Signal characterisation and processing in the forward scatter mode of bistatic passive coherent location systems

Marina Gashinova,Mikhail Cherniakov,Liam Daniel,Edward Hoare,Vladimir Sizov,Kalin Kabakchiev

doi:10.1186/1687-6180-2013-36

Abstract

The transfer of the forward scatter (FS) concept to passive coherent location (FS PCL) systems provides a new emerging area of research. This article is dedicated to the investigation of various aspects of a bistatic passive coherent location (PCL) system operating in the FS mode. For efficient signal processing, appropriate FS PCL system analysis is presented. It is shown that using a relatively small modernisation of traditional signal processing algorithms, a PCL system may effectively operate against stealth and low profile targets crossing or being located in the vicinity of the radar baseline. The FS signals have been analysed in view of finding key effects and parameters influencing the waveforms and spectra which define the overall signal processing. Experimental results are given to validate the presented analysis.

Highlights

Bistatic radars (BRs) have experienced resurgence in the radar community over the last decade, [1,2] and the concept of passive coherent location (PCL) plays an important role in this new wave of interest.The PCL systems form a specific class of BR which utilise emitters of opportunity to detect and track targets
Practical Realisation of forward scatter radar (FSR) Here we look at the actual system design though consideration of power budget, phase noise and the hardware required in order to realise the system physically and that allows it to function in the manner shown in previous sections
We have analysed the performance of the FSR in relation to PCL on its ability to deliver information on ‘difficult’ targets, have shown its advantages such as enhanced cross section in forward direction, Doppler resolution and utilising the leakage signal as a pseudo local oscillator to mix with the received target forward scatter (FS) signal to produce the Doppler output

Summary

Introduction

Bistatic radars (BRs) have experienced resurgence in the radar community over the last decade, [1,2] and the concept of passive coherent location (PCL) plays an important role in this new wave of interest. It should be mentioned that performance of FSR mode does not depend on the particular PCL signal modulation scheme and, will not influence FSR signal processing complexity, implying that any available transmitter of opportunity could be used for forward scatter concept to passive coherent location (FS PCL) systems. With this in mind, the main aim of this articleis to explore the integration of an FSR channel/mode into the traditional PCL system to compliment the conventional BR approach. EM simulations are provided for typical difficult targets to confirm in an exact way, the benefits of FSCS over BRCS in the appropriate scattering regimes

Phenomenology of FSCS

FS Doppler signature

Conclusions