Nearly Orthogonal Waveforms for MIMO FMCW Radar

Herein is proposed a set of nearly orthogonal waveforms based on offset linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals for multiple-input, multiple-output frequency modulated continuous wave (MIMO FMCW) radar operation. The orthogonality of sounding signals is a critical point for many multi-channel radar applications because the interference between signals can significantly limit the radar´s ability for observation of weak targets in the presence of strong targets and clutter. High orthogonality for the proposed waveforms can be obtained by using de-ramping processing in the MIMO FMCW radar receiver. The experimental results presented demonstrate that a high orthogonality level is achievable for a specific multi-channel FMCW radar.