Noncoherent Angle and Angle-Rate Estimator for a Scanning Monopulse Antenna

In radar and communication systems, accurate estimation of the direction and speed of a target object is crucial. These systems typically rely on antennas to track target objects. However, achieving accurate angle and rate estimations often poses a significant challenge from various factors like signal interference, echo, and noise introduced by the system or the environment. Current methods often struggle with distinguishing whether the target is in the main lobe or in a side lobe. These fundamental difficulties often result in imprecise tracking and hinder overall system performance. The problem is even more complex when the antenna needs to rotate (slewing) to track multiple targets because this slewing often introduces additional errors.

Technology Description

The presented technology is a system and method that allows for an accurate estimation of both the angle and the angle rate for a particular target by using a slewing antenna. The system uses a unique form of noncoherent integration that can extend to estimate a target's angle rates. Furthermore, this advanced method can potentially expand to discern if a target is located in the main beam or a side lobe in one or dual directions. What makes this particular technology stand out is its sophisticated use of noncoherent integration to ascertain the angle and angle rates of a target. Unlike other systems and methods, this technology can differentiate main lobe and side lobe targets, a function highly beneficial in signal processing and object tracking to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of object detection and tracking..