Generation of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Radar Waveforms

Traditional adaptive processing utilizes the return signal in a manner designed to extract maximal information from a given radar return. MIMO radar processing, which is predicated on a totally digital receiver and an AESA transmitter is envisioned to take this one step further via the transmission of a complex, spatially diverse signal which is designed to enhance the separation of returns at the receiver. This is what drives the concept of orthogonal waveforms. The interactions of the orthogonal waveforms, based on the manner in which they are processed on receive, defines, among other things, both transmit and receive patterns. In a MIMO radar, array and waveform design, therefore belong together and cannot be separated. TSC’s phase II proposal is composed of two parts. The first part is to participate in the process of designing the antenna geometry by supplying waveforms specifically tailored to bring out aspects of the antenna/waveform interaction. The second part of TSC’s proposal is geared toward the development of a suite of MIMO waveforms, and corresponding processing techniques, specifically designed for the chosen antenna configuration, with an outlook to supporting adaptive MIMO operations. BENEFIT: MIMO technology is a likely next phase in the evolution of radar. Just as STAP and other adapt on receive technologies have blossomed as computer and signal processing became increasingly more powerful, the concept of adapt for transmit waveform generation will benefit from ever increasing processing potential. This phase II effort will provide for groundbreaking waveform generation capabilities which will pave the way for MIMO technologies to be incorporated in a wide range of military and civilian radar applications.