Covariance matrix synthesis using maximum ratio combining in coherent mimo radar with frequency diversity

Reliable detection and parameter estimation of a radar cross section(RCS) fluctuating target have been known as a difficult task. To reduce the effect of RCS fluctuation, various diversity techniques have been considered. This paper presents a new method for synthesizing a covariance matrix applicable to a coherent multi-input multi-output(MIMO) radar with frequency diversity. It is achieved by efficiently combining covariance matrices corresponding to different carrier frequencies such that the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) in the combined covariance matrix is maximized. The value of a synthesized covariance matrix is assessed by examining the phase curves of its entries and the improvement on direction of arrival(DOA) estimation.