A MTD and angle estimation method of LFMCW radar for automotive applications

For moving targets warning in front of the automobile within 180° scan coverage in azimuth, a moving target detection (MTD) and angle estimation method of linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) radar based on multi-beam receiving antenna is presented. By controlling, the received echo signals from two adjacent beams of multi-beam antenna are sampled into the receiver periodically and processed for range, velocity and angle estimation. The system can realize 180° azimuth coverage in ease for operating in electronically scanning mode. Ground clutter signals at low grazing angle illumination of this radar are sampled and analyzed to obtain priori knowledge of environment clutters and radar internal noise. Experimental results validate the feasibility of the method.