Robust Optimal and Adaptive Pulse Compression for FM Waveforms

Abstract

The least-squares mismatched filter (LS MMF) is a pulse compression method used to suppress range sidelobes. This work provides a description of the adjustments needed such that the LS MMF, initially derived for codes, can be robustly applied to arbitrary FM waveforms. Additionally, the effects of range straddling and Doppler on the LS MMF are examined. The effects of straddling on mismatch loss is well known, what is less appreciated is the effect straddling has on the range sidelobes. This work outlines methods that alleviate some of the degradation in sidelobe levels due to straddling. Making the LS MMF more robust to Doppler is also investigated. Adaptive Pulse Compression (APC) is another pulse compression algorithm that has recently been modified to be applicable to FM waveforms. This work includes analysis of these modifications via simulation and measured data. The effects of straddling and Doppler on APC are also examined. These robust pulse compression methods are applied to measured data, demonstrating their viability for real FM-based radar systems.