Dual-function Radar-communication System Research Articles

Modulus Waveform Design Based on Manifold ADMM Idea in Dual-Function Radar–Communication System

Modulus Waveform Design Based on Manifold ADMM Idea in Dual-Function Radar–Communication System

Optimization algorithms for transmit waveform design in radar-centric dual-function radar-communication systems

We study the transmit waveform optimization problem in multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) systems. A penalty-based formulation is adopted where engineering concerns on radar and communication are integrated in a weighted manner. We transform the original problem into an unconstrained formulation and propose a novel waveform synthesis algorithm via combination of multiple algorithm updates. The combination operation experimentally reaches a better objective value than without. We develop two combination strategies and invent a shrinkage-expansion line search method for monotonicity maintenance. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm suffices to generate constant modulus waveforms which achieve radar and communication purposes.

Joint Transmit and Receive Beamforming Design for DPC-Based MIMO DFRC Systems

This paper proposes an optimal beamforming strategy for a downlink multi-user multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system with dirty paper coding (DPC) adopted at the transmitter. We aim to achieve the maximum weighted sum rate of communicating users while adhering to a predetermined transmit covariance constraint for radar performance assurance. To make the intended problem trackable, we leverage the equivalence of the weighted sum rate and the weighted minimum mean squared error (MMSE) to reframe the issue and devise a block coordinate descent (BCD) approach to iteratively calculate transmit and receive beamforming solutions. Through this methodology, we demonstrate that the optimal receive beamforming aligns with the traditional MMSE approach, whereas the optimal transmit beamforming design can be cast into a quadratic optimization problem defined on a complex Stiefel manifold. Based on the majorization–minimization (MM) method, an iterative algorithm is then developed to compute the optimal transmit beamforming design by solving a series of orthogonal Procrustes problems (OPPs) that admit closed-form optimal solutions. Numerical findings serve to validate the efficacy of our scheme. It is demonstrated that our approach can achieve at least 73% higher spectral efficiency than the existing methods in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime.

On the Physical Layer Security of Automotive Dual-Function Radar-Communication Systems

On the Physical Layer Security of Automotive Dual-Function Radar-Communication Systems

OFDM-MIMO radar assisted dual-function radar communication system using index modulation

Dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system exploits a hardware platform to achieve both radar and communication functions. Compared to utilizing separate radar and communication systems, DFRC has better performance in spectrum utilization. In this paper, assisted by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-multiple input multiple output (OFDM-MIMO) radar, we propose a DFRC system architecture combining generalized space shift keying (GSSK) modulation and subcarrier index modulation (SIM) techniques. In this scheme, linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal is explored as the transmission waveform of OFDM-MIMO radar to complete the radar function. Furthermore, the proposed scheme combines GSSK and SIM to carry the communication information to the antenna index and subcarrier index to complete the communication function. Based on this architecture, a novel low complexity frequency detection communication demodulation algorithm is proposed, and the achievable rate communication performance of the system is analyzed. Numerical and simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system.

Photonic generation of multi-format chirped signals with a high switching rate.

A novel photonic method for multi-format chirped signal generation with a high switching rate based on a dual-polarization binary phase shift keying (DP-BPSK) modulator is proposed and demonstrated. An up-chirp signal and a binary code signal are used to drive one of the sub-dual-drive Mach-Zehnder modulators (sub-DDMZMs) integrated in the DP-BPSK modulator. Another integrated sub-DDMZM is driven by a down-chirp signal and another binary code signal. By carefully tuning the DC biases of the DP-BPSK modulator, the format of the output chirped signal is controlled by the binary code signals. A proof-of-concept experiment is performed and multi-format chirped signals with a high switching rate are generated. Due to the high switching rate, simple structure, and high adjustability, the proposed multi-format chirped signal generator may find potential applications in multifunctional radar systems, wireless communication systems, and dual-function radar-communication systems.

