Simulation of the effect of phase uncertainties on the estimation of linear Doppler velocities using coherent random noise radar

The University of Nebraska has developed an ultrawideband coherent random noise radar that accomplishes phase-coherent processing of the received data. The system operates over the 1 - 2 GHz frequency range, and achieves phase coherence using heterodyne correlation of the received signal with the time delayed replica of the transmitted signal. Knowledge of the phase of the received signal and its time dependence due to the motion of the target permits the system to be configured as a Doppler radar for detecting both linear and rotational motion. Preliminary simulation and experimental results presented last year indicate confidence in the system's ability to extract linear and rotation Doppler velocities of targets. The accuracy with which Doppler spectra of moving objects can be estimated is dependent not only upon the phase performance of various components within the radar system, but also upon the uncertainties arising from random and systematic internal and external factors. This-paper describes the simulation studies to characterize the uncertainties in Doppler measurement due internal and external mechanism.