FMCW radar jamming techniques and analysis

Abstract

Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) radar is a type of Low Probability of Intercept radar system that is being heavily investigated in the military. Not only is its transmission difficult to be detected by enemy intercept receivers, but FMCW radar has the inherent capability of increasing coherent signal power while suppressing noise power during its receive signal processing. This thesis investigates the jamming effectiveness of selected jamming waveforms by injecting the interfering signals into the Lab-Volt Radar Training System (LVRTS). The jamming effect is evaluated based on the change in beat frequency due to the jamming. Due to the hardware limitations of the LVRTS, a MATLAB simulation model is also constructed for advanced electronic attack testing. The MATLAB model emulates the FMCW emitter digital signal processing response to coherent and non-coherent jamming signals under an anti-ship capable missile scenario. The simulation output is the target range and range rate, whose error measures quantify the jamming effectiveness. From the standpoint of electronic warfare, related subjects such as electronic warfare support measures and FMCW electronic protection are also discussed.