An Evaluation of Nonsinusoidal Radar Techniques

Abstract : A preliminary investigation into the feasibility of using large relative bandwidth signals and wideband radar systems in conventional narrowband radar system applications is presented. A generic set of radar applications is identified and the capabilities and limitations of current narrowband radars in these applications are discussed. An end-to-end formulation and analysis of a generic wideband radar system using signals of arbitrary spectral content is developed for the specific application of target detection in clutter plus noise. This analysis serves as the ground work for future analyses required to assess the performance of wideband systems of other radar applications. The results clearly show the tradeoff between the spectral content of the signal, the properties of the target, clutter, and propagation medium, and other system constraints. Current research at other organizations in large relative bandwidth radar applications and components is reviewed and evaluated. The results of the evaluation are used to identify those research efforts which merit further investigation, particularly in the form of an end-to-end systems analysis similar to that described above. Recommendations are made for future studies in both radar applications and system components.