Fast Threat Detection and Localization using Super-Regenerative Transceiver in Random Noise Radar

The concept and technology of using a superregenerative (SRG) transceiver as a type of ultrafast electronics platform for threat detection and localization is introduced. In contrast to the traditional coherent correlation receiver (CCR), the received RF signal is retransmitted to the target and built up nonlinearly in the RF channels. The positive feedback loop associated with the presence of a target produces a target indication. The performance of SRG in the presence of clutter and interference is analyzed and compared with CCR-based systems. The clutter and interference are modeled as multi-loops with diversified loop gains and delays. Moreover, the SRG may be extended to multiple channels as part of an array system, which applies simple monopulse-type processing on transient target signatures to extract the angle-of-arrival (AOA) information of inbound threats. Simulations and detailed laboratory measurement results are presented for SRG transceiver and monopulse processing implementations.