Linear Frequency Modulated Signals VS Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Signals for Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems

The goal of this thesis is to investigate the effects of an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signal versus a linear frequency modulated or chirp signal on simulated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. Various parameters of the transmitted signal, such as pulse duration, transmitted signal energy, bandwidth, and (specifically for the OFDM signal) number of subcarriers and transmission scheme were examined to determine which parameters are most important to reconstructing a SAR image. Matched filtering and interpolation are two techniques used to reconstruct the SAR image. SAR systems are used in various military and civilian sector applications. Some SAR application examples include ground surveillance, reconnaissance and remote sensing. These applications demand high resolution imagery; therefore, knowledge of exactly which parameters of the transmitted radar signal are more important in producing fine resolution imagery is worth investigating. This research will also aid in providing flexibility in terms of what type of signal and signal parameters are best suited for a particular SAR application and associated military missions. In addition to improving the method attaining high resolution images, SAR process improvement can potentially reduce military SAR system design cost.