Synthetic array processor

摘要

The method and apparatus for processing bipolar coherent sidelooking radar data to achieve continuous real time synthetic array mapping in the form of focused line-by-line imagery. Received radar data is correlated such that a number of subarrays are vectorially combined with appropriate quadratic phase corrections to continuously form the total synthetic array. Each subarray is accumulated in a recirculating (feedback) channel which applies a linear phase correction and amplitude weighting, which in turn reduces the arithmetic operations required to form the array. The subarrays are updated by continuously subtracting out the oldest data and adding new data to yield continuous line-by-line imagery. Alternate accumulator and feedback channels are employed in an interleaved fashion to minimize the buildup of "round-off" errors which result from digital multiplications. The invention is adaptable to all-range-focusing and operation at various pointing angles.