Time-sharing radar system

Abstract

A radar system and method for use in collision avoidance systems. A radar system in accordance with the present invention may comprise a plurality of antennas, an RF power generator, a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and a direction detector. Each of the antennas is arranged to radiate a beam having substantially the same pattern as the beams radiated by the other antennas. The beam of each antenna is radiated in a slightly different direction from the beams radiated by the other antennas. Each antenna is also arranged to receive return beams, wherein each of the return beams comprises a beam radiated from one of the beam radiating means and reflected by an object. The RF power generator generates RF power of nearly constant amplitude. The transmitting unit distributes the RF power to each of the antennas, and the RF power is radiated successively. The receiving unit generates amplitude detecting signals which are used to detect the amplitudes of the return beams received by the antennas. Each of the amplitude detecting signals is utilized by a pair of antennas. One antenna of each pair radiates a beam and receives a return beam produced therefrom. The other antenna receives a return beam produced by a beam radiated by an adjacent antenna. The direction detecting means detects a direction to the object based on the amplitude detecting signals, the arrangement of the antennas, and a timing of distribution of FM signals to the antennas.