Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar: performance issues

The application of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to multistage radar offers a number of advantages, including improved resolution and sensitivity. Depending upon the radar's mode of operation, the array design and the environment, these advantages may or may not be significant. In this paper, a simple analytic model for ground moving target indicator (GMTI) radar detection is presented and its predictions are compared with simulation. Conventional single-input multiple output (SIMO) and MIMO GMTI radars are compared in terms of minimum detectable velocity, area-search rates and array sidelobes. Optimal waveform cross-correlation matrices are identified for MIMO radars, given different performance criteria. Finally, bounds are developed for MIMO arrays with uniformly sampled virtual apertures.