Ultra wide swath SAR based on waveform diversity

This paper introduces the concept of waveform diversity, varied pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and digital beam forming (DBF) into the design of wide swath, high resolution SAR system. By transmitting orthogonal waveforms, the range ambiguity is suppressed. The blind zones are eliminated by adopting varied PRF. DBF in elevation ensures effective receive of the backscattered signal. The swath width is therefore enlarged whereas the image degradation is negligible. Moreover the azimuth ambiguity-to-signal ratio (AASR) and range ambiguity-to-signal ratio (RASR) are lower compared with traditional SAR systems. The basic principles are advanced and the characteristics of the new system architecture are investigated. A preliminary design of an example system is presented at last.