Segmented chirp waveform implemented radar system
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorRichard E. Blahut
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a radar system utilizing same, a segmented chirp waveform is built up by frequency hopping trains of simple chirp pulses. Each chirp pulse in a train is identical and is transmitted on one of a set of discrete carrier frequencies. The carrier frequencies are uniformly spaced in a predetermined bandwidth and are used in linear sequence. After transmitting on the last carrier frequency, the entire pattern is repeated, starting again at the first carrier frequency. The returns from the individual pulses are digitized and stored and the history thereof is then assembled by a digital signal processor into a high resolution image.
Claims8
Pulse transmitting apparatus for illuminating a target area of interest, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) generator circuit means for providing a train of chirped pulses, each of said pulses in said train being identical;
- (b) synthesizing circuit means for providing a discrete set of carrier frequencies uniformly spaced from each other within a predetermined bandwidth;
- (c) signal mixing circuit means, operatively coupled to said generator circuit means and said synthesizing circuit means for modulating one each of said chirped pulses onto one of said carrier frequencies to form a segmented chirped output waveform;
- (d) timing circuit means, operatively coupled to said generator circuit means and said synthesizing circuit means for generating a series of timing pulses and for gating thereby the respective output signals of said generator and synthesizing means to said signal mixing circuit means;
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- (e) antenna means, coupled to the output of said signal mixing circuit means, for transmitting said segmented chirped output waveform thereof to illuminate the target area of interest.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.