Bandwidth Extrapolation Technique for Improved Range Resolution of Coherent RadarData. Revision 1

摘要

A linear predictive bandwidth extrapolation (BWE) technique is introduced as ameans of significantly improving the range resolution of pulse-compressed coherent radar data. Pulse compression schemes based on conventional Fourier techniques are efficient and robust; however, they often suffer from relatively poor resolution. This report describes the use of an autoregressive (AR) time-series model to extrapolate the spectral bandwidth of each uncompressed radar return signal. Subsequent Fourier transformation of the expanded spectral goal yields recompressed pulses with better range resolution than obtainable from conventional Fourier techniques. The linearity of the BWE process produces recompressed pulses that have a calibrated amplitude and phase response, thus allowing for a meaningful interpretation of the RCS and phase signatures of the target. In addition, high resolution range-Doppler images of the target can he generated since the coherence properties of the recompressed pulses are maintained by the BWE process. Simulations, radar range data, and applications of this technique to field data show very promising results.