Evaluating the performance of methods for dual-function radar communications

Abstract

Dual-Function Radar Communications (DFRC), where a radar and communications function is performed by the same antenna or array, has recently begun to be investigated as a means of alleviating or coping with spectrum congestion. O'Connor and O'Donoughue investigated continuous wave DFRC and this thesis focuses on extending O'Connor and O'Donoughue's treatment to pulsed radar operations. Timesharing, aperture partitioning, and simultaneous dual-beam (SDB) are compared by spectral efficiency across the amount of power allocated to the communications function, distance, and pulse repetition frequency (PRF). Each DFRC method is also evaluated on its performance on parameter estimators, beamwidth, and detection effects.