Radar and Satellite Systems

Project

Abinashak Padhi
Hitesh Mohanty

ETC 7th Sem [2021-25]

—
Simulation and Visualization of
Range and Doppler Intensity Data in
an End-to-End Radar System
—
Professor Sanjeev Kumar Mishra
 INDEX

Acknowledgement ----------------- 3
Introduction ------------------------ 4
Motivation -------------------------- 5
Working Principle ----------------- 6
Block Diagram --------------------- 7
Parameter List -------------------- 12
MATLAB code -------------------- 13
Results ----------------------------- 14
Analysis ---------------------------- 15
Applications ----------------------- 16
Limitations ------------------------ 17
Advantages & Disadvantages ---- 18
Conclusion ------------------------- 19
References ------------------------- 19
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my Radar & Satellite Systems professor, Mr. Sanjeev
Kumar Mishra, for the opportunity to work on the project titled “Simulation and Visualization of
Range and Doppler Intensity Data in an End-to-End Radar System.” His guidance was crucial in
navigating the complexities of this endeavour.

With his encouragement, what initially seemed daunting became manageable, allowing me to
complete the project on time. I learned a great deal about the design, simulation, and visualization
of monostatic radar systems, significantly enhancing my knowledge in this field. This experience
has been both enriching and enlightening.
 INTRODUCTION

The simulation and visualization of range and Doppler intensity data in an end-to-end
monostatic radar system represent a crucial aspect of radar technology development and
optimization. Radar systems play a pivotal role in various applications, including
surveillance, target tracking, and environmental monitoring. This project aims to model a
monostatic radar system using Simulink, providing a comprehensive platform for
researchers, engineers, and practitioners to assess and enhance radar performance under
diverse conditions.
The primary objective of this simulation is to evaluate the radar system's performance by
assessing its range resolution and accuracy. This involves analyzing the system's ability to
detect and locate targets at varying distances, offering valuable insights for optimizing
radar parameters tailored to specific applications. Additionally, the simulation facilitates
the optimization of Doppler processing, enabling an in-depth investigation into the radar
system's capability to differentiate between moving and stationary targets and enhancing
target velocity estimation.
The project features three targets: one positioned approximately 2000 meters away from
the radar and moving away, another at 3845 meters and moving towards the radar, and a
stationary target at 3532 meters. Utilizing scopes within Simulink, the simulation
visualizes two essential aspects of radar data: Range-intensity and Doppler-intensity. The
Range-time intensity scope allows users to observe how the target's distance evolves over
time, while the Doppler-time intensity scope provides insights into the variations of the
Doppler shift of the radar return signal.
By simulating realistic scenarios and accounting for factors such as target characteristics,
environmental conditions, and platform motion, this project underscores the importance
of understanding how radar systems operate in real-world situations. Ultimately, the
overarching goal is to validate the functionality of the radar system, enhancing users'
comprehension of its capabilities, limitations, and responses to different operational
environments.
 MOTIVATION

The drive to simulate and visualize range and Doppler intensity data in an end-to-end
radar system stems from the need for effective and economical development, testing, and
optimization of radar technologies. Several key factors underscore the value of
simulations in this field:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Conducting real-world tests on radar systems can be expensive,

involving significant costs for hardware, operational expenses, and risks associated
with field trials. Simulations provide a budget-friendly alternative, enabling
researchers and developers to carry out extensive virtual experiments without the
need for physical resources.

• Accelerated Prototyping: Simulation allows for quick prototyping and iteration of

radar designs. Developers can efficiently test various configurations, algorithms, and
parameters in a virtual setting, speeding up the development process and enabling
exploration of diverse design options.

• Scenario Testing: Simulations create a controlled environment for examining a wide

array of scenarios and operational conditions. This includes variations in target
characteristics, environmental influences, and interference scenarios. By modeling
these conditions, developers can evaluate radar system performance across different
contexts and optimize it accordingly.
 WORKING PRINCIPLE

The simulation and visualization of range and Doppler intensity data in an end-to-end
radar system encompass several key components and processes. Monostatic radar
systems, where the transmitter and receiver share the same location, form the foundation
of this implementation. Utilizing a single antenna for both transmission and reception
simplifies hardware and system design.
Initially, the radar system emits a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, which travels through a
defined propagation channel—this is the medium through which the radar waves move.
When these signals encounter a target, a portion of the signal is reflected back toward the
antenna for detection. Targets play a crucial role in this process, as their interactions with
the radar signals directly influence system functionality.
The architecture of the simulation includes the design of radar components such as
antennas and targets, alongside the implementation of various signal processing
algorithms. After the signals are captured by the receiver subsystem, the data undergoes a
visualization phase. Here, the received signals are processed in both the range and
Doppler domains.
Range-intensity data reveals insights into the spatial distance of targets over time, while
Doppler-intensity data provides information on frequency shifts resulting from target
motion. This comprehensive approach allows for real-time simulation and integration
with a control interface, enabling scalability testing and validation. Ultimately, the goal is
to create a versatile simulation tool for radar system development, offering valuable
insights into system performance across diverse conditions and allowing for iterative
improvements based on user feedback.
 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Monostatic Radar System –

1. Transmitter Block -

• Rectangular - Creates rectangular pulse as the transmitter waveform of 3 MHz

bandwidth, corresponding to a 50-meter range resolution.
• Radar Transmitter - Amplifies the rectangular pulse. The operating frequency of
the transmitter is 1 GHz.
• Narrowband Tx Array - Simulates the signals radiated from the antenna. The
first input (X) to this block is a column vector which contains the transmitted
pulses. The pulses are assumed to be narrowband with a carrier frequency equal
to the operating frequency specified in the block's dialog panel. The second input
(Ang) specifies the radiating direction of the pulses. The antenna is configured in
the Sensor Array tab of the block's dialog panel.

2. Channel Block –
 • Channel - This block performs two-way propagation, propagating signal from
transmitter to target and propagating the reflected signal from target to receiver.
The block models propagation time, free-space propagation loss, and Doppler
shift. The block assumes that the propagation speed is much greater than the
object's speed.

3. Target Block –

• Target - Reflects the signal according to the radar cross section (RCS) specified in
the mean radar cross section parameter of the Target block.
4. Platform Block –

The platform subsystem models the motion of radar as well as the target. The
positions and velocities of the radar and targets are used by the Channel block
to model propagation and by the Range Angle block to compute the signal's
incident angles at the target location.
• Radar Platform - Used to model the radar's motion. The radar is mounted on a
stationary platform located at the origin.
• Target Platform - Used to model the target's motion. In this example, there are
three targets. The first one positioned at approximately 2000 meters from the
radar and is moving away from the radar at 1500 m/s, second target positioned at
3845 meters from the radar and is moving towards the radar at 1500 m/s and
third one is a stationary target at 3532 meters from the radar.
• Range Angle - Computes the propagated signal's incident angles in azimuth and
elevation at the target's location.

5.Receiver Block –
The radar system's receiver subsystem is responsible for capturing and
processing the reflected signals. The received signals contain information about
the distance (range), velocity (Doppler shift), and sometimes the angle of the
targets.
• Narrowband Rx Array - It receives the narrowband transmitted array signals
from the receiver block.
• Receiver Preamp - Amplifies the input signals and adds thermal noise.
• Doppler Processing Subsystem - The received signal is buffered for 10-pulse
burst, followed by FFT along the Doppler dimension to estimate the Doppler
information of the received pulse.

• Range Processing Subsystem - Performs matched filtering to improve SNR,

followed by time-varying gain to compensate for range loss and finally integrates
10 pulses noncoherently.

6. Visualization Block –
6.1. Doppler-time intensity scope - The Doppler-Time Intensity Scope block
creates a scrolling display of Doppler response intensities as a function of time.
The input consists of Doppler responses for a pulse. Each frame of data creates
a new line on the scope. The scope serves only as a display of the Doppler
response.

DATA AND AXES:

• Doppler Output – This field is used to choose Frequency for the Doppler shift for
the radial speed.
• Operating Frequency (Hz) - This field is used to set the scaling on the X-axis.
• Doppler Offset (Hz) - This field is used to set the frequency offset of the X-axis.
• Doppler Resolution (Hz) - This field is used to set the granularity of the X-axis.
• Time Span (s) - This field is used to set the duration of the Y-axis.
• Time Resolution (s) - This field is used to set the granularity of the Y-axis.

6.2. Range-time intensity scope - The Range-Time Intensity Scope block

creates a scrolling display of range response intensities as a function of time. The
input consists of a range of responses for a pulse. Each frame of data creates a
new line on the scope. The scope serves only as a display of the range response.

DATA AND AXES:

• Range Offset (m) - This field is used to set the offset of the X-axis.
• Range Resolution (m) - This field is used to set the granularity of the X-axis.
• Time Span (s) - This field is used to set the duration of the Y-axis.
• Time Resolution (s) - This field is used to set the granularity of the Y-axis.
PARAMETER LIST
MATLAB code
 RESULTS

The range-time intensity scope and Doppler-time intensity scope shows range and
Doppler detections of three targets over time. From the Range-Time Intensity scope and
Doppler-Time Intensity scope it can be seen that there are three targets, out of which two
are moving along the x-axis and one is stationary.

• Doppler-time intensity scope - The Doppler-Time Intensity scope shows that

there are 2 moving targets and one stationary target which agrees with the target
velocity configuration.

• Range-time intensity scope - The Range-Time Intensity scope shows the

variation in the range intensity data of each of the targets over time. Two targets
are moving along the X-axis starting at 2000 km and 3532 km respectively and
one target is stationary at 3845 km.
 ANALYSIS

Doppler-Time Intensity Scope

• Presence of Two Moving Targets: The Doppler-Time Intensity Scope
effectively highlights the activity of two moving targets through distinct Doppler
shifts. The patterns observed align with the expected behavior of targets in
motion, confirming the radar system’s capability to detect and track these objects
based on their radial velocities.

• Stationary Target Detection: A lack of significant Doppler shifts during

certain periods indicates the presence of a stationary target. This observation
corresponds with the stationary target defined in the example, showcasing the
scope's ability to differentiate between moving and stationary objects. Overall, the
Doppler-Time Intensity Scope proves to be an essential tool for real-time
monitoring and analysis of target velocities, offering a dynamic overview of the
radar environment.

Range-Time Intensity Scope

• Tracking Two Moving Targets: The Range-Time Intensity Scope visually
represents the changing distances of two moving targets along the X-axis. Starting
at 2000 meters, one target is seen moving away while another, initially at 3532
meters, approaches the radar. The varying intensities on the scope provide a clear
depiction of the spatial dynamics of the radar returns from these targets.

• Observing a Stationary Target: The stationary target at 3845 meters

maintains a consistent range intensity over time. The absence of significant
fluctuations in intensity for this target confirms its stationary nature, in line with
the configuration provided in the example. Thus, the Range-Time Intensity Scope
offers a thorough view of how distances to various targets change over time,
enabling effective monitoring of the spatial dynamics of observed objects.
 APPLICATIONS

The simulated monostatic radar system demonstrated in this project has important real-
world applications across various fields:

• Air Traffic Control (ATC): In aviation, monostatic radar is vital for air
traffic control, allowing for tracking of aircraft movement, distinguishing between
planes that are approaching or receding, and ensuring safe separation distances.

• Defense and Surveillance: Military applications utilize monostatic radar for

effective surveillance and target tracking. Its ability to identify and differentiate
between moving and stationary targets is crucial for monitoring airspace and
detecting potential threats.

• Maritime Navigation: Monostatic radar is employed in maritime contexts for

navigation, collision avoidance, and vessel tracking. It helps determine the speed
and direction of moving ships while identifying stationary objects like buoys or
islands.

• Security and Border Surveillance: This radar system is key for border
surveillance, aiding security personnel in monitoring and tracking the movement
of individuals or vehicles and distinguishing between potential threats and
stationary objects.

• Automated Systems and Robotics: Monostatic radar can be integrated

into automated systems and robotics to enhance obstacle detection and avoidance.
This capability improves the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles and
robotic systems.
 LIMITATIONS

While the simulated monostatic radar system showcases significant versatility and
accuracy, it is essential to recognize some inherent limitations:

• Coverage Limitations and Blind Zones: Monostatic radar systems may

exhibit coverage gaps and blind zones, where certain targets could be undetected
due to the system's geometry. This poses challenges in detecting low-flying or
small targets.

• Susceptibility to Jamming: Monostatic radars are vulnerable to electronic

countermeasures like jamming, where intentional signal transmission interferes
with radar signals, potentially compromising effectiveness.

• Challenges with Stealth Detection: Monostatic radar may struggle to

identify stealthy targets designed to minimize radar visibility. Advanced stealth
technology can significantly reduce radar signatures, making detection difficult.

• Complexity in Tracking Agile Targets: Tracking fast and maneuverable

targets can be challenging for monostatic radar systems. Rapid changes in target
position and velocity may result in track losses or inaccuracies in trajectory
predictions.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantages:
• Performance Assessment: Simulation provides a controlled environment
for assessing the performance of the radar system under various conditions.
Researchers and engineers can evaluate the system's accuracy, resolution, and
sensitivity, identifying strengths and weaknesses in different scenarios.
• Parameter Optimization: The simulation platform allows for the fine-
tuning and optimization of radar system parameters. Researchers can experiment
with changing radar configurations, signal processing algorithms, and hardware
specifications to achieve the best possible performance for specific applications.
• Scenario Analysis: Simulating diverse scenarios, such as different terrains,
weather conditions, and target characteristics, enables a comprehensive analysis
of the radar system's robustness. Users can study how the system responds to
challenges like clutter, interference, and dynamic environmental factors.
• Cost-Efficiency: Conducting real-world experiments with radar systems can
be costly and logistically challenging. Simulation provides a cost-effective
alternative, allowing researchers to explore a wide range of scenarios without the
need for physical prototypes or extensive field testing.
• Education and Training: Simulation serves as a valuable educational tool,
offering students, researchers, and practitioners the opportunity to interact with
radar systems in a virtual environment. It facilitates hands-on learning, aiding in
the understanding of radar principles, signal processing techniques, and system
behaviour.

Disadvantages:
• Model Accuracy: The accuracy of simulations heavily depends on the fidelity
of the models used. If the mathematical models do not accurately represent real-
world conditions, the simulation results may not reflect the actual performance of
the radar system.
• Limited Realism: Simulations may not fully capture the complexity and
variability of real-world environments. Factors such as atmospheric conditions,
electromagnetic interference, and unpredictable events are challenging to model
accurately, potentially leading to simulations that do not mirror actual operational
scenarios.
• Validation Challenges: It can be difficult to validate the accuracy of
simulation results without extensive real-world testing. While simulations are
useful for initial assessments, they may lack the validation needed to ensure that
the radar system behaves as expected in diverse and dynamic environments.
• Algorithm Complexity: Simulating advanced radar signal processing
algorithms, especially in real-time, can be computationally intensive. This
complexity may limit the speed of simulations, making it challenging to assess the
performance of the radar system in near real-time scenarios
 CONCLUSION

This project simulating a monostatic radar system in Simulink provides essential insights into
radar technology. Visualization tools like the Range-Time and Doppler-Time Intensity scopes
enable real-time monitoring of target dynamics.

The Doppler-Time Intensity scope illustrates the motion of both moving and stationary targets,
while the Range-Time Intensity scope tracks distance changes, clarifying spatial dynamics.
Analyzing three distinct targets—one moving away, one approaching, and one stationary—
showcases the system's versatility and accuracy.

Overall, this simulation framework is a powerful platform for radar system analysis, exploring
performance factors and contributing to advancements in radar technology.

REFERENCES

• https://in.mathworks.com/help/phased/ug/simulate-and-visualize-range-and-
doppler-intensity-data-in an-end-to-end-radar.html

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240685675_Simulating_Range_Over
sampled_Doppler_Radar_Profiles_of_Inhomogeneous_Targets

• https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=10073630