Adaptive optimal waveform design algorithm based on frequency‐stepped chirp signal

In this study, the authors propose an adaptive optimal waveform design algorithm, based on a frequency‐stepped chirp signal with arbitrary sub‐pulse bandwidths and chirp slopes. The waveform is designed to maximise the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio at the receiver. The integral sidelobe level of an autocorrelation function is constrained at a low level, thereby increasing the detection probability of the weak echoes reflected from dim targets. An energy constraint and a low peak‐to‐average power ratio constraint are also taken into account owing to the flexible power allocation for interference suppression. By doing so, the radar system improves the efficiency of the transmitter power resources and avoids the non‐linear effects of the power amplifier. What is more, a cyclic iterative algorithm is employed to solve the optimisation problem. At last, numerical simulation results evaluate the effectiveness of the designed waveform compared with a linear frequency modulation signal, resulting in a great improvement in the target detection performance.