Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar Configuration Research Articles

An Extended Frequency Scaling Algorithm for Bistatic SAR With High Squint Angle

Bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BiSAR) is an extended and complementary observation method to conventional monostatic SAR remote sensing. When high range and azimuth resolution are required in BiSAR, the transmitting platform, i.e., the LEO satellite, should work in the spotlight or sliding spotlight mode, which means a wide bandwidth Chirp signal is transmitted, and the targets are illuminated for a long enough time as well. In order to reduce the sampling frequency in the receiving system and improve the efficiency of the focusing procedure for this BiSAR configuration, the echoes should be dechirp received. A bistatic extended frequency scaling algorithm (Bi-EFSA) is proposed in this paper to deal with the dechirp received bistatic SAR echoes. The first step of Bi-EFSA is the range walk correction in the 2-D time domain, which reduces the space variance of the range curvatures and removals the serious coupling between range and azimuth caused by the high squint angle. After that, the range compression is achieved by secondary range compression (SRC) and bulk shift. Then, the space variance of the azimuth frequency modulation rate, introduced by the range walk correction step, is corrected by implementing the azimuth nonlinear chirp scaling (ANCS) operation. Following this, the focused results in the range frequency and azimuth time domain are obtained by the azimuth compression. The point targets and extended-scene simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Omega-K Algorithm Using Plane Wave Approximation for Forward-Looking Imaging Radar

We propose an Omega-K algorithm that uses plane wave approximation for image formation in forward-looking imaging radar (FIRA) with the multi-input/double-output configuration. We assume that each of the transmitting antennas is located at the center of the receiving antenna array by applying a virtual antenna array. Then, we solve numerical equations in an approximation of the plane wave with the direction normal to the antenna array. Finally, we can obtain an image by proceeding with the following steps in order: the matched filtering, Stolt interpolation, two-dimensional inverse fast Fourier transform, phase compensation, image registration, and image merging. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified through a simulation and a real experiment with neighboring targets. The results show that the proposed Omega-K algorithm with plane wave approximation can be successfully applied to FIRA systems with bistatic synthetic aperture radar configuration.

A 3-D Novel Fast Back-Projection Imaging Algorithm for Stratified Media Based on Near-Field Monostatic and Bistatic SAR

A fast back-projection (FBP) imaging algorithm is proposed to generate 3-D uniformly balanced images of an object embedded in a layered structure based on a combined near-field monostatic and bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The spectral layered Green's function is used in the FBP algorithm. Like conventional real-time imaging algorithms, the complexity of the imaging function is reduced via the stationary phase method, and the fast Fourier transform is implemented to accelerate the computation. Unlike conventional real-time imaging algorithms, the singularity problem associated with Green's function and antenna pattern is solved in this proposed algorithm by using a point spread function (PSF). For a real-time imaging system, besides fast image generation, an efficient data acquisition is needed. A combined monostatic and bistatic SAR configuration is used here to decrease the data collection time. The performance of this proposed FBP method is demonstrated by measurements of a stratified environment.

Focusing of Bistatic SAR With Curved Trajectory Based on Extended Azimuth Nonlinear Chirp Scaling

The focusing of bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BiSAR) data is more challenging than the traditional monostatic counterparts because of the strong range–azimuth coupling of echo signal, and the range cell migration (RCM) and Doppler frequency modulation (FM) rate, which are caused by complex geometric configuration. Although several monostatic algorithms have been modified to handle general bistatic cases, these algorithms are derived from the assumption that the flying platforms are moving along a linear trajectory with uniform velocity. In practical situation, the flight path of the spaceborne SAR platform inevitably deviates from the ideal trajectory in the long integration time. In this case, besides the influence of the inherent geometric configuration of BiSAR, the curved trajectory of the platforms also causes an additional range–azimuth coupling and the spatial variance of RCM and Doppler FM rate, which cannot be processed by the traditional algorithms. In this article, considering the curved orbit of the SAR platforms and the motion of ground targets caused by the Earth’s rotation, a high-order motion range model is proposed. Based on the range model, the spatial variance characteristic of the BiSAR with curved trajectory is analyzed. Then, an extended azimuth nonlinear chirp scaling (EANLCS) algorithm with an addition of highly varying residual Doppler centroid correction for BiSAR with curved trajectory is proposed. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the range model and the modified algorithm.

