Background

The world does not stand still for us to measure it. It’s a dynamic place and radar needs to measure objects in motion. Good radar codes maintain strong mainlobe signals and small sidelobes in the presence of Doppler shifts caused by objects moving towards or away from the radar source. This allows accurate identification of the main target without artifacts produced by the sidelobes. Unfortunately “Doppler tolerant” codes are poor at detecting Doppler shifts. This, in turn, makes them poor at estimating velocity.

Technology Overview

The new method developed by University at Buffalo researchers turns any code which is Doppler tolerant into one which is also Doppler detecting and vice versa. This produces accurate target identification, analysis of target behavior and makes it harder to find the radar source. Useful applications include tracking drones, hypersonic missiles, mortar rounds and, of course, aircraft. In other words, tracking anything that moves.

Further Details:

Byrley, A. and Fam, A., “Warped Frequency Domain Good Codes with Doppler Detection Capability”, MILCOM 2018 - 2018 IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM).

Stage of Development

Prototypes available
In-lab simulations

Benefits

Increased targeting accuracy
Fewer false artifacts
Harder to detect the signal source

Applications

Tracking aircraft
Drones
Hypersonic missiles
Mortar rounds

Opportunity

Available for licensing or collaboration.

Radar Doppler Detecting Good Codes for Improved Signal Accuracy

Patents

IP Status

Seeking