Detection Performance using Frequency Diversity with Distributed Sensors

Detection using a frequency diverse (FD), distributed, radar system is investigated. Distributed sensing systems provide an inherent spatial diversity by viewing a potential target from different aspect angles. By using different frequencies at each platform, a diversity gain is obtained in addition to the advantages of spatial diversity while also avoiding mutual interference. Here, since platforms are distributed spatially, true time delay is used at each platform to align the sample look point in time. Data models for a distributed system with and without frequency diversity are developed. These models are used to analyze the corresponding signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and probability of detection for the two cases in the context of space-time adaptive processing (STAP). The simulation results presented here illustrate the limitations imposed by mutual interference and the significant benefits of spatial and frequency diversity.