Human detection and ranging at long range and through light foliage using a w-band noise radar with an embedded tone

This paper describes a millimeter-wave (mm-wave) radar system that has been used to range humans concealed in light foliage at 30 meters and range exposed humans at distances up to 213 meters. Human micro-Doppler is also detected through light foliage at 30 meters and up to 90 meters when no foliage is present. This is done by utilizing a composite signal consisting of two waveforms: a wide-band noise waveform and a single tone. These waveforms are summed together and transmitted simultaneously. Matched filtering of the received and transmitted noise signals is performed to range targets with high resolution, while the received single tone signal is used for Doppler analysis. The Doppler measurements are used to distinguish between different human movements using characteristic micro-Doppler signals. Using hardware and software filters allows for simultaneous processing of both the noise and Doppler waveforms. Our measurements establish the mm-wave system's ability to range humans up to 213 meters and distinguish between different human movements at 90 meters. The radar system was also tested through light foliage. In this paper, we present results on human target ranging and Doppler characterization of human movements.