Modeling and Simulating Radar Imaging Systems for Autonomous Vehicles
Leuven | More than two weeks ago
You will help creating radar images approaching camera and Lidar resolution
The usability of radars as imagers in modern autonomous vehicles has seen a significant increase in the past two decades towards achieving full autonomy. Mainly, millimeter-wave imagers are better than optical imagers when it comes to the all-weather operation capability as well as the ambient-light independence [1]. However, optical imagers come superior to millimeter-wave imagers in terms of angular resolution. The concept of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) [2] can be used in autonomous vehicles to achieve higher angular resolution. This is done by exploiting the motion of the platform on which the Radar is mount.
IMEC has a vast on-going research project on automotive millimeter-wave radars. An initial tool has been developed to assess several imaging methods [3].
In this topic, the student will further develop the existing tool to support advanced SAR configurations, to include compatibility with the radar waveform and include practical non-ideal effects such as platform positioning errors. Then, the student will use the updated tool to explore, analyze, and compare effective approaches for 2D/3D antenna array configuration and processing for autonomous imaging applications [4].
Type of work: Modelling, simulation, and Radar signal processing.
The successful candidate will have the following skills:
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Ideally: knowledge of basic radar concepts and SAR imaging methods. Alternately, knowledge of wireless communications (physical layer) and beamforming.
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Proficiency with Matlab
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Basic signal processing
Type:
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Master Thesis internship (6 months)
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Preceded by optional summer internship (3 months)
[1] Patole, S. M., Torlak, M., Wang, D., & Ali, M. (2017). Automotive radars: A review of signal processing techniques. IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, 34(2), 22-35.
[2] Gorham, L. A., & Moore, L. J. (2010, April). SAR image formation toolbox for MATLAB. In Algorithms for Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery XVII (Vol. 7699, p. 769906). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
[3] Mohammadian, N., Furxhi, O., Short, R., & Driggers, R. (2019, May). SAR millimeter wave imaging systems. In Passive and Active Millimeter-Wave Imaging XXII (Vol. 10994, p. 109940A). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
[4] Mohammadian, N., Furxhi, O., Short, R., & Driggers, R. (2019). Performance comparison of sparse array millimeter wave imager configurations. Optics Express, 27(14), 19292-19308.
Type of project: Combination of internship and thesis
Duration: 6 months
Required degree: Master of Engineering Technology, Master of Science, Master of Engineering Science
Required background: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact: Adnan Al baba (Adnan.Albaba@imec.be)