Impact of Channel Aging on Dual-Function Radar-Communication Systems: Performance Analysis and Resource Allocation

In conventional dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) systems, the radar and communication channels are routinely estimated at fixed time intervals based on their worst-case operation scenarios. Such situation-agnostic repeated estimations cause significant training overhead and dramatically degrade the system performance, especially for applications with dynamic sensing/communication demands and limited radio resources. In this paper, we leverage the channel aging characteristics to reduce training overhead and to design a situation-dependent channel re-estimation interval optimization-based resource allocation in a multi-target tracking DFRC system. Specifically, we exploit the channel temporal correlation to predict radar and communication channels for reducing the need for training preamble retransmission. Then, we characterize the channel aging effects on the Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) for radar tracking performance analysis and achievable rates with maximum ratio transmission (MRT) and zero-forcing (ZF) transmit beamforming for communication performance analysis. In particular, the aged CRLBs and achievable rates are derived as closed-form expressions with respect to the channel aging time, bandwidth, and power. Based on the analyzed results, we optimize these factors to maximize the average total aged achievable rate subject to individual target tracking precision demand, communication rate requirement, and other practical constraints. Since the formulated problem belongs to a non-convex problem, we develop an efficient one-dimensional search based optimization algorithm to obtain its suboptimal solutions. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the correctness of the derived theoretical results and the effectiveness of the proposed allocation scheme.

Orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing‐based signal design for a dual‐function radar‐communications system using circulating code array

AbstractIn this study, a dual‐function radar‐communications (DFRC) system based on the circulating code array is presented to address the contradiction between radar and communications system in beam scanning and beam coverage. Processed orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) signal is transmitted by the circulating code array as the base signal to improve the data rate. Following the spatial angle of the communication receiver, the communication symbols are modulated to part of OFDM signal subcarriers occupying a specific frequency band. A significant property of the circulating code array, which provides a relationship between the baseband frequency of the base signal and the spatial angles, implements a basis for safe telecommunication transmission towards the cooperative receiver and demodulation. Moreover, the circulating code array transmits the same signal and introduces the same time interval between adjacent array elements. Therefore, the complex problems of multi‐dimensional orthogonal signal design in the traditional multiple‐input‐multiple‐output‐based DFRC system design are transformed into a simple base signal design. Finally, an omnidirectional coverage pattern is obtained. Thus, whether the communication receiver is in the mainlobe or the sidelobe of the radar beam, the communication connection can be established between the designed DFRC system and the communication users. The performance of the described DFRC system is verified through theoretical analysis and simulations.

Double-Phase-Shifter Based Hybrid Beamforming for mmWave DFRC in the Presence of Extended Target and Clutters

In millimeter-wave (mmWave) dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) systems, hybrid beamforming (HBF) is recognized as a promising technique utilizing a limited number of radio frequency chains. In this work, in the presence of extended target and clutters, a HBF design based on the subarray connection architecture is proposed for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) DFRC system. In this HBF, the double-phase-shifter (DPS) structure is embedded to further increase the design flexibility. We derive the communication spectral efficiency (SE) and radar signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) with respect to the transmit HBF and radar receiver, and formulate the HBF design problem as the SE maximization subjecting to the radar SINR and power constraints. To solve the formulated nonconvex problem, the joinT Hybrid bRamforming and Radar rEceiver OptimizatioN (THEREON) is proposed, in which the radar receiver is optimized via the generalized eigenvalue decomposition, and the transmit HBF is updated with low complexity in a parallel manner using the consensus alternating direction method of multipliers (consensus-ADMM). Furthermore, we extend the proposed method to the multi-user multiple-input single-output (MU-MISO) scenario. Numerical simulations demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm and show that the solution provides a good trade-off between number of phase shifters and performance gain of the DPS HBF.

Relative Entropy-Based Waveform Optimization for Rician Target Detection With Dual-Function Radar Communication Systems

In this paper, we consider waveform design for dual-function radar-communication systems based on multiple-input-multiple-out arrays. To achieve better Rician target detection performance, we use the relative entropy associated with the formulated detection problem as the design metric. We also impose a multi-user interference energy constraint on the waveforms to ensure the achievable sum-rate of the communications. Two algorithms are presented to tackle the nonlinear non-convex waveform design problem. In the first algorithm, we derive a quadratic function to minorize the objective function. To tackle the quadratically constrained quadratic programming problem at each iteration, a semidefinite relaxation approach followed by a rank-one decomposition procedure and an efficient alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) are proposed, respectively. In the second algorithm, we present a novel ADMM algorithm to tackle the optimization problem and employ an efficient minorization-maximization approach in the inner loop of the ADMM algorithm. Numerical results demonstrate the superiority of both algorithms. Moreover, the presented algorithms can be extended to synthesize peak-to-average-power ratio constrained waveforms, which allows the radio frequency amplifier to operate at an increased efficiency.

