Krzysztof Stasiak
supervisor: Piotr Samczyński
The paper investigates measurement error correlation caused by the processing of overlapping blocks in FMCW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave) radar. The problem is analyzed theoretically by discussing the impact of measurement error correlation on tracking and mathematical evaluation of the effect. Statistical properties of measurement for both range and radial velocity in the radar influence operation of the tracking subsystem, therefore must be quantitatively evaluated. Processing of overlapping blocks in the FMCW radar leads to sharing part of the signal data between multiple blocks used for estimation of target parameters. Hence, processing of overlapping blocks introduces correlation between measurements. The paper describes predicting measurement error correlation to allow for proper addressing the issue in the tracking subsystem. The results are confronted with simulation and data from an real experiment. Simulations consist of emulating radar signal and evaluating statistical properties of the measurements. The real experiment involves using a radar demonstrator with an analog front-end with a fiber-optic delay line emulating stationary target. Simulations and real experiments confirm correctness of analytical derivations presented in the paper.