OFDM-based wideband phased array radar architecture

Abstract

Modern radar systems often have the conflicting requirements of a large phased array antenna for increased power-aperture product and/or angular resolution versus wide instantaneous signal bandwidth for fine range resolution. Pulse-to-pulse diversity may also be desired as a countermeasure against coherent repeater jammers. Using the multicarrier nature of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing to encode wide instantaneous bandwidth pulses we propose a novel digital phased array architecture which mitigates dispersion effects experienced when the array main beam is electronically steered off broadside. The result is the ability to transmit and receive wideband pseudo-random phase coded pulses with a phased array antenna. Simulation results are used to quantify the benefit of the architecture. An overview of digital orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing waveform generation is also provided.