Spatial-Temporal Differential Analysis for GMTD with Airborne Radars, Part 1: Theoretical Background

We introduce a conceptually new approach to processing multiple synchronized radar signals. The method is referred to as the spatial-temporal differential analysis (STDA). STDA operates with spatial and temporal increments of the instantaneous signal power received from multiple channels. To improve the radar detection and tracking capabilities, STDA takes advantage of the signal scintillations, which are regarded as a harmful phenomenon by conventional signal analysis techniques. We present and discuss a simplified technique for ground-moving target detection (GMTD) using airborne radars with multiple receive channels. The technique is based on structure functions in a time domain, which are statistical moments of the increments. We demonstrate that STDA in the time domain "senses " different characteristics of the scatterers than conventional spectra-based techniques do. This new concept enables detection of weak moving targets in heavily cluttered environment.