A Double Fourier-Transform Imaging Algorithm for a 24 GHz FMCW Short-Range Radar.

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Radar Systems
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Short-range target imaging is crucial for various applications.
• Existing radar imaging algorithms like Delay and Sum (DAS) and Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) have limitations in speed and field of view.
• Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar offers advantages for short-range applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To realize a novel FMCW radar system for short-range target imaging.
• To develop and evaluate a new double Fourier transform (2D-FT) algorithm for radar target detection.
• To compare the performance of the 2D-FT algorithm against established DAS and MUSIC algorithms.

Main Methods:

• Construction of an FMCW radar system integrating a transceiver, Phase-Locked Loop (PLL), SP4T switch, and serial patch antenna array.
• Development of a new double Fourier transform (2D-FT) algorithm for radar signal processing.
• Comparative analysis of 2D-FT, DAS, and MUSIC algorithms using simulated canonical scenarios.
• Experimental validation of the radar system's performance in realistic single and multiple target scenarios.

Main Results:

• The realized FMCW radar achieved a range resolution of 55 cm and an angular resolution of 14°.
• The 2D-FT algorithm demonstrated radar resolutions close to theoretical limits.
• The 2D-FT algorithm achieved an angle of view exceeding 25°.
• The 2D-FT algorithm was significantly faster than DAS (5x) and MUSIC (20x).
• The radar system accurately identified target positions in realistic scenarios with errors under 20 cm.

Conclusions:

• The developed FMCW radar system effectively performs short-range target imaging.
• The novel 2D-FT algorithm provides superior speed and field of view for radar target detection compared to DAS and MUSIC.
• The system demonstrates high accuracy in identifying single and multiple targets in complex environments.