Steering vector mismatch: analysis and reduction

In adaptive radar systems, optimal processing for target detection is only possible when the target location in angle and Doppler is used to build the processing filter. When this location is not exact, losses occur. These losses translate into a reduction in detection probability. After development of analytical expressions to quantify the effects of this mismatch, two techniques are examined for reducing these effects. These techniques are tested against losses due to Doppler mismatch. The first technique involves the use of temporal windows and reduces mismatch losses at the expense of reducing the overall signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the target. The second technique involves the use of additional filters, and achieves a reduction in mismatch losses without sacrificing maximum SINR. A brief overview of the problems associated with multidimensional (angle and Doppler) mismatch is also presented.