A high accuracy microwave ranging system for industrial applications

A microwave ranging system that employs a composite frequency modulated continuous wave/continuous wave (FMCW/CW) measurement technique is described. Conventional FMCW radar techniques are employed to find the approximate range of the target. An ambiguous but very accurate set of range solutions is also determined through a CW measurement. The correct, precision CW distance measurement is resolved on the basis of the approximate FMCW solution. An adaptive, spatial digital filtering routine applied to the FMCW radar measurements reduces the influence of clutter, ensuring reliable operation. An X-band prototype system that achieves submillimeter accuracy is described.<
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