Signal-to-Noise Ratio Equalization for TOPSAR Mode Using a Nonuniform Steering Rate

Author

Rodon, Josep Ruiz ; Broquetas, A. ; Arbesú, J. M González ; Closa, J. ; Labriola, M.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Signal Theor. & Commun., Univ. Politec. de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain

Volume

9

Issue

2

fYear

2012

fDate

3/1/2012 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

199

Lastpage

203

Abstract

In this letter, an optimized scanning in terrain observation by progressive scan synthetic aperture radar (TOPSAR) mode is studied. A nonuniform steering rate of the radar array antenna in the along-track direction is proposed in order to obtain constant radiometric sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. This is achieved owing to the longer integration time of the echoes received at both ends of the antenna azimuth sweep. By optimizing iteratively the array discrete steering rate law, the radiometric impact of the array basic element pattern (subarray pattern) can be accurately compensated. First, simulation results are presented to validate the nonuniform steering TOPSAR.

Keywords

antenna arrays; antenna radiation patterns; geophysical signal processing; iterative methods; radar antennas; radar cross-sections; radiometry; synthetic aperture radar; terrain mapping; array basic element pattern; array discrete steering rate law; constant radiometric sensitivity; iterative optimization; nonuniform steering TOPSAR mode; nonuniform steering rate; optimized scanning; progressive scan synthetic aperture radar; radar array antenna azimuth sweep; signal-to-noise ratio equalization; terrain observation; Antenna arrays; Antenna radiation patterns; Arrays; Azimuth; Remote sensing; Signal to noise ratio; Antenna array; array signal processing; remote sensing; synthetic aperture radar (SAR);

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1545-598X

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/LGRS.2011.2162578

Filename

6020738