JP2666581B2 - Radar equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radar device for measuring the position and information of a target.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 10 shows the configuration of a conventional radar apparatus. In the figure, 1 is an antenna element for transmitting and receiving radio waves, 2 is a transmitter for outputting a transmission signal and a transmission phase, and 3 is a mobile unit. A receiver 4 for converting a received signal from the phaser 5 into an intermediate frequency signal;
Is a phase shifter for setting a phase required for an antenna element to form a transmission / reception beam in an arbitrary direction; 6 outputs transmission phase information to a transmitter 2; and synthesizes a signal from the receiver 3; A signal processor 7 for forming one beam in the same transmission direction is a target information processor that can track a target using the antenna beam obtained by the signal processor 6.

Next, the operation will be described. Signal processor 6
, A transmission phase suitable for the transmission direction is calculated and output to the transmitter 2. When you submit in this state, if a goal exists,
Since the radio wave returns from the same direction as the transmission direction, the signal processor 6 performs signal processing so as to direct the reception beam in the transmission direction.

[0004]

The conventional radar device is configured as described above, and the signal processor 6 can only obtain information of one antenna beam. In addition, a plurality of transmission pulses whose transmission directions are changed must be transmitted and received, and it takes time to obtain information for tracking.
There has been a problem in that tracking multiple targets requires more time.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a radar apparatus which can efficiently track a plurality of targets in a short time.

[0006]

The radar apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with four types of signal processors for forming one narrow reception beam per type, and these form four antenna beams to form one narrow reception beam. Fixed time within pulse repetition time
Direction of the received beam for each target direction.
Others by changing the shape, detects the angular error for both the azimuth-elevation for each of the plurality of targets, 1 pulse rates
This enables multiple target tracking within the return time.
You.

A signal processor for synthesizing signals from the respective receivers to simultaneously form a plurality of reception beams and transmitting a wide beam to a space covering a plurality of reception beams formed by the signal processors. Thus, the function of controlling the transmitter is added.

According to the radar apparatus of the present invention, when synthesizing the signals from the respective receivers, the signal is generated within one pulse repetition time.
Reception corresponding to the direction in which the target exists by time-sharing every fixed time
Equipped with a signal processor that forms a beam, a memory that holds time-division data is added, and by processing the data in the memory, multiple targets can be tracked within one pulse repetition time.
It is a function.

In addition, a control function is provided in which radio waves are continuously transmitted in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, and after transmitting a plurality of pulses, an interval for reception is taken.

[0010]

According to the present invention, four types of signal processors for synthesizing a signal from each receiver for converting a microwave signal from an antenna into an intermediate frequency signal and forming one narrow receiving beam per type are obtained. Using the four narrow receive beams,
Existence of target by time division at fixed time intervals within pulse repetition time
By forming the receive beam corresponding to the direction,
Obtained by the target information device the angular error for both azimuth-elevation of, respectively with respect to the target.

Also, the present invention provides a method for synthesizing a signal from each receiver, which converts a microwave signal from an antenna into an intermediate frequency signal, at a certain time interval within one pulse repetition time.
The signal processor obtains the azimuth, height difference signal and sum signal of each of the plurality of targets corresponding to the direction in which the targets exist in a time-division manner .

By adding a signal processor for simultaneously forming a plurality of reception beams and a function of transmitting a wide beam to a space covering the formed plurality of reception beams, a time required for detecting a target at the time of search is reduced. I do.

Further, according to the present invention, a radio wave is continuously transmitted in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, and thereafter, a reception interval is taken, so that a plurality of targets can be irradiated with a radio wave per pulse repetition time. Will be possible.

[0014]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein 1 to 4 are exactly the same as the above-mentioned conventional apparatus. Numeral 8 denotes a signal processor for synthesizing signals from the receiver 3 to form one narrow reception beam for each set, 9 denotes a transmission controller for controlling a transmitter to transmit a transmission beam, and 10 denotes a type 4 set. A target information processor capable of detecting an angle error in both azimuth and elevation and tracking a target by using four narrow reception beams obtained by the signal processor 8 of FIG. Is temporarily stored in the first memory.

