MARK Resources proposes a way to expand the data rate and linear dynamic range of RF receivers in high-end military radars. The product will be especially applicable for low cross section targets in the presence of strong clutter, when jamming is present, and with so-called passive radar systems. The number of bits in the analog-to-digital converter determines the system dynamic range, but a large linear dynamic range is in conflict with a high sample rate. We will circumvent this conflict by partitioning the frequency domain with multiple devices. This approach is simple to implement, it is straightforward to calibrate, it accurately renders the signals over the entire frequency band, and it facilitates upgrading as the technology evolves. An important consideration is that the approach is low risk, making it entirely appropriate for an SBIR effort.
Benefits: Development of a wideband sampling system with a large linear dynamic range should have wide application in both active and passive radar, as well as in telecommunications and signals intelligence (SIGINT), and should therefore lead to a viable commercial product.
Keywords: radar signal processing, sampling, filtering, analog/digital conversion
