2016-583 Interference Tolerant Radar System for Self-Driving Vehicles

SUMMARY

UCLA researchers in the Department of Electrical Engineering have developed a low cost radar system that can detect up to 22 vehicles within 15 cm range.

BACKGROUND

Radar is one of the oldest and most efficient methods to detect objects. It is used in diverse applications such as detection of aircraft, ships, missiles, navigation system in vehicles and so on. However, current radar-based methods are limited by interference - the physical phenomenon of signal cancellation due to multiple signals transmitted in close proximity. It is especially important in emerging technologies such as driver-less cars that require highly accurate navigation systems. Current state of the art relies on frequency-modulated, continuous-wave radars but these are limited on the number of users that can be accurately detected and have limited range.

INNOVATION

UCLA researchers have developed a radar system that overcomes the limitations of the current technology. It is a CMOS radar system and is tolerant to interference. It can detect signals from up to 22 vehicles in adjacent positions. Prototype tested in the lab showed an excellent range of up to 15cm.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

  • Navigation in self-driving vehicles

ADVANTAGES

  • Can detect up to 22 vehicles
  • Minimum 15cm range
  • Low cost
  • Low energy

RELATED MATERIALS

STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

Prototype designed and successfully tested in lab

PATENT STATUS

United States Of America       Issued Patent       10,852,389       12/01/2020

Patent Information:
For More Information:
Nikolaus Traitler
Business Development Officer (BDO)
nick.traitler@tdg.ucla.edu
Inventors:
Mau-Chung Frank Chang
Yu-Hsiu Wu
Categories:
Electrical > Wireless