ISBN 9783843940801

978-3-8439-4080-1, Reihe Elektrotechnik

Gerhard Franz Hamberger
Utilizing Polarimetric Information in Automotive Radar Systems - Antenna Concepts and System Considerations

193 Seiten, Dissertation Technische Universität München (2019), Softcover, A5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

Todays automotive radar sensors transmit and receive mostly single linearly polarized waves. However, it is well-known that there are scattering objects which cannot be recognized correctly by such sensors, leading to undetected targets. Such so called false negative scenarios must be avoided consequently in order to ensure safe operation and high reliability.

This dissertation presents a novel concept for deriving the polarimetric Sinclair scattering matrix with dual-polarized planar antenna technology. Single-layer planar antenna arrays fulfilling the hard constraints of the automotive area are designed and realized for the 24 GHz ISM-band and for 78 GHz, where the designated frequency band for high-resolution automotive radar systems is allocated. Because of space constraints and increased flexibility, the arrays are designed dual-linearly polarized. Additional microstrip circuitry is implemented in order to realize circularly polarized arrays. A measurement system for deriving the realized gain patterns of W-band antennas has been designed and is evaluated in detail with respect to measurement system errors.

A further step towards the deployment of the radar sensors is achieved by utilizing the measured antenna patterns in comprehensive radar system simulations. An investigation of several radar parameters and angular dependencies is performed by evaluating the complete Sinclair scattering matrix over a wide azimuthal range. It is demonstrated that it is possible to discriminate between canonical scatterers even for non-ideal antenna front-ends. Finally, antenna arrays for a radar sensor have been designed and the sensor was fabricated together with the Continental AG. First measurement results are provided.