The conditions for orthogonality in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar enable a virtual array gain beneficial to beamforming on receive. However, this condition imposes a constraint on transmit beamforming for various reasons. As a result, a performance loss can be expected when compared to a traditional monostatic phased array. With this in mind, we analyze the complex scattering coefficients for a scenario in which MIMO radar beamforming is used to illuminate an arbitrary target obfuscated by different line-of-sight obstructions such as foliage and/or buildings. Using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling, our simulations will grow the understanding of how plausible MIMO radar is for detecting targets in challenging environments.

Date Published: 21 May 2015
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 9461, Radar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI, 94610R (21 May 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2177225

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9461:
Radar Sensor Technology XIX; and Active and Passive Signatures VI
G. Charmaine Gilbreath; Kenneth I. Ranney; Armin Doerry; Chadwick Todd Hawley, Editor(s)