SIMULATION CONTROLLER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING A RADAR SCENARIO

Abstract

The invention relates to a versatile generation of radar signals for simulating a radar scenario. Radar signals may be generated by multiple RF output paths having different frequency ranges. Pulse descriptive words of radar signal simulation data are split into multiple groups according to the frequency or frequency range of the RF output paths and the split data are provided to the related RF output path.

Claims

1. A simulation controller for controlling a system for simulating a radar scenario, the simulation controller comprising: an output interface for providing pulse descriptive words, PDW, of radar signals according to predetermined radar signal scenario data to a number of at least two radio frequency, RF, output paths, wherein each RF output path generates radar signals, and the radar signals of different RF output paths relate to different frequency bands; and a control unit for splitting the PDW of the radar signal scenario data in to multiple groups relating to different frequency bands, and for assigning each group to a corresponding RF output path.

2. The simulation controller of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control an operation of the number of at least two RF output paths simultaneously.

3. The simulation controller of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to assign radar signals to at least two RF output paths simultaneously.

4. The simulation controller of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to assign multiple radar signals to a same RF output path simultaneously.

5. A system for simulating a radar scenario, the system comprising: a number of at least two radio frequency, RF, output paths, wherein each RF output path is configured to radar signals, and wherein the radar signals of different RF output paths relate to different frequency bands; a simulation controller, comprising an output interface for providing pulse descriptive words, PDW, of radar signals of predetermined radar signal scenario data to the number of at least two RF output paths; and a control unit for splitting the radar signals of the radar signal scenario data in to multiple groups of radar signals relating to different frequency bands, and for assigning each group of radar signals to a corresponding RF output path.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the number of at least two RF output paths is configured to generate radar signals of a different frequency band.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to assign radar signals to at least two RF output paths simultaneously.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to assign multiple radar signals to a same RF output path simultaneously.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the number of at least two RF output paths is configured to process and output multiple radar signals simultaneously.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein each RF signal path comprises a signal generator, in particular a vector signal generator.

11. The system of claim 5, comprising a combiner for combining output signals of the number of at least RF output paths

12. A method for simulating a radar scenario, the method comprising splitting, by a control unit, pulse descriptive words, PDW, of radar signals of predetermined radar signal scenario data into multiple groups of radar signals relating to different frequency bands; and providing, by the control unit, each group of radar signals to a corresponding radio frequency, RF, output path, wherein each RF output path generates radar signals, and the radio signals of different RF output paths relate to different frequency bands.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising controlling, by the control unit, an operation of the number of at least two RF output paths simultaneously.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising assigning, by the control unit, data signals of the radar signal scenario data to at least two RF output paths simultaneously.

15. The method of claim 12, comprising assigning multiple data signals of the radar signal scenario data to a same RF output path simultaneously.

16. The method of claim 12, comprising generating, by the number of RF paths, data signals according to the radar signals provided by the control unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taking in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, which are specified in the schematic figures and the drawings, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1: shows a schematic block diagram of a system for simulating a radar scenario according to an embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 2: shows a schematic diagram illustrating a generation of a radar sequence according to an embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 3: shows a schematic diagram illustrating a division of radar signals into multiple paths according to an embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 4: shows a schematic diagram illustrating interleaving of radar signals as performed by an embodiment; and

[0036] FIG. 5: shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for simulating a radar scenario according to an embodiment.

[0037] The appended drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, help to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned become apparent in view of the drawings. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown in scale.

[0038] In the drawings, same, functionally equivalent and identical operating elements, features and components are provided with same reference signs in each case, unless stated otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a system for simulating a radar scenario. The system comprises a simulation controller 1 and a number of two or more radio frequency (RF) output paths 2-i. The simulation controller 1 may control operation of the RF output paths 2-i and provide the output paths 2-i with appropriate data for generating radio frequency signals, in particular radar signals. For example, simulation controller 1 may provide the output paths 2-i with pulse descriptive words for specifying the desired radar signals. The simulation controller 1 and the multiple RF output paths 2-i may be communicatively coupled by an appropriate communication link, for example a wired communication link such as a network connection or the like. For this purpose, an output interface 12 of the simulation controller 1 may be connected with an input port 21-i of each RF output path 2-i.

