AESA-based synthetic nulling for enhanced radar ground clutter suppression
AssigneeRockwell Collins, Inc.
InventorsJames P. Meinecke, Venkata A. Sishtla, James B. West
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A radar system uses multiple nulls to improve detection capabilities. Multiple radar pulses are transmitted and or received, each with a different null pattern. The returns from each pulse are averaged together to form a null window that is less noisy and potentially wider than a single null pattern. This approach can improve the signal-to-noise ratio and make it easier to detect objects of interest. The system may generate individual pulses from an AESA divided into several subarrays. Each subarray produces a pulse with a null in a different location in the radiation pattern centered about a location of interest. The contemporaneous return signals are averaged together.
Claims20
A computer apparatus comprising:
- an electronically scanned array (ESA);
- and
- at least one processor in data communication with a memory storing processor executable code for configuring the at least one processor to:
- determine, for a desired null window corresponding to a source of interference, a plurality of signals each defining a null narrower than the desired null window and offset in location relative to the desired null window;
- apply each of the plurality of signals to the ESA sequentially over multiple pulses and/or contemporaneously across subarrays of the ESA;
- receive one or more return signals corresponding to each of the plurality of signals;
- and
- coherently combine the return signals to synthesize a composite null window spanning the desired null window.
A method comprising:
- determining, for a desired null window corresponding to a source of interference, a plurality of signals to apply to an electronically scanned array (ESA), each defining a null narrower than the desired null window and offset in location relative to the desired null window;
- applying each of the plurality of signals to an ESA sequentially over multiple pulses and/or contemporaneously across subarrays of the ESA;
- receiving one or more return signals corresponding to each of the plurality of signals;
- and
- coherently combining the return signals to synthesize a composite null window spanning the desired null window.
A radar system comprising:
- an electronically scanned array (ESA);
- and
- at least one processor in data communication with a memory storing processor executable code for configuring the at least one processor to:
- determine, for a desired null window corresponding to a source of interference, a plurality of signals each defining a null narrower than the desired null window and offset in location relative to the desired null window;
- apply each of the plurality of signals to the ESA sequentially over multiple pulses and/or contemporaneously across subarrays of the ESA;
- receive one or more return signals corresponding to each of the plurality of signals;
- and
- coherently combine the return signals to synthesize a composite null window spanning the desired null window.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.