Experimental investigation on target detection and tracking in passive radar using long‐term evolution signal

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of the recently deployed wireless communication system, namely, long‐term evolution (LTE), for passive radar applications. Specifically, the capability of the system to detect and track a ground moving target is analysed. A theoretical analysis is conducted on the actual LTE signal transmitted in the atmosphere, followed by field experimentation using a moving vehicle with different bistatic geometries. The experiment examines the capability of an LTE‐based passive radar to detect a moving vehicle and then track it using a standard Kalman filter. Results show that the LTE‐based passive radar can detect and track the ground vehicle at different locations, speeds and trajectories, and localise it in the XY ‐axis coordinate.