Multi-dimensional Ambiguity Function for Coherent Pulsed-LFM FDA Radar

Frequency diverse array (FDA) which employs a small frequency increment between adjacent elements can provide a range-angle-dependent beampattern with new application potentials. In this paper, the proposed coherent pulsed-LFM FDA scheme enables full spatial coverage with a single transmit waveform, wherein the transmit beamforming can be performed at the receiver with flexible signal processing means. In the coherent pulsed-LFM FDA radar configuration, the range sidelobe level (SLL) can be reduced significantly. Analyses of the multi-dimensional ambiguity function in terms of the low sidelobe characteristics, spatial coverage capability, and resolution properties in range, angle and Doppler domains are given by ambiguity function profiles. Comparisons with conventional phased array and MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) radar are presented in the simulation. Results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach in angular coverage and sidelobe level with simplicity in engineering. (paper)