Information embedding in DFRC networks through chirp waveform diversity

Abstract

We consider a dual function radar communications network and propose a waveform diversity-based approach to embed both target and scheduling data in the transmitter pulses. The scheduling data of radar signal bandwidth, carrier frequency, and waveform along with the information on target detection, range, and Doppler are shared among the network radar nodes without a need for designated communication links. Scheduling and target information are encoded to bits and transmitted over the radar coherent processing interval using up- and down-chirps. We derive exact expressions of probability of bit error and false alarm rate for sharing scheduling and target information data between two radar nodes. The effect of different parameters and data sharing on the radar performance is analyzed and validated by computer simulations. Using the cross-ambiguity function, we show the capability of the up- and down- chirp sequence transmission scheme in reducing range sidelobes compared to the conventional transmission of only the up- (or down-) chirps. To overcome the limited data rate associated with only using two chirp waveforms, we consider orthogonal chirp division multiplexing and derive its CAF. We demonstrate the suitability of OCDM for high data rate radar operations by examining the mainlobe width and sidelobe levels of the zero-Doppler and zero-delay cuts of the CAF.