Throughput Enhancement for Dual-Function Radar-Embedded Communications Using Two Generalized Sidelobe Cancellers

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a novel approach for a joint platform of radar and communication systems. The previous approaches for dual-function radar-communication systems focused only on the simultaneous transmission of radar and communications in radar active mode. To increase the throughput of communications without affecting the radar operation, we enable communication during the whole pulse repetition interval by using two generalized sidelobe cancellers. We propose two different operational modes of the dual-function radar-communications system. In active mode, the radar function is achieved through the mainlobe, and communications are achieved through the sidelobes. In active mode, only one generalized sidelobe canceller is functional. In rest mode, both the generalized sidelobe cancellers are functional. The first generalized sidelobe canceller has the mainlobe and sidelobe levels as in active mode, and the second generalized sidelobe canceller has the same mainlobe level but double the power in the sidelobes. The output is the difference between the two, in which the mainlobe is canceled, while the sidelobes have the same power, as in the case of active mode. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is investigated in terms of the bit error rate. Moreover, the proposed system allows communication during the whole pulse repetition interval, thus, enhancing the throughput tremendously.