Non-linear stepped frequency waveform design method based on range ambiguity function

In order to suppress the range sidelobes and the grating lobes of the linear stepped frequency waveform, a non-linear stepped frequency (NSF) waveform design method by using range ambiguity function is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the reason of the sidelobes and the grating lobes occurring is analyzed based on range ambiguity function. Secondly, through compare the difference between the modified range ambiguity function, which has low sidelobes and grating lobes stepped frequency waveform, and the range ambiguity function which belongs to linear stepped frequency waveform, the designed frequencies of different sub-pluses can be obtained. In order to simplify the analysis process, due to the position and the amplitude of the sidelobes are periodic, then the non-linear frequencies design problem is transformed into a simple parameter estimation problem. At last, the frequencies can be quickly calculated through a simple formula. The simulation results show that the effectiveness of the proposed method.