Space-time adaptive processing: a knowledge-based perspective for airborne radar

Abstract

This article provides a brief review of radar space-time adaptive processing (STAP) from its inception to state-of-the art developments. The topic is treated from both intuitive and theoretical aspects. A key requirement of STAP is knowledge of the spectral characteristics underlying the interference scenario of interest. Additional issues of importance in STAP include the computational cost of the adaptive algorithm as well as the ability to maintain a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) over widely varying interference statistics. This article addresses these topics, developing the need for a knowledge-based (KB) perspective. The focus here is on signal processing for radar systems using multiple antenna elements that coherently process multiple pulses. An adaptive array of spatially distributed sensors, which processes multiple temporal snapshots, overcomes the directivity and resolution limitations of a single sensor.