Transmitter noise considerations in super‐Nyquist FMCW radar design. Issue 5 (1st March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ash, M.; Brennan, P.V.
• Is Part Of: Electronics letters. Volume 51:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 413
• Page End: 415
• Publication Date: 2015-03-01
• Subjects: FM radar -- CW radar -- thermal noise -- radar receivers -- radar transmitters -- phase noise -- direct digital synthesis -- radar imaging; transmitter noise -- super‐Nyquist FMCW radar design -- FMCW radar systems -- receiver noise leakage -- phase noise curves -- direct digital synthesiser frequency -- DDS frequency -- super‐Nyquist image -- signal‐to‐noise ratio -- receiver sensitivity -- radar designers -- frequency modulated continuous wave radar system; Electronics -- Periodicals; 621.381
• DOI: 10.1049/el.2014.4236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-5194

Abstract

Abstract : A design consideration for super‐Nyquist frequency modulated continuous‐wave (FMCW) radar systems relating to transmitter to receiver noise leakage is introduced. Phase noise curves comparing the fundamental direct digital synthesisers frequency and its second super‐Nyquist image show a significant increase in relative noise level at all offsets from the carrier. This results in a reduced transmitter signal‐to‐noise ratio. It is shown with a simple example that this can lead to a significant degradation in receiver sensitivity if not managed properly. A design rule‐of‐thumb that can be used by radar designers to avoid or mitigate this problem is provided.