Omega-K Algorithm extended with MIMO-SAR using Cascaded FMCW Radar

The conventional SAR imaging is to remotely map the reflectivity of objects or environments by moving Radar sensor with single antenna on a given path. High spatial resolution is achieved by wide bandwidth and large aperture of data capture. This kind of systems needs long time for data collection, which are unsuitable for real time applications. Furthmore, the SAR imaging algorithm requires precise estimation of the position and velocity of the Radar platform at all times. This paper presents the MIMO SAR using the TI cascaded Radar sensor with 12Tx I6Rx, where Omega-K SAR algorithm and MIMO technologies are combined. This MIMO SAR configuration is able to set up big synthetic aperture and makes the data capture 86 times faster as well. MIMO-SAR configurations of 2Tx4Rx and 12Tx16Rx are simulated, the performance and limitations are evaluated. In addition, the algorithm is validated by real scene tests. Experimental results show that our MIMO-SAR imaging gives potential solution for real time environment perception.