An extended chirp scaling algorithm for spaceborne sliding spotlight synthetic aperture radar imaging

A system impulse response with low sidelobes is critical in synthetic aperture radar（SAR） images because sidelobes contribute to noise and interfere with nearby scatterers. However,the conventional tricks of sidelobe suppression are unable to be exactly applied to the case of spaceborne sliding spotlight SAR due to great azimuth shifts in both time and frequency domains. In this paper, an extended chirp scaling algorithm is presented for spaceborne sliding spotlight SAR data imaging. The proposed algorithm firstly uses the spectral analysis（SPECAN） technique to avoid the azimuth spectrum folding effect and then employs the chirp scaling（CS） algorithm to achieve data focusing, i.e., the so-called two-step approach. To suppress the sidelobe level, an efficient strategy for the azimuth spectral weighting which only involves matrix multiplications and short fast Fourier transformations（FFTs） is proposed, which is a post-process executed on the focused SAR image and particularly simple to be implemented. The SAR image processed by the proposed extended CS algorithm is very precise and perfectly phase-preserving. In the end, computer simulation results verify the analysis and confirm the validity of the proposed algorithm.     

Performance improvement for constellation SAR using signal processing techniques

A new concept of spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) implementation has recently been proposed - the constellation of small spaceborne SAR systems. In this implementation, several formation-flying small satellites cooperate to perform multiple space missions. We investigate the possibility to produce high-resolution wide-area SAR images and fine ground moving-target indicator (GMTI) performance with constellation of small spaceborne SAR systems. In particular, we focus on the problems introduced by this particular SAR system, such as Doppler ambiguities, high sparseness of the satellite array, and array element errors. A space-time adaptive processing (STAP) approach combined with conventional SAR imaging algorithms is proposed which can solve these problems to some extent. The main idea of the approach is to use a STAP-based method to properly overcome the aliasing effect caused by the lower pulse-repetition frequency (PRF) and thereby retrieve the unambiguous azimuth wide (full) spectrum signals from the received echoes. Following this operation, conventional SAR data processing tools can be applied to focus the SAR images fully. The proposed approach can simultaneously achieve both high-resolution SAR mapping of wide ground scenes and GMTI with high efficiency. To obtain array element errors, an array auto-calibration technique is proposed to estimate them based on the angular and Doppler ambiguity analysis of the clutter echo. The optimizing of satellite formations is also analyzed, and a platform velocity/PRF criterion for array configurations is presented. An approach is given to make it possible that almost any given sparse array configuration can satisfy the criterion by slightly adjusting the PRF. Simulated results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.     

A new fourth-order processing algorithm for spaceborne SAR

A new fourth-order signal aperture radar (SAR) processing algorithm has been developed for a general satellite-Earth relative motion. The two-dimensional exact transfer function (ETF) is calculated and range-variant phase corrections have been calculated in order to process many azimuth lines per block. The ETF together with the phase corrections has been called the fourth-order EETF (extended ETF). It is also shown that a fourth-order EETF is necessary to process high quality images from spaceborne SAR with long integration times with spatial resolution around 1 m. The algorithm is fast and is anticipated to have good phase preservation properties     

一种全自动的检测方法用于SAR-ATI的GMTI

针对星载SAR-ATI处理的中间结果,提出了一种称为"两步-类高斯拟合"完全自适应的检测方法。该方法可以完全自动地实现杂波和噪声中的运动目标检测,避免了传统方法作联合高斯数据的假定,无须推导SAR-ATI干涉图的理论概率密度函数。此外,该方法还可以大大降低系统的虚警概率并用仿真研究了最小可检测速度。     

An improved imaging algorithm for spaceborne MAPs sliding spotlight SAR with high-resolution wide-swath capability

Conventional synthetic aperture radar(SAR) systems cannot achieve both highresolution and wide-swath imaging simultaneously.This problem can be mitigated by employing multiple-azimuth-phases(MAPs) technology for spaceborne sliding spotlight SAR systems.However, traditional imaging algorithms have met challenges to process the data accurately, due to range model error, MAPs data reconstruction problem, high-order cross-coupling phase error and variation of Doppler parameters along the azimuth direction.Therefore, an improved imaging algorithm is proposed for solving the above problems.Firstly, a modified hyperbolic range equation(MHRE) is proposed by introducing a cubic term into the traditional hyperbolic range equation(THRE).And two curved orbit correction methods are derived based on the proposed range model.Then, a MAPs sliding spotlight data reconstruction method is introduced, which solves the spectral aliasing problem by a de-rotation operation.Finally, high-order cross-coupling phases and variation of Doppler parameters are analyzed and the corresponding compensation methods are proposed.Simulation results for point-target scene are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.     

