Strategic method of determining parameter values in frequency modulated continuous wave radar for low noise floor over middle-long range

Abstract

Heterodyne architecture has been frequently chosen to resolve the problem of dc offset in frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. However, heterodyne FMCW radars use different local oscillators, resulting in uncorrelated phase noise (UPN) in beat signals. Therefore, the inherent leakage signal in the heterodyne FMCW radar also has UPN and raises the noise floor in the power spectrum. In this letter, we propose a strategic decision method for parameter values in the heterodyne FMCW radar to achieve a low noise floor over the middle-long range. In addition, we experimentally discover the relation between the UPN and the processing gain for the first time. Based on this relation, we devise an exact formula for the degree of improvement achieved due to the proposed strategic decision method. Experimental results confirm the devised formula and show that the proposed method significantly reduces the noise floor over the middle-long range.