Multi-Frame Track-Before-Detect and Fusion Disambiguation Method Based on Inter-Frame Multi-PRF Radar

Multiple pulse repetition frequency (multi-PRF) radar is widely utilized due to its advantages in range-Doppler ambiguity suppression and anti-jamming capabilities. Most existing research focuses on intra-frame multi-PRF mode, which lacks flexibility in PRF scheduling and robustness against clutter and dynamic targets. In contrast, inter-frame multi-PRF mode allows PRF variation across frames, enhancing ambiguity resolution and target detection performance in complex environments. However, research on detecting and tracking ambiguous targets under the inter-frame multi-PRF mode remains limited. To address this gap, we propose a multi-frame track-before-detect (MF-TBD) and fusion disambiguation method based on inter-frame multiPRF radar systems, referred to as IF-MF-TBD. First, an efficient method for constructing a pseudo-measurement plane is proposed to mitigate the computational complexity of ambiguity resolution. Then, to estimate the target's ambiguous state across different PRFs, intra-PRF multi-frame energy accumulation is performed within the pseudo-measurement plane, generating multiple sets of ambiguous plot-sequences. Finally, ambiguity resolution is achieved through plot-sequences association and fusion method, yielding unambiguous target tracking results. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed IF-MF-TBD algorithm effectively enhances target detection and tracking performance in interframe multi-PRF radar systems.