Joint estimation of target reflectivity and local oscillator phases in a MIMO radar system with distributed assets

Synchronization across multiple distributed apertures is the standard assumption in proposed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar systems. However, perfect phase synchronization is difficult to realize. Assuming frequency synchronization, probably through a GPS system or reception of a beacon, we address the issue of unknown LO phases of local oscillators in a MIMO radar system, and consider the problem of joint estimation of target reflectivity and LO phases. The bistatic target reflectivity is subject to a complex normal prior distribution given by a multiple point scatterer model and LO phases are assumed independent and identically distributed random variables.