Digital synthetic aperture radar processing via optical computers

A method for performing digital phase history processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data using optical computers is proposed. The method has nothing in common with the old analog optical SAR processing methods (which used lenses), but is rather a totally digital (numerical) technique for computing the individual complex pixel values based on matrix-vector multiplications. The method can be expected to greatly increase the potential processing speed and coverage possibilities of high-resolution digital SAR systems     

基于数值计算的机载SAR空变运动补偿算法

针对机载合成孔径雷达(SAR)高分辨率宽测绘带(HRWS)成像问题,在分析结合两步运动误差补偿的距离徙动算法基础上,提出一种基于数值计算的空变运动误差补偿算法。通过对粗聚焦图像进行分块,在子块的两维波数域进行空变运动补偿,补偿的相位包括方位相位误差、距离相位误差以及方位和距离的耦合相位,因此该算法在复杂航迹、高分辨和宽测绘带情况下仍具有较好的鲁棒性。最后对SAR仿真数据和实测数据进行处理,并与结合两步运动误差补偿的距离徙动算法进行比较,处理结果表明该算法能够更好地补偿空变运动误差。     

Advanced high-order nonlinear chirp scaling algorithm for high-resolution wide-swath spaceborne SAR

Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a well-established and powerful imaging technology that can provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface on a global scale. For future SAR systems, one of the key capabilities is to acquire images with both high-resolution and wide-swath. In parallel to the evolution of SAR sensors, more precise range models, and effective imaging algorithms are required. Due to the significant azimuth-variance of the echo signal in High-Resolution Wide-Swath (HRWS) SAR, two challenges have been faced in conventional imaging algorithms. The first challenge is constructing a precise range model of the whole scene and the second one is to develop an effective imaging algorithm since existing ones fail to process high-resolution and wide azimuth swath SAR data effectively. In this paper, an Advanced High-order Nonlinear Chirp Scaling (A-HNLCS) algorithm for HRWS SAR is proposed. First, a novel Second-Order Equivalent Squint Range Model (SOESRM) is developed to describe the range history of the whole scene, by introducing a quadratic curve to fit the deviation of the azimuth FM rate. Second, a corresponding algorithm is derived, where the azimuth-variance of the echo signal is solved by azimuth equalizing processing and accurate focusing is achieved through a high-order nonlinear chirp scaling algorithm. As a result, the whole scene can be accurately focused through one single imaging processing. Simulations are provided to validate the proposed range model and imaging algorithm.     

基于先验误差模型的机载高分宽幅DBF-SAR自聚焦算法

高分宽幅（HRWS）数字波束形成（DBF）合成孔径雷达（SAR）利用多通道空间采样代替部分时域采样,可以有效缓解SAR成像时高分辨率与宽测绘带间的矛盾,具有重要的军用和民用价值。现有常规DBF-SAR成像算法都假设雷达传感器相对位置精确已知,实际应用中受传感器位置测量误差影响,由位置不精确导致的相位误差会严重影响DBF-SAR高精度成像能力。在极坐标格式算法（PFA）框架下,推导了DBF-SAR成像处理后,残留相位误差的解析模型,分析了该误差对成像质量的影响。依据推导的先验相位误差解析结构模型,提出了一种基于图像对比度最优化准则的自聚焦算法。新算法通过引入先验相位结构信息,极大降低了待估参数的空间维数,可以同时改善自聚焦算法的参数估计精度和计算效率。数据处理结果验证了理论分析的正确性和所提算法的有效性。     

