Decision adaptive antenna array processing for collision avoidance radar

In this paper we describe a decision adaptive beam forming and processing strategy using a novel W band phased array architecture for automotive collision avoidance Radars. We use the term `decision adaptive´ in contrast to `data adaptive´ whereby the output of a tracking algorithm initializes the weight vector of the antenna array such that the main formed beam can be steered toward a desired, conjectured target location and clutter can be nulled. This type of approach has two advantages: 1) the beam weights are stored a priori and a simple look up table is used which makes computation trivial; and 2) a simplified antenna array system can be used in which the various antenna channels are weighted and pre-combined prior to the receiver electronics. We will show via analysis and simulation the performance of such as system.