Phased array antenna model-in-the-loop radar waveform optimization

Radar systems are being held to ever more strenuous spectral compliance standards. To meet these expectations innovative approaches that compensate for spectral spreading or other effects from the physical hardware need to be developed. Specifically, when considering phased array radar systems, it is important to consider the distortions introduced by their antennas. Radar waveforms that are optimized comprehensively for an entire radar system, including these antenna effects need to be explored. Ongoing work is exploring the optimization of radar waveforms that include the physical effects from transmitters and antennas. Here radar waveform performance is optimized for a radar system that includes the effects of a slotted waveguide phased array antenna using Continuous Phase Modulations (CPM) implemented waveforms.