Transmit and receive hybrid beamforming design for OFDM dual-function radar-communication systems

This article investigates the design of hybrid digital and analog transmit/receive beamformers for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing dual-function radar-communication system. Specifically, we model the hybrid beamforming design by simultaneously optimizing the spectrum efficiency of communication and approximate output signal-to-interference noise ratio of radar sensing, through a flexible performance tradeoff. Due to the coupling relationship among the beamformers in the hybrid structure and the independence of signals in different frequency bands, the resultant optimization problem is NP-hard. Hence, a consensus alternating direction method of multipliers approach is designed to tackle the difficulty. The transmit hybrid beamformer is obtained by introducing auxiliary variables and exploiting the block continuous upper bound minimization method. Then, the receive beamformer can be optimized via generalized eigenvalue decomposition. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Estimating the target DOA, range and velocity using subspace methods in a MIMO OFDM DFRC system

Dual-function Radar communication (DFRC) systems implement Radar detection and communication using the same hardware simultaneously. Significant attention has been paid to a multiple-input multiple-output DFRC system based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). So far, the directions of arrival of the targets have been well estimated using subspace methods. In this paper, the ranges and/or velocities are estimated using the subspace methods. To this end, the Radar waveform must be based on the data symbols that are replicated over a few sub-carriers and/or during a few OFDM symbols. To avoid data replication, the target ranges and velocities can be estimated based on a least-squares (LS) or total LS method. After giving a few practical considerations, simulation results show that the proposed approaches outperform the existing ones based on the Fourier transform and/or Lasso algorithm. The performance of the proposed approaches is compared with the Cramer–Rao bound. Moreover, we show how the performance of the DFRC system (in terms of the accuracy of the estimated target parameters and data rate) evolves when modifying the system parameters, such as the number of sub-carriers and the number of OFDM symbols.

Improved Information Embedding for Frequency Hopping-Based MIMO DFRC System

Dual function radar communication (DFRC) system, which treats the radar as the primary modality and embeds information into the transmitted waveforms, is proposed recently to solve the problem of spectrum congestion. In this letter, we propose an improved information embedding scheme for a frequency hopping (FH) based multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) DFRC system. First, we develop an FH matrix construction method by taking the radar ambiguity function (AF) into consideration. The constructed FH matrix is able to generate FH waveforms with superior radar detection performance. Then, an offset quadrature phase-shift keying (OQPSK) modulated communication waveform is presented to alleviate the spectral leakage issue caused by canonical modulation schemes, which together with the FH waveform, forms the transmit waveform of the considered DFRC system. Simulation results verify that the proposed scheme achieves lower AF sidelobe levels (SLLs) and better spectral containment as compared with the state-of-the-art.

Transmit Waveform Design for Dual-Function Radar-Communication Systems via Hybrid Linear-Nonlinear Precoding

This paper develops a transmit (Tx) waveform de- sign technique for dual-function radar-communication systems that provide both multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar and multi-user multiple-input single-output (MU-MISO) com- munication functionalities. We propose a hybrid linear-nonlinear precoding (HLNP) signaling scheme, in which the dual-use waveform is the superposition of linearly-precoded communica- tion symbols and a nonlinearly-precoded waveform that improves the radar performance. To attain good radar Tx beampattern and waveform ambiguity properties, we focus on optimizing a weighted sum of the integrated main-lobe-to-sidelobe ratio (IMSR) of the Tx beampatttern and a novel angular waveform similarity metric, while ensuring a predefined signal-to-interference-plus- noise ratio (SINR) for each communication user. Practical con- straints are imposed on the Tx waveform, including per-antenna power and peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) constraints. We propose an extended feasible point pursuit successive convex ap- proximation (EFPP-SCA) algorithm to solve the resultant non- convex problem and establish its convergence properties. To re- duce the computational cost of designing a long Tx waveform, we further introduce a sub-block design technique. Numerical ex- amples indicate that the proposed HLNP provides a superior performance tradeoff between sensing and communication com- pared to conventional nonlinear precoding.

