A SFCW harmonic radar system for maritime search and rescue using passive and active tags. Issue 7 (12th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harzheim, Thomas; Mühmel, Marc; Heuermann, Holger
• Is Part Of: International journal of microwave and wireless technologies. Volume 13:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 691
• Page End: 707
• Publication Date: 2021-09-12
• Subjects: Radar -- microwave measurements -- harmonic radar -- harmonic radar tags -- nonlinear VNA measurements; Wireless communication systems -- Periodicals; Microwave circuits -- Periodicals; Radio frequency -- Periodicals; 621.381305
• DOI: 10.1017/S1759078721000520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-0787

Abstract

Abstract: This paper introduces a new maritime search and rescue system based on S-band illumination harmonic radar (HR). Passive and active tags have been developed and tested while attached to life jackets and a small boat. In this demonstration test carried out on the Baltic Sea, the system was able to detect and range the active tags up to a distance of 5800 m using an illumination signal transmit-power of 100 W. Special attention is given to the development, performance, and conceptual differences between passive and active tags used in the system. Guidelines for achieving a high HR dynamic range, including a system components description, are given and a comparison with other HR systems is performed. System integration with a commercial maritime X-band navigation radar is shown to demonstrate a solution for rapid search and rescue response and quick localization.