulse repetition frequency of, for example, 50 MHz, while a further lower pulse repetition frequency is produced by dividing the high pulse repetition frequency by a whole number. This low pulse repetition frequency is now transmitted on narrow, swivelling directional characteristic 34. If reception pulses having the higher pulse repetition frequency, which were transmitted via the wide directional characteristic, are now received at the output of the narrow directional characteristic, then these errors may nevertheless be eliminated by comparing both channels and based on the different power levels. The monomode range may be increased by switchover of the two pulse repetition frequencies.

[0042] In this connection, a further possibility of the modulation of radar pulses is especially worth mentioning. This lies in the emitting of radar pulses, which were modulated with a pseudo-noise code (PN code) with a high pulse repetition frequency, this PN modulation being used on the narrow directional characteristic. Either a pulse is emitted or not, in accordance with the PN code. Since the PN sequence is known to the receiver, the object may be detected by correlation.

[0043] Thus, for instance, the following scenario may come about with respect to the precrash and ACC stop & go applications indicated by way of example. For the time-critical application (precrash), distance range R1 may be scanned, for example, ten times within a time interval T1. In the same interval T1, a less time-critical application (ACC stop & go) may at the same time scan a larger distance range R2 (R2>R1) one time each at various swivel angles.

[0044] The preceding description of the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention is used only for purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the present invention. Various changes and modifications are possible within the framework of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the invention or its equivalents.

Claims

1. A radar device, comprising means (10) for generating a carrier-frequency signal, means (12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b) for shaping pulses, means (14, 14a, 14b, 15, 15a, 15b) for generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, means (16, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for emitting modulated signals as radar pulses, means (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for receiving radar pulses, and means (20) for processing the received radar pulses, wherein the means for receiving the radar pulses has an array including a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), the means (20) for processing the radar pulses has means for dividing the signal power over at least two different reception branches (24, 26), and means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) are provided for generating different directional characteristics (32, 34) in the various reception branches (24, 26).

2. The radar device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means (16, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d) for emitting radar pulses have a wide directional characteristic (36).

3. The radar device as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) for generating different directional characteristics (32, 34) generate a swivelling directional characteristic (34) in at least one reception branch.

4. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) for generating different directional characteristics in the various reception branches (24, 26) generate a wide directional characteristic (32) in at least one reception branch (24, 26).

5. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two different transmission branches (38, 40) are provided, and means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) are provided for generating different directional characteristics (34, 36) in the various transmission branches (38, 40).

6. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 42) for generating different directional characteristics have a control (42).

7. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein means (13, 13a, 13b, 15, 15a, 15b) are provided for generating modulated signals from the carrier-frequency signal, and means (48, 50) are provided for mixing the delayed, modulated signals with received signals.

8. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for emitting the radar pulses is implemented as a single transmitting antenna (16).

9. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for emitting the radar pulses has an array including a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d).

10. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein means are provided for generating a high pulse repetition frequency, and means are provided for generating a low pulse repetition frequency.

11. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for generating a low pulse repetition frequency divides the high pulse repetition frequency by a whole number.

12. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar pulses having the wide directional characteristic are emitted with the high pulse repetition frequency, and the radar pulses having the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted with the low pulse repetition frequency.

13. The radar device as recited in one of the preceding claims, wherein the radar pulses having the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted with a pulse repetition frequency that is modulated by a PN (“pseudo-noise”) code.

14. A method for operating a radar device, comprising the steps: generating a carrier-frequency signal, shaping of pulses, generating modulated radar pulses from the carrier-frequency signal, emitting the modulated signals as radar pulses, receiving of radar pulses, and processing the received radar pulses, wherein the radar pulses are received by an array having a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d), the signal power is divided over at least two different reception branches (24, 26), and different directional characteristics (32, 34) are generated in the various reception branches (24, 26).

15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the radar pulses are emitted with a wide directional characteristic (36).

16. The method as recited in claim 14 or 15, wherein a swivelling directional characteristic (34) is generated in at least one reception branch (24, 26).

17. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 16, wherein a wide directional characteristic (32) is generated in at least one reception branch (24, 26).

18. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 17, wherein different directional characteristics are generated in the various transmission branches.

19. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 18, wherein the different directional characteristics are generated by a control (42).

20. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 19, wherein delayed, modulated signals are generated from the carrier-frequency signal, and the delayed, modulated signals are mixed with received signals.

21. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 20, wherein the radar pulses are emitted by a single transmitting antenna (16).

22. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 21, wherein the radar pulses are emitted by an array having a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d).

23. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 22, wherein a high pulse repetition frequency is generated, and a low pulse repetition frequency is generated.

24. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 23, wherein the low pulse repetition frequency is produced by dividing the high pulse repetition frequency by a whole number.

25. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 24, wherein the radar pulses having the wide directional characteristic are emitted with the high pulse repetition frequency, and the radar pulses having the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted with the low pulse repetition frequency.

26. The method as recited in one of claims 14 through 25, wherein the radar pulses having the swivelling directional characteristic are emitted with a pulse repetition frequency that is modulated by a PN (“pseudo-noise”) code.