Directional modulation based on dual-function radar-communication system

Dual-function radar-communication (DFRC) system has recently been proposed to enable the co-design of radar and wireless communications, which in turn alleviates the increased spectrum congestion crisis. DFRC system exploits the transmit beamforming technique and waveform diversity, the combination of which enables the system to embed information in radar emission. In this paper, directional modulation (DM) based on dual-function radar communication system is proposed. To achieve the security of information transmission, a beam weight vector set is established. The reference beam weight vector is initially designed and the remaining weight vectors are derived from it, by minimizing the differences between them. The transmitting beams shaped by the designed weight vectors are almost the same in radar main lobe, but differ in the amplitudes and phases towards the direction of intended communication receivers. The communication receivers decode the data based on its radiated beam. The proposed communication process is secure against intercept from directions other than the pre-assigned communication directions. Simulation results are provided for performance evaluation and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Exploiting Constructive Interference in Symbol Level Hybrid Beamforming for Dual-Function Radar-Communication System

In this letter, we study the Hybrid Beamforming (HBF) design for a Dual-Function Radar-Communication (DFRC) system, which serves Multiple Users (MUs) and detects a target in the presence of signal-dependent clutters, simultaneously. Unlike conventional beamforming strategies, we propose a novel one on the symbol level, which exploits Constructive Interference (CI) to achieve a trade-off between radar and communication using one platform. To implement this novel strategy, we jointly design the DFRC transmit HBF and radar receive beamforming by maximizing the radar Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) while ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) of downlink communication. To tackle the formulated non-convex problem, we propose an iterative algorithm, which combines the Majorization-Minimization (MM) and Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) judiciously. The numerical experiments indicate that our algorithm yields the CI properly for robust communications and achieves better performance than the conventional HBF benchmarks in both communication bit error rate and radar SINR.

Manifold optimization for hybrid beamforming in dual-function radar-communication system

Manifold optimization for hybrid beamforming in dual-function radar-communication system

Dual-Function Frequency-Hopping MIMO Radar System With CSK Signaling

We consider a dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system employing frequency hopping (FH) radar waveforms. Each communication symbol is represented by a phase-modulated pulse sequence that multiplies the radar hops in fast-time and transmitted from a multiple-input multiple-output radar platform. In this respect, the DFRC system considered follows the code-shift keying (CSK) signal embedding strategy. The phase modulations include phase-shift keying (PSK), derivative PSK, and continuous phase modulation. The CSK pulse sequences and the FH code are jointly designed to reduce range sidelobe levels (RSLs) and combat range sidelobes modulation. It is shown that the joint optimization using the genetic algorithm yields desired CSK sequences and FH code matrix with less computational complexity compared to the exhaustive search algorithm. The power spectral density and detection performance of various DFRC systems are analyzed, underscoring the tradeoff between RSLs and spectral sidelobe levels. The proposed DFRC system with optimum phase sequences and hopping code achieves high data communication rates by permitting frequencies to be reused in the radar hops.

Joint Waveform and Filter Designs for STAP-SLP-Based MIMO-DFRC Systems

Dual-function radar-communication (DFRC), which can simultaneously perform both radar and communication functionalities using the same hardware platform, spectral resource and transmit waveform, is a promising technique for realizing integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Spacetime adaptive processing (STAP) in multi-antenna radar systems is the primary tool for detecting moving targets in the presence of strong clutter. The idea of joint spatial-temporal optimization in STAP-based radar systems is consistent with the concept of symbol-level precoding (SLP) for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communications, which optimizes the transmit waveform for each of the transmitted symbols. In this paper, we combine STAP and SLP and propose a novel STAP-SLP-based DFRC system that enjoys the advantages of both techniques. The radar output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) is maximized by jointly optimizing the transmit waveform and receive filter, while satisfying the communication quality-of-service (QoS) constraint and various waveform constraints including constant-modulus, similarity and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). An efficient algorithm framework based on majorization-minimization (MM) and nonlinear equality constrained alternative direction method of multipliers (neADMM) methods is proposed to solve these complicated non-convex optimization problems. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed STAP-SLP-based MIMO-DRFC scheme and the associate algorithms.

Hybrid beamforming design for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing dual‐function radar‐communication system with optimised transmit beampattern

In this paper, the problem of hybrid beamforming design in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing dual-function radar-communication system to achieve optimised transmit beampattern subject to the constraints of communication performance and transmit power is investigated. Specifically, the analogue beamformer and digital beamformer for each subcarrier at the transmitter are designed by maximising the integrated mainlobe-to-sidelobe ratio (IMSR) of the transmit beampattern under the restriction of the communication signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR). Since the design problem is a complicated fractional programing problem, the quadratic transform technique is introduced for problem simplification. Under the framework of a consensus-alternating direction multiplier method, the solutions to the subproblems in the iterations are presented in detail. Finally, simulation results are demonstrated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.