As radar-system designs become more intricate, the ability to properly model a multi-domain simulation framework is more crucial than ever in terms of influencing decision-making and detecting issues early on in a project. Phased-array antennas are now being used in new designs, ushering in an extended set of capabilities that includes electronic beamsteering and spatial signal-processing techniques.
However, these added capabilities increase system-level complexity. This complexity, coupled with growing levels of interference sources and smaller cross-section targets, is making it extremely difficult for engineers to achieve desired radar performance levels.
Thankfully, radar-system models help to limit the challenges associated with the complexities of today’s design workflow. These models can be used to help justify upgrades to mature, fielded systems before any hardware is procured or developed, and can even assess the lifecycle of a system by understanding how it performs as failures occur—ultimately leading to lower design costs and faster time-to-market.
Explaining the Model
Simulink was used to create a multi-domain, system-level model (Fig. 1). This model covers radar blocks from waveform generation to the transmit/receive chain to the spatial signal-processing components. Environmental and target modeling are also included to complete the system scenario.