Short-range harmonic radar: Chirp waveform, electronic targets

Gregory J. Mazzaro, Kyle A. Gallagher, Anthony F. Martone, Kelly D. Sherbondy, Ram M. Narayanan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Radio-frequency (RF) electronic targets, such as man-portable electronics, cannot be detected by traditional linear radar because the radar cross section of those targets is much smaller than that of nearby clutter. One technology that is capable of separating RF electronic targets from naturally-occurring clutter is nonlinear radar. Presented in this paper is the evolution of nonlinear radar at the United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and recent results of short-range over-the-air harmonic radar tests there. For the present implementation of ARL"™s nonlinear radar, the transmit waveform is a chirp which sweeps one frequency at constant amplitude over an ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB). The receiver captures a single harmonic of this entire chirp. From the UWB received harmonic, a nonlinear frequency response of the radar environment is constructed. An inverse Fourier Transform of this nonlinear frequency response reveals the range to the nonlinear target within the environment. The chirped harmonic radar concept is validated experimentally using a wideband horn antenna and commercial off-the-shelf electronic targets.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRadar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI
EditorsArmin Doerry, Chadwick Todd Hawley, G. Charmaine Gilbreath, Kenneth I. Ranney
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628415773
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventRadar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Apr 20 2015Apr 23 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9461
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherRadar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period4/20/154/23/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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