Mixed-modulated linear frequency modulated radar-communications

Abstract

Increasing congestion of the electromagnetic spectrum has spurred investigation into approaches that provide more efficient spectrum use. While many approaches focus on some type of orthogonality in time, frequency, or coding, another less explored option is mixed modulation of two complementary signals through intentional modulation of pulse. This study discusses intentional modulation of a linear frequency modulated (LFM) chirp radar pulse with a communications signal in order to conduct complementary activities with a combined signal. In order to reduce cross-interference between the signals, the communications message employs spread-spectrum encoding (binary M-sequences) and new modulation scheme with reduced phase change to modulate the LFM waveform. Preferred pair of M-sequences exhibit excellent auto-correlation and low cross-correlation properties that lend themselves to simultaneous transmission of channelised communication signals. The proposed approach is to modulate a radar signal with preferred pair M-sequences using binary reduced phase shift keying modulation that provides a low throughput, communications signal that could be used for administrative or navigation purposes. To measure effect on radar performance, comparison of the radar ambiguity function for the LFM signal is contrasted with combined radar-communication signal.