[0040] Each RF output path 2-i may comprise a signal generator 20-i. The signal generators 20-i of the signal paths 2-i may generate radio frequency signals, in particular radar signal based on the respective data received from the simulation controller 1. In particular, each RF output path 2-i, especially each signal generator 20-i may generate radio frequency signals of a specific frequency range. The frequency ranges of the individual RF output paths 2-i may be different. In particular, the frequency ranges of the multiple RF output paths 2-i may be adjacent or slightly overlapping. Accordingly, the combination of all signal paths 2-i may result in a continu-ous broad frequency range. However, it may be also possible that there may be some frequency gaps in the frequency range covered by the multiple RF output paths 2-i.

[0041] The signal generators 20-i of the RF output paths 2-i may be, for example a vector signal generator. However, any other appropriate signal generator for generating the desired radio frequency signals according to the data provided by the simulation controller 1 may be possible, too.

[0042] The generated output signals of the individual RF output paths 2-i may be provided at a respective output terminal 22-i. In particular, it may be possible to combine the individual output signals by a combiner 3 or the like. Accordingly, a common output signal comprising all radio frequency signals, in particular all radar signals of the individual RF output paths 2-i can be provided.

[0043] The operation of the individual RF output paths 2-i is controlled by simulation controller 1. For this purpose, simulation controller 1 may provide the RF output paths 2-i with appropriate control commands. Further to this, simulation controller 1 may provide the RF output paths with data for generating the desired radio frequency signals. In particular, the data for describing or defining the desired output signals may comprise pulse descriptive words of radar signals. Pulse descriptive words (PDW) describe the parameters of radar pulses. Based on such PDW, each output path 2-i may generate appropriate radar signals.

[0044] Simulation controller 1 may refer to predetermined radar signal scenario data and provide the RF output paths 2-i with control commands and PDW data according to the predetermined radar signal scenario data. For this purpose, simulation controller 1 may analyze the radar signal scenario data and split the radar signals in the radar signal scenario data into multiple groups. In particular, a separate group of radar signals is generated for each RF output path 2-i according to the frequency range of the respective RF output path 2-i. For example, simulation controller 1 may analyze the frequency or frequency spectrum of a desired radar signal and assign the radar signal to one of the RF output paths 2-i accordingly. After assigning the radar signals to the respective RF output path 2-i, the respective data, for example the PDW data may be sent to the respective RF output path 2-i. For example, the simulation controller 1 may send the data to the respective RF output path 2-i in real-time for causing the RF paths 2-i to generate the radar signal. The radar signal scenario data which are used by the simulation controller 1 may be radar signal scenario data which are stored in a local scenario memory 13 of the simulation controller 1. This scenario memory 13 may be a random access memory or a non-volatile memory. However, any other kind of memory for storing the radar signal scenario data may be possible, too. Furthermore, the radar signal scenario data may be also provided from an external memory device such as a USB stick, a secure data (SD) card or the like. It may be also possible that the radar signal scenario data may be provided from a remote device via a network connection or the like, and the simulation controller 1 may receive the data by means of an appropriate interface.

[0045] The analysis of the radar signal scenario data may be performed, for example, by a processing unit 11 of the simulation controller 1. This processing unit may read the radar signal scenario data from the internal scenario memory 13 or an external memory device 14 and split the radar signals according to the frequency ranges of the connected RF output paths 2-i. For this purpose, the frequency ranges of the connected RF output paths 2-i may be provided to the simulation controller 1 in any appropriate manner. For example, a user may enter the respective frequency ranges manually. However, it may be also possible that the simulation controller 1 obtains the respective frequency ranges of the connected RF output paths 2-i via a communication link, for example the communication link which is also used for providing the radar signal data to the RF output paths 2-i. In this way, the configuration of the simulation controller 1 with respect to the frequency ranges of the RF output paths 2-i may be performed automatically.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the generation of radar signals for simulating a radar scenario according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, two RF output paths 2-i are used. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to only two RF output paths 2-i. Moreover, any number of two or more RF output paths 2-i may be possible.

[0047] The area indicated by reference sign 110 shows RF signals 111 generated by a first RF output path. The elements shown in section 120 illustrate radar signals 121 generated by a second RF output path. As can be seen in this illustration, it may be possible to switch very fast between RF signals 111 output by the first RF output path and RF signals 121 output by a second RF output path. Moreover, it may be even possible to output RF signals 121 by a first output path and a second output path simultaneously.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration for illustrating how RF signals, in particular radar signals for a radar signal sequence may be generated by multiple RF output paths in order to obtain a common radar signal sequence. In this example, radar signals are generated by three RF output paths. In the first row radar signals 210 generated by a first RF output path are illustrated. The radar signals generated by this first RF output path may be radio frequency signals within a first frequency range.

