Ambiguity Functions for Monostatic and Bistatic Radar Systems using UWB Throb Signal

Abstract

Waveform design and ambiguity function are significant tools for the performance analysis of radar systems. We first describe the principle of waveform design for ultrawideband (UWB) impulse waveforms and present the signal model and the advantages of a UWB-throb signal. The ambiguity function of the UWB-throb signal for monostatic radar is derived in detail and analyzed by computer simulation to show its capabilities for enhanced radar performance in terms of target detection, resolution, accuracy of range and velocity measurements, and clutter suppression. The resolution theory for bistatic radar using UWB-throb signal is also presented. The dependence of delay and Doppler shift, associated with a moving target, on the parameters that constitute the geometry of bistatic radar is formulated and used to obtain the bistatic ambiguity function of the UWB-throb signal. Computer simulation plots are generated that clearly illustrate the effects of change in radar-target geometry on the overall characteristics of the bistatic ambiguity function. The computer plots of the monostatic and the bistatic ambiguity functions of the UWB-throb signal demonstrate that such signal can achieve the "thumbtack ambiguity function," that is desirable for the numerous applications of UWB-impulse radar.