A variable chirp rate stepped frequency linear frequency modulation waveform designed to approximate wideband non-linear radar waveforms

Abstract The non-linear frequency modulation (NLFM) waveform is one of the existing waveforms that can be used in high range resolution radar applications. However, a sampling and consequently an expensive ADC are required. To overcome this drawback while taking advantage features NLFM waveform, we suggest approximating wideband by piecewise linear using it stepped (SF) framework. Thus, variable chirp rate SF-LFM proposed where SF combined with train LFM pulses having different rates, durations, bandwidths. In paper, these parameters derived from tangent-based waveform. At receiver, generalized version time domain (TD) algorithm to process received echoes. Our purpose obtain profile (HRRP) whose properties same magnitude orders as those obtained These peak sidelobe ratio, integrated sidelobe, resolution. Toward goal, multi-objective optimization issue addressed deduce two types approaches based on evolutionary algorithms. Their relevance compared. analysis simulations show attain targeted performance goals smaller at receiver.