[0049] In the second row further radio frequency signals 220 are shown which are generated by a second RF output path and accordingly, the third row shows further RF signals 230 generated by a third RF output path. As already mentioned above, each RF output path may generate RF signals of a specific frequency range. In particular, the frequency ranges of the individual RF output paths may be different from each other. Accordingly, simulation controller 1 may control each RF output path 2-i to generate radar signals in a respective frequency range. In this way, by combining the output of the three output paths a radar signal sequence as shown in the bottom row of FIG. 3 can be obtained. As can be seen in this illustration, the radar sequence comprises multiple radar signals of different frequency ranges. In particular, it is possible to obtain radar signals relating to different frequency ranges even within a very short period of time.

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a further example illustrating a generation of radar signals for simulating a radar scenario. In this example, simulation controller 1 may cause a single RF output path to generate multiple radar signals simultaneously. In the first line, the RF output path is controlled to generate a first RF 310 signal having first characteristics. Simultaneously, simulation controller 1 may control the same RF output path to generate a further RF signal 320 having second characteristics. By combining these two signals 310 and 320, it is possible to obtain a radar signal 330 with two or even more interleaved radio frequency signals. It is understood, that the generation of interleaved radar signals and the generation of radar signals relating to different frequency ranges by multiple RF output paths may be combined.

[0051] With the above described operation for generating radar signals for simulating a radar scenario, it is possible to generate complex radar signal sequences. In particular, radar signals relating to a wide range of frequencies can be generated without any temporal gap such as a dead time or the like between individual radar pulses even if the frequency differ-ence of successive radar pulses is high. By using a number of two or more RF output paths with signal generators, it is possible to operate each RF output path 2-i with a different frequency range and consequently, each RF output path can provide radar signals of a different frequency range. For example, each RF output path may operate in a frequency range of 2 GHz, 4 GHz, 8 GHz. However, it is understood, that any other frequency range or bandwidth of an RF output path 2-i may be also possible.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method for simulating a radar scenario according to an embodiment. It is understood, that the method may comprise any step for performing an operation as described above in connection with the system for simulating a radar scenario. Accordingly, the system for simulating a radar scenario may comprise any kind of element for performing an operation as described below in connection with the method for simulating a radar scenario.

[0053] The method may comprise a step S1 of splitting radar signals of predetermined radar signal scenario data into multiple groups of radar signals. In particular, the radar signals may be split in multiple groups relating to different frequency bands. The different frequency bands may relate to frequency bands of different RF output paths. The splitting may be performed, for example, by a control unit 1.

[0054] The method may further comprise a step S2 of providing each group of radar signals to corresponding RF output paths 2-i. As already mentioned above, each RF output path may generate radar signals according to pulse descriptive words.

[0055] The method may further comprise a step of controlling an operation of the number of at least two RF output paths 2-i simultaneously.

[0056] The method may further comprise a step of assigning RF signals of the radar signal scenario data to at least two RF output paths 2-i simultaneously.

[0057] The method may further comprise a step of assigning multiple RF signals of the RF signal scenario data to a same RF output path 2-i simultaneously.

[0058] The method may further comprise a step of generating radio frequency signals according to the provided radar signals. In particular, the generation of the radar signals may be performed by the RF output paths 2-i.

[0059] Summarizing, the present invention relates to an advanced and versatile generation of radar signals for simulating a radar scenario. Radar signals may be generated by multiple RF output paths having different frequency ranges. Accordingly, pulse descriptive words of radar signal simulation data are split into multiple groups according to the frequency or frequency range and the split data are provided to the related RF output path.

[0060] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0061] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in one or more examples or examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention. Many other examples will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon re-viewing the above specification.

[0062] Specific nomenclature used in the foregoing specification is used to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the specification provided herein that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not in-tended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; ob-viously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Throughout the specification, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0063] 1 simulation controller [0064] 2-1, . . . , 2-n RF output path [0065] 3 combiner [0066] 11 processing unit [0067] 12 output interface [0068] 13 scenario memory [0069] 14 external memory [0070] 20-1, . . . , 20-n signal generator [0071] 21-1, . . . 21-n input port [0072] 22-1, . . . , 22-n output terminal [0073] 110, 120 frequency range of RF output path [0074] 111,121 radar signals [0075] 210,220,230 radar signals [0076] 240 radar signal sequence [0077] 310, 320, 330 radar signals