Abstract: A target detecting device projects measuring light over a predetermined range in front of a vehicle, receives reflected light from a target, and detects the target or a distance to the target, based on a light reception signal output according to the light reception state. The light projecting unit includes a light emitting element emitting measuring light and light diffusion members. The light diffusion members are provided on an upper end portion and a lower end portion of a light projecting lens constituting part of a light projecting path, and diffuses, in the vertical direction, measuring light emitted from the light emitting element and traveling through the end portions in the vertical direction of the light traveling path while transmitting the measuring light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed in relation to antenna arrays. The method may include transmitting a reference signal to one or more remote user terminals from each of a plurality of sub-arrays of an antenna array, each sub-array including a quantity of radiating elements of the antenna array capable of establishing a backhaul link with a remote communications node. The method may also include receiving measurement signals from the one or more remote user terminals, indicative of one or more characteristics of the received reference signals. The method may also include selecting, based on received measurement signals, a first subset of the sub-arrays for backhaul communications with the remote communications node and a second subset of the sub-arrays, including one or more of the remaining sub-arrays, for access communications with the one or more remote user terminals.

Abstract: A programmable fiber-optic delay line simulates spatial distances for an environment sensor. The programmable fiber-optic delay line comprises: at least three optical transfer switches interconnected by a plurality of lengths of optical fiber, wherein the at least three optical transfer switches with the plurality of lengths of optical fiber are configured to provide a continuous delay line having a plurality of different selectable delay values, wherein the different delay values are selectable based on switch positions of the at least three optical transfer switches. A first terminal of a first optical transfer switch of the at least three optical transfer switches is connected to a third optical transfer switch of the at least three optical transfer switches, enabling bypassing of a second optical transfer switch of the at least three optical transfer switches.

Abstract: A test setup for measuring the impact of radar antenna covers is provided. The test setup comprises a radar sensor antenna configured to receive radar radiation and to generate radar radiation, a test antenna configured to generate radar radiation and to receive radar radiation and a radar sensor antenna cover that covers the radar sensor antenna. The test antenna comprises several antenna elements in elevation and/or azimuth direction.

Abstract: A method for adapting the pointing of a radar system in response to distortion of a deckhouse support structure supporting plural antenna arrays of the radar system is provided. The method comprises the steps of making repeated measurements between at least one laser tracker located within the support structure and laser targets mounted within the support structure, and comparing the current measurements with previous measurements to determine physical bias introduced into the structure.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for aligning a radar sensor included in a vehicle. One method includes generating a laser cross-beam in front of the radar sensor that is approximately perpendicular to a thrust line of the vehicle and mounting a sensor alignment apparatus on the radar sensor. The sensor alignment apparatus includes a mounting arm and a receiver flag. The mounting arm supports the receiver flag, and the receiver flag includes a first surface that intersects the cross-beam at a first point and a second surface opposite the first surface that intersects the cross-beam at a second point. The method further includes determining a position of the first point, determining a position of the second point, determining a difference between the position of the first point and the position of the second point, and determining an adjustment for the radar sensor based on the difference.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for aligning a radar sensor included in a vehicle. One method includes generating a laser cross-beam in front of the radar sensor that is approximately perpendicular to a thrust line of the vehicle and mounting a sensor alignment apparatus on the radar sensor. The sensor alignment apparatus includes a mounting arm and a receiver flag. The mounting arm supports the receiver flag, and the receiver flag includes a first surface that intersects the cross-beam at a first point and a second surface opposite the first surface that intersects the cross-beam at a second point. The method further includes determining a position of the first point, determining a position of the second point, determining a difference between the position of the first point and the position of the second point, and determining an adjustment for the radar sensor based on the difference.

Abstract: The invention concerns a Optical modulator, comprising an input suitable to receive an optical carrier, a high-frequency input and an output suitable to transmit an optical signal, the optical modulator comprising two Mach-Zender (1,2) modulators in parallel between the input and output, which constitute two different optical paths, the whole circuit constituting a third Mach-Zender modulator (3), the optical modulator being characterised in that: the first Mach-Zender modulator (1) is provided with an electrode suitable to carry, inside the modulator (1), two signals (RF1, RF2), each obtained by the sum of the two tones fR and fD, of equal power but dephased of ?/2, being further provided an electrode (Bias 1) for realising a Single Side Band modulation of the tones fR and fD; the second Mach-Zender modulator (2) is provided with an electrode (Bias 2) to realise statically a phase inversion of the optical carrier; the third Mach-Zender modulator (3) comprising an electrode (Bias 3) suitable to realise the

Abstract: A system for testing radar in accordance with one embodiment comprising a target motion platform; a target motion platform controller for controlling motion of the platform; a radar responsive tag and a delay line located on the target motion platform; the radar which is being tested; and a motion measurement simulator for inputting data to the radar electronics assembly to simulate movement of the radar. In some embodiments the system further comprises a radar motion platform, wherein the radar electronics assembly is positioned on the radar motion platform; a radar motion platform controller for controlling the movement of the radar motion platform; and a master controller coupled to the radar motion platform controller and the target motion platform controller.

