A Simple and Versatile Concept to Improve Dynamic Range and Enable Target Angle Adaptability in Radar Target Simulators

Birkenhauer C, Körner G, Stief P, Hamberger G, Beer M, Carlowitz C, Vossiek M (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Original Authors: Christoph Birkenhauer, Georg Körner, Patrick Stief, Gerhard Hamberger, Matthias Beer, Christian Carlowitz, Martin Vossiek

Pages Range: 1-11

DOI: 10.1109/JMW.2023.3296594

Abstract

Radar target simulators are not only a critical tool for verifying and testing radar systems but also play an important role in supporting the development of self-driving cars. Advances in radar sensors and techniques raise the required specifications for these units, increasing their complexity and cost. This article presents a novel and universal concept for radar target simulators that addresses these issues by responding only to the transmitted signal of a radar sensor during a fraction of the time, therefore modulating the average of the signal. This offers advantages for three independent use cases, which may be combined. First, the dynamic range and resolution of simulated target echo power can be improved even for existing systems. Second, the simulation of multiangle scenarios with a single backend is possible with this approach. Finally, hardware complexity and power consumption can be reduced. The proposed concept is examined extensively for frequency-modulated continuous wave radar, and design decisions are made. The theoretical considerations are validated with measurements with a real radar target simulator showing an improvement of up to 30dB in the dynamic range with no observable negative side effects.

Authors with CRIS profile

Additional Organisation(s)

Involved external institutions

Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Birkenhauer, C., Körner, G., Stief, P., Hamberger, G., Beer, M., Carlowitz, C., & Vossiek, M. (2023). A Simple and Versatile Concept to Improve Dynamic Range and Enable Target Angle Adaptability in Radar Target Simulators. IEEE Journal of Microwaves, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1109/JMW.2023.3296594

MLA:

Birkenhauer, Christoph, et al. "A Simple and Versatile Concept to Improve Dynamic Range and Enable Target Angle Adaptability in Radar Target Simulators." IEEE Journal of Microwaves (2023): 1-11.

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