Modelling the AFIT random noise radar

The ultrawideband, random, continuous waveform generated by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) random noise radar (RNR) results in a sensing capability that is electromagnetically compatible with other radio frequency systems and has a low probability of intercept. The RNR, originally designed for through-the-wall imaging, has the distinct sensor characteristics required for collision avoidance in an autonomous vehicle. However, the hardware has not been designed for such an application. To facilitate trade-off analyses, a software model has been developed, emulating system performance and allowing the radar engineer to predict performance changes resulting from hardware modifications. This paper presents the software model construct of the AFIT RNR and provides a comparison between the simulated and measured results.