Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) Processing with Stepped-Frequency Waveform (SFWF)

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the process for generating high-resolution 2D target images using Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) with stepped-frequency waveform (SFWF). We begin by explaining the fundamental principles of ISAR technology and its applications in radar imaging systems. The implementation typically involves range profiling through frequency stepping and cross-range resolution via Doppler processing. Next, we examine the advantages of SFWF-based ISAR systems, which utilize sequential frequency transmission across multiple pulses to synthesize wide bandwidth, and compare them with alternative radar imaging techniques. The core implementation involves waveform generation algorithms that control frequency stepping patterns and phase-coherent signal processing across multiple pulses. We then detail the specific integration methodology of ISAR with SFWF, analyzing how frequency-step synchronization and motion compensation algorithms impact image quality through point spread function optimization. Finally, we discuss the technology's practical applications in military reconnaissance and aerial target identification, along with future development trends including real-time processing enhancements and adaptive waveform optimization techniques.