Improving slant-range resolution with multiple SAR surveys

Across-track resolution of a spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system is limited by power and data rate constraints. The authors derive and discuss a new technique for increasing the across-track resolution of objects that do not change with time, using multiple surveys of the same area from different off-nadir angles. Precise information on the spaceborne trajectories are not requested since they can be derived from SAR interferometry. Simulated data show that theoretical derivations are in good agreement with practice     

Performance of spaceborne bistatic synthetic aperture radar

This paper reports on a model developed for evaluating major system performance of a spaceborne bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for remote sensing applications. The procedure accounts for formation flying aspects. It is particularly aimed at comparison of monostatic and bistatic cases, and, as a test case, it is applied to study a novel configuration, based on a small satellite equipped with a receiving-only antenna orbiting in tandem with a large, noncooperative transmitting spacecraft, the Italian COSMO-SkyMed mission. Numerical results and plots show the effectiveness of the procedure as a mission design tool and put in evidence key issues and characteristics of the proposed spaceborne bistatic formation.     

New SAR Processor Based on Matched Subspace Detectors

This paper deals with a new synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Processor based on a subspace detector designed for man-made target (MMT) detection. As MMTs are more accurately decribed by a set of canonical elements than with isotropic points, we develop a new algorithm which aims at using new models, instead of the isotropic point model commonly used in SAR processors. A subspace detector matched to canonical elements is included in the SAR processing. The implementation and the optimization of subspace detector SAR (SDSAR) algorithm is described. Simple examples of MMT detection in simulations and real data with a target hidden in a forest show the power of our approach. The SDSAR algorithm is shown to be the first robust and tractable algorithm relying on realistic scattering assumptions about the target.     

单光子激光雷达数据去噪与滤波算法

单光子激光雷达获取的点云数据存在大量噪声,这给数据的处理带来了挑战。基于局部距离统计提出了改进的点云去噪算法,对单光子激光雷达点云原始数据进行去噪。然后基于统计分析方法改进了点云滤波算法,对去噪后的点云数据进行滤波处理。利用新提出的算法与传统算法去噪和滤波后得到的点云进行比较,并与传统激光雷达的数字地形模型(DTM)数据进行对比。计算得到MABEL地面点云相对于传统激光雷达高程的均方根误差RMSE为2.98m,相关系数R^2为0.9938。进一步对地面点云插值得到剖面数字高程模型(DEM)数据,其相对于传统激光雷达高程的均方根误差RMSE为2.85m,相关系数R^2为0.9931。实验结果显示,提出的单光子激光雷达点云去噪和滤波算法优于传统算法,与传统激光雷达DTM数据具有较好的相关性,能够精确的恢复地形信息。     

A Discussion of Digital Processing in Synthetic Aperture Radar

This is a summary paper describing the processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data using digital correlation algorithms. Fundamental SAR theory as it applies to the various SAR modes, namely, strip mapping, spotlight mapping, and Doppler beam sharpened mapping, is described and a baseline design applicable to all SAR modes is presented. Digital processor design is developed, starting with a simple single filter mechanization and proceeding through more complex processing algorithms. Prefilter design is discussed, as is the more advanced processing algorithms, namely, multiple parallel prefilters, two-stage correlation, and FFT processing. The primary processor tradeoff is increased functional complexity versus reduced arithmetic and memory requirements. For high-resolution applications, the arithmetic requirements can be reduced by an order of magnitude or more by implementing the more advanced processing algorithms.     

Sum-difference Reduced-dimensional Processing in SAR Image Domain and Statistical Analysis for Ground Moving Target Indication

In this article, a new reduced-dimensional adaptive processing algorithm based on joint pixels sum-difference data for clutter rejection is proposed. The sum-difference data are obtained by orthogonal projection of the joint pixels data of different synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images generated by a multi-satellite radar system. In the sense of statistical expectation, the sum-differ- ence data contain the common and different information of the SAR images. Therefore, the objective of clutter cancellation can be achieved by adaptive processing. Moreover, based on the residual image after clutter rejection, statistical analysis of constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) detection of moving targets is also presented. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm even with heterogeneous clutter and image co-registration error.     

准实时性前斜视INS/SAR组合导航滤波算法研究

为消除常规利用正侧视SAR图像辅助导航信息对惯性误差进行修正时的滞后影响,结合前斜视SAR成像工作特性,本文分析提出了新的准实时性组合导航滤波方案和算法,以解决SAR/INS组合导航系统中的量测滞后影响;本文分析了前斜视SAR成像辅助导航系统工作特点,分析了SAR量测输出模型;建立了准实时性前斜视INS/SAR组合导航滤波算法模型,并通过仿真分析了组合导航系统性能。仿真结果表明：采用所提出的惯性/SAR组合方案和算法,可以有效克服成规正侧视SAR辅助匹配输出滞后的影响,有效满足组合系统性能要求。     

一种基于改进WLBF频谱的异构双基地前视SAR成像算法

异构平台组成的双基地前视合成孔径雷达（SAR）配置灵活,可实现多种构型下的前视成像,具有潜在的应用价值。然而特殊的几何构型使得其回波信号具有新的特性,给频谱模型的推导及成像算法的设计带来不便。针对这一问题,提出了一种基于改进WLBF （Weighted Loffeld's Bistatic Formula）频谱的双基地前视SAR成像算法。首先,引入时域去走动和切比雪夫降阶法,减小了传统频谱模型中相位历程的加权分割误差和二阶展开误差,在此基础上推导了回波信号的改进WLBF频谱表达式。然后,使用切比雪夫多项式将改进WLBF频谱展开并设计了双基地前视SAR成像算法。最后,对频谱模型和成像算法进行了仿真分析。结果表明所提改进WLBF频谱模型与传统频谱模型相比具有较高的精确度,设计的成像算法可满足异构双基地大前视系统的成像要求。     

INS/SAR组合定位技术研究

主要研究了INS/SAR组合对运动目标的定位算法。首先,建立了INS/SAR组合定位系统数学模型;其次,基于卡尔曼滤波方法和alpha-beta滤波方法完成了INS/SAR组合定位算法设计;最后,考虑组合导航系统误差及导引头测量误差,对定位算法进行了数字仿真及性能分析。仿真结果表明,所设计的INS/SAR组合定位算法在远距对运动目标具有较高的定位精度。     

Moving target imaging algorithm for SAR data

A digital processing algorithm for fine-resolution imaging of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) moving targets is described. The targets may have any translational and rotational motion components relative to the data collection platform. The algorithm requires the presence of up to three prominent points in the image of the target; the signals from these points provide estimates of the unknown target motion parameters. Phase compensation and data formatting based on these estimates eliminate motion-induced phase errors. This algorithm has been implemented on a VAX computer and used to process both simulated and real SAR data of moving targets. Results obtained using the simulated data are presented     

Digital Beamforming on Receive: Techniques and Optimization Strategies for High-Resolution Wide-Swath SAR Imaging

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a well-proven imaging technique for remote sensing of the Earth. However, conventional SAR systems are not capable of fulfilling the increasing demands for improved spatial resolution and wider swath coverage. To overcome these inherent limitations, several innovative techniques have been suggested which employ multiple receive-apertures to gather additional information along the synthetic aperture. These digital beamforming (DBF) on receive techniques are reviewed with particular emphasis on the multi-aperture signal processing in azimuth and a multi-aperture reconstruction algorithm is presented that allows for the unambiguous recovery of the Doppler spectrum. The impact of Doppler aliasing is investigated and an analytic expression for the residual azimuth ambiguities is derived. Further, the influence of the processing on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is analyzed, resulting in a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) dependent factor describing the SNR scaling of the multi-aperture beamforming network. The focus is then turned to a complete high-resolution wide-swath SAR system design example which demonstrates the intricate connection between multi-aperture azimuth processing and the system architecture. In this regard, alternative processing approaches are compared with the multi-aperture reconstruction algorithm. In a next step, optimization strategies are discussed as pattern tapering, prebeamshaping-on-receive, and modified processing algorithms. In this context, the analytic expressions for both the residual ambiguities and the SNR scaling factor are generalized to cascaded beamforming networks. The suggested techniques can moreover be extended in many ways. Examples discussed are a combination with ScanSAR burst mode operation and the transfer to multistatic sparse array configurations.