Abstract: A system for testing radar in accordance with one embodiment comprising a target motion platform; a target motion platform controller for controlling motion of the platform; a radar responsive tag and a delay line located on the target motion platform; the radar which is being tested; and a motion measurement simulator for inputting data to the radar electronics assembly to simulate movement of the radar. In some embodiments the system further comprises a radar motion platform, wherein the radar electronics assembly is positioned on the radar motion platform; a radar motion platform controller for controlling the movement of the radar motion platform; and a master controller coupled to the radar motion platform controller and the target motion platform controller.

Abstract: A system for testing radar in accordance with one embodiment comprising a target motion platform; a target motion platform controller for controlling motion of the platform; a radar responsive tag and a delay line located on the target motion platform; the radar which is being tested; and a motion measurement simulator for inputting data to the radar electronics assembly to simulate movement of the radar. In some embodiments the system further comprises a radar motion platform, wherein the radar electronics assembly is positioned on the radar motion platform; a radar motion platform controller for controlling the movement of the radar motion platform; and a master controller coupled to the radar motion platform controller and the target motion platform controller.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the angle of elevation of the beam axis (90) of a front-looking radar antenna (68). A first fixture (140) has an indicator (120) for indicating angle of elevation and a first laser (148) aimed in a direction that, as viewed normal to a horizontal surface (192) on which the vehicle is disposed, is parallel to the beam axis for shining on a target (144). A second fixture (142) has a second laser (174) aimed in a direction that, as viewed normal to the horizontal surface, is parallel to the direction of forward vehicle travel for shining on the target. The angle of elevation indicated on the indicator is used as a measure of the angle of elevation of the beam axis of the antenna and the azimuth of the beam axis is verified by the two laser beams shining in a predetermined relationship to each other on the target.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for generating simulated radar targets that eliminates the necessity for large outdoor test ranges and is relatively low in cost. The simulated radar target generating system provides complex targets of given simulated dimensions at given simulated distances when stimulated by signals emitted by the radar sensor in the sensor's operational frequency. The dimensions are simulated by the use of multi-tap delay device while the distances (or, range) are simulated by routing the signal, in the form of light, through a fiber optic delay of a desired length. This system, which costs less than $50 thousand, can be located as close as eight feet to the sensor under test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating microwave signal frequencies. An incident reference signal is provided. A first stimulus signal is also provided, the first stimulus signal having a first polarization and having a first predetermined relationship with the incident reference signal. A second stimulus signal is also provided, the second stimulus signal having a second polarization and having a second predetermined relationship with the incident reference signal. The incident reference signal is split into a first polarization reference signal and into a second polarization reference signal. The first stimulus signal is coupled with the first polarization reference signal to provide first polarization mixed signals. The second stimulus signal is coupled with the second polarization reference signal to provide second polarization mixed signals.

Abstract: An automotive obstacle detecting system is provided which includes a radar to measure the distance to a target present within a detectable zone. The system monitors a distance limit measurable by the radar and determines a reduction in ability to measure the distance to the target by comparing the distance limit with a given reference value.

Abstract: In a method of adjusting the axis of a car on-board radar, especially, a car on-board mono-pulse radar having the function of transmitting radio waves, light or ultrasonic waves, a car axis and an offset axis are set and the mount angle of an antenna offset-mounted on the offset axis can be adjusted with high precision and with ease through a reduced number of process steps.

Abstract: A radar test system for producing multiple delayed replicas of a radio frequency radar signal is provided. A laser diode is adapted to receive the radar signal and generate a modulated optical wave signal carrying the radar signal. The modulated optical wave signal passes through a fiber optic delay line. The delayed optical wave signal engages a partially transmissive and reflective assembly wherein a first portion of the optical wave signal is transmitted therethrough and a second portion is reflected back to the laser diode. That portion of the optical wave signal reflected back to the laser diode is amplified therein and subsequently regenerated. The signal transmitted through the partially transmissive and reflective assembly is demodulated to extract the optical wave leaving only the radar signal. In this manner, a series of multiple echoes of the radar signal is produced.

Abstract: A programmable fiber optic delay system employs multiple programmable fiber optic delay lines, and switches among the delay lines for inclusion in an overall delay path. Switching among the delay lines is coordinated with the programming of those lines so that only a delay line with a settled delay program is included in the overall delay path. Each delay line consists of a plurality of fiber optic segments of varying length. The line's delay is programmed by switching in particular segments whose aggregate lengths correspond to a desired delay period. The multiple delay lines are used to simulate target speed and distance for use in testing a radar system. The programming of each individual delay line and the switching between lines is preferably controlled by a computer resident in the target simulator.