An improved ENLCS algorithm based on a quadratic ellipse model for high-resolution one-stationary bistatic SAR

ABSTRACTHigh-resolution one-stationary bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BiSAR) data focusing is a challenging task due to the large range cell migration (RCM) and the azimuth-variant Doppler phases. In this letter, an extended nonlinear chirp scaling (ENLCS) based on a quadratic ellipse model is investigated for the one-stationary BiSAR configuration. An analytical relationship of iso-equivalent-sum-of-bistatic-range (iso-ESBR) of azimuth distributed targets is derived after range cell migration correction (RCMC) which is combined by linear range walk correction (LRWC) and keystone transform (KT). Following which, a new quadratic ellipse model is constructed to analyze the azimuth-variant property of the Doppler phases. Based on the new quadratic ellipse model, an improved ENLCS algorithm with new coefficients is derived to accomplish the azimuth equalization for azimuth compression. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Integrated Time and Phase Synchronization Strategy for a Multichannel Spaceborne-Stationary Bistatic SAR System

The spatial separation of the transmitter and receiver in Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (BiSAR) makes it a promising and useful supplement to a classical Monostatic SAR system (MonoSAR). This paper proposes a novel integrated time and phase synchronization strategy for a multichannel spaceborne-stationary BiSAR system. Firstly, the time synchronization strategy is proposed, which includes Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) generation under noisy conditions, multichannel calibration and the alignment of the recorded data with the orbital data. Furthermore, the phase synchronization strategy, which fully considers the deteriorative factors in the BiSAR configuration, is well studied. The contribution of the phase synchronization strategy includes two aspects: it not only compensates the phase error, but also improves the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of the obtained signals. Specifically, all direct signals on different PRF time can be reconstructed with the shift and phase compensation operation using a reference signal. Besides, since the parameters of the reference signal can be estimated only once using the selected practical direct signal and a priori information, the processing complexity is well reduced. Final imaging results with and without compensation for real data are presented to validate the proposed synchronization strategy.

Bistatic Polar Format Algorithm Based on Wavenumber Vector

The paper concentrates on bistatic polar format algorithm (PFA) for focusing the spotlight bistatic Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Exploring the imaging geometry of spotlight mode, a wavenumber vector Kbis derived according to the original definition of wavenumber. The direction of the vector Kb corresponds to the path from the transmitter to the target in the scene to the receiver in the bistatic SAR configuration. Using the vector Kb, a point target position vector in the scene can be expressed as the same form as that of conventional monostatic spotlight SAR. Based on the vector Kb, the spotlight bistatic PFA is derived and is presented concisely. In the simulation experiments, the presented PFA and BP algorithm process the same area target respectively. The result of the experiments show the PFA mentioned in this paper is valid. The quality of the processing result achieved by the PFA is not worse than that by BP algorithm.

Fast Time-Domain Algorithms for UWB Bistatic SAR Processing

Two fast time-domain algorithms are introduced for ultrawideband-ultrawidebeam (UWB) bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processing; they are bistatic fast backprojection (BiFBP) and bistatic fast factorized backprojection (BiFFBP). Both algorithms process radar echoes on a subaperture and subimage basis in order to minimize processing time. They are shown to work with any configuration of bistatic SAR. They also own time-domain characteristics, which are essential for UWB radar signal processing. BiFBP and BiFFBP are experimented successfully on the CARABAS-II simulated data.

Extraction of Vibrating Features With Dual-Channel Fixed-Receiver Bistatic SAR

Strong ground clutter may submerge the signals of vibrating targets and bring great difficulties to extract their micro-Doppler (m-D) signatures. Furthermore, if the vibrating direction is perpendicular to the radar line of sight, its m-D would be very weak in the monostatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR). In this letter, a configuration of bistatic SAR with a dual-channel fixed receiver is presented to handle the two problems. The displaced phase center antenna technique is adopted to suppress the clutter and to reserve the signals of vibrating targets in the range-compressed data domain. Then, the fractional Fourier transform is utilized to compensate for the radar Doppler shift. Finally, the m-D feature of vibration can be extracted effectively by using time-frequency transform. The validity of the proposed method is evaluated with simulated data.

Bistatic Forward-Looking SAR: Results of a Spaceborne–Airborne Experiment

Forward-looking radar imaging continues to gain in significance due to a variety of convenient applications, like landing assistance for aircraft in poor visibility conditions. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques are typically used to achieve a high azimuth resolution, but conventional monostatic SAR is not applicable in forward direction because of azimuth ambiguities and poor Doppler resolution. To improve the Doppler resolution and to avoid azimuth ambiguities, bistatic SAR configurations can be used to obtain high-resolution radar images. This is demonstrated for the first time in a spaceborne-airborne SAR experiment by using TerraSAR-X as the illuminator and the Phased Array Multifunctional Imaging Radar as the receiver. For convenience, the receiver's SAR antenna was mounted on the aircraft's loading ramp and looked backward. Due to identical image properties and the same challenges for forward- and backward-looking sensors, this configuration also demonstrates the feasibility of forward-looking bistatic SAR. This letter describes the experimental setup, analyzes the performance, and presents the imaging results.

