SBIR-STTR Award

A novel signal/waveform model and signal processing algorithm suite that enhances radar systems performance, in the presence of noise and high clutter environments, and its associated discrimination capabilities is proposed. The algorithm allows for extraction of target information in range, azimuth and elevation angles while achieving very fine resolution and high accuracy. Target information at the output of the radar’s signal processor is obtained by separating nonlinearities between time, azimuth and elevation angles, and target height. An antenna’s field of view covered by the antenna beam is divided into a number of resolution cells each centered on a reference point. The analysis is for one resolution cell. The number of fine resolution cells leads to substantial reduction in clutter. Initial results, are shown to demonstrate at least an order of magnitude improvement in resolution with respect to classical radar processing. The new algorithm suite is independent of waveform design and will require, at most, only minimal changes to any current radar signal and data processing hardware or software.

Keywords:
Radar Waveform Signal processing Clutter Range resolution Range-Doppler Matched Filter Pulse Compression

A novel signal processing technique, totally comprised in software, was demonstrated in Phase I using a MATLAB based laboratory simulation and target/clutter data provided by the Government. Although Government supplied data was in a form suitable only for partial processing by the new technique, nevertheless, Signal to Clutter Ratio improvements of 7-13 dB were demonstrated depending upon the particular data set utilized. The Phase II objective is to take the technique from a laboratory simulation to a mature prototype system level ready for implementation, testing, and evaluation with a field radar in real time. The objective will be met through a series of technical readiness level developmental steps that are based upon Government established processes. The simulations will be modeled using Government: approved radar models, provided field test data, defined threats, and approved scenarios. All data to be used is to be in a form suitable for full processing by the technique. The end item will be a set of prototype algorithms that can be implemented with a radar systems signal processor without requiring significant additional processing capability. The anticipated software cost is low and will be suitable for use in most radar systems without or only minimal software changes.