Piotr Baizert

Date of Award

3-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Todd B. Hale, PhD

Abstract

This thesis introduces a new array structure, the Frequency Diverse Array (FDA), where each channel transmits and receives at a different frequency. The resulting range-dependent FDA antenna pattern is proposed to improve forward-looking clutter suppression. The planar FDA radar data model is derived and analytically verified to be equivalent to the constant frequency data model when each element frequency is set to the same value. The linear FDA at high platform altitude provides significant benefits? by reducing the range ambiguous clutter contribution, improving target detection by up to 10 dB. At low altitudes without range ambiguous clutter the linear FDA achieved a small but consistent performance improvement of 1 to 2 dB attributed to sample support data homogeneity. Planar FDA showed up to a 20 dB detection improvement for a high altitude platform with an airborne target. The simulation results show the FDA provides considerable benefit for low relative velocity targets, improving ground target detection for platforms such as Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GE-ENG-06-05

DTIC Accession Number

ADA451336

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