Optimization of Target Separation Capability for FMCW Radar Systems

This paper introduces an improvement of the target separation capability for frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar systems. The separation capability depends on the used bandwidth and on the radar cross section (RCS) of the targets to be separated. In worst case scenarios only targets with a high range difference can be separated. In multi target scenarios the received signal is a superposition of all reflected signals. By using different starting frequencies, the superposition behavior is changed. The new algorithm uses this information to separate different targets. Simulations and measurements are used to validate the new method. With this algorithm it is possible to separate targets better than with a conventional FFT spectrum analysis.