Array Antenna Beamforming and Radar Signal Processing Techniques

In this article, I will discuss several key concepts from radar coursework. First, we will examine the principles and methods of array antenna beamforming, which can be implemented using phased array toolbox functions like phased.ULA() for uniform linear array configuration and phased.SteeringVector() for beam direction control. Next, we will introduce pulse compression techniques, a critical technology for improving radar resolution, typically achieved through matched filtering using functions such as xcorr() for cross-correlation or implementing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based convolution for efficient processing. Following this, we will delve into MTI (Moving Target Indicator) filter design, a key technology for ground clutter suppression. When discussing MTI techniques, we will also cover the 3-pulse canceller with staggered PRF (Pulse Repetition Frequency) implementation, which requires careful timing control through pulse scheduling algorithms. Additionally, we will explore non-coherent integration methods using cumulative sum operations and Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) processing techniques, commonly implemented through cell-averaging algorithms with threshold adaptation. Finally, we will perform sum-difference beam analysis using monopulse processing techniques to further optimize radar performance, which involves comparing amplitude or phase differences between sum and difference channel outputs for precise angle estimation.