SAR image formation via semiparametric spectral estimation

A new algorithm, referred to as the SPAR (Semiparametric) algorithm, is presented herein for target feature extraction and complex image formation via synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The algorithm is based on a flexible data model that models each target scatterer as a two-dimensional (2-D) complex sinusoid with arbitrary unknown amplitude and constant phase in cross-range and with constant amplitude and phase in range. By attempting to deal with one corner reflector, such as one dihedral or trihedral, at a time, the algorithm can be used to effectively mitigate the artifacts in the SAR images due to the flexible data model. Another advantage of SPAR is that it can be used to obtain initial conditions needed by other parametric target feature extraction methods to reduce the total amount of computations needed. Both numerical and experimental examples are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm     

DOA and polarization estimation via signal reconstruction with linear polarization-sensitive arrays

This paper addresses the problem of direction-of-arrival(DOA) and polarization estimation with polarization sensitive arrays(PSA), which has been a hot topic in the area of array signal processing during the past two or three decades. The sparse Bayesian learning(SBL) technique is introduced to exploit the sparsity of the incident signals in space to solve this problem and a new method is proposed by reconstructing the signals from the array outputs first and then exploiting the reconstructed signals to realize parameter estimation. Only 1-D searching and numerical calculations are contained in the proposed method, which makes the proposed method computationally much efficient. Based on a linear array consisting of identically structured sensors, the proposed method can be used with slight modifications in PSA with different polarization structures. It also performs well in the presence of coherent signals or signals with different degrees of polarization. Simulation results are given to demonstrate the parameter estimation precision of the proposed method.     

Signal Resolution via Digital Inverse Filtering

Research in numerous areas is directed toward the resolution of multiple overlapping signals in a noisy environment. These areas include radar, sonar, speech, seismology, and electrophysiology. Sometimes matched filters are used; other times inverse filters are employed. This paper discusses one approach to the analysis of the resolution of inverse filters. Our method is to compromise the trade-off between signal resolution and the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). A performance measure for the inverse or deconvolution filter is defined as a quantity proportional to the harmonic mean of the resolution and the SNR. An optimum output pulse duration is obtained using this criterion, where the pulse shape has been previously selected and the input signal waveform is known. In addition, upper and lower bounds for the output pulse duration are presented. Graphs are given which allow the designer to select the optimum inverse filter output pulse duration for a desired signal resolution and an estimated SNR.     

A novel multistage estimation of signal parameters

A multistage estimation scheme is presented for estimating the parameters of a received carrier signal possibly phase-modulated by unknown data and experiencing very high Doppler, Doppler rate, etc. Such a situation arises, for example, in the case of the Global Positioning Systems (GPS). In the proposed scheme, the first-stage estimator operates as a coarse estimator of the frequency and its derivatives, resulting in higher RMS estimation errors but with a relatively small probability of the frequency estimation error exceeding one-half of the sampling frequency (an event termed cycle slip). The second stage of the estimator operates on the error signal available from the first stage, refining the overall estimates, and in the process also reduces the number of cycle slips. The first-stage algorithm is a modified least-squares algorithm operating on the differential signal model and referred to as differential least squares (DLS). The second-stage algorithm is an extended Kalman filter, which yields the estimate of the phase as well as refining the frequency estimate. A major advantage of the proposed algorithm is a reduction in the threshold for the received carrier power-to-noise power spectral density ratio (CNR) as compared with the threshold achievable by either of the algorithms alone     

Efficient implementation of Capon and APES for spectral estimation

Both the Capon and APES estimators can be shown to belong to the class of matched-filterbank spectral estimators and can be used to obtain complex spectral estimates that have more narrow spectral peaks and lower sidelobe levels than the fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods. It can also be shown that APES has better statistical performance than Capon. In this paper, we address the issue of how to efficiently implement Capon and APES for spectral estimation     

Linear FM signal parameter estimation from discrete-timeobservations

The authors consider the problem of estimating the parameters of a complex linear FM signal from a finite number of noisy discrete-time observations. An estimation algorithm is proposed, and its asymptotic (large sample) performance is analyzed. The algorithm is computationally simple, consisting of two fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) accompanied by one-dimensional searches for maxima. The variance of the estimates is shown to be close to the Cramer-Rao lower bound when the signal-to-noise ratio is 0 dB and above. The authors applied the algorithm to the problem of estimating the kinematic parameters of an accelerating target by pulse-Doppler radar. A representative test case was used to exhibit the usefulness of the algorithm for this problem, and to verify the analytical results by Monte Carlo simulations     

Adaptive pulse compression via MMSE estimation

Radar pulse compression involves the extraction of an estimate of the range profile illuminated by a radar in the presence of noise. A problem inherent to pulse compression is the masking of small targets by large nearby targets due to the range sidelobes that result from standard matched filtering. This paper presents a new approach based upon a minimum mean-square error (MMSE) formulation in which the pulse compression filter for each individual range cell is adaptively estimated from the received signal in order to mitigate the masking interference resulting from matched filtering in the vicinity of large targets. The proposed method is compared with the standard matched filter and least-squares (LS) estimation and is shown to be superior over a variety of stressing scenarios.     

Super resolution SAR imaging via parametric spectral estimationmethods

Super resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation via sophisticated parametric spectral estimation algorithms is considered. Parametric spectral estimation methods are devised based on parametric data models and are used to estimate the model parameters. Since SAR images rather than model parameters are often used in SAR applications, we use the parameter estimates obtained with the parametric methods to simulate data matrices of large dimensions and then use the fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods on them to generate SAR images with super resolution. Experimental examples using the MSTAR and Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) data illustrate that robust spectral estimation algorithms can generate SAR images of higher resolution than the conventional FFT methods and enhance the dominant target features     

Super resolution time delay estimation via MODE-WRELAX

We consider estimating time delays and amplitudes (real- or complex-valued) from the superposition of very closely spaced signals with known shapes. The well-known high resolution MODE (Method Of Direction Estimation) algorithm, which was originally proposed for angle estimation in array processing, is modified and used with our efficient time delay estimation method WRELAX (Weighted Fourier transform and RELAXation based) algorithm to deal with this problem. The proposed method is referred to as MODE-WRELAX. MODE-WRELAX provides better accuracy than MODE and higher resolution than WRELAX. Moreover, it can be used for both complex- and real-valued signals (including those with highly oscillatory correlation functions). Numerical results show that the MODE-WRELAX estimates can approach the corresponding Cramer-Rao bound. Efficient implementation of the algorithm is also discussed     

Ground-multi path mitigation via polarization steering of GPS signal

Multipath (MP) is the dominant error source in Global Positioning System (GPS) code-based position solutions requiring high accuracy. A technique is introduced here to mitigate error due to ground-reflected MP signals. The technique uses two orthogonal dipoles to capture the direct GPS signal and the ground-reflected GPS signal. Adjusting the amplitude and phase of the received voltage between the two dipoles can reduce the impact of MP error. Theoretical derivations of this technique are performed for a GPS signal upon reflection from dry soil, seawater, and fresh water. The theoretical results are verified with a real world experiment on the aforementioned surfaces. GPS pseudo-range (PR) and carrier-to-noise ratio (C/No) measurements for specific satellites are used to verify the predicted theoretical results.     

Efficient wideband signal parameter estimation using a radon-ambiguity transform slice

A novel efficient technique based on a single slice Radon-ambiguity transform (RAT) for time-delay and time-scale estimation is proposed. The proposed approach combines the narrowband cross-ambiguity function (NBCAF), the wideband cross-ambiguity function (WBCAF), and a single slice RAT to estimate multiple target parameters in noisy environments. The square modulus of Gaussian-enveloped linear frequency modulated (GLFM) signals has high-energy centrality in the ambiguity plane. Its peaks in the NBCAF fall along nearly straight lines whose slopes depend on the Doppler rates of the moving targets. These lines could be effectively detected by computing the entire Radon transform of the NBCAF for all possible angles; however, it is a computationally intensive procedure. It is shown that without calculating the entire RAT, it is possible to estimate target parameters using only a single slice of the RAT, i.e., using an appropriate projection of the NBCAF. It is demonstrated that the proposed method can successfully separate overlapping targets efficiently. The efficiency is achieved due to fast Fourier transform (FFT)-bascd processing, use of a single slice of RAT, and the use of only one-dimensional (1-D) searches.     

