Abstract: A sensor front end that is able to discriminate objects based on their range from the sensor and to derive bearing information therefrom. The sensor system may include a signal source for generating source signal; an antenna system for transmitting the source signal to and receiving a reflected signal from the object; wherein the antenna system is configured for introducing a phase shift into either the source signal or the reflected signal to create a plurality of signal patterns; and an information processor programmed to receive the reflected signal and to determine bearing information for the object based on position and phase information in the plurality of signal patterns.

Abstract: A sensor front end is disclosed that is able to discriminate objects based on their range from the sensor and to derive bearing information therefrom. The sensor system may include a signal source for generating source signal; an antenna system for transmitting the source signal to and receiving a reflected signal from the object; wherein the antenna system is configured for introducing a phase shift into either the source signal or the reflected signal to create a plurality of signal patterns; and an information processor programmed to receive the reflected signal and to determine bearing information for the object based on position and phase information in the plurality of signal patterns.

Abstract: A microwave sensor for determining the velocity and direction of a moving object comprises a mixer, phase shifter, and receive/transmit antenna mounted in series, the mixer having a single intermediate frequency output. The intermediate frequency output is switched synchronously with the phase shifter which is switched between 0.degree. phase shift and 45.degree. phase shift. Although the mixer has only a single intermediate frequency output, the switching provides two output channel signals and with a phase difference of 90.degree. therebetween to enable determination of the direction of movement. The single intermediate frequency channel provides intrinsic gain matching of the output channels which eliminates the need for tuning in order to balance output channels as required in conventional sensor.