In the radar apparatus configured as described above, the signal from the receiver 3 is stored in the memory 19, and the information is signal-processed by each of the four signal processors 8, and four narrow beams are processed. Form. Using this information, the target information processing device 10 can perform monopulse tracking. Unlike a conventional radar device with a phase shifter, it is possible to form a reception beam in an arbitrary direction by the processing of the signal processor 8 using a signal from each receiver 3, so that a plurality of targets can be formed within one pulse repetition time. Tracking becomes possible.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the concept of target tracking. In order to perform monopulse tracking in the target information processor 10, four beam formings shown in FIG. 7A are required.
As shown in FIG. 7 (b), each signal processor 8 forms each beam for a fixed time within one pulse repetition time. The beam direction at this time is with respect to the target 1. In the next fixed time, the target 1 is tracked using the data of the four signal processors 8. At the same time, the four signal processors 8
Then, a target beam in the direction of a target 2 existing in a direction different from the target 1 is formed by using data in the memory to obtain target information. Then, tracking of the target 2 is performed in the next fixed time. Changes the direction of the received beam to the target direction at regular intervals.
And repeat the above process multiple times to repeat one pulse
Tracking of a plurality of targets can be performed within a short time .

Embodiment 2 FIG. 2 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
9 and 19 are the same as the embodiment shown in FIG.
By combining the data in the first memory 19, within one pulse repetition time, the time division in azimuth and elevation difference signal and the sum signal is possible signal processor to obtain the 12 by signal processor 11 1 A second memory 13 for holding data processed in a time-division manner at regular time intervals within the pulse repetition time , 13
Is a target information processor capable of tracking a target by processing data in the second memory 12.

In the radar device configured as described above, the signal from the receiver 3 is stored in the first memory 19, and the signal processor 11 uses the information to store the signal at a predetermined time interval.
The receiving beam is directed to the target direction in a time-division
By changing the beam shape, the azimuth / height difference signal and the sum signal required for target tracking are obtained. Then, the target information processing device 13 can perform monopulse tracking.
As in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to form a reception beam in an arbitrary direction at regular time intervals by the processing of the signal processor 11 using signals from the receivers 3. Tracking of multiple targets becomes possible.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the concept of target tracking. In order to perform monopulse tracking in the target information processor 13, three beam formings shown in FIG. 8A are required.
Target in the signal processor 11, as shown in FIG. 8 (b) 1
Determined at a certain time of the sum signal within one pulse repetition time for
Then, the information is stored in the second memory 12 at the next fixed time, and the difference signal of the height (EL direction) is obtained by using the data of the first memory 19. In the next fixed time, this information is stored in the second memory 12 and the first memory
The difference signal of the azimuth (Az direction) is obtained using the data of
In the next fixed time, this information is stored in the second memory 12,
The data in the second memory 12 is processed by the target information processing 13.
By processing, tracking is performed and it is different from goal 1.
The sum signal for the target 2 existing in the direction is obtained. More than
By repeating the process several times, within one pulse repetition time
Tracking of a plurality of targets becomes possible.

Third Embodiment FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
8 and 19 are the same as the embodiment shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 14 denotes a multi-beam signal processor for synthesizing signals from the receiver 3 to simultaneously form a plurality of reception beams. Reference numeral 15 denotes a space covering a plurality of reception beams formed by the multi-beam signal processor 14. A transmission controller, which can also control the transmitter 2 to transmit the beam, 16
Detects a target by processing the information of the multi-beam signal processor 14, when the predetermined time intervals within one pulse repetition time using four narrow beams obtained by further 4 Expression of the signal processor 8 The division detects angle errors in both the azimuth and elevation for each direction of the target , and repeats one pulse.
It is a target information processor that can track a plurality of targets within a return time .

As described above, in the radar apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of reception beams are simultaneously formed by the multi-beam signal processor 14 using the information stored in the first memory 19. Therefore, in the conventional radar apparatus, when searching for a target, the receiving beam is scanned. However, it is possible to simultaneously search a wide area without scanning the receiving beam.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
11, 12, 14, 15 and 19 are the same as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Reference numeral 17 denotes a target detected by processing information of the multi-beam signal processor 14, and further, one pulse repetition in the second memory 12.
Azimuth with respect to the target direction by time-sharing every fixed time in time
.By processing the information of the difference signal of the height and the sum signal
A target information processor capable of tracking a plurality of targets within one pulse repetition time . By forming a plurality of reception beams at the same time in the multi-beam signal processor 14, it goes without saying that it is possible to simultaneously search a wide area without scanning the reception beams when detecting a target.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
8, 10, and 19 are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIG. Reference numeral 18 denotes a transmission controller for transmitting radio waves continuously in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, and performing control such that a plurality of pulses are transmitted and then an interval for reception is taken.

