Linearization Concepts and Algorithms for High Resolution FM Radar Systems

Frequency modulated (FM) radar is a promising concept for various applications in the automotive, industrial or household field. Efficient use of power, low distortion of other application/services, the robustness against interference, the ability of simultaneously measuring distance and speed are technical features; the high synergy between radar and communication transceiver as cost and functionality aspects are reasons for the use of FM-radar systems. Two system parts, not directly related to the RF hardware and therefore often not considered with the necessary care, are key elements to achieve an optimal performance/cost relation of FM-Radar: The RF-VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) driving circuit (usually a CW or frequency sweep signal is required), and the algorithms for signal evaluation (usually frequency estimation is required). These two topics are closely related as the applicability of model based algorithms that yield much better performance than the usual Fourier analysis, require signals with as little systematic distortion as possible. In this project novel concepts, components and algorithms should be investigated that are addressing the aforementioned problems. The project work will therfore be focussed on the development of advanced VCO driving circuits as well as the development/application of high resolution state space algorithms for radar signal evaluation. With the combination of both parts a complete radar system will be implemented. A design/cost optimization of the hardware and the implementation of the developed algorithms on a standard DSP for a reference application will be further topics of the project. Based on this practical implementation and by breaking up the usual rather strong separation between hardware and software aspects, novel opportunities to realize low cost high performance radar systems should be demonstrated within the project.