Design of Optimal Radar Signals Subject to a Fixed Amplitude Constraint

The problem of designing finite-pulse-train radar signals and receivers to maximize the detectability of targets masked by thermal noise and clutter returns is considered in this paper. A practical constraint is introduced: the amplitude of each subpulse in the transmit waveform is taken to be fixed. The need for such a constraint is dictated in most radar applications, because the transmitter is most efficiently utilized by saturating its amplifying tube. An algorithm for generating optimal waveforms subject to this new constraint is presented, and the performance of the resulting waveforms is compared with those obtained using existing optimization techniques.