Orbital reference frame estimation with power spectral density constraints for drag-free satellites

The drag-free satellites are widely used in the field of fundamental science as they enable the high-precision measurement in pure gravity fields. This paper investigates the estimation of local orbital reference frame (LORF) for drag-free satellites. An approach, taking account of the combi-nation of the minimum estimation error and power spectral density (PSD) constraint in frequency domain, is proposed. Firstly, the relationship between eigenvalues of estimator and transfer func-tion is built to analyze the suppression and amplification effect on input signals and obtain the eigenvalue range. Secondly, an optimization model for state estimator design with minimum estima-tion error in time domain and PSD constraint in frequency domain is established. It is solved by the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm. Finally, the orbital reference frame estimation of low-earth-orbit satellite is taken as an example, and the estimator of minimum variance with PSD constraint is designed and analyzed using the method proposed in this paper.     

回溯降维相干分布式非圆信号DOA快速估计

在相干分布式非圆(CDNC)信号波达方向(DOA)估计中,针对阵列输出矩阵扩展后维数增加带来的较大运算量问题,基于降维的多级维纳滤波(MSWF)技术,引入回溯优化思想,提出了一种快速估计算法。该算法首先利用信号非圆特性扩展阵列输出矩阵,然后通过MSWF递推分解快速求出信号子空间,避免了计算阵列协方差矩阵及特征分解,并且在递推过程中引入回溯优化机制提高了各级匹配滤波器的估计性能,最后由最小二乘(LS)或者总体最小二乘(TLS)得到DOA估计。仿真分析表明,所提算法与相干分布式非圆信号旋转不变子空间算法(CDNC-ESPRIT)性能相当,但复杂度得到了大幅度降低,相比于基于MSWF的非圆信号快速子空间(NC-MSWF-FS)算法,在较小的复杂度代价下大幅度提升了低信噪比时的估计性能,并且对初始参考信号的选取具有了较强的鲁棒性。     

An approach for parameter estimation of combined CPPM and LFM radar signal

In this paper, the problem of parameter estimation of the combined radar signal adopting chaotic pulse position modulation (CPPM) and linear frequency modulation (LFM), which can be widely used in electronic countermeasures, is addressed. An approach is proposed to estimate the initial frequency and chirp rate of the combined signal by exploiting the second-order cyclostationarity of the intra-pulse signal. In addition, under the condition of the equal pulse width, the pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the combined signal is predicted using the low-order Volterra adaptive filter. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed cyclic autocorrelation Hough transform (CHT) algorithm is theoretically tolerant to additive white Gaussian noise. When the value of signal noise to ratio (SNR) is less than 4 dB, it can still estimate the intra-pulse parameters well. When SNR = 3 dB, a good prediction of the PRI sequence can be achieved by the Volterra adaptive filter algorithm, even only 100 training samples.     

Imaging of a compact range using autoregressive spectral estimation[radiation patterns measurement]

The spurious scattering mechanisms of a compact range, which cause spurious signals as well as the desired plane wave to illuminate the test zone, are addressed. It is shown that an accurate estimation of the direction-of-arrival and amplitude of spurious signals in a compact range is beyond the resolution available from the Fourier transform. An estimation technique based on autoregressive (AR) modeling of field probe data is developed to locate and quantify the spurious signal sources. The probe aperture is divided into a number of overlapping subapertures so that the far-field criterion for each subaperture is satisfied. Then, the subaperture data are modeled as an AR process. Singular value decomposition and forward-backward linear prediction are used to estimate the model order and the AR parameters. Examples of probe measurements and analysis for an actual compact range are given     

Aperture error mitigation via local-state estimation for frequency-based emitter location

