Two-Dimensional Sparse Array Design of Three-Dimensional MIMO Radar Imaging System

The three-dimensional multiple-input-multiple-output radar (MIMO) system has been applied in various situations such as security inspection and ground exploration. The conventional dense MIMO radar array has excellent imaging performance but large spacing redundancy between antenna elements. In this paper, two-dimensional (2-D) MIMO sparse array design is discussed. The difference basis and the cyclic difference set are combined to construct a one-dimensional (1-D) sparse array with less spacing redundancy, which would be placed reasonably to construct the 2-D MIMO sparse array. Finally, the pattern and target imaging results of the array are given through simulation experiments, demonstrating that the square array proposed has good imaging performance especially in terms of side lobe level and grating lobe. The proposition of 2-D square sparse MIMO array would facilitate the development of sparse MIMO array design and improve the application capabilities of MIMO radar.