Efficient Time-Domain Image Formation with Precise Topography Accommodation for General Bistatic SAR Configurations

Due to the lack of an appropriate symmetry in the acquisition geometry, general bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) cannot benefit from the two main properties of low-to-moderate resolution monostatic SAR: azimuth-invariance and topography-insensitivity. The precise accommodation of azimuth-variance and topography is a real challenge for efficent image formation algorithms working in the Fourier domain, but can be quite naturally handled by time-domain approaches. We present an efficient and practical implementation of a generalised bistatic SAR image formation algorithm with an accurate accommodation of these two effects. The algorithm has a common structure with the monostatic fast-factorised backprojection (FFBP), and is therefore based on subaperture processing. The images computed over the different subapertures are displayed in an advantageous elliptical coordinate system capable of incorporating the topographic information of the imaged scene in an analogous manner as topography-dependent monostatic SAR algorithms do. Analytical expressions for the Nyquist requirements using this coordinate system are derived. The overall discussion includes practical implementation hints and a realistic computational burden estimation. The algorithm is tested with both simulated and actual bistatic SAR data. The actual data correspond to the spaceborne-airborne experiment between TerraSAR-X and F-SAR performed in 2007 and to the DLR-ONERA airborne experiment carried out in 2003. The presented approach proves its suitability for the precise SAR focussing of the data acquired in general bistatic configurations.

Azimuth-invariant bistatic multichannel synthetic aperture radar for moving target detection and location

Ground moving target indication (GMTI) is one of the most important applications of the bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system as well as the monostatic system. An algorithm for moving target detection and location is presented with an azimuth-invariant bistatic multichannel SAR, which consists of one transmitter (channel) and multireceivers (multichannel). The algorithm is based on the discussion of the particularities of the bistatic SAR configuration including coherence improvement and clutter characteristics. Then, the corresponding compensating methods including two-dimensional range-azimuth prefiltering and bistatic differential range correction are proposed to solve these particularities. It is shown that using the compensating methods, the stationary clutter can be suppressed and the moving parameters of ground targets can be estimated accurately. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Raw signal processing of stripmap bistatic synthetic aperture radar

Under the translational invariant (TI) configuration of stripmap imaging bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BISAR), the frequency domain expression of signal model is developed. Two forms, with an approximation of extracting the range dependence and an accurate iterative solution, as well as their respective focusing methods, that is the approximated solution method and the iterative solution method are presented here. The range-Doppler method is extended to the TI configuration of BISAR. Imaging simulation of the point targets and comparison with the bistatic backprojection method shows the feasibility of these methods as well as their merits and demerits.

Some Reflections on Bistatic SAR of Forward-Looking Configuration

Forward-looking imaging has many potential applications, but it is impossible with the usual monostatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) principle. Through the bistatic SAR configuration, forward-looking imaging can be realized for one of the bistatic platforms. This letter designs a bistatic configuration with a stationary transmitter and a forward-looking airborne receiver. It then analyzes the 2-D resolution and finds out which geometric parameter affects the imaging ability mostly. Besides, it gives out the signal formulation in the frequency domain and shows its imaging characteristics. Then, an imaging method is chosen for this special configuration, and the simulation results are exhibited, which validate the correctness of the analysis and prove the 2-D imaging ability of forward-looking bistatic SAR.

A Two-Dimensional Spectrum Model for General Bistatic SAR

This paper derives a 2-D spectrum model for general bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR). By introducing some new parameters such as equivalent monostatic parameters, bistatic factor, and weighted-equivalent range, the 2-D spectrum of general bistatic SAR can be expressed in the form of monostatic SAR even when the transmitter and receiver move along unparallel trajectories with different velocities. The result formulates bistatic SAR into an equivalent monostatic SAR model and would be useful for developing efficient bistatic SAR algorithms in frequency-domain or hybrid-domain processing. Simulation results are given to validate the performance of the model. For special bistatic SAR configurations, the model can be simplified. Compared to other similar models, the proposed model is clearer and much more concise.

On the Existence of Coverage and Integration Time Regimes in Bistatic SAR Configurations

Bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is an extension of traditional monostatic SAR, which increases the flexibility in designing SAR missions. We describe a scheme for the computation of integration time and azimuth coverage of bistatic SARs based on space-time diagrams. A classification of bistatic SAR configurations is introduced in terms of size and velocity on the ground of antenna footprints. Bistatic SAR regimes are also identified.

A Two-Dimensional Spectrum for Bistatic SAR Processing Using Series Reversion

This letter derives the two-dimensional point target spectrum for an arbitrary bistatic synthetic aperture radar configuration. The method described makes use of series reversion, the method of stationary phase, and Fourier transform pairs to derive the point target spectrum. The accuracy of the spectrum is controlled by keeping enough terms in the two series expansions, and is verified with a point target simulation

Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging: Theory, Simulations, and Validations

A three-dimensional "full-polarized" model for arbitrary transmitter, receiver and target motions in bistatic synthetic aperture radar configurations is proposed. Qualitative validation of this model is presented through comparison with existing results and quantitative validation is obtained from proposed general analytical resolution equations. To take into account complex targets, geometric theory of diffraction based models are considered. Some numerical results are proposed in bistatic and monostatic configurations which permit to check the performance of the proposed model and to highlight the interest of the bistatic synthetic aperture radar imaging

Results on bistatic synthetic aperture radar

The interest in bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has increased rapidly in recent years. This is founded in the specific advantages of bistatic SAR configurations. The calculation of the resulting bistatic resolution is quite different from the monostatic case. A general vectorial calculation in three-dimensional space is presented. Furthermore, first experimental results from a bistatic flight campaign are shown.