SIMULATION OF OPTIMIZED NONLINEAR FREQUENCY MODULATION IN PULSE COMPRESSION RADAR

Abstract

In this paper, a radar pulse, which is a nonlinear frequency modulated signal, is mathematically modeled and analyzed. The impact of the Doppler effect (due to the target motion), and impact of signal distortion in radar components on pulse compression efficiency, is studied. The aim is to optimize both the signal waveform and the compression algorithm. Two mitigation methods of parameter deterioration are considered, namely: a pre-distortion and a pulse suppression filter response adaptation. In the case when only a linear and time invariant distortion is considered, both equalization methods lead to the same results. Unfortunately, the Doppler effect is not a time invariant procedure, and the high power amplification in a radar transmitter is basically a non-linear operation. That is why both methods should be used simultaneously in balance.