Nearly Orthogonal Waveforms for MIMO FMCW Radar

Herein is proposed a set of nearly orthogonal waveforms based on offset linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals for multiple-input, multiple-output frequency modulated continuous wave (MIMO FMCW) radar operation. The orthogonality of sounding signals is a critical point for many multi-channel radar applications because the interference between signals can significantly limit the radar's ability for observation of weak targets in the presence of strong targets and clutter. High orthogonality for the proposed waveforms can be obtained by using de-ramping processing in the MIMO FMCW radar receiver. The experimental results presented demonstrate that a high orthogonality level is achievable for a specific multi-channel FMCW radar.