This paper considers the problem of locating a stationary coherent emitter via a single moving platform making frequency measurements in the presence of aperture state uncertainty. It is shown that the estimated emitter location is most sensitive to the receiving aperture velocity uncertainty. The required aperture velocity accuracy is determined through a noninfinitesimal perturbation analysis. A solution to location accuracy enhancement with a minimal hardware addition is attempted. It is shown that this can be achieved by mounting a high-resolution tri-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer at the aperture to measure its velocity, which can deviate significantly from that estimated by the on-board navigation system. The Doppler shifts of the GPS signal carrier frequency, whenever it can be acquired through the aperture, are also considered as a way to aid the aperture velocity measurement. A decentralized, federated processing method for the aperture velocity estimate referenced at the aperture, integrating all measurement data, is presented. An upper bound for the error of aperture velocity estimate is derived. The potential for significant accuracy enhancement for emitter location is demonstrated.     

Reduced-complexity multiple parameters estimation via toeplitz matrix triple iteration reconstruction with bistatic MIMO radar

In this advanced exploration, we focus on multiple parameters estimation in bistatic Multiple-Input Multiple-Output(MIMO) radar systems, a crucial technique for target localization and imaging. Our research innovatively addresses the joint estimation of the Direction of Departure(DOD), Direction of Arrival(DOA), and Doppler frequency for incoherent targets. We propose a novel approach that significantly reduces computational complexity by utilizing the TemporalSpatial Nested Sampling Model(TSNSM). Our methodology begins with a multi-linear mapping mechanism to efficiently eliminate unnecessary virtual Degrees of Freedom(DOFs) and reorganize the remaining ones. We then employ the Toeplitz matrix triple iteration reconstruction method, surpassing the traditional Temporal-Spatial Smoothing Window(TSSW) approach, to mitigate the single snapshot effect and reduce computational demands. We further refine the highdimensional ESPRIT algorithm for joint estimation of DOD, DOA, and Doppler frequency, eliminating the need for additional parameter pairing. Moreover, we meticulously derive the Cramér-Rao Bound(CRB) for the TSNSM. This signal model allows for a second expansion of DOFs in time and space domains, achieving high precision in target angle and Doppler frequency estimation with low computational complexity. Our adaptable algorithm is validated through simulations and is suitable for sparse array MIMO radars with various structures, ensuring higher precision in parameter estimation with less complexity burden.     

Range Resolution of Targets

The problem of resolving targets in range is formulated as a hypothesis-testing problem. A generalized likelihood approach is developed and very good results are obtained, e. g., targets separated by more than a pulsewidth can almost always be resolved, Specifically, simulations showed that when using a sampling rate of 1.5 samples per pulsewidth, two 20 dB nonfluctuating targets can be resolved at a resolution probability of 0.9 and at a false-alarm probability of 0.01 at separations varying between ? and ? of a pulsewidth, depending on the relative phase difference between the targets. The effect of increasing the sampling rate was investigated and it appears that there is only marginal benefit in increasing the sampling rate beyond 1.5 samples per pulsewidth. Finally, the generalized likelihood approach was compared to several easily implemented adhoc approaches and an adhoc approach involving fitting a pulse shape to the data is only slightly (approximately 10%) less accurate than the likelihood approach.     

Monopulse Resolution of Interferometric Ambiguities

Ambiguities in interferometers with high angular accuracy must be resolved to achieve a practical system design. A new technique for ambiguity resolution is described and is based on monopulse circuitry used with the interferometric elements. The overall angular accuracy of the system is achieved by the interferometer; the angular accuracy of the monopulse subsystem is used to resolve interferometric ambiguities. An expression for the probability of correct ambiguity resolution is derived as a function of element size and monopulse accuracy which indicates that high probability of ambiguity resolution results when the size of the interferometric elements are a fraction of the interferometric baseline. Finally, a comparison between conventional monopulse and interferometric system designs is made for the three principal parameters, signal sensitivity, angular accuracy, and field of view, that dictate the appropriate choice for a particular application. Interferometric systems are more appropriate than monopulse systems for those applications in which angular accuracy and field of view are more important than signal sensitivity.