Frequency Estimation Algorithm for FMCW Beat Signal Based on Spectral Refinement and Phase Angle Interpolation

Abstract

The beat signal obtained from frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar is a waveform that is corrupted by noise and requires filtering out interference components for frequency calibration. Traditional FFT methods are affected by the fence effect and spectral leakage, leading to a reduction in frequency estimation accuracy. Therefore, an improved double-spectrum-line interpolation frequency estimation algorithm is proposed in this paper, utilizing spectral refinement and phase interpolation. Firstly, the post-FFT spectral signal is refined to narrow the frequency search range and enhance frequency resolution, thereby separating the noise signal. Then, a frequency deviation factor is defined based on the relationship between adjacent phase angles. Finally, the signal’s phase angles are interpolated using the frequency deviation factor to estimate the frequency of the beat signal. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm reduces the impact of quantization on the frequency distribution and increases the signal’s noise resistance. The proposed algorithm has a higher accuracy and lower standard deviation compared to the recently proposed algorithm.