In the radar apparatus configured as described above, the transmission controller 18 continuously transmits radio waves in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, and after transmitting a plurality of pulses, an interval for reception. , It is possible to reliably irradiate a plurality of targets with radio waves within one pulse repetition time.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show the concept of the transmission method. FIG. 9A shows a transmission method of a conventional radar device.
Only one transmission is performed within one pulse repetition time, and a reception interval is taken immediately after transmission. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9B, a radio wave is continuously transmitted in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, and a reception interval is taken after transmitting a plurality of pulses. The processing of the received signal is the same as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

Embodiment 6 FIG. 6 shows Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
11 to 13, 18 and 19 are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. By transmitting radio waves continuously in multiple directions without taking a reception interval and performing control to take a reception interval after transmitting a plurality of pulses, it is possible to reliably target a plurality of targets within one pulse repetition time. Radio waves can be emitted. The processing of the received signal is the same as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0027]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

Four sets of signal processors for forming one narrow receiving beam per set are provided . The azimuth and the height corresponding to the direction of the target in a time-divisional manner at regular intervals within one pulse repetition time.
By detecting the angle error of
To track multiple targets.

By processing the data from the receiver in a time-division manner at regular time intervals within one pulse repetition time, it is possible to obtain the azimuth in the direction in which the target exists and the sum signal and the difference signal of the elevation required for tracking. By having a signal processor,
Small hardware configuration within pulse repetition time
It is possible to track a plurality of targets.

By repeating the processing described in the above two effects a plurality of times within one pulse repetition time, it becomes possible to track a plurality of targets simultaneously.

A multi-beam signal processor for simultaneously forming a plurality of reception beams and a transmitter for transmitting a wide beam to a space covering a plurality of reception beams formed by the multi-beam signal processor. By providing the transmission controller, it is possible to greatly reduce the time required for detecting a target during a search.

Further, by providing a transmission controller for continuously transmitting radio waves in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, and thereafter providing a control to take a reception interval, a plurality of targets can be irradiated per pulse repetition time. It becomes possible to do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams of target tracking according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows a beam necessary for tracking, and FIG. 7B shows details of the operation of a signal processor. FIG.

8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams of target tracking in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows a beam necessary for tracking, and FIG. 8B shows details of the operation of a signal processor. FIG.

9A and 9B are conceptual diagrams of a transmission method according to Embodiments 5 and 6 of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a transmission method of a conventional radar device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a transmission method.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional radar device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 antenna element 2 transmitter 3 receiver 4 transmission / reception switch 5 phase shifter 6 signal processor 7 target information processor 8 signal processor 9 transmission controller 10 target information processor 11 signal processor 12 second memory 13 target Information processor 14 Multi-beam signal processor 15 Transmission controller 16 Target information processor 17 Target information processor 18 Transmission controller 19 First memory

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-2688 (JP, A) JP-A-2-206782 (JP, A) JP-A-2-165088 (JP, A) JP-A-2-2 162286 (JP, A)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of antenna elements for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a plurality of transmitters for outputting a transmission signal to the antenna element, and a plurality of receptions for converting a microwave signal from the antenna element into an intermediate frequency signal. A memory for temporarily holding signals from each of the receivers, four signal processors for synthesizing the data in the memory to form one narrow receive beam per set, and a transmit beam using a transmission controller for controlling the transmitter to transmit, four narrow receive beams obtained by the above equation 4 signal processor of the presence direction of the target at predetermined time intervals within one pulse repetition time
The receiving beam is changed in response to
Azimuth, and detecting the angular error of have both high and low Nitsu, 1 Pal
A radar apparatus comprising: a target information processing unit that tracks a target within a repetition time . 2. A plurality of antenna elements for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a plurality of transmitters for outputting a transmission signal to the antenna element, and a plurality of receptions for converting a microwave signal from the antenna element into an intermediate frequency signal. And a first memory for temporarily holding signals from each of the receivers, and combining the data in the first memory to correspond to a target existing direction in a time division manner within one pulse repetition time. A signal processor capable of obtaining a sum signal with an azimuth and elevation difference signal required for target tracking by changing the reception beam, and a time-division data output from the signal processor for holding the time-division data. A second memory, a transmission controller for controlling the transmitter to transmit a narrow beam transmission beam, and one pulse by processing data in the second memory.
A radar apparatus comprising: a target information processor capable of tracking a plurality of targets within a repetition time . 3. A multi-beam signal processor for synthesizing signals from respective receivers to simultaneously form a plurality of reception beams,
A function of controlling a transmitter to transmit a wide beam to a space covering a plurality of reception beams formed by the multi-beam signal processor is added to a transmission controller. The radar device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a function of detecting a target by processing information is added to the target information processing device. 4. A transmission controller which continuously transmits radio waves in a plurality of directions without taking a reception interval, performs control so as to take an interval for reception after transmitting a plurality of pulses. The radar device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein