High resolution mono- and bistatic SAR imaging by using a novel modular Radar transmitter and multi-channel receiver system

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Holger Nies
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2014 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 254415837

This application considers the continuation of the DFG project "High resolution mono- and bistatic SAR imaging by using a novel modular radar transmitter and multi-channel receiver system". While in the first phase of the project the main focus was on the development of the noise transmitter system, the navigation system and the calibration devices as well as on the signal processing in half stationary SAR and on ISAR configurations, now the airborne mono- and bistatic experiments will have to be prepared and performed.Using new hardware components, the SAR sensor on the one hand is equipped with a larger signal bandwidth (>650 MHz) than before; on the other side the recording system is enabling the continuous streaming of data over a long period of time (in the minute range, depending on duty cycle). As a consequence there are a lot of new possible geometries and configurations to choose from and to evaluate. The new transmitter has an integrated arbitrary waveform generator (AWG), which can be switched on and off alternately to the noise source. This enables for the first time a comparison of the (low cost) noise waveform and a standard radar signal source having identical parameters and conditions for the acquisition of the data.The goals which are to be aimed during the project are the finishing and calibration of the multi-channel SAR sensor including noise source and AWG. Furthermore the planning and performance of the different mono- and bistatic SAR experiments take a lot of the intended project time. These experiments are necessary showing the usability of noise technology for imaging radar. Individual issues like mission planning and data fusion using GNSS and IMU data will have to be solved during this project part.The main focus lies on the further development of algorithms for multistatic ISAR and SAR applications, in particular looking at computational efficiency, precise mapping of the surroundings and later usability for interferometric and topographic SAR. This also comprises the analysis and correction of the radar data using corner reflectors, transponders and ground truth position measurements. The SAR results obtained by using noise or frequency modulated (classical) waveforms will be analyzed and compared.The continuation of the project will provide a basis for future novel investigations of the University of Siegen in the field of environmental monitoring using a powerful SAR sensor. The use of a noise source for airborne SAR applications and its signal processing is innovative for the SAR community.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants