Patent ID: 9116241
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting precipitation using a radar sensor which emits a transmission signal whose frequency is varied periodically in successive modulation ramps, the method comprising: receiving, by the radar sensor, at least one signal; mixing, by a mixer of the radar sensor, the received signal with at least a portion of the transmission signal to produce at least one intermediate frequency signal; calculating, by a detection unit of the radar sensor, a first value as a function of first and second different predetermined frequency ranges of a modulation ramp of the intermediate frequency signal; comparing, by the detection unit, the calculated first value to a first threshold; analyzing, by the detection unit, whether a first criterion is met based on the comparing of the first value to the first threshold; calculating, by the detection unit, a second value as a function of a difference in signal power of at least two successive modulation ramps of the intermediate frequency signal; comparing, by the detection unit, the calculated second value to a second threshold; analyzing, by the detection unit, whether a second criterion is met based on the comparing of the second value to the second threshold; and generating, by the detection unit, a precipitation signal indicating whether precipitation is detected based on whether the first and second criterion are met.